Communications Technician (Dispatcher) - Lateral

Company: City of San Luis Obispo
Location: San Luis Obispo
Posted on: May 21, 2023

Job Description:

JOB DESCRIPTIONAt this time we are looking for Lateral Dispatchers.(Note: A lateral candidate is someone who has a minimum of one year of experience in dispatching for a Public Safety Agency and meets the minimum requirements of the position.)Applications will be received by Human Resources on a continuous basis. When a vacancy is anticipated, the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in an oral interview and physical agility test. These applicants will be selected based on the information contained on the application form, and resume.We are offering Lateral Communications Technicians (Dispatcher) a hiring incentiveconsisting of up to $10,000 payable as follows:* Up to $5,000 upon hire.* Up to $1,000 upon successful completion of the Field Training Program.* Up to $2,000 upon successful completion of the 12-month probationary period.* Up to $2,000 paid upon successful completion of the third-year anniversary.* Up to forty (40) hours of vacation upon completion of the first six-months ofemployment. The Police Chief has the discretion to grant the 40 hours of vacation leave at a different time on a case-by-case basis.In addition:You will receive a 100% service credit towards vacation accrual for completed public sector years of service.For those Lateral Dispatchers who live 50 or more miles from San Luis Obispo County, there is a Relocation incentive up to $10,000 for relocation expenses.Failure to continue in the City service for three years due to voluntary resignation will result in the need to repay a proportional amount of the relocation and/or hiring incentives.JOB SUMMARY:Under general supervision, operates radio systems to dispatch public safety emergency vehicles and personnel, answers emergency and non-emergency phone calls and provides pre-arrival medical emergency instructions. Performs a variety of clerical activities and related work as required.CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:Employees in this line-level classification perform the full range of assigned duties. They must be able to work in an independent manner, receiving only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise. Communications Technicians are fully competent and knowledgeable of the operating procedures and policies within the City and the Police and Fire Departments. They are responsible for responding to a wide variety of calls and requests in an appropriate and timely manner. This requires a thorough knowledge of public safety dispatch procedures and standards as well as excellent communication and interpersonal skills. This classification is distinguished from the Communications Supervisor in that the latter is responsible for the evaluation and supervision of the Communications Technicians.SUPERVISIONSUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:Works under the general supervision of the Communications Supervisor and the Watch Commander.EXAMPLES OF DUTIESEXAMPLE OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all tasks that may be found in positions of this class.)* Receives information and requests for services from the public via telephone and Text to 9-1-1.* Receives information via radio over numerous police, fire, and public works radio frequencies.* Uses various computer programs to provide resource information to field units, other agencies, and the public.* Makes accurate entries into the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System and collects and enters pertinent information into local data storage systems.* Analyzes situations accurately and takes effective action to help assure officer and citizen safety.* Communicates in a calm, clear, easily understood voice with proper diction, under stressful conditions.* Dispatches emergency police, fire, and other City resources/vehicles to scenes of requests for service in accordance with established policies and procedures. Prioritizes and assigns appropriate resources for emergency and non-emergency service calls.* Provides medical pre-arrival instructions using established emergency medical dispatch protocols.* Maintains computerized and paper indexes of information in the communications center.* Disseminates information on wanted persons, property, warrants, etc.* Responsible for proper care of communications equipment. Maintains security for confidential or restricted information.* Performs related duties similar to the above in scope and function as required.KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:Knowledge of:* Current computer and cellular telephone technology.* California law and City of San Luis Obispo ordinances.Ability to:* Learn the standard broadcasting procedures of a law enforcement radio system.* Learn and utilize established emergency medical dispatch protocols to provide pre-arrival instructions.* Simultaneously use the computer keyboard effectively while speaking on the phone and radio.* Communicate in a clear, easily understood voice with proper diction, under stressful conditions.* Apply acquired knowledge to new situations in order to make effective decisions.* Demonstrate social intelligence combined with quick thinking and decisive action.* Accurately type at a rate of net 30 words per minute.* Establish and maintain effective work relationships with those contacted in the course of work.TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONSEDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:Entry LevelHigh School diploma from a recognized American accreditor or G.E.D.;andTwo years of typing, keyboard or clerical experience with word processing speed of at least 30 w.p.m. net.;andSuccessful completion of a POST Entry-level Dispatcher Selection exam before hire.Experience operating radio and telephone equipment and data entry terminals is desirable.LateralIn addition to the above:A minimum of one year of experience in dispatching for a Public Safety Agency.Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) experience is preferred.Successful completion of a POST-certified Public Safety Dispatcher's Basic Course of no less than 80 hours.POSSESSION AND MAINTENANCE OF:* A valid California class C driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.THIS POSITION WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING BEFORE A FINAL OFFER IS MADE:* Polygraph* Police Background Investigation* Pre-employment Physical* LiveScan Fingerprinting - DOJ

Keywords: City of San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo , Communications Technician (Dispatcher) - Lateral, Engineering , San Luis Obispo, California