What are the responsibilities and job description for the Communications Dispatcher Trainee position at City of Eureka?
JOB
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)The below duties are examples of that which is required of a Communication Dispatcher. For the purpose of the Dispatcher Trainee, the duties are reflecting what the Trainee will be observing and learning- but not performing independently.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.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCEAny 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 experience in operating radio, teletypewriter, or other communication equipment. Experience in dealing with the public is highly desirable.License: Valid California class C driver's license with satisfactory driving record may be required. A valid typing certificate, issued within the previous (12) months will be required after passing the POST Entry-level Dispatcher examination. 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 PROCESSAll applications received 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. Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not necessarily guaranteed advancement to the examination process, as only the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate. The most qualified applicants will be invited to an in-person written examination tentatively to be held in late April. The Department Head [and/or designee(s)] will interview the top six (6) candidates from the examination process. An additional three (3) candidates will be referred for each vacancy. 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.No other information will be accepted and resumes, cover letters or additional materials WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.EPD Extended Background ProcessInitial testing will include a department interview and a Police Chief's interview. Additional testing may 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. Examples of disqualifying items include use or sale of illegal drugs/narcotics within the past 1 to 3 years, depending on substance type. 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.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.
- Base salary to increase by 3% in July 2025 with another 3% increase in July 2026.After successful completion of the P.O.S.T. Dispatcher Exam (score of 48 or higher), salary goes up to the following: $4,389 - $5,335 monthly (DOQ) without certifications.DEFINITIONUnder direct supervision receives exposure to the operations of an Emergency Dispatch Center and general training in emergency communications and law enforcement concepts. Must successfully pass the CA Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) Entry Level Dispatcher Examination. SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISEDReceives direct supervision from assigned lead trainer, supervisor or management personnel. CLASS CHARACTERISTICSCommunications Dispatcher Trainee is a pre-entry-level class in the Communications Dispatch series, in which incumbents learn to the operations of an Emergency Call Center and shadow experienced 911 call takers, while attempting to pass the Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) Entry Level Dispatcher Examination. Trainees work under close supervision while receiving on-the-job training in the techniques and procedures of radio and telephone dispatching and in the operation of communications equipment, and are expected to take the POST Dispatcher Exam whenever eligible until receiving a passing score. The Communications Dispatcher Trainee is distinguished from the Communications Dispatcher due to the latter's responsibility for independently performing the functions of a law radio position or fire/medical radio position.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)The below duties are examples of that which is required of a Communication Dispatcher. For the purpose of the Dispatcher Trainee, the duties are reflecting what the Trainee will be observing and learning- but not performing independently.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.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCEAny 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 experience in operating radio, teletypewriter, or other communication equipment. Experience in dealing with the public is highly desirable.License: Valid California class C driver's license with satisfactory driving record may be required. A valid typing certificate, issued within the previous (12) months will be required after passing the POST Entry-level Dispatcher examination. 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 PROCESSAll applications received 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. Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not necessarily guaranteed advancement to the examination process, as only the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate. The most qualified applicants will be invited to an in-person written examination tentatively to be held in late April. The Department Head [and/or designee(s)] will interview the top six (6) candidates from the examination process. An additional three (3) candidates will be referred for each vacancy. 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.No other information will be accepted and resumes, cover letters or additional materials WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.EPD Extended Background ProcessInitial testing will include a department interview and a Police Chief's interview. Additional testing may 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. Examples of disqualifying items include use or sale of illegal drugs/narcotics within the past 1 to 3 years, depending on substance type. 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.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.
Salary : $4,389 - $5,335
