Salary : $111,907.80 - $142,729.56 Annually
Location : Santa Clara, CA
Job Type : Full-Time
Job Number : 58-23-340C
Department : Police / Communications Division
Opening Date : 07 / 24 / 2023
FLSA : Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit : 10
Weighting Plan : 100% Oral Exam, Qualifying Performance
Description
This recruitment is open on a continuous basis and selections may be made at any time within the process. It is recommended to apply immediately. The review of applications received will occur at the end of each month.
- To receive consideration for the screening process, candidates must meet the below minimum qualifications :
- Graduation from high school or possession of a GED;
- The equivalent of two (2) years of paid employment experience in public safety dispatching within the past five (5) years of which at least one (1) year included solo status; or
- Five (5) years of current paid employment with a public safety agency or private emergency medical services agency, with high level Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), radio and / or telephone operation;
- Successful completion of probationary period as a Public Safety Dispatcher I with the City of Santa Clara.
ACCEPTABLE SUBSTITUTION : Possession of a valid California POST Public Safety Dispatcher Basic certificate, which may be substituted for six (6) months of the solo status experience. Please upload a copy of your certificate.
The Department The men and women of the Santa Clara Police Department take tremendous pride in providing the community with outstanding service through the "Santa Clara Way" of service. In partnership with the citizens, the team provides law enforcement services with professional and dedicated staff. The team will always identify and resolve problems utilizing all available resources and perform services professionally and with a high level of integrity. To learn more visit our .
The Position As a Public Safety Dispatcher II, this non-sworn classification dispatches public safety, fire, and emergency medical services out into the community. The successful incumbent will be responsible for receiving incoming calls for police, fire, or medical assistance and dispatch necessary units. This classification is distinguished from the Public Safety Dispatcher I by a broader range of responsibility due to a higher level of experience and training.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the journey-level classification in the non-sworn flexibility staffed Public Safety Dispatcher I / II series. Incumbents are expected to work independently and exercise 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 class is distinguished from the class of Public Safety Dispatcher I in that the latter is the entry level class where incumbents are trained on full range of dispatch functions under immediate supervision. This class is distinguished from the Senior Public Safety Dispatcher in that the latter has full responsibility for supervising a shift of Public Safety Dispatchers I / II.
Candidates must attain a passing score on each phase of the examination process to qualify for the Eligible List. A department interview will be required prior to appointment.
THIS RECRUITMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL MULTIPLE POSITIONS IN THIS, OR OTHER DIVISIONS OR DEPARTMENTS BESIDES THE POSITIONS LISTED BELOW. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN EMPLOYMENT IN THIS CLASSIFICATION, YOU SHOULD APPLY TO ENSURE YOU ARE CONSIDERED FOR ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES THAT MAY UTILIZE THE APPLICANTS FROM THIS RECRUITMENT.MEETING THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS DOES NOT GUARANTEE ADMITTANCE INTO THE EXAMINATION PROCESS. ONLY THE MOST QUALIFIED CANDIDATES WHO DEMONSTRATE THE BEST COMBINATION OF QUALIFICATIONS IN RELATION TO THE REQUIREMENTS AND DUTIES OF THE POSITION WILL BE INVITED TO TEST OR INTERVIEW.
The annual salary range for this position is $111,907.80 - $142,729.56. This position will be filled at or near the minimum of the salary range.
Lateral Public Safety Dispatcher Hiring Incentive Program
7,500 recruitment incentive
2,500 is paid in the first pay period!Please review the Side Letter Agreement for more information :Typical Duties
Each position in this classification may not include all the duties listed below, nor do the examples cover all the duties that may be performed.
Operates base radio console equipment, transmitting and receiving routine and emergency messagesReceives emergency and routine requests for services from the public via 9-1-1, alternate emergency lines, and business linesDispatches appropriate emergency vehicles, equipment and personnel in response to those requests, in accordance with established policies and proceduresCoordinates emergency operations between various departmental personnel and equipmentOperates data terminals for information pertaining to daily public safety operations, and general emergency servicesMaintains written logs, files, and computer information in the prescribed mannerUpdates computer files and performs other clerical functions and tasks as directedPerforms other related duties as assignedMinimum Qualifications
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Graduation from high school or possession of a GED; andThe equivalent of two (2) years of paid employment experience in public safety dispatching within the past five (5) years of which at least one (1) year included solo status; orFive (5) years of current paid employment with a public safety agency or private emergency medical services agency, with high level Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), radio and / or telephone operation; orSuccessful completion of probationary period as a Public Safety Dispatcher I with the City of Santa Clara.ACCEPTABLE SUBSTITUTIONS
Possession of a valid California POST Public Safety Dispatcher Basic certificate, which may be substituted for six (6) months of the solo status experience.DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Classroom education involving fire science or law enforcement related studies.LICENSES / CERTIFICATES
Possession of a valid California POST Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Certificate and a valid Medical Priorities Dispatching System (MPDS) Certificate are required prior to the completion of the probationary period.OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Must be able to perform all the essential functions of the job assignment. All candidates will be required to pass a City background investigation, which will include fingerprinting and may include polygraph and / or psychological testing.
PERMANENT CITY EMPLOYEES PREFERENCE POINTS
Current permanent employee candidates who receive a passing score on the examination will have an additional five (5) points added to his / her final score.
Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of Santa Clara will not sponsor, represent, or sign documents related to visa applications / transfers for H1B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of :
General public safety radio and telephone communications systemsPolice and fire emergency proceduresPrimary roads, streets, highways, major buildings, and public facilities within the City's boundariesSkill in :
Reading and interpreting maps; and maintaining accurate recordsAbility to :
Read, write, spell, and speak in clear, concise EnglishLearn correct telephone answering techniques, policies and proceduresOperate computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system with sufficient speed and accuracy to document field activity and create calls for service within response criteria guidelinesAnalyze situations quickly and accurately, while taking effective action to assure public safety provider and citizen safetyFollow verbal and written instructionsCommunicate clearly and distinctly using radio and telephone equipmentMaintain composure and work accurately in emergency situationsWork in a team-based environment and achieve common goalsEstablish and maintain tactful, courteous, and effective working relationships with those contacted during the course of work, including the general publicWork in a confined area, wearing a headset which restricts physical movement about the work areaAccurately enter information into the CAD system while simultaneously receiving information by phone or radioRetrieve data from CAD terminal or other keyboard device, maintain appropriate documentation of previous events, details, and conversationsWork in a highly structured environment where all communications are recorded or documented and reviewed as public recordHandle multiple priorities and organize workloadExtract information or data from other computer systemsView multiple video display terminals for extended periods of time in low variable light conditionsDistinguish and interpret the meaning of colors on video display terminalsDistinguish and comprehend simultaneous communications from several sourcesWork continuously or uninterrupted as required, standing or sitting for extended periods of timePerform with a high standard of customer service, professional conduct, and civic responsibilityUse emergency medical questioning techniques and provide medical instructions via telephone when requiredType at a net rate of 35 wpm on a computer keyboardAdditional Information :
You must answer all job-specific questions in order to be considered for this vacancy or your application will be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Applications must be filled out completely (i.e. do not write "see resume or personnel file."). To receive consideration for the screening process, candidates must submit a complete City Application and meet the below minimum qualifications :
Graduation from high school or possession of a GED; andThe equivalent of two (2) years of paid employment experience in public safety dispatching within the past five (5) years of which at least one (1) year included solo status; orFive (5) years of current paid employment with a public safety agency or private emergency medical services agency, with high level Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), radio and / or telephone operation; orSuccessful completion of probationary period as a Public Safety Dispatcher I with the City of Santa Clara.ACCEPTABLE SUBSTITUTION : Possession of a valid California POST Public Safety Dispatcher Basic certificate, which may be substituted for six (6) months of the solo status experience. Please upload a copy of your certificate.
Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Application packets may be submitted online through the "Apply Now" feature on the job announcement at This position is continuous : Applications will be reviewed at the end of each month for consideration to the position. If you are interested in applying you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, before the position is closed.
City of Santa Clara Benefit Summary Overview for Bargaining Unit #10
Public Safety Non-Sworn Employees Association
This summary provides a brief overview of the City of Santa Clara's benefits available to Bargaining Unit #10 employees in 2025. In the event of any conflict between the information in this summary and the applicable official plan documents, City Manager's Directives (CMDs), Personnel and Salary Resolution, or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the applicable official plan documents, CMDs, Personnel and Salary Resolution, or MOU will prevail over this summary. Benefits are subject to change.
Retirement :
Membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS)Classic Employees : 2.7% @ age 55 formula - employee pays 8.00% of gross pay, minus $61 bi-weekly
New Employees : 2.0% @ age 62 formula - employee pays 7.00% of gross payMedicare and Social Security (FICA)Employee pays 6.20% up to $10,918.20 (Social Security) and 1.45% (Medicare) of gross pay
Health Insurance :
The City contributes up to 100% of the premium of the Kaiser (Region 1) plan for Employee Only and Employee 1 Dependent plans, and up to 90% of the premium of the Kaiser (Region 1) plan of the Employee 2 or More Dependents planEmployees electing health coverage with premiums above the City health contribution will pay additional premium costs from salary on a pre-tax basisNo cash difference is paid if an employee elects a plan cheaper than the max City contributionTo be eligible for the City's contribution toward health, employees must be on a paid status for at least 80 hours in the month prior to the month of coverageCoverage is effective as early as the first day of the month after date of hireEmployees hired on or after 1 / 1 / 2024 who opt-out of City-offered health insurance and provide annual attestation and acceptable proof of alternative required coverage for themselves and their tax family, if applicable, are eligible for a cash-in-lieu amount of $250 / month. Contact Human Resources for more detailsDental Insurance :
Choice of two Delta Dental plans; enrollment is mandatoryCity pays lowest cost employee only plan; additional cost is paid by employeeCoverage is effective as early as the first day of the month after date of hireVision Insurance :
Choice of two VSP plansCity pays lowest cost employee only plan; additional cost is paid by employeeCoverage is effective as early as the first day of the month after date of hireVoluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA) :
City contributes $100.00 a month toward employee's VEBA accountAccount funds may be used to pay for qualified medical expenses after separation from the City and after age 50 (pre-tax)Life Insurance :
City pays for $50,000 of Basic Life Insurance coverageCoverage is effective the first of the month after one calendar month of employmentAdditional optional insurance may be purchased by the employee for the employee, spouse, domestic partner, and / or dependent childrenState Disability Insurance (SDI) :
Employee pays 1.2% of gross pay (includes Paid Family Leave)7 day waiting period. Weekly paid leave for absences due to non-work related injuries / illnesses. Benefit is based on past earnings. Refer to edd.ca.gov for more informationPaid Family Leave (PFL) :
Up to 8 weeks of benefits within a 12-month period to care for a family member or to bond with a new childNo waiting period. Weekly paid leave benefit. Benefit is based on past earnings. Refer to edd.ca.gov for more information.Long Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
Benefit is 2 / 3 of basic wage up to $7,500; max of $5,000 / monthCity paid benefit. City pays $.558 / $100 of insured earnings30 calendar day waiting periodCoverage is effective the first of the month after one calendar month of employmentDeferred Compensation :
Voluntary plan through Nationwide Retirement SolutionsEmployee may contribute up to the lesser of the IRS maximum or 100% of gross compensation into a pre-tax 457(b) account or a post-tax Roth 457(b) account (or a combination of the two accounts) subject to IRS rulesAdditionally, the City contributes $300.00 a month toward employee's 457(b) account. This dollar amount will factor into the above mentioned IRS rules and limitsFlexible Spending Account (IRS Section 125 Plan) :
Employee may contribute up to $3,300 per year in pre-tax dollars to a health care spending accountEmployee may contribute up to $5,000 per year in pre-tax dollars to a dependent care spending accountEmployee may contribute up to $325 per month in pre-tax dollars to a commuter benefit planVacation :
Vacation is accrued bi-weekly, cannot use vacation during first 6 months of City serviceFor 1 - 4 years of service : 10 days (80 hours) / year
For 5 - 9 years of service : 15 days (120 hours) / yearFor 10 - 15 years of service : 21 days (168 hours) / yearFor 16 - 20 years of service : 22 days (176 hours) / yearFor 21 years of service : 24 days (192 hours) / yearMaximum vacation accrual is 400 hoursOnce per year, employees can elect to convert up to 60 hours of accrued vacation to cash to be paid out the following calendar yearSick Leave :
Sick leave is accrued bi-weekly for equivalent of 96 hours per calendar year with no maximum accrualUp to 48 hours / year of accumulated sick leave may be used for family illness
Up to 40 hours / year of accumulated sick leave may be used for personal leaveEmployee may convert sick leave to vacation once per calendar year (annual maximum conversion is 96 hours sick to 48 hours vacation)Partial sick leave payoff provision on retirement depending on years of serviceCompensatory Time Off (CTO) :
Employees may accrue CTO in lieu of overtime hours (maximum accrual is set by department)16 hours of CTO is credited to employees each January 1st (prorated if hired after January 1st)Holidays :
Thirteen (13) paid eight-hour holidays per yearBilingual Pay :
If the Department Head determines that there is a significant need or benefit, on a regular basis, to having the employee certified in a particular language other than English, a certified bilingual employee is eligible for $45 / bi-weekly or $90 / bi-weekly for advanced certification bilingual payNight Differential Pay :
Employees are eligible for 5.0% night differential pay for all hours worked between 4 : 00 p.m. and 6 : 00 a.m.Additional Premium Pays :
Community Service Officer IIs, Police Records Specialist IIs, and Public Safety Dispatcher IIs assigned to train newly hired employees in eligible classifications are entitled to 5% training pay for the actual hours worked performing those dutiesDispatcher classifications : 2.5% of base pay for Intermediate POST Certification. Additional 2.5% of base pay for Advanced POST Certification (up to 5% total)Police Records Supervisor classification : 2.5% of base pay for Records Supervisor POST CertificationEmployees may receive a maximum of 2% of base pay for either a bachelor's degree (if not a minimum requirement of the classification) or master's degree (if BA / BS is a requirement)Uniform Allowance :
600 for eligible classifications (per MOU)Tuition Reimbursement Program :
Up to $2,000 per fiscal year for tuition reimbursementPsychological Counseling :
Employees in Unit 10 who work in the Police Department are eligible for the same psychological program as Unit 2, and employees who work in the Fire Department are eligible for the same psychological program as Unit 1 (See MOU for further details)Employee Assistance Program :
Confidential counseling to employees and dependents. Up to maximum of five (5) consultations per family member per incident per yearCity paid benefitRetiree Medical Reimbursement Program :
Employees who retire from the City with at least ten (10) years of service shall receive reimbursement to help cover retiree single health insurance premiums. The reimbursement maximum includes the PEMHCA minimum.Up to age 65, retirees are eligible for reimbursement up to $425.00 / month in 2025 (amount adjusted annually)After age 65, retirees are eligible for reimbursement up to $254.00 / month in 2025 (amount adjusted annually)Paid Meal Break :
Employees in all Communications Dispatcher classifications and in the classifications of Police Records Specialist II, Police Records Supervisor, Community Service Officer I / II, and Jail Service Officer will be paid for the meal break during the regularly scheduled shift and will be subject to call back during the meal periodPlease select the option that best demonstrates your education for the Public Safety Dispatcher iI.
I possess at least a High School Diploma or GED.I DO NOT meet the minimum education requirement at this time.Please select the option that best demonstrates your experience for the Public Safety Dispatcher iI.
I have at least two (2) years of paid employment experience in public safety dispatching within the past five (5) years of which at least one (1) year included solo status.I have at least five (5) years of current paid employment with a public safety agency or private emergency medical services agency, with high level Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), radio and / or telephone operation.I possess a valid California POST Public Safety Dispatcher Basic certificate, which may be substituted for six (6) months of the solo status experience. Therefore, I have at least two (2) years of paid employment experience in public safety dispatching within the past five (5) years of which at least six (6) months of solo status.I have successfully completed the probationary period as a Public Safety Dispatcher I with the City of Santa Clara.I DO NOT meet the required experience at this time.I possess a valid California POST Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Certificate. (If yes, please be sure to upload a copy of your certificate to your application).
I possess a valid Medical Priorities Dispatching System (MPDS) Certificate. (If yes, please be sure to upload a copy of your certificate to your application).
I am willing and able to work nights, weekends and holidays.
Have you been referred to this position by a City of Santa Clara employee?
If you answered "Yes" to the previous question (question #6), please provide only one of the names that referred you.If you answered "No" to the previous question, please write "N / A."
Required Question
Salary : $111,908 - $142,730
