Police Dispatcher I

About the role

The Police Dispatcher I position at the City of Healdsburg is an entry-level role designed for individuals with a desire to serve the community. The position requires excellent communication skills, the ability to handle emergencies, and willingness to learn new technologies.

Responsibilities

• Maintain communications between Police and Fire personnel, the general public, and other law enforcement and fire agencies.
• Receive and relay information by radio, telephone, and other communication methods.
• Dispatch to appropriate field personnel and monitor their progress.
• Provide technical support to an assigned supervisor.
• Operate a Computer Aided Dispatch System and maintain department communications equipment.
• Perform general support work to assist and maintain Police records and files.
• Communicate clearly and precisely with the public and staff.

Requirements

• Typing speed of 40-45 WPM is highly desired.
• Prior experience is not required, but training will be provided.
• One-on-one, on-the-job training will be provided for the first 18-24 weeks.
• The City of Healdsburg will enroll the hired incumbent in a 4-week POST Dispatch Course within one year of employment.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of principles and practices of active listening and clear, effective communication.
• Ability to learn principles and practices of dispatch equipment, including two-way radios, computer assisted dispatch, and telecommunications.
• Learn standard broadcasting rules and procedures.
• On a continuous basis, sit at desk/console for long periods of time; intermittently, twist and reach office equipment; write or use keyboard to communicate through written means; verbally give instructions to officers in the field; monitor and hear officer's responses over the radio; and lift and carry weight of 10 pounds or less.
• Intermittently review documents related to dispatching operations; observe, identify, and problem solve incidents while dispatching; remember, understand, interpret, and explain operational policies and procedures to the public and staff.
• Exercise good judgment in emergency situations.
• Speak clearly and precisely.
• Maintain attention to detail despite frequent interruptions.
• Use sound judgment in recognizing scope of authority.
• Operate and use modern office equipment including computers and applicable software.
• Maintain regular attendance and adhere to prescribed work schedule to conduct job responsibilities.
• Learn relevant local, State, and Federal laws, rules, and regulations related to area of assignment.
• Utilize appropriate safety procedures and practices for assigned duties.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.

Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong decision-making abilities under pressure.
• Ability to operate and use modern office equipment including computers and applicable software.
• Knowledge of dispatch equipment, including two-way radios, computer assisted dispatch, and telecommunications.
• Ability to learn and adapt to new technologies.

Benefits

• Extensive on-the-job training provided by the City of Healdsburg.
• Enrollment in a 4-week POST Dispatch Course within one year of employment.

Pay

Details on pay are not specified in the job posting.

Schedule

The first 18-24 weeks following hire will consist of one-on-one, on-the-job training. Afterward, the schedule will be three 12-hour shifts during the first week, and three 12-hour shifts and one 8-hour shift thereafter.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit a clear, concise, completed online City Application along with any required supplemental application materials with the Human Resources Department by the filing deadline. Applications may be rejected if incomplete. All applicants will be reviewed and only those candidates determined to be most qualified on the basis of experience, training, and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process.

Background Screening

Candidates who have successfully completed all prior phases of the selection process will be subject to fingerprinting and a background investigation prior to employment. Failure to comply with the background check will result in the candidate not being considered further for that vacancy.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Healdsburg values diversity and is dedicated to creating an inclusive workplace environment that is representative of the community. The City is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and strives to build balanced teams without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create a workplace that celebrates and embraces diversity of our employees where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.