THE CITY OF PLACENTIA IS NOW RECRUITING FOR THE POSITION OF
PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER (ENTRY-LEVEL)
$68,481.36 - $84,515.22/ANNUALLY
(salary effective July 1, 2024)
3/12 OR 4/10 WORK SCHEDULE + OVERTIME & EXCELLENT BENEFITS
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:- The most qualified candidates will be invited to complete the 'California P.O.S.T Entry-Level Dispatch Selection Battery' examination for this position on either one of the following tentative dates:
- SATURDAY, MAY 4, 2024
- SATURDAY, MAY 18, 2024
If you have previously taken this exam and received a T-Score of 46 or higher, please attach a copy of your T-score to your online application; and you will be excused from taking the exam mentioned above (contingent on passing the application screening). This recruitment was established to create an eligibility list to fill for current and future vacancies. THE POSITION: Under general supervision, trained to perform a variety of complex duties involved in the receipt and dispatching of incoming emergency and non-emergency calls and requests for police, fire, medical, and other emergency services. This critical role must be able to work independently in a high-stress environment to serve as a vital communications link between the public in need of responsive emergency services.
THE ORGANIZATION: At the City of Placentia, we strive to make a difference by continually developing our progressive and innovative workforce. Our team works together to foster an environment that promotes diversity, creativity, and respect for everyone’s opinions to ensure a better result for the community we serve. The City believes in a philosophy of continuous improvement and seeks to provide employees with a number of professional development opportunities, including citywide leadership academies, Departmental Retreats, professional coaching, and more. If you are interested in a public sector career with an established agency dedicated to improving the way its employees work, develop, and thrive, this position would be an excellent opportunity for you. Don’t wait; apply today!
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: A typical way of obtaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities outlined above is:
Graduation from high school or G.E.D. equivalent.
One (1) year of experience in telephone, public contact, or dispatch experience is required.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Must be able to support a 24/7 operation and work a rotating schedule which includes nights, weekends, and holidays; may be subject to call back and overtime.
- Must be able to type a at the net rate of 45 words per minute.
LICENSE & CERTIFICATIONS
- A valid Class 'C' California driver's license and acceptable driving record during the course of employment.
- Must be able to obtain the following certifications and trainings within a specific time period, typically within 6 - 12 months of appointment.
- Basic Telecommunications Course
- Communications Center Training Program
- Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) Security Training
- Emergency Medical and Emergency Fire Dispatch Certification
- CPR/First Aid Certification
- Complete required annual P.O.S.T training and continued education courses
ABILITY TO
Work under pressure and handle multiple tasks simultaneously in emergency and stressful situations.
Complete trainings and certification courses as needed.
Type at the net rate of 45 words per minute.
Exercise judgment in determining priority of calls and unit assignments in order to dispatch police and fire units quickly and effectively; use judgment and decision-making skills to rapidly evaluate situations, establish priorities, resolve matters, and pass on information, as needed.
Use logic, critical thinking, and reasoning to reach conclusions and solve problems; follow instructions and effectively communicate orally and in writing.
Communicate with and elicit information from upset and/or irate citizens and remain calm in receiving urgent calls, obtaining and reciting facts and details, and providing instructions within emergency situations.
Quickly adapt in retaining public safety and technology training material, including laws, codes, regulations, policies and department procedures.
- Maintain punctuality and attendance; provide effective customer service and deal tactfully and courteously with the public.
- Learn portions of the California Penal Code, Health and Safety Code, Motor Vehicle Code, Welfare Institutions Code, and Business and Professions Code and procedures and techniques for dealing with the public tactfully.
- Operate computer systems with specialized software and enter data via keyboard and software with speed and accuracy.
KNOWLEDGE OF
Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment; correct English usage, spelling, punctuation and grammar. Laws, codes, regulations, policies, and department procedures governing public safety dispatching, including radio, computer and telephone communications, and associated receiving and transmitting equipment; laws, codes, regulations, and laws governing police records management and the protection of confidential records; modern police records office procedures, equipment and techniques including principles of records keeping and automated information systems.
The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to frequently sit, stand, reach, lean, twist, turn, grasp, feel, lift, push, pull, bend, kneel and sit for prolonged periods of time. Manipulate feet to operate radio microphone or console equipment. Input information into computer for prolonged periods of time. Hear and talk with the general public, law enforcement personnel, and City staff on the telephone, radio communications equipment, and in person. Hear and detect radio traffic, ringing telephones, and alarm tones while speaking on radio communications equipment or on the telephone. Read computer display monitors and distinguish colors on computer display monitors. Read and understand technical manuals related to communications equipment, as well as reports, contracts, correspondence, memos and other written materials. The employee is exposed to continual background noise, static and noise from radio communications equipment, telecommunications equipment, and other office equipment. The position requires close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
MENTAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this class, the employee must be able to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data, information and documents; interpret policies and procedures; use math and mathematical reasoning; learn and apply new information or new skills; work under deadlines with constant interruptions; and interact with upset callers, including victims and witnesses in emergency situations, reporting potential crimes and requesting emergency care, as well as City staff, law enforcement and fire personnel and the general public in handling non-emergency calls.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
This job is in an emergency communications center located at the Police Department. Although employees regularly works in an office environment, activity can become fast paced and high stress; the noise level is moderately quiet although loud at time given the need to monitor multiple frequencies radio frequencies and communications equipment, telephone, and console, alarms and security cameras on a continuing basis.
RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Employment applications must be submitted online at www.placentia.org; Applications may be accompanied by a resume, however, resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed online application. Applications, as well as responses to the supplemental questionnaire, will be reviewed and the most qualified applicants will be invited to the next phase of the recruitment process which may include, but is not limited to, testing/assessment and/or oral interview. The selected candidate must pass an extensive background check and pre-employment screening.
- The most qualified candidates will be invited to complete the 'California P.O.S.T Entry-Level Dispatch Selection Battery' examination for this position on either one of the following tentative dates:
- SATURDAY, MAY 4, 2024
- SATURDAY, MAY 18, 2024
If you have previously taken this exam and received a T-Score of 46 or higher, please attach a copy of your T-score to your online application; and you will be excused from taking the exam mentioned above (contingent on passing the application screening).
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The City of Placentia is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, age, ancestry, national origin, political or religious affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, other non-job related physical or mental disability, medical condition, or other functional limitation in employment or the provision of service. The City is committed to making its programs, services, and activities accessible to individuals with qualified disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete the employment application and/or participate in the testing process, please contact the Human Resources Office at (714) 993-8141 prior to the filing deadline. We will attempt to reasonably accommodate applicants with disabilities upon request.
To view the official class specification for this position and a complete list of job requirements and conditions, reference our job classifications page HERE. For additional information, please call Human Resources at (714) 993-8295.
