Public Safety Dispatcher I/II

The Position

• Have a minimum of two years of dispatching experience within the last three years with a public agency.
• Have successfully completed your Communications Training Program in your current agency.
• Possess a California P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate.

• $5,000 upon completion of communications training program
• $5,000 upon completion of probationary period
• $10,000 upon completion of three years of service

• Initial annual leave bank of 40 hours on date of hire
• Initial annual accruals based on date of hire with prior agency for length of service.

• If you possess an Intermediate Dispatcher POST Certification, you will receive a 2.5 % Stipend, or if you possess an Advanced Dispatcher POST Certification, you will receive a 5.0% Stipend.

Ideal Candidate

Examples of TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)
Management reserves the rights 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 law enforcement, fire, medical, and other emergency calls, and related business calls for the City during an assigned portion of the 24-hours-per-day/7-days-per-week Department of Public Safety operations; provides information and/or transfers calls to the appropriate department, agency, or response organization.
• Dispatches public safety emergency units in accordance with established procedures and policies using a computerized dispatch system, including determining priority of emergency and contacting and sending appropriate response unit.
• Maintains contact with field units, including accounting for location and status of units and maintaining records of field calls; sends back-up units, as necessary, ensuring the safety of field units.
• Operates computer, telephone, and radio console and telecommunication equipment simultaneously while performing dispatching activities; tests and inspects equipment as assigned.
• Monitors security cameras in the Public Safety building and the area surrounding the building.
• Logs call data in a written or automated format; monitors calls after initial dispatch to provide additional coordination, support, or information.
• Enters, updates, and retrieves a variety of records from teletype database, including stolen vehicles and property, vehicle registration information, guns and property, and warranted or missing persons.
• 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 to 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 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 training, shift briefing sessions, participates in drills, and test scenarios to prepare for unexpected emergencies.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Provide outstanding and friendly customer service.
• Create and maintain a respectful and collaborative working environment.
• Communicate honestly and behave in a manner that is ethical, legal and fiscally responsible.
• Demonstrate care for the organization, customers, and coworkers.
• Perform work of the highest quality possible.
• Practice and encourage initiative and innovation to improve the workplace.

Qualifications and Requirements

Additional Information

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 and radio equipment. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer 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 up to 25 pounds and to wear a headset for long periods of time.

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
Must be available to work holidays, weekends, and off-hours shifts including, but not limited to, 12-hour shifts on a regular basis; may be required to work extended shifts in relief or emergency situations. Incumbents are exposed to difficult situations and work under a great deal of stress.

CALPERS RETIREMENT: Per the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act (PEPRA), effective 1/1/13, new CalPERS members will be in the Misc. 2% at Age 62 retirement formula with a 3-year final compensation. Employees pay the member's contribution.

The City does not participate in Social Security nor State of California Short-Term Disability Insurance (SDI). Medicare Taxes are withheld.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: Employees may select from Kaiser, REMIF, or Sutter health plans. The City contributes a set credit amount based on coverage level.

DENTAL & VISION INSURANCE: City provides Delta Dental and VSP (vision) insurance at no premium cost to employee and eligible dependents.

HOLIDAYS: 14.5 paid holidays per year.

ANNUAL LEAVE PROGRAM: New employees accrue 13.167 hours per month of personal time off according to a schedule which increases with length of service.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS: City-paid $50,000 life insurance policy, Short-Term Disability Insurance, LTD Insurance, Employee Assistance Program, Education and Tuition Reimbursement Program, Dependent Care Assistance Program, Health Care Tax Free Dollar Account Program, Computer Purchase Program, Catastrophic Leave Program, and free use of the City's Sports Center and lap swim in City's swimming pools. Employees may purchase supplemental life insurance, participate in a deferred compensation program and join a credit union. In addition, the City is a non-smoking workplace.

EMPLOYEE UNIT: This position is in the Rohnert Park Public Safety Officers' Association (RPPSOA) Unit.