Civilian Dispatcher , CA

Position: Civilian Dispatcher at Baldwin Park Baldwin Park, CA

Place: Baldwin Park, CA

Salary: $56,106.96 - $68,198.36 Annually
Maximum step (2025): $68,198.36
5% COLA in July 2025 and 3% COLA in July 2026 will bring the top step to $73,756.52.

Location: Baldwin Park, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number:
Department: Police
Opening Date: 04/15/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
Recruitment Status: Continuous recruitment; may close at any time with or without notice.

JOB SUMMARY

The Civilian Dispatcher is the primary employee responsible for receiving and transmitting routine and emergency telephone and voice radio messages and dispatching required law‑enforcement personnel and equipment. The role requires continuous use of a computer data terminal and maintaining clear radio contact with units on assignment. Dispatchers must work holidays, weekends, evenings, nights, and early mornings. Shift rotation occurs every three months, based on seniority.

ESSENTIAL

FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Receive incoming emergency and police business telephone and voice radio calls.
• Compile data and maintain records of emergencies, equipment, and personnel dispatched.
• Send and receive information using a computer data terminal; keep radio contact with units on assignments.
• Type a variety of information related to law‑enforcement activities as permitted.
• Perform clerical tasks such as filing, record‑keeping, typing, computer entry, and data compilation.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• May be requested to attend training courses during employment.
• Working knowledge of modern law‑enforcement practices and techniques, including patrol, investigation, public relations, and report writing.
• Knowledge of Vehicle and Penal Codes, arrest laws, rules of evidence, and court procedures.
• Clear oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to think clearly, act quickly, and make accurate observations and recommendations in emergency situations.
• Capability to resolve conflict constructively and develop effective solutions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• One year of experience involving public contact, preferably requiring use of radio communications equipment.
• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Typing proficiency of 35 net wpm.
• Possession of a POST Public Safety Dispatcher Certificate is highly desirable.

TYPING CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must submit a .5‑minute timed typing certificate noting a net typing speed (after errors) of 35 wpm or more. The certificate must be dated within one year of the application date and issued by an accredited school, agency, facility, or institution. Online typing tests or emailed test results are not accepted. The certificate must contain the following details:
Name of the entity administering the exam
, Applicant’s name
, Number of corrected (net) words per minute
, Certificate date
, Signature and title of verifier
, and Address and telephone number of the administering entity
.

SELECTION PROCESS

Completed applications will be reviewed, and candidates whose qualifications best meet or exceed the requirements will be invited to the selection process. This may include a written examination, panel interview, and other testing processes designed to predict job performance.

WRITTEN EXAMINATION

The City administers the California POST Entry‑Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery. A passing T‑Score of 45 or higher, dated within one year of application, is required unless the applicant is exempt (see waiver section). Scores from other agencies accepted within one year of application.

WAIVER FROM WRITTEN EXAMINATION

Applicants who are currently employed as a Police Dispatcher with a minimum of one year of full‑time service or who possess a current POST Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Certificate (or higher) are exempt from the written exam requirement.

ORAL BOARD INTERVIEW

Successful candidates who pass the written test will be invited to a panel interview. Successful interviewees will be placed on the employment eligibility list.

BACKGROUND CHECK & PHYSICAL

Candidates must successfully complete a pre‑employment physical, thorough background investigation, polygraph examination, and psychological evaluation. Failure to pass any component results in disqualification.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

The City is…