Communications Dispatcher I/II - Fire & Sheriff

Salary : See Position Description

Location : Santa Barbara, CA

Job Type : Full-time

Job Number : 25-1803-01 (O)

Department : Sheriff's Office and Fire Department

Opening Date : 01 / 23 / 2025

Closing Date : 3 / 3 / 2025 5 : 00 PM Pacific

Description

• Notice of Change : This recruitment has been extended until Monday, March 3, 2025. The first application review will be on 2 / 10 / 2025. The current full-time vacancies are with the Fire Department.

Are you ready to make a profound impact on your community? The Fire Department seeking dedicated individuals to join our team as Communication Dispatchers (911 Dispatcher), the first lifeline for those in need during emergencies. As a Dispatcher, you will be providing critical support to those facing difficult situations. If you're passionate about serving your community and are looking for a rewarding and reliable career that truly makes a difference, please join us and be a part of the team that keeps our community safe and secure.

The Fire Department is accepting applications to fill multiple vacancies located in Santa Barbara.

Although the current vacancies are full-time, and in the Fire Department, the Sheriff's Office and the Fire Department may use this recruitment to fill future full-time, part-time and extra-help (temporary) vacancies as well. The work schedule for this position will depend upon the needs of the department.

LATERAL TRANSFER : For dispatchers with a California public agency operating in a personnel merit system in the State of California, who want to be considered as a Lateral Transfer, please submit an online application, CLICK HERE

Communications Dispatcher I

35.12 - $42.30 Hourly

73,295.48 - $88,274.74 Annually

Plus, a bilingual allowance of $95.00 per biweekly pay period for qualified employees

Communications Dispatcher II

38.53 - $46.45 Hourly

80,412.56 - $96,955.07 Annually

Plus, a bilingual allowance of $95.00 per biweekly pay period for qualified employees

Approved SALARY INCREASES are as follows : 6 / 23 / 2025 - 2.5% increase

Employees promote from the I to the II level after completing the required training, obtaining required certifications, demonstrating required job competencies, and meeting performance standards. This typically takes 1-2 years. Candidates who apply to this recruitment with the required certifications and experience may be appointed at the II level.

Benefits & Compensation :

To learn more about County benefits, please visit these links :

Health Benefits and Wellness : CLICK HERE

Compensation Summary : CLICK HERE

Retirement : CLICK HERE

Memorandum of Understanding :

General Role Description

As a Dispatcher, your primary responsibility is to respond to emergency calls and provide critical

assistance to individuals in distress. Your key job duties include swiftly and accurately answering

emergency calls, gathering essential information from callers, and determining the

nature and severity of the situation. You will dispatch the appropriate emergency services, such as law

enforcement, fire, or medical personnel, while maintaining clear and reassuring communication with

callers to provide vital instructions or support until help arrives. In

addition to handling emergency calls, you will operate communication equipment and maintain detailed

records of incidents.

Extensive training is provided, and no prior experience is required.

The ideal candidate for this position should excel in high-stress communication scenarios,

demonstrating effective and reassuring communication skills. They must uphold a strong reputation for

honesty, trustworthiness, and good moral character, earning the trust and credibility of both colleagues

and the public. Dependability, integrity, and sound judgment under pressure are also crucial qualities

we seek in our ideal candidate, as they play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and well-being of our

community during emergencies.

Hiring Department Information

Please visit the following pages to learn more about the specific roles and requirements in the hiring departments :

Fire Department : We are accepting applications to fill multiple full-time Communications Dispatcher I / II vacancies.

Click here to visit the website to learn more about the position and the department.

Sheriff's Office : Click here to visit the website to learn more about the position and the department

Examples of Duties

Employment Standards

Additional Requirements :

Desirable Qualifications : Multilingual in languages spoken in the County such as Spanish, Mixtec, Hmong or others relevant languages.

IROC and Aircraft training, EMD & EFD certification thru Priority Dispatch, and Communications Training Officer.

Additional Requirements Sheriff's Office : Successful completion of a California Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Certified Basic Complaint / Dispatch course during the one-year probationary period.

Additional Requirements for Fire Department : Successful completion of an Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) and Emergency Fire Dispatcher (EFD) certification during the training period and maintained throughout employment.

Knowledge of : English language; basic customer service practices; and basic office computer applications such as Microsoft Office applications

Ability to : Learn to retain and relay information received under stressful conditions; hear, understand, and speak the English language; respond to calls and radio transmissions quickly and calmly and make sound decisions under pressure; learn to observe, receive, and otherwise obtain information from all relevant sources; learn to analyze information, evaluate results, and choose the best solution; solve problems; learn Federal, State, and local laws, and also local agency policies and procedures, terminology, jurisdictional boundaries, and available types of emergency services; to read maps and provide directions; clearly speak and communicate effectively over the telephone and radio; remain calm in stressful situations; perform multiple tasks simultaneously; learn use of multiple computer and telephone systems; communicate with people of diverse social and cultural backgrounds; follow written and oral instructions; establish and maintain working relationships with other agencies; and operate a telephone, computer, mouse, and keyboard.

Supplemental Information

Please read the SELECTION PROCESS; Be sure to frequently check your email throughout this entire process, as this is the only way we will be notifying applicants regarding their status and to provide all of the important information throughout the recruitment process.

SELECTION & EXAMINATION PROCESS

1 . Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards.

2 . Online Skill Keyboarding Assessment : Qualified candidates will be notified by email with instructions to complete the online Keyboarding assessment. The deadline to complete the assessment will be clearly stated in the invitation. Candidates must complete and pass the keyboarding assessment to advance in the recruitment process.

3. CritiCall Computerized Exam (Online) : Candidates who pass the keyboarding assessment will be invited by email to the online CritiCall exam. The CritiCall exam is a computerized software testing program that tests job-related skills and multi-tasking abilities required in the complex dispatching environment. Candidates are required to pass the exam to be placed on the employment list.

Candidates must receive a percentage score of at least 70% on the CritiCall exam to be placed on an employment list. An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule VI. Those candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months. At the time the employment list is established, all candidates will receive written notice of their score on the exam(s), rank on the employment list, and exact duration of the employment list.

Incumbents must successfully complete a one-year probationary period.

HIRING PROCESS

The background check process is different for each hiring department. To learn more about the background and hiring process for each department, please review the following information :

Fire Department and Sheriff's Office Background Investigation Process includes an interview and in-depth background investigation of police records, personal and virtual character check, military, and employment histories; inquiry of persons who know you and evaluate whether you respect the law and rights of others; are dependable and responsible; have demonstrated mature judgment in areas such as the use of drugs and intoxicants; are honest; and is a safe driver.

Sheriff's Office (only) Background Investigation Process :

Personal History Questionnaire : The Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ) is a pre-screen background questionnaire. Candidates must pass to advance in the selection process.

Polygraph Examination : Measures the accuracy of information disclosed on the PHQ and during the background investigation.

Upon accepting a conditional offer of employment with the Fire Department or Sheriff's Office, you must conduct the following :

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE POINTS : Veteran's preference credit is applicable for this recruitment (5 points for veterans, 10 points for disabled veterans). To be eligible for this credit, you must be applying for this position within five years from your most recent date of : (1) honorable discharge from active military service; or, (2) discharge from a military or veterans' hospital where treatment and confinement were for a disability incurred during active military service; or, (3) completion of education or training funded by a Federal Educational Assistance Act. No time limit exists for veterans with 30% or more disability. To receive veteran's preference points, you must : (1) check the Veteran's Preference Points box on the employment application form, (2) submit a copy of your Form DD-214 to the Human Resources Department on or before the closing date, and (3) pass all phases of the examination process. The preference points will be added to your final test score.

Disaster Service Worker : Pursuant to Government Code Section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS : The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider or a learning institution.

Statement of Commitment : The County of Santa Barbara is dedicated to cultivating and sustaining an environment that exhibits equity and inclusion everywhere, and at all levels of our organization. The County believes equity is a fundamental principle that must be imbedded in policies, institutional practices and systems. The County recognizes the negative impacts of systemic racism and is committed to eliminating the barriers affecting our Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and Asian community members, as well as people of other diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. We envision a world where society and its systems (e.g. education, criminal justice, and health care, housing the economy) are just, fair, and inclusive, enabling all people to participate and reach their full potential.

We celebrate community and employee diversity, strive for inclusion and belonging, and promote empowered participation. We aspire to build a workforce that is reflective of these values and the communities we serve. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and will resolutely uphold federal, California state law and / or Santa Barbara County ordinances.

We believe equity and inclusion are vital to fulfill the County's mission and to embody a culture of "One County, One Future." Expanding the full range of employee talent allows the County to deliver our best to all our community members.

We believe in the dignity and humanity of all people. We strive for a healthy and prosperous society that promotes all people having equitable access and opportunity.

APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE :

If you have any recruitment questions, please email Fire HR at FireDGHR@sbcfire.com ; Sheriff HR Analyst Ms. Ryan at cbr4686@sbsheriff.org

Retirement Plans

Eligible to participate in 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan

Retirement Reciprocity with CalPERS, CalSTRS, and 1937 Act plans

For more information on our retirement plans, please visit : and

Health Benefits

On-Site Employee Health Clinics in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria which provide ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their eligible dependents

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers free, confidential assistance with personal and workplace problems to employees and their immediate family members

Healthcare Advocacy Program to help employees navigate the complexities of health plan benefits

Available Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Account (HSA), Supplemental Term or Whole Life Insurance, Personal Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance and more!

For more information on our health benefits, please visit :

Paid Time Off

Sick Leave 12 days annually with unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement

Paid Holidays based on bargaining unit (view the compensation summary for this bargaining unit, link below)

Alternative Transportation Benefit (TDM) up to 2 days of additional vacation for using alternative methods of commuting

For more information on Paid Time Off please view the Compensation Summary for this bargaining unit (available below)

Miscellaneous Benefits

County Paid Long Term Disability Insurance

Childcare and Employee Discounts

Relocation Assistance may apply

Flexible work schedule may apply

For more information on all of these benefits, please visit :

Compensation Summary

I acknowledge that it is my responsibility as an applicant to provide sufficient information on my application to demonstrate that my education and experience meets the employment standards (minimum qualifications) for this position as detailed in the job bulletin. I further acknowledge that if the County determines that I do not meet the employment standards there will be no opportunity for me to provide additional information regarding my application after the closing date listed on the job bulletin. Therefore, I understand that before submitting a job application, it is important that I review the job bulletin thoroughly and ensure that my application clearly reflects how my education and experience meets the employment standards at the time I submit my application.

The Human Resources Recruiter will correspond with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.

As part of the application process, this Supplemental Questionnaire must be completed along with the standard application form. Resumes will be accepted, but NOT in lieu of a completed application and supplemental questionnaire.

This recruitment is for two departments, Santa Barbara County Fire Department and the Sheriff's Office. Which department(s) are you interested in being considered for (select all that apply)? Please refer back to the job posting for a description of the duties required for each department.

Your responses on Supplemental Questions #6-17 are to assist you with determining whether or not you are willing and able to perform the requirements of the job. If you answer "NO" to any of the questions, this position may not be a good fit for you.

Do you possess a high school diploma OR a General Education Development (GED) certificate from an accredited or approved institution?NOTE : This is an employment standard to qualify for the position.

Are you willing to work rotating shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays?

Are you willing to work overtime as required to ensure operational stability of the communications center?

Are you willing to process phone calls requiring the ability to retain and relay information received under stressful conditions?

Are you willing to learn how to use a specialized computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system?

Are you willing to perform work in a dispatch center which requires sitting for long periods of time, extensive keyboarding, operation of a mouse, wearing of a headset. and working in a fast-paced and demanding environment?

Do you have the ability to respond calmly and professionally to callers who may be upset, angry, hysterical, or suicidal (with the proper training)?

Do you have the ability to keep callers on the phone line to obtain information such as physical descriptions of people, vehicles, and weapons, in order to assist personnel in the field?

Do you have the ability to perform work amid multiple interruptions?

Do you have the ability to remain calm while instructing panicked callers on how to perform emergency procedures such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and delivering babies upon receiving the necessary training?

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION : I acknowledge as part of the hiring process for the position, I must successfully pass all phases of a background investigation. Once I have been given a conditional job offer and accepted, I will undergo a psychological and physical examination in which I must pass both of these examinations before I can begin employment. Any falsification of information or failure to meet the standards listed above will result in my disqualification.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT : During my probationary period, I must satisfactorily complete and pass each phase of the Dispatcher Training Program and earn the required certification(s). If during my probationary period, I fail to pass any particular phase of my required training or earn required certifications, I may be dismissed from employment with Santa Barbara County.

Required Question

Salary : $73,295 - $88,275