Job Description
DEFINITION OPEN/PROMOTIONAL RECRUITMENT INCENTIVES FOR NEW EMPLOYEES: Sign on Bonus - $10,000 FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt TENTATIVE EXAM DATE: June 4, 2026 (Candidates must be present to take the exam) TYPING CERTIFICATE REQUIRED On-line Typing Certificate Acceptable Submission Deadline: May 22, 2026 @ 5:00PM Suggested online testing agencies: Typing.com or Official-Typing-Test.com Training and Work Schedule : Probationary Telecommunicators are sent to a three-week Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) certified dispatch academy. The academy is offered at various out-of-town locations (tuition and vehicle for daily commute travel are provided by the City). During initial training, shift assignments for Telecommunicators in the Police Department will vary. After successful completion of the formal training program, shift assignments are based primarily on seniority. Telecommunicators will work 10-hour shifts on a rotating basis (days, swing, graveyard or staggered). Telecommunicators routinely work weekends and holidays. Under general supervision, receives 911 system emergency and non-emergency calls and dispatches assignments to established police procedures; operates various telecommunications center equipment; performs related work as assigned. CLASS CHARACTERISTICS This is a deep class in which incumbents may be assigned to any level, provided they possess the required education, certification, experience, and successfully demonstrate proficiency that meets the qualifications for the class to which they are to be assigned. Incumbents may be advanced to the higher levels depending upon the needs of the Police Department. Incumbents serve a one-year probationary period as Police Telecommunicator Call Taker and Police Telecommunicator I levels. Police Telecommunicator I is the entry level class in this series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn Police Department and City policies and procedures related to the dispatch of emergency and non-emergency calls. As experience is gained, duties become more diversified and are performed under more general supervision. PRINCIPAL DUTIES (Illustrative Only) Receives and evaluates 911, police emergency and business calls; transfers calls to appropriate parties or creates a call for dispatch. Dispatches police units to emergency or non-emergency locations. Handles inquiries and complaints regarding services from the public. Operates computer consoles for call input; dispatching and continuous update of suspect information and officer location. Enters information in written or computer-based format; logs and fills out call forms; maintains records of radio calls. Operates multi-channel radio systems; monitors other channels while maintaining radio traffic on main channels. Maintains radio contact with mobile and portable units; recognizes units from other agencies and assists them with City units or supplies requested information. Responds to officer-initiated radio traffic and requests and disseminates suspect information from roll call boards, prior calls, and bulletins. Monitors closed-circuit security cameras and holding cells. Maintains and accesses business and premise history and index files for emergency and other necessary contact. Handles in-house and radio paging, crime stopper, animal control, and other after-hours phone lines. Provides court testimony related to calls as required. QUALIFICATIONS Education and Experience : Possession of a high school diploma or GED and one (1) year of public contact employment. Other Requirements : Must successfully complete a background investigation and a California Department of Justice fingerprint clearance. Must possess a valid (two years old or less) typing certificate for at least 40 net words per minute from a recognized organization. Must meet all California POST minimum selection and training standards for Public Safety Dispatchers. Must be willing to work evening, night, weekend, and holiday shifts on a rotation basis. Must be willing to be called back or held over to maintain minimum staffing levels. Physical/Mental Abilities : Mobility: constant use of keyboard; constant sitting for long periods of time; occasional bending or squatting. Lifting: frequently up to 10 pounds; occasionally up to 25 pounds. Vision: constant u