PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER

About the role

The City of Torrance is recruiting for Public Safety Dispatchers to be part of the Torrance Police Department Team! We strongly encourage applicants to read the job announcement in its entirety before submitting an application for this position.

Responsibilities

• Operate communication systems utilizing radio, telephone and computer equipment to receive emergency and non-emergency calls requesting Police and Fire services.
• Make critical decisions during urgent incidents in order to provide First Responders with real-time information to help them solve a variety of situations.

Requirements

• Education and Experience: Graduation from high school or possession of a GED Certificate. One year of experience in voice communications equipment or public contact work involving the use of communication equipment.
• Licenses and Certificates: Must obtain and maintain a valid California POST Public Safety Dispatch Certificate and Emergency Medical Dispatch Certificate within one (1) year of hire.
• Customer Service Mindset: Ability to remain calm, have a clear and controlled voice, think quickly and logically while working under pressure and exercise good judgment in potential emergency situations.
• Multitasking Skills: Strong multitasking skills and the ability to learn quickly.
• Computer Skills: Skill to operate a computer and keyboard to enter data provided verbally and in writing.
• Relationships: Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Experience: Experience as a Police, Fire or other emergency dispatcher involving computer-aided dispatching is desirable.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or Equivalent.
• Full-time experience in operating voice communication equipment or performing public contact work which involved the use of communication equipment.
• Willingness and availability to work all rotating shifts, including Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
• Willingness and availability to work Day Shift (7 a.m. to 5 p.m.), Swing Shift (12 p.m. to 10 p.m.), and Graveyard Shift (9 p.m. to 7 a.m.).
• Possession and maintenance of a POST Public Safety Dispatcher Certificate.
• Possession and maintenance of an Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) Certificate.
• Submission of a T-score received from another agency within the last twelve (12) months and obtained a T-score of 50 or higher.

Benefits

The City of Torrance offers a range of benefit programs for employees and their eligible dependents. Benefits may include health, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as a variety of voluntary benefits. Programs and benefits amounts vary and are based on bargaining unit, family size, hire date, plan selection, and number of hours worked.

Pay

Details on pay are not specified in the job posting.

Schedule

Public Safety Dispatchers currently work three 12-hour shifts per week. Work shifts may be extended as needed. You must be available to work rotating shifts, including day, evening, graveyard, weekends and holidays.

How to Apply & Exam Process

Interested candidates must submit an online application and supplemental questionnaire at www.TorranceCA.Gov/Jobs. Application submission will be accepted on a continuous basis until the position(s) is/are filled. First review of applications will be those received by Monday, March 16, 2026, at 11:59pm. If a sufficient number of qualified applications are received by the first review date, there is the possibility that the recruitment may close at that time. Only those candidates who best meet the City and Department's needs will be invited to participate in the examination process, which will consist of the following components:

• California POST Entry Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery Written: Weighted 60% (Wednesday, March 25, 2026)
• Panel Interview: Weighted 40% (Thursday, April 16, 2026)

Special Notes

• Names of candidates will be retained on the eligible list for a period of six (6) months. Applicants may apply for Public Safety Dispatcher only once in a six (6) month period.
• In accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding between TME-AFSCME and the City of Torrance, new employees covered under that memorandum shall become members in good standing and pay the required service fee to said Local.
• Visit www.TorranceCA.Gov to find out more information about our community.
• Applicants with disabilities who require special sign arrangements must contact Human Resources prior to the examination date(s).
• If you have a disability for which you require an accommodation, please contact us at (310) 618-2915 prior to the examination date(s).
• For further information, click here.

Retirement Benefits

The City contracts with the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) to provide retirement benefits. Retirement formula is based on appointment date and membership status with CalPERS.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Torrance is an equal opportunity employer and works towards building collaborative teams from all walks of life 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.

Background Investigation

The background investigation will include job and personal references, arrest records, credit history, use of controlled substances, medical evaluations, and a polygraph. The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract, and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.