History Associate (Part-time) Instructor Pool 2026 - 2027

Description

To perform skilled work in receiving and transmitting police radio and telephone calls, dispatch appropriate personnel and equipment, maintain detailed records of activities in response to each request, and other duties as assigned.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is the entry-level classification in the Dispatcher series. Candidates will receive training and take the Public Safety Dispatchers Basic Course and will be required to successfully complete the course prior to promotion to Dispatcher. Although work is performed within established policies and procedures, it requires the exercise of sound judgment in emergency situations.

Supervision Received and Exercised

The incumbent works under the general supervision of the Lead Dispatcher or Watch Commander.

Job Overview

• Receive and process emergency calls for police and fire protection services or information.
• Promptly and efficiently dispatch personnel and equipment to accident, rescue, and emergency scenes.
• Analyze requests for police service; determine priority ranking of each request and the kind and level of service to be dispatched in initial response; and determine available units to dispatch.
• Listen to each radio transmission from police personnel in the field; acknowledge and comply with request for action or information.
• Maintain awareness of position of each police unit and activities in which personnel are engaged; check periodically with personnel to verify position and activity; supply back-up personnel; and take other appropriate steps to provide for the safety of field personnel.
• Maintain detailed records of each service request, each action taken, and the time each action was taken.
• Operate dispatch equipment and computer equipment.
• Input and retrieve a variety of public safety information using a computer; enter, update, and retrieve information regarding wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, stolen vehicles, and other information.
• Notify ambulance personnel, alarm company, traffic and signal maintenance, and other related personnel concerning emergencies.
• Maintain knowledge of the geography, street locations, and landmarks in the City and a general knowledge of the geography and landmarks of surrounding cities.

Qualification Guidelines

• Education: Graduation from high school or equivalent.
• Experience: One year of radio work, preferably in a municipal setting is preferred but not required.
• SOME KNOWLEDGE OF:
  • The proper operation of telephone, voice radio, and burglar alarm reception equipment.
  • The proper operation of computer, speed dialer, dictaphone/tape recorder, and teletype machines.
  • The geography of the City and location of streets and important buildings.
  • Correct English usage, spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
• REQUISITE ABILITIES:
  • Analyzing situations and adopting quick, effective courses of action in emergency situations, in accordance with established rules and regulations.
  • Speaking clearly, in a well-modulated voice, and using proper diction.
  • Effectively communicating with and eliciting information from upset and irate citizens.
  • Following oral and written instructions and carrying out assignments with minimal supervision.
  • Type at a speed necessary for successful job performance.
  • Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other employees, City officials, and the public.
  • Maintaining the security of criminal offender and other confidential information.
  • Preparing and maintaining a variety of records and reports.
• SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Ability to work evenings, holidays, weekends, irregular hours, and variable shifts.
• Ability to work closely with others and in confined spaces, around electrical energy.
• Normal vision and hearing acuity.
• Physical Tasks and Environmental Conditions:
  • Work is primarily performed in an office environment requiring prolonged sitting; walking, kneeling, crouching, squatting, stooping, bending, leaning, and twisting.
  • Operate a computer terminal, telephone and dispatch equipment.
  • Exposure to computer glare, vibrations, and pitch.
  • Able to lift, carry, and move objects totaling approximately 15 pounds in weight.
  • Have mobility, vision, hearing, and dexterity levels appropriate to the duties to be performed.

Other Job-Related Duties

• Perform a variety of record keeping, filing, and other general clerical duties.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Questions

• 01: Please describe your radio dispatching experience as it relates to this position.
• 02: Please describe your experience answering and directing heavy phones. How many telephone lines have you been responsible for answering?
• 03: Please describe your computer experience.
• 04: What would you do to calm down an upset (hysterical) person who is calling in an emergency?