Public Safety Communicator/911 Dispatcher (Lateral)

About the role

The City of Gilroy is recruiting for the full-time position of Public Safety Communicator in the Police Department. This recruitment is for the lateral position requiring two and one-half years of related public safety dispatching work experience.

Responsibilities

• Promptly and courteously obtain pertinent information regarding the calls for service utilizing proper radio/telephone etiquette.
• Determine the priority and promptly dispatches appropriate Police, Fire and other units.
• Maintain complete and accurate written/typed records of all calls for service and all pertinent radio transmissions.
• Operate teletype, computer and recording equipment and perform minor daily maintenance of equipment.
• Process requests for warrants and record checks on persons and property; Interpret information to be returned.
• May train other unit members.
• Perform other related work as required.

Requirements

• Graduation from high school or the equivalent (ie. GED).
• Two and one-half years of work experience with a public safety agency performing 911 dispatching functions utilizing a computer-aided dispatching system.
• Successful completion of the City of Gilroy's Public Safety Communicator training program while hired as a Public Safety Communicator Trainee can substitute for up to two years of the required experience noted above in #2.
• Possession of a State of California P.O.S.T. Dispatching Certificate or must obtain certification within one year of hire.

Qualifications

• Computer keyboarding at the rate of 35 net words per minute.
• Possess and maintain a valid California Driver License and a safe driving record necessary to operate assigned vehicle(s).
• Pass a post-offer psychological evaluation and a medical examination, which includes a drug test.
• Pass a P.O.S.T. background investigation, which includes a polygraph examination, an extensive Department of Justice criminal record check, and an FBI clearance.

Skills

• Strong prior experience serving as a 911 dispatcher for a busy community.
• Experience dispatching both police and fire personnel to calls for service.
• A heart for public service with the ability to use compassion and empathy with callers when appropriate and needed.
• Skilled in handling difficult calls in a calm and professional manner.
• Excellent interpersonal and professional customer service skills.
• Superb listening skills and the ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Adaptable to changing situations; work well under pressure, and be comfortable making quick or critical decisions.
• Strong multi-tasking skills.
• Proficient with computers and with the use of software and technology, including systems specific to public safety services.
• Participated in "sit-alongs" with the City of Gilroy Police Department Communications Unit.
• A willingness to learn and improve on skills and be receptive of constructive feedback.

Benefits

• Health Allowance and Flexible Benefits Plan.
• Annual vacation ranging from two to four weeks per year, based on years of City of Gilroy service.
• Eighth hours of sick leave each month.
• Personal leave time in July of each fiscal year which must be used during the fiscal year (pro-rated based on hire date).
• 20 hours of personal leave time in July of each fiscal year which must be used during the fiscal year (pro-rated based on hire date).
• 6.6% of base salary as holiday pay in lieu of holidays off.
• Bilingual Pay, Uniform Allowance.