Public Safety Dispatcher - Entry Level

About the role

Public Safety Dispatchers play a crucial role in supporting police and other public safety personnel by providing essential communication services on a 24/7 basis. This demanding profession requires great communication, multitasking, and data entry skills. If you are someone who stays calm and professional under pressure, values integrity and accountability, and intends on delivering exceptional service to the City of Livermore and our community, we encourage you to apply today!

Responsibilities

• Answers 911 emergency and misdirected non-emergency calls, and a variety of other public safety telephone lines;
• Communicates and relates effectively to those contacted in the course of the work;
• Obtains essential information from reporting parties about the nature of the emergency;
• Enters information into computer terminals;
• Enters control codes and searches files to research and provide information;
• Assesses urgency of call and assigns code;
• Assesses the nature of the emergency, determines appropriate response level, determines closest available and most appropriate company, and dispatches police, fire, medical aid, rescue, and hazardous material calls via two-way radio or telephone;
• Directly broadcasts critical police emergency calls and general information bulletins;
• Enters, updates, and monitors information such as time assignment, en route time, arrival, clearance, and other related information for each emergency and non-emergency event;
• Maintains logs and records;
• Enters information into automated record files;
• Reproduces computer generated bulletins;
• Prepares letters and reports and other related forms and records;
• Calls in relief personnel to maintain public safety staffing levels;
• Alerts other agencies and coordinates mutual response radio traffic;
• Initiates follow-up calls as requested.

Requirements

• Demonstrated Knowledge of: Modern office practices and procedures; proper English usage, grammar, spelling, and punctuation; alphabetic, chronological, and numeric filing systems; effective communication techniques; community resources; map reading; and personal computer operating systems and software applications.
• Demonstrated Skills: Analyzing situations quickly and making sound decisions in emergency and routine situations; demonstrating excellent interpersonal skills including communicating effectively with those contacted in the course of work; performing multiple tasks concurrently; quickly reading and retaining information; quickly interpreting maps and floor layouts; relating effectively to co-workers; speaking in a clear and understandable voice; writing basic letters, memos, and reports; utilizing personal computers and computer software to perform word processing and spreadsheet functions; meeting the City's keyboarding standard (35 net wpm); and exemplifying an enthusiastic, resourceful, and effective service attitude with co-workers and the public.
• Ability to learn the techniques, procedures, methods, and City dispatching codes used in the operation of a highly technical communications center; using patience, courtesy, and tact in dealing with the public; recognizing and discerning various emotional states when dealing with citizens in person and while on 911, emergency, and business lines; recognizing the voices of field units; and quickly operating electronic data processing equipment and radio consoles.

Qualifications

• Experience: Two years of experience involving heavy public contact while performing multiple tasks and using a computer.
• Education: Equivalent to graduation from high school. College course work in communications, business administration, or a related field are desirable.
• Training: Any recent training such as academic courses and certification programs which are relevant to this job classification.
• Certification: Possession of POST Public Safety Dispatching Certificate is required prior to the completion of the probationary period.

Skills

• Excellent communication skills;
• Effective multitasking and problem-solving abilities;
• Strong organizational and record-keeping skills;
• Patience and professionalism under pressure;
• Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision;
• Knowledge of modern office practices and procedures;
• Proficiency with personal computers and software applications;
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information;
• Good map reading and spatial awareness skills;
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays;
• Ability to lift and maneuver up to 40 pounds;
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-stress environment.

Benefits

Benefits include:

• CAFETERIA PLAN (MEDICAL, DENTAL & VISION): $1,950/month towards medical, dental, and vision; any unused portion of the employee's benefit amount will be added as taxable income to the employee's earnings.
• BASIC LIFE INSURANCE & ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT INSURANCE (AD & D): FT - $60,000 EE coverage or PT - $30,000 EE coverage, ER paid $1,000 dependent coverage, ER paid EE option to purchase $25,000 additional life insurance & supplemental life to $500,000 (not to exceed 5x annual earnings).
• LONG TERM DISABILITY (LTD): ER paid 60% of base monthly earnings to $5,000/month max. (180 day waiting period).
• PERS: New City of Livermore EEs are enrolled in the 2% at 60 formula or 2% at 62 formula, depending on eligibility, as per AB 340.
• RETIREE HEALTH SAVINGS (RHS): ER contribution of 4% of base pay into RHS account.
• VACATION ACCRUAL: Years of ServiceAccrual Per Year
• SICK LEAVE ACCRUAL: 96.2 hours/year Pro-rated for part-time EE.
• FAMILY SICK LEAVE: For immediate Family Illness - ½ Annual Sick Leave Accrual.
• PARENTAL LEAVE: For non-birthing parent who becomes a parent due to adoption, foster care placement, or birth of a child - 48 hours.
• BEREAVEMENT/ FUNERAL LEAVE (non-immediate family): 3 regularly scheduled workdays of sick leave can be used for aunt or uncle.
• BEREAVEMENT LEAVE: 3 regularly scheduled workdays max for immediate family.
• PERSONAL LEAVE: Full-Time: 16 hours per year Pro-rated for part-time EE.
• PREGNANCY LEAVE & FMLA/CFRA: EE may use accrued leaves in compliance with City Rules & Regs Benefit provided as per regulations: Federal Family and Medical Leave Act, California Family Rights Act, and California Pregnancy Disability Act.
• DEFERRED COMPENSATION 457(b): ER will contribute $75, $50, or $25 per pay period, with required matching contribution of $75, $50, or $25 by EE. 2026 Maximum Normal = $24,500 Age 50+ = $8,000 Catchup Limits = $49,000 Voluntary EE Participation.
• SECTION 125 PLAN: No ER contribution 2026 Maximum Dependent Care*: Up to $5,000/year -- *See IRS Pub #503 Unreimbursed Medical: Up 2026 Maximum.

Pay

$96,606 - $127,083*

Schedule

Will need to work any shift in a 24 hour period, holidays, weekends, scheduled and emergency overtime, and be available for call back as required.