What are the responsibilities and job description for the Public Safety Dispatcher ll position at City of Murrieta, CA?
Salary : $71,276.13 - $86,636.58 Annually
Location : Murrieta Police Department, CA
Job Type : Full-Time
Job Number : 2025-08
Department : Murrieta Police
Division : Support
Opening Date : 02 / 04 / 2025
Closing Date : 2 / 28 / 2025 11 : 59 PM Pacific
FLSA : Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit : MGEA
Description and Essential Functions
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The City of Murrieta is accepting applications for the position of Public Safety Dispatcher ll (Lateral) to to fill one (1) current vacancy in our Police Department . The eligibility list established may be used to fill upcoming vacancies within this classification for up to one (1) year.
THE POSITION The ideal candidates should be able to deal effectively with a diverse public in routine and emergency situations and demonstrate a high level of communication skills.
DEFINITION
Under general (Public Safety Dispatcher II) supervision, receives police and emergency calls, and dispatches police and fire units following prescribed procedures; answers non-emergency calls for public safety and other City departments; performs a variety of general administrative support duties including record keeping, typing, and filing; and performs related work as required.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general (Public Safety Dispatcher II) supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
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. All activities must be performed within specified legal guidelines. 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 class is distinguished from the Senior Public Safety Dispatcher in that the latter provides technical and functional direction over lower-level staff.
Positions in the Public Safety Dispatcher 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 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.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Management reserves the right 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 police and emergency calls for service; assesses with the caller the nature of the call through a series of questions and formulates a call for service; determines the severity of the call; ascertains officer safety and public safety needs with the caller; takes action as prescribed through standard operating procedures and / or refers to supervisor or manager for direction
- 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 units
- 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
- Dispatches and communicates with fire and rescue personnel on the radio, while taking numerous emergency and non-emergency calls during emergency and high priority events; relays information to appropriate dispatchers when additional resources are needed
- Provides general information to the public; refers callers to appropriate agencies; calms angered or distraught callers; maintains professionalism in radio transmissions during hectic, tense and dangerous situations
- Operates multiple computers, telephone lines, and radio console and telecommunication equipment simultaneously while performing dispatching activities; tests and inspects equipment as assigned; may troubleshoot equipment issues as required
- 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, restraining orders, and all out-of-state information including, but not limited to, driver's license, license plates and criminal history
- 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.
- Serves 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.
- Observes and complies with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols
- Performs other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications
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 :
Highly Desirable :
Experience as a police, fire, or medical dispatcher
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Public Safety Dispatcher II :
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Physical Demands and Environmental Conditions
KNOWLEDGE OF
ABILITY TO
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in the Emergency Services Communications Center and use standard office and emergency services dispatch equipment, including multiple computers and a diverse range of communications devices; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, and over the telephone and radio. Performance of the work requires that positions frequently remain at a workstation for extended periods of time during their shift. 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.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Employees work in an 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.
Supplemental Information
SCHEDULE
Must be available to work a varying schedule including weekends, weekdays, evenings, and holidays (hours and days are adjusted as needed by the Department).
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
A City application form, P.O.S.T. Basic Dispatcher certificate (if applying for Public Safety Dispatcher II), and typing certificate must be submitted online. Applicants can apply online at
SELECTION PROCESS
Candidates must clearly demonstrate through their application materials that they meet the employment standards outlined above. All properly completed applications will be reviewed, and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. Examinations for the position may consist of any combination of appraisal interview, performance test and writing exercise to evaluate the applicant's skill, training, and experience for the position. Successful applicants will be placed on an eligibility list. The City may also merge lists.
SPECIAL EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
The selected candidate(s) must successfully complete pre-employment clearances, which may include a physical, drug screen, and Live Scan background investigation. Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The City of Murrieta is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. All employment practices such as recruitment, selection, and promotions are administered in a manner designed to ensure that employees and applicants for employment are not subjected to discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age (over 40), marital or veteran status, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, medical condition, disability, or any other basis that is inconsistent with federal, state or local laws.
THE DEPARTMENT The Murrieta Police Department was formed in 1992 and has grown to 93 sworn officers and 44 professional support staff. The Department is proud of its partnership with the community to fight crime and enhance the quality of life for those who live, work and play in Murrieta. The Police Department has its own communications center that provides dispatching services for Murrieta Police and Fire Departments. In addition to patrol and general investigations, the Police Department has sworn assignments to include juvenile investigations and school resource officers; task force positions to include auto theft, real estate fraud, gangs, parole / probation compliance and computer forensics; and assignments in traffic and off-road enforcement, SWAT, and crisis / hostage negotiations. It is the Police Department's mission to provide the highest quality service to the community. The Police Department anticipates hiring approximately 20 officers over the next two years. The FBI has ranked the City of Murrieta as the third safest city to live in. With the support of Murrieta voters through the addition of a local sales tax (Measure T), the Police Department is investing in additional personnel, equipment and technology that will allow us to maintain, if not improve our standing.
COMMUNITY
Located just north of San Diego County, the City of Murrieta is home to approximately 116,000 people. Central to all of Southern California, residents of Murrieta live in one of the safest cities in the U.S. With top-ranked schools, 52 parks, and 1,300 acres of trails, it is consistently ranked the top place to live in SW Riverside County. With a dynamic business environment, one of the lowest unemployment rates in the state, and a high median income, Murrieta offers its residents an exceptional quality-of-life in an engaged and connected community.
THE CITY OF MURRIETA ORGANIZATIONAL VALUES
Integrity
We are ethical, honest, and fair in all we do.
Public Service
We deliver responsive and caring service to our community, customers, colleagues, and region.
Professionalism
We exemplify professionalism through our knowledge, accountability, initiative, and dedication.
Teamwork
We thrive in a positive work environment noted for collaboration, support, diversity, and balance.
Leadership
We demonstrate leadership, guide stewardship of resources, and cultivate a vision for the future.
MURRIETA GENERAL EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION
The following is a summary of the provided benefits to full-time employees in the represented unit. For further information, please refer to the unit's or
Tier 1 (Classic Members hired prior to 12 / 30 / 2012)
Final Compensation : Highest twelve (12) consecutive month period
Formula : 2.0% at 60
Formula : 2.0% at 62
Note : The provisions of this summary do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this summary may be modified or revoked without notice. The types and levels of employee benefits provided, including City contributions toward benefit costs, are subject to change as a result of periodic contract negotiations between the recognized employee association and the City of Murrieta.
The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the supplemental questions. The information you provide will be verified and documentation may be required. Please be as honest and accurate as possible. You may be asked to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in a work sample or during an interview.By completing this supplemental questionnaire, you are attesting that the information you have provided is accurate. Any misstatements, omissions, or falsification of information may eliminate you from consideration or result in dismissal.Responses such as, "see resume" or "see application" will result in rejection of your application.Proof of education is required.
Please select your typing proficiency level.
Do you possess a high school diploma or GED?
Please indicate the years of experience you possess performing public safety dispatch duties.
The Dispatcher II position requires successful completion of the P.O.S.T. Public Safety Dispatchers' Basic Course. A copy of your certificate or proof of successful completion must be attached to your application to be considered for the position.
How many years of full-time experience do you have operating a public safety Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system?
Do you have experience operating an Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) system?
If you responded "Yes" to the previous question, pleasedescribe your experience. If you answered "no" to the previous question, please enter N / A.
Are you available to work different shifts including nights, holidays, and weekends?
Required Question
Salary : $71,276 - $86,637