Nature of Position

The Public Safety Dispatcher performs non-sworn police work and support duties involved in public safety dispatch and communications; receives emergency and non-emergency calls and dispatches assignments according to established procedures; performs other related work as required. This is a specialized non-sworn class that provides technical communications support and computer information processing in support of emergency service provision including police, animal control, parking enforcement, limited public works functions, and other City services.

Examples of Duties

• Dispatches emergency and non-emergency police personnel in response to calls for service; receives information, questions and requests for service; determines nature and priority of calls for service, routes calls as needed and dispatches appropriate units for response.
• Handles inquiries involving public emergencies; recognizes sensitive information and handles accordingly; provides information to field units, other agencies and the public.
• Alerts other agencies and coordinates mutual response radio traffic and information distribution.
• Operates computer aided dispatch system and other telecommunications devices; performs routine equipment testing, upkeep and maintenance.
• Operates computer equipment using designated systems and programs such as word processing, desktop publishing, databases and spreadsheets; makes inquiries and entries through local, State and Federal computer information systems.
• Sends, receives and routes a variety of law enforcement reports, warrants and other materials.
• Reviews and records case information; maintains logs and records including automated record files; prepares reports and other related forms and records.
• May assist in training new dispatchers and participate in various Police Department activities and operations as assigned.

Employment Standards

Education/Experience
Graduation from high school and two (2) years of responsible full-time work experience involving public contact, computer usage, and/or heavy telephone traffic (some experience in public safety dispatch, or in dealing with stressful, multi-task oriented situations is highly desirable).

Other Requirements

• Passing CritiCall Exam or ECOMM score dated within 1 year of application (lateral transfers from other agencies do not need to submit) (see below).
• Ability to obtain a California Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Basic Public Safety Dispatcher Certificate within one year of employment.
• Willingness and/or ability to work rotating shifts, including nights, holidays and weekends; work on an on-call basis; work irregular duty assignments; wear a uniform and safety equipment; work outside in inclement weather; work under undesirable and hazardous conditions; conform to department grooming standards; successfully pass a background investigation; work alone; attend educational sessions as required; travel out of town for one day or more.
• Candidates considered for appointment must successfully pass job related post offer, pre-employment medical and psychological examinations including a drug screening, and have vision correctable to 20/30 and normal color vision and hearing. Incumbents must demonstrate a state of physical and mental health consistent with the ability to perform assigned duties.
• Selected positions require possession of a valid California Driver's License and satisfactory driving record as a condition of initial and continued employment.

Knowledge of organization and functions of a municipal law enforcement agency; modern office practices and procedures; application of modern computer technology including designated operating programs and software.

Ability to effectively coordinate the work of safety enforcement personnel in the field; assess and prioritize emergency situations; make rapid and sound independent judgments in stressful emergency situations; perform clerical work and basic mathematical calculations with speed and accuracy; operate computer equipment, a variety of office equipment and specialized police department equipment including computerized telecommunications and dispatch equipment; read, interpret, apply and explain various codes, regulations, manuals, maps, etc.; establish and maintain accurate records; prepare reports; communicate effectively; act with resourcefulness, courtesy and initiative; establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and the general public.

How to Apply:

• Click the "Apply" link and submit a completed job application online. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of an official, completed online City Application. If you have a passing CritiCall exam score from within the past 1 year, attach it to your application.
• If you do not have a CritiCall Exam or ECOMM Exam score (and are not currently employed as a Dispatcher), submit your application and then register for the next test. Email your score to nwhite@alamedaca.gov once it is received. We will attach your score to your application. A passing CritiCall Exam or ECOMM Exam score dated within one year of this recruitment deadline is required.
• The CritiCall Exam is administered at the South Bay Regional Public Safety Training Consortium in San Jose. Space is limited, so please sign up as soon as possible. There is a fee of $75 to take the test. To sign up for the CritiCall Exam, click here: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/criticall-exams-at-evergreen-12070276604. To learn more about the CritiCall test, click here http://criticall911.com/dispatcher-testing/applicants/
• We will also accept CritiCall Exam scores from other agencies who offer the exam, so long as you tested within the past 1 year. You may email your score to nwhite@alamedaca.gov in lieu of taking the exam at the South Bay Regional Center.
• The ECOMM Exam is administered by the National Testing Network online or in person at a variety of locations. There is a fee of $46.00 to take the test. To learn more and sign up for the ECOMM Exam, click here https://nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/exams.cfm

Selection Process
Structured Oral Board Interview. Qualified applicants will be invited to an oral board interview. The Panel will conduct a comprehensive review of each candidate's technical knowledge and overall suitability for the position.

Background Investigation. The Police Department conducts a comprehensive background investigation of personal history on all potential candidates, which may include but is not limited to:

• A polygraph
• A criminal history check consisting of a fingerprint check with the California Department of Justice and FBI
• A drug history check (certain drug usage may result in an automatic disqualification)
• A credit history check
• Interviews with previous and past employers and co-workers
• Present and past neighborhood checks
• Education verification
• Driving record check
• Checks with Law Enforcement agencies in the area you live
• Military history (if applicable)

After a conditional job offer is made, a City-paid medical examination and psychological evaluation are also conducted.

Federal law requires that, prior to employment, you must furnish proof of your identity and eligibility for employment in the United States, such as driver's license, original Social Security card, US passport, or appropriate INS forms, etc.

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE CREDIT: A job applicant qualifies as a veteran if honorably discharged from active military, reservist, or National Guard duty of at least 18 consecutive months within the past five (5) years of the date of application. In case of discharge attributable to service-connected injuries or illnesses, the 18 months active duty requirement need not be fulfilled. An applicant claiming veteran's preference credit must attach to their application, a legible copy of their DD-214 verifying the type of discharge and date(s) of active service. NO OTHER DOCUMENTATION WILL BE ACCEPTED. AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The City of Alameda encourages minorities, women and the disabled to apply. It is the City's policy that all aspects of employment and promotion shall be without regard to sex, marital status or disability (except where dictated by requirements of the position), race, sexual orientation, political affiliation, religious creed, color, national origin or age. Qualified disabled persons must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations. No individual may pose a direct threat to the health or safety of himself/herself or other individuals in the workplace. Barring undue hardship, reasonable accommodations can be made in the application and examination process for disabled individuals or for religious reasons. Requests for reasonable accommodation should be made in advance to the Human Resources Department. Hearing Impaired TDD (510) 522-7538.

E-VERIFY: The City of Alameda utilizes the Federal government's E-Verify program and new employees must provide documentation to establish both identity and work authorization, which includes showing a valid United States Social Security card at the time of hire (photocopies not accepted).

The information contained herein is subject to change and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.