Communications Operator I

About the role

The position is open to fill recurring full-time vacancies. The list established by this recruitment may be used to fill full-time, part-time, limited-term, and temporary vacancies for up to one year.

Responsibilities

• Receives, interprets, classifies, prioritizes, and responds to calls of a routine and emergency nature, including those involving life-threatening situations.
• Enters relevant information using a computer keyboard and accurately transmits messages for dispatching as necessary and in accordance with established procedures, operating a computer-aided dispatch system.
• Assigns calls to police units for necessary action, determining the appropriate units required for response.
• Coordinates with patrol supervisors regarding deployment of personnel.
• Visually monitors video display terminals and actively listens to police radio frequencies to ensure the correct status of officers and emergency personnel.
• Maintains contact with all units on assignment; maintains a daily log of all field calls and units dispatched.
• Dispatches law enforcement or other emergency personnel and equipment.
• Operates a variety of communications equipment, including computer-aided dispatch terminals, radio transmitters and receivers, dispatch consoles, electronic data terminals, telephone, and leased-line teletype.
• Maintains a variety of automated and manual logs, records, and files related to communications center activities.
• Responds to public inquiries in a courteous manner; provides information; resolves complaints in an efficient and timely manner.
• Operate a motor vehicle in the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities.

Requirements

• Some experience operating radio, computer, or other communication equipment is highly desirable.
• A High School Diploma or G.E.D. supplemented by general clerical experience.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver's license upon hire.

Qualifications

A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

• Experience some experience operating radio, computer, or other communication equipment is highly desirable.
• Training a High School Diploma or G.E.D. supplemented by general clerical experience.

Skills

• Customer service and professional telephone answering techniques.
• Modern office procedures, methods, and computer equipment.
• Correct English usage, spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
• Act appropriately and decisively under stressful and/or emergency situations.
• Learn, apply, and maintain knowledge of departmental rules, regulations, policies, and procedures, and information pertaining to law enforcement dispatch.
• Learn policies and procedures of receiving and processing emergency calls.
• Learn call interview and law enforcement dispatch techniques and procedures.
• Learn basic communications rules and regulations governing the operation of radio transmitting and receiving systems.
• Utilize a two-way radio system to communicate with field units and accurately maintain the status of all field units.
• Read, understand, and apply a variety of call-taking information and materials.
• Read and effectively interpret small-scale maps, have general knowledge of the surrounding geographical area, and information generated from a computer screen.
• Learn general law enforcement codes, practices, and methods.
• Act promptly and appropriately in emergencies.
• Speak clearly and concisely in a well-modulated voice pattern.
• Effectively communicate with and elicit information from upset and irate citizens.
• Maintain confidentiality of information.
• Understand and follow both oral and written instructions promptly and accurately.
• Communicate effectively in the English language in both oral and written forms.
• Wear a telephone headset and be able to hear, distinguish, and understand voices with background noises present.
• Type accurately at a speed necessary for successful job performance. Must type a minimum of 35 words per minute.
• Establish and maintain courteous and effective work relationships with subordinates, peers, supervisors, and the general public.
• Operate various office equipment, including computer terminals.
• Work various shifts as assigned.
• Sit or stand for long periods of time.
• Provide courteous and effective customer service.
• Maintain professional composure and take responsible and effective action during stressful situations.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Benefits

After the testing link has been provided, applicants will be asked to verify that no one completed any portion of the assessment on their behalf during polygraph questioning. Those who are found to be untruthful in the submission of their assessment will be withdrawn from consideration for the position.

Pay

Details about pay will be provided during the testing process.

Schedule

Details about shift schedules will be provided during the testing process.

Supplemental Information

The Recruitment & Selection Process Applicants must submit a completed City of Vallejo online application, including all responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire (Resume/Cover Letter Optional), by the posted testing deadline in order to move forward in the selection process. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and have submitted a completed application, including answering all Supplemental Questions, will be invited to participate in the testing process as outlined below:

• The City of Vallejo Police Department utilizes Criticall to test for the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform the essential duties for the position of Communications Operator.
• This is an online assessment that consists of seven components that takes approximately 3 hours and 5 minutes to complete.
• The assessment may NOT be completed by anyone other than the applicant.
• To validate the integrity of a successful candidate's score, the candidate will be asked to verify that no one completed any portion of the assessment on their behalf during polygraph questioning.
• Those who are found to be untruthful in the submission of their assessment will be withdrawn from consideration for the position.
• Criticall assessments will be proctored online on the second and fourth Friday of every month beginning on June 12, 2026, until the position has closed.
• The application deadline to be included in the assessment group will be the Thursday before the date of the assessment, as described below: