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Communications Dispatcher

Description Summary

Base salary will increase by 3% in July 2026

Have you always wanted a career in public-safety?
Do you like to help people and think the dispatch industry is right for you?

Do you need a career change and becoming a public-safety dispatcher is calling your name?

No prior dispatch experience required! Just pass an at-home online test to be eligible for interview!

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, receives 911 police, fire and medical emergency calls, and dispatches police, fire, and medical personnel following prescribed procedures; answers non-emergency calls for public safety and other City departments; performs a variety of non-sworn office duties in support of law enforcement activities; and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. May exercise technical and functional direction over assigned staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is the entry-level in the communications dispatch series that performs dispatch, law enforcement and police support duties that do not require performance by a sworn police officer. Responsibilities are centered on extensive contact with the public over the telephone, in both emergency and non-emergency situations to receive, transmit and provide factual information, forms and reports. All activities must be performed within specified legal guidelines. This class is distinguished from other technical office support classes in that the work requires knowledge of codes, law enforcement, and dispatching policies and procedures in addition to standard office support skills. This class is further distinguished from Senior Communications Dispatcher in that the latter is responsible for technical and functional direction over lower-level staff and is capable of performing the most complex duties assigned to the division.

Expectation of Job Duties

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

Receives and evaluates 911 police, fire and medical emergency calls, and related business calls for the City during an assigned portion of the 24-hours-per-day/7-days-per-week Police Department operations; provides information and/or transfers calls to the appropriate department, agency or response organization; takes messages for Police Department personnel.
Dispatches public safety emergency units in accordance with established procedures and policies using a computerized dispatch system, including determining priority of emergency and sending appropriate response unit, including police, fire, emergency medical personnel, towing services, utilities.
Provides emergency medical instructions to callers, including CPR, childbirth and other medical instructions according to standardized Emergency Medical Dispatch Pre-Arrival Instruction established through the National Academies of Emergency Dispatch.
Maintains contact with all field units, including accounting for location and status of all units and maintaining records of all field calls.Operates a computer, telephone, and radio console and telecommunication equipment simultaneously while performing dispatching activities.
Enters into, updates, and retrieves a variety of records from CLETS database, including stolen vehicles and other property, vehicle registration information, guns and property, and warranted or missing persons.
Runs warrant checks on subjects, registration, checks on vehicles and property, and relays information and instructions to personnel in the field.
Contacts public and private agencies and requests mutual assistance, including other law enforcement agencies, area fire departments, hospitals, towing services, and utilities.
Logs call data in a written or automated format; monitors calls after initial dispatch to provide additional coordination, support or information.
Accesses Federal, State and local law enforcement information databases to obtain information regarding outstanding warrants, criminal history, records information and vehicle data, relays such information to sworn staff.
Acts as a liaison with the public and representatives of other agencies for the department; provides initial non-emergency contact with the public and representatives of other agencies for the requesting of police records or for fire or related services; determines the nature of the contact; provides factual information regarding services, policies and procedures, which requires a knowledge of legal guidelines, departmental policies and procedures and the use of tact and discretion, or directs the caller to the proper individual or agency.
Maintains accurate departmental and law enforcement records and files; researches and compiles information from such files.
Attends necessary fire and police training, shift briefing sessions, participates in drills and test scenarios to prepare for unexpected emergencies, and rides along with police officers and fire personnel.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

Basic functions, principles and practices of law enforcement agencies.
Terminology and procedures used in public safety dispatching.
Operation of computer-aided communications equipment, including multiple telephone lines and radio systems.
Applicable codes, regulations, policies, technical processes and procedures, including penal, vehicle, and health and safety codes and regulations.
City and County geography, maps, streets, landmarks, and driving directions.
Principles and practices of data collection and report preparation.
Business arithmetic and basic statistical techniques.
Basic principles of record keeping.
Modern office practices, methods and computer equipment.
English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
Techniques for dealing with and solving the problems presented by a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds, in person and over the telephone.
Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to the public and City staff, in person and over the telephone.

Ability to:

Assess and prioritize emergency situations while remaining calm and using sound, independent judgment.
Memorize codes, names, street locations and other information.
Read and interpret maps and other pertinent documentation.
Interpret, apply and explain policies, procedures and regulations.
Attend to multiple activities simultaneously.
Obtain necessary information from individuals in stressful or emergency situations.
Compile and summarize information to prepare accurate, clear and concise reports.
Perform technical, detailed and responsible office support work.
Compose correspondence independently or from brief instructions.
Maintain accurate records and files.
Organize, maintain, and update office database and records systems.
Make accurate arithmetic and statistical computations.
Enter and retrieve data from a computer with sufficient speed and accuracy.
Organize own work, set priorities and meet critical deadlines.
Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and software programs.
Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone and in writing.
Use tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgment within general policy and legal guidelines in politically sensitive situations.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Requirements

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade and
One (1) year clerical and/or customer service experience
Experience with basic computer operation/ computer systems
Experience in dealing with the public is highly desirable
Ability to take and pass the at-home Online TestGenius CritiCall pre-employment test. Search for the CritiCall Public Safety Communications Pre-Employment Test Preparation Guide for details.

License:

Valid California class C driver’s license with satisfactory driving record may be required.
Medical Priority Emergency Medical Dispatcher Certification to be obtained within probationary period.
CPR Certification to be obtained within probationary period.
A valid typing certificate, issued within the previous twelve (12) months. The typing certificate must demonstrate the ability to type a minimum of 35 words per minute and must be attached to your application.

No other information will be accepted and resumes, cover letters or additional materials WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification that requires extended periods of time of sitting; standing in work areas and walking between work areas may also be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects necessary to perform job functions.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Required to work up to 12 hour shifts, some holidays, various weekend, day and evening shifts, as assigned.

THE SELECTION PROCESS
All applications are screened to determine which applicants most closely match the desired education, experience, knowledge, and abilities of the position. Applicants will receive email notification of the results of the screening process. If selected to move forward in the recruiting process, your email will include information on how to take a CritiCall Public Safety Communications Pre-Employment examination. This exam must be completed within approximately two weeks from the closing date of the job posting (deadline is midnight on Tuesday, April 7th, 2026).
Applicants who pass the Criticall examination will be placed on an eligible list. The top six scoring applicants will be forwarded to the department for an interview.

EXTENDED TESTING PROCESS
After the departmental interview you may undergo a Police Chief's interview. Additional testing will include a background investigation, polygraph test, work style evaluation performed by a psychologist, and complete physical examination/drug screening.

COMPLETE BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: Applicants will undergo a thorough investigation of their personal history, including drug and alcohol use, thefts, etc. All applicants must meet background investigation standards. Drug use can be disqualifier as per EPD Policy. If you would like to discuss a particular personal issue prior to testing, please contact the Eureka Police Department at (707) 441-4095, and they will provide you with general department parameters.

AFTER AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT IS MADE:
PHYSICAL EXAMINATION/DRUG SCREENING: You will undergo a pre-employment physical examination and a drug screening test. Actual employment is contingent upon the results of these examinations.
If you are successful in all testing phases and are accepted for employment, you will receive on the job training. You will also serve an twelve (12) month probationary period, during which you may be terminated without right of appeal.

The eligible list created from this recruitment may be used to fill full-time, part-time, temporary, and grant positions. The City reserves the right to extend the final filing date as necessary.

Important Note: Please make sure it is absolutely clear in your application exactly how you meet the minimum qualifications/requirements listed above. Applications that do not appear to meet the minimum qualifications will not move forward in the recruitment process.

City of Eureka's Commitment to Inclusion and Belonging

We envision an inclusive community where everyone’s fundamental needs are met, where our employees respect and celebrate all walks of life, where everyone can grow and thrive, as we work with integrity for the good of Eureka. Our mission is to meet the needs of Eureka residents, businesses and visitors by providing services and making decisions that are socially, fiscally and environmentally responsible, creating a workplace that values growth, inclusion and empathy for all.

Disaster Service Worker

All City of Eureka employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker related training as assigned and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

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The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin
may be modified or revoked. The City of Eureka is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of handicap status in the admission, access to, treatment, or employment for its programs, or activities, whether funded by the City or by grants. Women, persons with disabilities, and minorities are encouraged to apply. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate people with special physical or mental requirements. If you have special needs, please call (707) 441-4124 prior to the examination date. When indicating you have a special need, one of the following definitions will apply to you. A disabled person is anyone who: (1) has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities: i.e., walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, working or learning; or (2) has a record of such impairment; or (3) is regarded as having such an impairment.

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