Public Safety Dispatcher - Lateral

About the role

The Livermore Police Department is hiring Lateral Public Safety Dispatchers. Public Safety Dispatchers receive 911 system emergency and non-emergency calls and dispatch assignments according to police procedures, and provide support services as needed.

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;
• Represents dispatch recordings;
• May classify and sort dispatch cards, as needed;
• May be assigned to assist in processing arrested persons to jail.

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 To Analyze situations quickly and make sound decisions in emergency and routine situations; demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills including communicating effectively with those contacted in the course of work; perform multiple tasks concurrently; quickly read and retain information; quickly interpret maps and floor layouts; relate effectively to co-workers; speak in a clear and understandable voice; write basic letters, memos, and reports; utilize personal computers and computer software to perform word processing and spreadsheet functions; meet the City's keyboarding standard (35 net wpm); and exemplify 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; use patience, courtesy, and tact in dealing with the public; recognize and discern various emotional states when dealing with citizens in person and while on 911, emergency, and business lines; recognize the voices of field units; and quickly operate 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.
• Licenses: May require the possession of a valid California driver’s license and satisfactory driving record as determined by the City.

Skills

• Patience, courtesy, and tact in dealing with the public;
• Recognition and discernment of various emotional states;
• Recognition of the voices of field units;
• Quick operation of electronic data processing equipment and radio consoles.

Benefits

• 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 Year180.62-5120.126-10135.9811-15160.9416-19180.1820+192.4 Prorated for part-time EE. Maximum accrual: 340 hours
• HOLIDAYS & HOLIDAY-IN-LIEU PAY: Holidays: 12 observed holidays or in lieu day off or if work 2.5 times pay. Holiday-In-Lieu Pay: EE's assigned receive 7.5% of base salary, paid per pay period
• 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.
• 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 to $3,300/year Pre-tax Health Care PremiumsFSA's for Dependent CareUnreimbursed Medical ExpensesOther options of