Public Safety Dispatcher / Senior Public Safety Dispatcher

Salary : $72,480.00 - $104,388.00 Annually

Location : CA, CA

Job Type : FULL-TIME

Job Number : 0231 : 10 / 24

Department : Police

Opening Date : 10 / 22 / 2024

Description

• SIGNING BONUS FOR LATERAL AND ENTRY LEVEL PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHERS

The City of Costa Mesa now offers a $15,000, one-time signing bonus for qualified Lateral Public Safety Dispatcher applicants. This bonus will be paid out at $5,000 upon hire, $5,000 upon completion after one year of service, and $5,000 upon completion of 18 month probation.

To qualify for this signing bonus, candidates must meet all of the following requirements :

The City of Costa Mesa also offers a $10,000, one time signing bonus for qualified Entry Level Public Safety Dispatcher applicants. This bonus will be paid out at $5,000 upon hire and $5,000 upon completion of 18 month probation.

SALARY

Public Safety Dispatcher : $72,480 - $97,128 annually

Senior Public Safety Dispatcher : $77,880 - $104,388 annually

JOB SUMMARY :

Public Safety Dispatchers and Senior Public Safety Dispatchers are first responders who serve as the primary link between the public, police, and fire by receiving 9-1-1 emergency and non-emergency calls. Under general supervision, they perform skilled work in receiving incoming calls at the City's Communications Operations Center, including requests for police / fire protection services or information, and dispatching of necessary units and equipment for emergency service through the use of telephone, radio, or other communications equipment; and performs related duties as required.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS :

Applications must be completed and submitted online. This recruitment will remain open until filled and may close without prior notice. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, therefore prompt application is encouraged.

STEP #1 : Written Examination

Take the written exam with National Testing Network (NTN).

Interested candidates who meet the position qualifications must have completed the ECOMM (Emergency Communications) written exam within the last 12 months (based on application date). The exam is administered directly by the National Testing Network (NTN) and candidates pay a test fee for the service. There are multiple test sites in Southern California, as well as throughout the country.

Passing scores for Costa Mesa are as follows for the three sections :

Waiver From Written Examination : Candidates who are currently employed as a police dispatcher with a California POST agency and possess a current POST Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Certificate (or higher) will be waived from the written exam requirement. Please proceed to Step #2.

STEP #2 : Typing Certificate

Provide a typing certificate that meets the following criteria :

Online / Internet issued certificates will NOT be accepted.

Certificates from any agency meeting the above criteria will be accepted. The following agencies may also be used; the City of Costa Mesa neither endorses nor opposes any of these agencies.

Orange County

Workforce Solutions Santa Ana

Work Center Huntington Beach

Adult School 28202 Cabot Road, #140801 West Civic Center Drive, Suite 20017231 Gothard Street

Laguna Niguel, CA 92677Santa Ana, CA 92701Huntington Beach, CA 92647

714) 480-6500(714) 565-2600(714) 842-4227

STEP #3 : Submit Application

Applications must be completed and submitted online. Candidates are required to provide specific information on their education and experience as it relates to the position by completing all fields of the application. Applications may be rejected if incomplete (resumes are not accepted). Candidate notifications are sent via email. Please make sure your email address is correct and check your email periodically during the application process.

AUTOMATIC DISQUALIFIERS : Please be advised of the Costa Mesa Police Department automatic disqualifiers : click here for a list of background disqualifiers.

If any of the automatic disqualifiers pertain to you, it is recommended that you do not take the written exam or submit an application for this position as you will be disqualified from the selection process.

Required Attachment(s) :

Note : this Certificate differs from the one obtained from the POST Basic Course, rather it is awarded after completing probation as a full-time dispatcher at a POST participating agency.) Lateral applicants may be eligible to have the written exam waived.

Do NOT attach any other documents other than what is listed above (i.e., resume, diplomas, IDs, etc.), as they will not be accepted or reviewed in the application process.

STEP #4 : Oral Interview Evaluations

Based upon the information presented in the application, a limited number of applicants who possess qualifications most pertinent to the position will be invited to participate in the selection process. Candidates must complete the written exam and typing certificate requirements in order for their applications to be reviewed.

Please notify the Human Resources Division 72 hours in advance of the test date if you have a disability which requires accommodation for the testing process.

Eligibility List

Candidates must pass all four (4) steps listed above to be placed on the City's Eligibility List. The written exam, typing certificate, and application review are all qualifying steps (pass / fail). The oral interview evaluation is weighted 100% and determines a candidate's placement on the eligibility list. Eligibility lists are valid for one (1) year from the date they are established unless it is exhausted sooner or extended for an additional period of time.

Final Phases of the Selection Process :

All employment offers made by the City are contingent upon establishing proof of a prospective candidate's legal authorization to work in the United States and successfully passing all components of the pre-employment process which may include, but is not limited to : comprehensive background check, criminal history check (livescan fingerprint check), polygraph examination, post-offer psychological evaluation and post-offer medical evaluation (may include drug screen).

Note : The provisions of this job bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provisions contained within may be modified or revoked without notice.

Essential Functions

The current essential functions of the Public Safety Dispatcher and Senior Public Safety Dispatcher positions are currently being updated. Updated functions will be available for viewing at later date at this link : Job Description Link

Qualification Guidelines

The current minimum qualification guidelines including requisite knowledge, skill and abilities of the Public Safety Dispatcher and Senior Public Safety Dispatcher positions are currently being updated. Updated guidelines will be available for viewing at later date at this link : Job Description Link

Applicants will be recommended for the Public Safety Dispatcher or Senior Public Safety Dispatcher position based upon their qualifications as noted on their employment application and in their interview evaluation (subject to verification).

Supplemental Information

PUBLIC EMPLOYEE DISASTER SERVICE WORKER :

In accordance with Government Code Section 3100 - all City of Costa Mesa employees are required to perform assigned disaster service worker duties in the event of an emergency or disaster.

PHYSICAL TASKS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS :

Please contact Human Resources for a summary of the essential tasks and environmental factors for this classification.

Employee accommodations for physical or mental disabilities will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

To view 2025 benefit information for all groups,

New employees contribute 9% of their salary on a pre-tax basis towards the 2%@60 or 2%@62 CalPERS retirement formula depending on eligibility.

Employees receive the following health insurance flexible benefits contribution :

The City does not participate in the Social Security system; however, federal mandate requires new employees to contribute 1.45% of wages to Medicare. As a condition of employment, all new employees are required to enroll and participate in the direct deposit program.

I understand that an incomplete application may lead to disqualification from the recruitment process and I have supplied all the applicable information in my application. Examples of incomplete / inaccurate information leading to disqualification include, but are not limited to : noting incorrect department, leaving dates of employment blank, leaving reason for leaving employment blank, leaving duties blank or noting "see resume", etc.

I have included all of my work history. For applicants with more than 10 years of work history, you must include your work history over the past 10 years as a minimum.

Briefly discuss your most relevant experience and education as it relates to the essential functions of the job such as those listed in the job description. If none, please note "N / A."

Do you have public safety dispatch experience with a public safety agency? If yes, please indicate type of experience below : (Check all that apply)

Are you CURRENTLY employed with another public safety agency as a public safety dispatcher AND have you successfully passed that agency's probationary period?

Have you completed the POST Public Safety Dispatchers' Basic Course? If yes, you must attach a copy of your Certificate of Completion to your application.

Do you possess a current POST Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Certificate (or higher)? If yes, you must attach a copy of the certificate to your application.(Note : This is NOT the same certificate received upon completion of the POST Public Safety Dispatchers' Basic Course.)

This position requires possession of, or the ability to obtain, the Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) certificate, including Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification within 12 months of appointment. Are you willing and able to meet this requirement?

Do you currently possess a valid California Class C Driver's License or higher?

Written Exam Requirement : Have you completed the ECOMM (Emergency Communications) written exam and received a qualifying score as stated in the job flyer within one year of this application?

Typing Certificate Requirement : I have attained a qualifying typing certificate with a speed of 40 WPM corrected or better and have attached a copy to this application. See job posting for typing certificate requirements and instructions. I understand that my application will be disqualified without it.

Were you referred to this vacancy by a current City of Costa Mesa employee? If no, please indicate "No". If yes, please list the full name of the City of Costa Mesa employee who referred you (list only one employee) and briefly explain how you know them.

If you are successful in completing the testing process, you may be selected to continue in the background process which includes a comprehensive investigation, fingerprinting, polygraph examination and credit check. Recent drug usage, theft, or other illegal activity may disqualify you. Record must be free from any felony conviction and / or any misdemeanor conviction involving moral turpitude and excessive traffic violations. I understand this requirement.

Have you ever applied for any position within the Costa Mesa Police Department? If yes, list the position(s) and date(s) applied.If no, indicate "No."

Have you ever been disqualified during the background process for any position within a law enforcement agency?If yes, please explain and include the law enforcement agency, date, and reason provided.If no, please indicate "No."

Have you ever been terminated or resigned in lieu of termination? If no, please indicate "No". If yes, please explain and include dates(s) and reason(s) for termination.

I have reviewed the job flyer and the list of automatic disqualifiers on the Costa Mesa Police Department website. Questions #18 - #32 pertain to the automatic disqualifiers.

In the last three (3) years have you used illegal drugs known as Methamphetamine, Amphetamines, Cocaine, Ecstasy (MDMA), Ketamine, GHB, Mushrooms, Barbiturates, Bath Salts, or Illegal Injectable Steroids?

Have you ever used illegal drugs known as LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), Heroin, or PCP (phencyclidine)?

Have you ever sold, manufactured, grown or transported (with the intent to sell) illegal drugs (including prescription medication not prescribed to you)?

Have you used any other "street drugs" or recreational drugs not listed in the questions above? If yes, indicate the name of the drugs(s) and how long ago you used them. If no, then indicate "No."

Have you ever been convicted for a felony offense?

In the last two (2) years have you stolen from your current employer (excludes pens, pencils, etc.)?

In the past five (5) years have you been involved in any theft / shoplifting in excess of $950?

Are you currently on probation, parole, or any other supervised conditions of release from custody?

In the last five (5) years, have you been convicted of a DUI (Driving Under the Influence), or accepted any DUI plea agreement to a lesser charge?

Have you engaged in any illegal sex act outlined in the California Penal Code? If yes, please explain. If no, indicate "No."

In the past two (2) years how many times have you been reprimanded or counseled for tardiness / absences (non medical related)?

Have you ever accessed illegal pornography involving children (to include "sexting" pictures of minors), or accessed pornography on a work computer? If yes, please explain. If no, indicate "No."

In the last three (3) years have you been the driver in three (3) or more at fault traffic accidents?

In the last three (3) years have you received three (3) or more moving violations? (Moving violations are violations which result in points on your license and does include issues such as parking citations or equipment violations).

Have you ever used prescription medication outside of its intended purpose?

I understand tattoos shall not be visible while on duty.

I understand that I shall not smoke or use tobacco products at any time while on duty.

I certify that all information I provided in my application is accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief and that purposely providing false information may be grounds for disqualification from the process.

Required Question

Salary : $72,480 - $104,388