Dispatcher/Senior Dispatcher

About the role

Apply today to be a Dispatcher for the Arcata Police Department! Entry-level and laterals are encouraged to apply.

Salary

• Dispatcher: $54,389.91 - $69,416.82/yr.
• Senior Dispatcher: $57,175.39 - $72,971.90/yr.
• Additional 5% pay for POST Public Safety Dispatcher Intermediate Certificate
• Additional 4% pay for POST Public Safety Dispatcher Advanced Certificate (for a total of 9% upon determination of eligibility by the Department)

Examples of duties

Under general supervision of higher level staff, Dispatchers receive and dispatch calls from the public for emergency and non-emergency services; assists with clerical duties within the Police Department and performs other related duties as assigned.

• Receives emergency service calls from the public; determines nature and location of emergency.
• Dispatches emergency units in accordance with established procedures and policies using a computerized dispatch system.
• Maintains contact with all field units, including accounting for location and status of all units and maintaining records of all field calls.
• Coordinates services with other public and private agencies, including law enforcement, fire department, ambulance, hospital, towing, etc. to request mutual assistance.
• Runs vehicle registration checks and warrant checks on subjects and relays information to Officers in the field; enters, receives, distributes and broadcasts Teletype information.
• Performs dispatch related clerical duties including, but not limited to, processing and filing of various logs, reports, citations, and licenses; data entry, photo copying, copying of recorded information, and DOJ fingerprint processing.
• Monitors scanner and Public Works radio, takes appropriate action as necessary.
• Supports front office function as necessary during business hours; is responsible for front office functions during non-business hours.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Senior Dispatcher duties

In addition to the above duties, also participates in training of new dispatchers.

Qualifications

We will train on the below knowledge:

Knowledge of: Local and state laws including California Penal Code, California Vehicle Code Health and Safety Codes and the City of Arcata Municipal Code; City of Arcata geography; standard office practices; multi-line telephone systems; computer aided dispatch (CAD) and record management systems (RMS); Teletype systems and dispatch related software; police radio communications.

Ability to: Remain calm while obtaining information from individuals who are in crisis, often involving life or death situations; perform multiple tasks under pressure, with accuracy and speed; operate personal computer using both standard and specialized software; work independently including organization and prioritization of daily tasks.

Experience and training

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Dispatcher: Equivalent to graduation from high school and at least one (1) year experience in a position with clerical and customer service responsibilities. Prior experience in the operation of radio or other communication equipment is highly desirable.

Senior Dispatcher: Equivalent to graduation from high school and satisfactory demonstration of at least three (3) years experience independently performing the duties of Dispatcher; successful completion of the POST Dispatcher Trainer course; and the ability to perform the specific tasks established for promotion to the position.

Requirements

• Be willing and available to work a variety of shifts including nights, weekends and holidays.
• Be willing and available to work overtime, as required, with or without prior notice.
• A commitment to understand and support diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
• Be willing to travel to attend meetings and/or trainings as necessary.
• Ability to sit for extended periods of time as required.
• Be able to handle emergency situations while remaining calm.
• All City of Arcata employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker related training as assigned and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

Recruitment process

Once your application is received, you will be sent a link to take an online skills assessment test at your earliest convenience. As long as the vacancy is open, candidates who pass the online test will advance to a department interview. Please note: once a preliminary offer of employment is made to a candidate, we will no longer be hosting department interviews so it is to your benefit to complete the online skills assessment test as soon as possible after receiving the link. Successful candidates may be selected to advance to a comprehensive background check. Following the background, if an offer of employment is extended, remaining pre-employment processes include a job specific psychological evaluation and complete physical examination (including pre-employment drug screening).