Sheriff’s Communications Dispatcher I

About the Role

As a Sheriff’s Communications Dispatcher I you will coordinate emergency and non‑emergency communications for ground, marine, and air units, supporting the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office, Sonoma and Windsor Police Departments, Sonoma County Regional Parks, and Sonoma County Probation. The position provides extensive on‑the‑job training and the opportunity to develop specialized skills such as tactical dispatching and event support.

Responsibilities

• Take emergency calls, dispatch, track, and monitor situations throughout the community.
• Assist deputies in a wide variety of incidents, from missing‑person searches to robberies in progress.
• Work swiftly in stressful circumstances to manage multiple simultaneous situations.
• Demonstrate excellent communication and problem‑solving skills with the public and distressed callers.
• Direct callers through emergencies, read maps, and provide clear directions.
• Type quickly and accurately (minimum 45 wpm) while entering data into computer systems.
• Maintain flexibility to work all shifts, including nights, swings, weekends, holidays, and mandatory overtime/holdovers.
• Complete required skills testing using the CritiCall system.

Qualifications

• Any combination of experience, training, and education that provides the required knowledge and abilities; typically a high school diploma or GED.
• Desirable experience receiving information over phone, radio, or communications systems while entering data into a computer.
• Special requirement: within one year of employment, complete a POST‑certified Public Safety Dispatcher’s Basic Course.
• Special skill requirement: typing speed of at least 45 words per minute (corrected).
• License: a valid driver’s license may be required depending on assignment, but the advertised positions do not require one.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of Sonoma County streets, roads, major buildings, and geography.
• Understanding of the Sheriff’s Office functions and other public‑safety agencies.
• Familiarity with communications equipment, data‑entry techniques, and computer operations.
• Ability to speak clearly and concisely in English.
• Ability to react quickly, efficiently, and calmly in emergencies and adopt effective courses of action.
• Ability to handle public inquiries courteously and effectively.
• Ability to learn and apply Federal Communications Regulations and other relevant rules.
• Ability to follow complex written and oral instructions, operate communications equipment, keep accurate records, and work shift schedules that include nights, weekends, and holidays.

Pay

• Starting salary up to $45.96 per hour ($95,924 per year).
• Salary is negotiable within the established range.
• Salary advancement after 1,040 hours (approximately six months full‑time) for good performance, with annual increases possible.
• Bilingual premium pay: additional $1.15–$1.50 per hour for fluent bilingual dispatchers.
• Shift differential: up to 10 % premium for evening and night shifts.

Benefits

• Competitive vacation and sick‑leave accruals, plus 12 paid holidays per year.
• County‑paid health premium contributions (100 % for most employee‑only and employee + family plans).
• Annual benefit allowance up to $850 and ongoing education/training opportunities.
• Post‑retirement health reimbursement arrangement contributions.
• Pension fully integrated with Social Security.
• Paid parental leave: up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County employment.
• Student loan debt relief through eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

Selection Procedure

• Application and supplemental questionnaire appraisal (100 % weight).
• Evaluation of minimum qualifications, education, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities.
• Top scoring candidates invited to department selection interviews and online skills‑based testing via CritiCall.
• Successful candidates placed on an employment list and referred for interview and testing.
• Comprehensive background investigation, including employment history, education verification, court records, polygraph, drug testing, and medical/physical examinations.