Civil Service Test Announcement - Dispatcher

CIVIL SERVICE TEST ANNOUNCEMENT For DISPATCHER

The City of Wadsworth is announcing a civil service examination for the position of Dispatcher.

Minimum Qualifications for Employment:

An applicant must meet or possess all of the following qualifications to be eligible for an appointment to the Dispatcher position:

• Citizen of the United States
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Favorable employment history
• Criminal record free of misdemeanor or felony convictions

An applicant must achieve a minimum passing score (70.0% out of 100.0%) on the civil service examination to qualify for employment. Following the examination, the highest scoring applicants will be invited to participate in an oral interview. Following the initial interview, it is likely that a small number of applicants will be invited back for a follow-up interview. Applicants who perform well in the interview process and who warrant further consideration may also be required to successfully complete all of the following procedures prior to receiving a final appointment:

• CritiCall dispatch work sample examination
• Thorough criminal background check
• Employment reference checks
• Polygraph examination and/or CVSA examination
• Psychological evaluation
• Physical examination
• Drug screen

Special Credits:

Educational Credit: Candidates for the position of Dispatcher shall receive additional credit for education as listed below, provided that the candidate obtains a minimum passing score of 70.0% out of 100.0% on the examination:

Type of Degree Educational Extra Credit

Bachelor's Degree Twenty Percent (20.0%)
Associate's Degree Ten Percent (10.0%)

A candidate shall only receive the education credit as identified above if the degree achieved was from an accredited college or university as deemed by the City of Wadsworth. Eligible candidates shall receive an educational credit as a percentage of the grade attained. The maximum educational credit that any candidate may receive is twenty percent (20.0%). Evidence of educational extra credit must be submitted at the time of the application for the examination.

IMPORTANT: A copy of the degree attained must be submitted with the application.

Military Credit: An applicant who submits a DD-214 with the application for the civil service examination shall receive an additional credit of twenty percent (20.0%) of his/her grade attained in the examination. The DD-214 must reflect military service of 180 consecutive days or more with an honorable discharge. No military credit will be added unless the applicant achieves a minimum passing score of 70.0% out of 100.0% on the examination.

IMPORTANT: A copy of the DD-214 must be submitted with the application.

Residency Credit: An applicant may be awarded a residency credit, provided that he/she has achieved a minimum passing score of 70.0% out of 100.0% on the examination. The residency credit shall be equal to three percent (3.0%) of the total grade attainable. To qualify, the applicant must be a permanent resident within the City limits at the time the application is made.

Communications/Dispatcher Certification Credit:

Candidates shall receive additional credit of ten percent (10.0%) of the grade attained for current Basic Telecommunicator or Emergency Medical Dispatcher certifications that comply with current Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) standards, provided the candidate obtains a minimum passing score of 70.0% out of 100.0% on the examination.

IMPORTANT: A copy of the certification attained must be submitted with the application.

Special Credit Limitations: The combination of all special credits added to a candidate’s minimum passing score shall not exceed twenty-five percent (25.0%) of the total grade attainable.

Compensation and Benefits:

The current starting rate of pay is $24.87 per hour. Note, this wage will increase pending the completion of negotiations for the 2025-2027 Contract Bargaining Agreement (CBA). The City offers excellent benefits to include accrued leave (e.g., sick, vacation, holiday), uniform allowance, comprehensive health insurance including medical, prescription and dental coverage, optional vision insurance and participation in the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS).

The wage rate for this position is determined by the collective bargaining agreement between the City of Wadsworth and the Ohio Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association.

Application Period:

Beginning Date: April 14, 2025
Deadline Date: May 8, 2025, 4:00 PM*

No applications will be accepted if received after the deadline, regardless of the method of delivery.

Application Process:

A completed and signed civil service application is required to sit for this examination. Application forms are available in Human Resources. In addition, the application form can found on the City’s website at www.wadsworthcity.com under “Job Opportunities”.

To print a blank application, click here.

Applications may be dropped off in-person to Human Resources on business days, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Applications may also be submitted via FAX to (330) 335-2715 or e-mail jobs@wadsworthcity.org.

Testing Information:

The upcoming Dispatcher Test will evaluate whether or not you possess the critical, and job-related, skills and abilities necessary for success on the job.

Exam Date: Tuesday, May 13, 2025

Time: Test registration begins at 5:15 p.m.
Testing begins promptly at 6:00 p.m.

IMPORTANT: An applicant who arrives after the beginning of the test will not be permitted into the exam. Applicants may arrive any time between 5:15 and 5:30 p.m. to register. It only takes a minute to register and sign in.

Location:

Northside Christian Church (enter through the south entrance only)
7615 Ridge Road
Wadsworth, OH 44281

Photo I.D.: All applicants must present photo identification at the time of registration for the examination. An applicant without photo identification will not be permitted to take the exam.

What to Bring: Other than proper identification, you will not need to bring anything else. Testing materials and pencils will be provided.

Test Results and Next Steps:

Each candidate will be notified in writing concerning his/her test score and ranking on the civil service eligibility list. The ten (10) highest scoring candidates on the written examination will be invited to participate in an oral interview.

The City of Wadsworth appreciates the interest of all applicants in employment with us. However, due to the volume of applicants for this position and other job opportunities, the Human Resources Department will only communicate by telephone with those applicants that have been identified for further consideration. All other candidates will be notified by mail of their score and ranking on the exam. The mailing may take up to four (4) weeks from the date of the exam.

A candidate’s name will remain on an eligible list for a period of time not to exceed two (2) years. If you fail to achieve a passing score on the examination, you will not be eligible for further consideration until the next examination is conducted. Should the City need to hire an additional Dispatcher beyond its current needs, the current eligibility list will be utilized.

Nature of Dispatch Work:

A Dispatcher operates base radio console equipment and acts as a central dispatch/control or relay point to receive and transmit information to safety personnel including Police, Fire and EMS, as well as, other appropriate personnel. Operates computer terminals such as LEADS to verify vehicle and personal data, and Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) terminals and records management systems (RMS) to record calls for service from the public and to track police, fire and, EMS activity. Answers inquiries from the general public, directs them to the appropriate personnel within the safety forces, as well as other city departments. Operates emergency equipment including 9-1-1, wireless emergency notification system (WENS) and the Outdoor Early Warning/Public Address System. Serves as Deputy Clerk for the Wadsworth Municipal Court. Dispatch is a 24/7 operation with varying hours on 1st, 2nd and 3rd shifts, weekends, and holidays.

Learn More:

We encourage you to learn more about the City of Wadsworth and the Wadsworth Safety Forces Department by visiting our website at:

www.wadsworthcity.com

Job Details