Communications Dispatcher (Entry-Level)

About the role

The East Bay Regional Park District's Public Safety Department is seeking entry-level Communications Dispatchers to join our team. This role involves performing a variety of dispatch and non-hazardous law enforcement functions in a non-sworn capacity.

Responsibilities

• Receives telephone calls from members of the public, employees, or other agencies requesting general park information, police or fire assistance, including “911” and other emergency calls.
• Transmits and receives radio messages.
• Analyzes situations and dispatches the appropriate units.
• Dispatches mobile units and other equipment to specified locations as ordered.
• Makes telephone requests for ambulance, vehicle towing, or other emergency services as requested by officers in the field.
• Maintains radio communication with other law enforcement and fire agencies.
• Communicates with other agencies to coordinate a medical response.
• Operates and makes minor adjustments to radio telephone transmitting and receiving equipment.
• Responds to in-field requests for communications aid at critical incidents or any aid when requested by a supervisor.
• Participates in mandatory off-site department trainings.
• Performs varied clerical duties such as typing, maintaining message logs, assisting on reports and records, filing, answering phones, and responding to inquiries from the public and other agencies.
• Processes police (court cases and parking citations), fire, medical, and field reports.
• Performs data entry and retrieves data.
• May be required to collect monies from members of the public for the purpose of paying fees for towing, dog permits, copies of reports, other services, or for paying fines.
• Serves as Communications Supervisor in their absence.

Requirements

• Education: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade.
• Experience: Two years of recent, responsible work experience.
• Licenses/Certificates: Valid California Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record.

Qualifications

• Knowledge: Of the purposes and general methods of police and fire dispatching; Routine clerical operations; Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and software applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access.
• Skills: Type 40 net words per minute; Multi-task; File and prepare accurate reports; Manual dexterity to operate telephone, radio, and computer keyboard equipment; Speak English proficiently, clearly and audibly; Memorize and retain information quickly; Meet physical requirements (e.g., eyesight and hearing to satisfactorily complete job tasks); spell correctly; Learn the laws, regulations, and rules applicable to area of assignment; Learn operating procedures and policies of assigned division; Follow instructions, reason clearly, analyze situations accurately, act quickly and effectively in emergency situations; Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications; Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work at all levels, including a culturally diverse general public, with a focus on quality service to internal staff and external customers and park users.

Skills

• Ability to type 40 net words per minute.
• Multi-tasking ability.
• File and prepare accurate reports.
• Manual dexterity to operate telephone, radio, and computer keyboard equipment.
• Speak English proficiently, clearly and audibly.
• Memorize and retain information quickly.
• Meet physical requirements (e.g., eyesight and hearing to satisfactorily complete job tasks).
• Spell correctly.
• Learn the laws, regulations, and rules applicable to area of assignment.
• Learn operating procedures and policies of assigned division.
• Follow instructions, reason clearly, analyze situations accurately, act quickly and effectively in emergency situations.
• Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work at all levels, including a culturally diverse general public, with a focus on quality service to internal staff and external customers and park users.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending, and pension benefits through California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS).
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development.
• Free on-site parking.
• Free parking permit for EBRPD parks (for up to 2 privately owned vehicles).
• Employee discounts for certain EBRPD park amenities (reservations, daily fishing permit, public boat launch).

Pay

The pay range for this position is TBD, based on qualifications and experience.

Schedule

The schedule for this position is typically 40 hours per week, with potential for evening, weekend, and holiday shifts.