Public Safety Dispatcher I/II

PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER I/II

Now Hiring PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER I (entry level) or II (lateral = 3 years of Public Safety Dispatching experience)
 
 $59,915.02 - 84,114.99 Annually

Incentives and Special Assignment Pays:  
 
   Education pay:                  

• 2.5% for a Bachelor’s Degree     
• 3% for POST Dispatcher Intermediate Certificate or 6% for POST Dispatcher Advanced Certificate
• 5% for Emergency Medical Dispatch Certificate      
• 2.5% for POST Tactical Communications Dispatcher Certificate
• Up to 5% for POST Hostage/Crisis Certificate
• Up to 5% for Evidence Collection Certificate     
• $150 per month for Bilingual Certification

 
 Longevity Pay: 2.5% after 10 years of service with City of Davis combined with Public Safety Dispatcher service with any other law enforcement agency or agencies AND
Additional 2.5% after 20 years of service with City of Davis combined with Public Safety Dispatcher with any other law enforcement agency or agencies
 
Shift Differential Pay:  2.5% for swing shift OR 5% for night shift.  
             
Vacation Leave:  
   120-224 hours per year (leave amount based on years of service with the City of Davis   combined with Public Safety Dispatcher service with any other law enforcement agency or agencies)            
 Holiday Leave       116 hours in lieu per year (time added to vacation leave)
 Sick Leave:            96 hours per year
 Wellness Time       2 hours paid time/week
 Comp Time:          Dispatchers may accrue up to 120 hours of Compensatory Time Off
 Parental Leave:    2 months paid Parental Leave after 1 year of service upon birth or adoption of child
 
Medical and Dental
 City will contribute to each eligible employee’s cafeteria benefit plan $2,045.99 towards monthly medical premiums (Employee dependents) with annual increases if the premiums increase.
 
 The City shall contribute to each employee’s cafeteria benefit plan the total monthly premium for the City’s dental plan for employee with two (2) or more dependents. The City will continue to include dependents through the month in which the dependent reaches age 26.
 
Retirement: 
  “Classic” PERS Members          PERS 2.5% @ 55
   PEPRA Members                       PERS 2% @ 62
 
Retiree Medical Plan  -            
The City shall contribute to eligible retirees an amount equal to the Medicare Supplemented/Managed Medicare monthly rate based on the CalPERS Kaiser rate for employee plus one (1) dependent based on status.

DEFINITION 

Under immediate (Public Safety Dispatcher I) or general (Public Safety Dispatcher II) supervision, receives, assesses, prioritizes, and transmits emergency and non-emergency incoming telephone and radio calls for police, fire, and emergency medical services; dispatches emergency personnel and resources using computer aided dispatch equipment; facilitates and coordinates various requests for service for the public and City employees; processes and maintains a variety of departmental reports, records, and files; and performs related or other work as required or assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED 

Receives immediate (Public Safety Dispatcher I) or general (Public Safety Dispatcher II) supervision from superior personnel as reflected in the Department organizational chart. Exercises technical and functional direction over and provides training to subordinate personnel as reflected in the Department organizational chart.  Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Public Safety Dispatcher I:

 This is the entry-level classification in the Public Safety Dispatcher series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine dispatching duties.  As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult; closer supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the Public Safety Dispatcher II level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.

Public Safety Dispatcher II: 

This is the fully qualified journey-level classification in the Public Safety Dispatcher series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Public Safety Dispatcher I by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. This classification is distinguished from the Public Safety Dispatch Supervisor in that the latter is the full supervisory-level classification in the series responsible for organizing, assigning, supervising, and reviewing the work of personnel. Positions in the Public Safety Dispatcher classification series are flexibly staffed; positions at the Public Safety Dispatcher II level are normally filled by advancement from the Public Safety Dispatcher I level; progression to the Public Safety Dispatcher II level is normally dependent on (i) management affirmation that the position is performing the full range of duties assigned to the classification; (ii) satisfactory work performance; (iii) the incumbent meeting the minimum qualifications for the classification including any licenses and certifications; and (iv) management approval for progression to the Public Safety Dispatcher II level.

Examples of Duties

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)

The Davis Police Department is accredited by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). POST may, from time to time, amend the regulations and standards or adopt new standards relating to the accreditation program. The Department adopts the POST California Public Safety Dispatcher Job Analysis report, as periodically amended, to help establish typical job functions and standards. Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations, in accordance with State and federal law, so qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job, unless doing so would pose an undue hardship.

 Positions at the Public Safety Dispatcher I level may perform some of these duties and responsibilities in a learning/training capacity.

 

• Receives calls, complaints, and inquiries from the public for police, fire, medical, or other emergency services over the phone; answers 911 calls; screens incoming calls to determine necessity, priority, and type of response required in accordance with established procedures.
• Dispatches public safety emergency units using a computer aided dispatch system (CAD), including determining priority of emergencies and contacting and sending appropriate response units.
• Operates computer, telephone, and radio console and telecommunication equipment simultaneously while performing dispatching activities.
• Enters, updates, and retrieves a variety of records from computer databases, including stolen vehicles, vehicle registration information, and warranted or missing persons.
• Accesses federal, State, and local law enforcement information databases to obtain information regarding outstanding warrants, criminal history, stolen vehicles and property, records information, and vehicle registration data; relays such information to other personnel.
• Accesses the California Courts Protective Order Registry (CCPOR) to enter, modify, and cancel orders of protection issued by the courts; assigns case numbers; documents all actions.
• Provides initial non-emergency contact with the public and representatives of other agencies for services; determines the nature of the contact; provides factual information regarding services, policies, and procedures; directs the caller to the proper individual or agency; coordinates emergency calls and incidents with outside agencies for aid and assistance.
• Processes new and recalled warrants; verifies warrant information is accurate; confirms warrants are valid; maintains existing warrant files.
• Maintains accurate Departmental and law enforcement records and files; researches and compiles information from such files; performs a variety of filing,   and other general clerical work; accepts cash and credit card payments from the public; provides service at the front counter after hours.
• Observes and complies with all City and Department safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Dispatches other emergency on-call City personnel as necessary.
• Monitors video surveillance of Police Department, other City buildings, and other areas as assigned; ensures access to authorized personnel only. 
• Trains new Public Safety Dispatchers as assigned.
• May serve in a variety of specialized and/or collateral assignments, including performing tactical or field deployed dispatching, subject to Department need.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

Positions at the Public Safety Dispatcher I level may exercise some of these knowledge and abilities statements in a learning/training capacity.

 Knowledge of:

 Operations and services of a comprehensive public safety dispatch function.

• Methods and techniques of receiving, prioritizing, and dispatching emergency and non-emergency calls for service.
• Techniques for eliciting and providing accurate and timely information in emergency and non-emergency situations.
• Methods and techniques of conflict resolution.
• Principles, practices, methods, techniques, and terminology used in public safety dispatching, including CAD and related emergency/information systems.
• California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS), Department of Justice, and other law enforcement related databases.
• Operational characteristics of computer-aided communication systems and devices.
• City and County geography, maps, streets, and landmarks.
• Record keeping principles and procedures. 
• Principles and practices of data collection and report preparation.
• Pertinent federal, State, and local laws and ordinances including City ordinances, California Penal Code, California Vehicle Code, federal criminal codes, and City and Departmental policies and procedures.
• Rules and regulations of the Federal Communications Commissions.
• California Public Records Act and release of information laws.
• City and Department safety rules, regulations, and protocols. 
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively interacting with the public, vendors, contractors, and City personnel.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. 
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

 Ability to:

 Assess and prioritize emergency situations while remaining calm and using sound, independent judgment.

• Dispatch appropriate response units for a diverse range of emergency and non-emergency situations. 
• Quickly and accurately disseminate information.
• Effectively communicate with the public, including upset, irate, and/or distraught callers; obtain necessary information from individuals in stressful or emergency situations.
• Compile and summarize information to prepare accurate, clear, and concise reports.
• Memorize codes, names, street locations, and other information.
• Read and interpret maps and other pertinent documentation.
• Perform technical, detailed, and responsible office support work.
• Organize, maintain, and update office database and records systems. 
• Multi-task by listening, speaking, and performing computer functions simultaneously.
• Maintain composure, alertness, and concentration while working for extended periods of time.
• Within established parameters, make independent decisions that affect the safety of public safety personnel, the public, and property.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Learn and effectively use various law enforcement software programs to retrieve or record information quickly and accurately.
• Learn and apply a wide variety of classification codes, computer commands and standard broadcasting procedures and rules.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Operate a computerized dispatch system, and radio and telecommunications systems quickly and accurately.
• Train new dispatchers when assigned. 
• Enter and retrieve data from a computer with sufficient speed and accuracy to perform assigned work.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Meet and maintain all OSHA, legislatively required, and Department required training mandates.
• Meet and maintain the minimum standards, including psychological suitability standards, established by POST to serve as a Public Safety Dispatcher (Penal Code § 13510(c); 11 CCR 1956 et seq.).

 

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:

 Education:

• Public Safety Dispatcher I/II: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade. 

  Experience:

• Public Safety Dispatcher I: One (1) year of public safety dispatch experience is desirable.
• Public Safety Dispatcher II: Three (3) years of public safety dispatch experience performing the duties of, or similar to, the City of Davis Public Safety Dispatcher I position.   

 Other: 

• In accordance with POST standards, public safety dispatchers shall be legally eligible for employment in the United States. Proof of employment eligibility shall consist of an official government-issued U.S. birth certificate, naturalization documentation, U.S. passport, current permanent resident alien card, or other documentation deemed acceptable by POST. The document shall be an original, a certified copy, or a copy that includes a notation by the Department that the original or certified copy was reviewed.
• Must be able to successfully complete a thorough background investigation and meet the background job dimensions for public safety dispatchers as recommended by POST.

 Licenses and Certifications:

 Possession of a valid California Driver’s License, to be maintained throughout employment.

 Public Safety Dispatcher I: Possession of a valid California POST Dispatcher Basic Certificate that must be maintained throughout employment or ability to obtain a POST Dispatch Basic Certificate within eighteen (18) months of employment that must be maintained throughout employment.

1. Possession of, or successful acquisition within 12 months from date of appointment, a valid Full Access CLETS Certificate, to be maintained throughout employment.

 Public Safety Dispatcher II: Possession of a valid California POST Dispatcher Basic Certificate that must be maintained throughout employment.

1. Possession of a valid Full Access CLETS Certificate, to be maintained throughout employment.

  Physical Demands

 Must possess mobility to work in a centralized communication operations environment, using public safety emergency services equipment including computer-aided dispatch systems, telephones, radios and other communication devices, as well as 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. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Performance of the work frequently requires positions to remain at a workstation for extended periods of time. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, personal communications device, 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.

 Environmental Elements

 Employees primarily work in a centralized communication operations environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, may be exposed to hazardous physical substances, biological substances, pathogens and allergens such as; particulates, blood, chemicals, smoke, aerosols, fumes and cleaners. As a Disaster Services Worker, or when working in  a field environment, employees may work in outdoor conditions and may be exposed to loud noise levels, noxious odors, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, moving vehicles, and hazardous physical substances, biological substances, pathogens and allergens such as; particulates, blood, chemicals, smoke, aerosols, fumes and cleaners.

There may be exposure to criminal offenders, individuals with mental illnesses, individuals with disabilities, violent individuals and persons infected with communicable/infectious diseases/medical conditions. Employees may interact with upset personnel and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing Departmental policies and procedures.

WORKING CONDITIONS

May be required to be on-call, is subject to emergency call out, and is required to work various shifts or emergencies on evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Salary : $59,915 - $84,115