Public Safety Dispatcher

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range for this position is $28.46 - $37.95. The budgeted hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is Step 1: $28.46/hr.

Initial applicant review will begin on or around October 3, 2023. Posting will remain open until filled.

This union position is represented by the bargaining unit Clerical & Allied Services - CX Teamsters Local 2010.

Remote/Hybrid eligibility: This position is fully on-site.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and the first American research university built in the 21st century. With more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers an environment that combines a commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration and professional development. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and community involvement, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities for highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and supports the economic development of Merced and the region.

The Merced 2020 Project, a $1.3 billion public-private partnership unprecedented in higher education and completed in 2020, nearly doubled the physical capacity of the campus, enhancing academic distinction, student success and research excellence. UC Merced also operates the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, three-story administrative building located in the heart of Merced.

The university's mission of educational excellence and rigorous inquiry is powered by three schools and numerous research institutes and centers that seek scientific and social solutions for the Valley, California and the world. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced is preparing the way for a rigorous medical education program.

The course of UC Merced's evolution is piloted by a long-range strategic plan. Enacted in 2021, the 10-year blueprint is guiding how the values of equity and justice influence our pathway to earning Carnegie R1 research status, growing enrollment, upholding our identity as a minority-serving institution, and operationalizing how commitments to equity, diversity and inclusion are enacted in each campus unit.

This position is the primary point of contact for the UC Merced campus for any emergency to life or property. Independently responsible for determining the level of emergency response and coordinating police/fire/ambulance services. The Public Safety Dispatchers are expected to function autonomously but are under the general supervision of the Communications / Records Supervisor. The Dispatchers use independent judgement, frequently work under considerable pressure, caused by emergency conditions in the field and a variety of complex problem solving, which they are expected to analyze, prioritize quickly, and make decisions immediately. Public Safety Dispatchers may process, distribute, maintain police records and citations as well as code police reports for use in Uniform Crime Reporting, CLERY reporting and UC Systemwide reporting as necessary. Public Safety Dispatchers will collaborate and maintain statistical information at the direction of the UC Merced Police Departments Administration and review police reports for DOJ compliance and other administration reporting.

Typical duties include but are not limited to the use of a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, the E911 system, campus telephone system, integrated Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD). Monitor campus fire alarm system. Restart E911 computer during failures and to call appropriate entity for emergency repairs. Respond, analyze various and complex police camera/alarm systems. Operate a Motorola (three channel) conventional radio system. Apply various laws that pertain to Federal Privacy Act, Public Records Act, penal code, civil code, vehicle code, DOJ policies regarding CLETS and maintain certain official law enforcement documents and records. Works directly and or indirectly with DOJ, DMV, FBI, and other Government agencies to facilitate information exchange to allow the Department to serve the Campus Community. Conducts presentations on behalf of the Department on Public Safety topics. Represents the Department on campus, UC systemwide, and or external settings. Public Safety dispatchers may lead or participate in Department social media, safety programming, and training. Works with and coordinates emergency services with allied agencies. Works campus special events both in the 9-1-1 Center and in the field. Public Safety Dispatchers maintain confidentiality and utilize discretion in dealing with controversial or potentially sensitive matters.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Police Functions:

• Operate the campus E9-1-1 Public Safety Answering Point, campus telephone system, including integrated Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) systems.
• In accordance with Federal Communications Commission regulations, standard public safety dispatching guidelines, Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) requirements, and university and department policies and procedures, communicate by two-way radio with police, fire, TAPS, other campus departments, and allied agencies. Relay and coordinate information and provide support to all field units.
• Prioritize and coordinate police, fire, and EMS, responses, utilizing a computer aided dispatch (CAD) system to keep detailed records of calls received, units dispatched, and agency initiated activity. Directly responsible for using independent judgement and making complex yet rapid decisions.
• Independently determine the level of emergency response and coordinate police, fire, ambulance and other resources as needed or required. Function autonomously, but under the general supervision of the Communications / Records Supervisor and/or the Support Services Manager.
• Receive all emergency calls on campus; land-line and wireless 9-1-1, blue lights, elevators, area of refuge, red phones and Chancellor's direct ring-down line.
• Recognize, understand and evaluate emergency/urgent situations and quickly relay information as received to assist in coordinating a response with police, fire, EMS, campus departments, and other mutual aid as needed.
• Maintain emotional self-control and confidentiality. Utilize discretion when interviewing callers during emergency and non-emergency incidents.
• Respond to and analyze various complex campus camera and alarm systems. Work with alarm technicians and vendors in the testing and maintenance of on and off-site campus alarm systems.
• Enter, read, interpret, query and relay information obtained from the California Law Enforcement Telecommunication System (CLETS), the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and other databases, to officers in the field, in accordance with the Department of Justice, University and department policies and procedures.
• Follow prescribed University, department and public safety dispatching procedures. Exercise proper judgment in emergency situations for which established procedures may not exist.
• Provide public information and directions regarding departmental procedures and practices including but not limited to requesting police reports, filing commendations and complaints against departmental employees, ride-a-longs, and other services provided.
• Maintain working knowledge of the Incident Command System (ICS)
• Apply various laws that pertain to the Federal Privacy Act, Public Records Act, CLERY, Department of Justice, Penal Code, Vehicle Code and other applicable Federal, State, local, university, and department laws, policies and procedures.
• Consistently reports to work on time with a minimum of absence

Administrative Support Function:

• Generate a Daily Log for the public to review. Update various references, geographical list, alarm data base information.
• Perform informational searches in Records Management System and other computerized data bases.
• Assist with providing customer service at the front counter.
• Process, distribute, maintain police records and citations as well as code police reports for use in Uniform Crime Reporting, CLERY reporting and UC Systemwide reporting as necessary.
• Assist with receiving and returning lost and found property
• Accept, log, and distribute civil and criminal subpoenas as well as enter, remove and send locate messages within CLETS for warrants.
• Maintain working knowledge of the CLERY Act. Disseminate emergency notifications, timely warnings, and other notices to the campus community as required.
• Perform administrative, maintenance and other duties as assigned by the supervisor for continuity of the communications center

Training Function:

• Train current personnel on new dispatch equipment, procedures, policies and regulations in group and one-on-one settings.
• Provide training to new dispatchers on the full scope of job functions, university and campus policies and procedures.
• Provide public information and instruction at activities and fairs, and at other events approved by the department.
• Perform other position related duties as assigned to ensure the Department can serve the campus community.

EDUCATION and REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma and/or equivalent certification/experience/training.
• Bachelor's degree in related area.
• 1 Year Experience In Related Field.
• CLETS Certification within 12 months of hire.
• POST Dispatcher Certification within 12 months of hire.

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Candidates must be California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS) certified Satisfactory completion of Peace Officers and Standards and Training Certification (120-hour basic Complaint/Dispatcher course), within 12 months of hire date if not previously obtained.
• Ability to think clearly and make rational decisions in stressful situations.
• Proficient in basic computer skills.
• Good written communication skills.
• Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively at various social levels and across diverse cultures.
• Ability to recognize, analyze, and solve a variety of problems.
• Ability to react quickly in emergency situations and remain calm while under pressure.
• Willingness and initiative to take independent action.
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude.

Background check and fingerprinting will be required.

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California, Merced is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, pregnancy, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran, or other protected categories covered by the UC Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Policy. UC Merced intentionally promotes and maintains a discrimination- and harassment-free workplace by demonstrating it neither condones nor tolerates employment practices that discriminate against or harass any person or specific group of persons on the basis listed above. We seek candidates who will support our vision to cultivate a vibrant, equity-minded, inclusive excellence university community. When applying to UC Merced, we strongly encourage you to reflect on our Principles of Community and our 2021 strategic plan.

Vaccination Program Policy:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline. For new University of California employees, the applicable deadline is 14 days after their first date of employment.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/

This position is eligible for the UC Merced Employee Referral Program (ERP). If you were referred by a UC Merced employee, please identify that employee by name in your application as follows:

Step 5 of 7 Referrals

How did you hear about the job? (select) "other"

Additional information? (select) "other"

Specific Referral Source? (write in) first and last name of referring employee

Referring employee MUST be named on application for eligibility.