Public Safety Dispatcher II

Public Safety Dispatcher II

The City of Berkeley invites you to apply for the position of Public Safety Dispatcher II in the Police Department. In this role, you will receive 911 system emergency and non‑emergency calls, dispatch assignments according to police and fire procedures, and maintain records.

The Public Safety Dispatcher II provides technical communications support and computer information processing for police, fire, animal control, parking enforcement and public works functions in a limited capacity. In addition to dispatching and call screening, you will perform varied record keeping, information retrieval, and similar work in support of public safety activities.

Public Safety Dispatchers in the Berkeley Communications Center typically operate in four distinct positions. While a Public Safety Dispatcher I possesses the skills and responsibility for two positions (Call Taker and Records), a Public Safety Dispatcher II possesses the skills and responsibility for all four positions.

• Call Taker – handle phone calls, service requests, and operate the secondary radio channel.
• Records – handle phone calls, database entries/removals/inquiries, and operate the records radio channel.
• Fire Dispatcher – dispatch and monitor fire/medical resources, and operate fire channels.
• Police Dispatcher – dispatch and monitor police resources, and operate police channel.

Education:

Equivalent to graduation from high school.

Experience:

• Successful completion of the first two components of the City’s Public Safety Dispatcher Training Program (Call Taker and Records) and successful completion of the probation period as a Public Safety Dispatcher I with the City of Berkeley.
• OR the equivalent of two (2) years full-time experience working independently in emergency services or communications with computer use and/or two‑way radio operations with a consolidated public safety agency (dispatching police and fire).
• OR the equivalent of three (3) years full-time experience working independently in emergency services or communications with computer use and/or two‑way radio operations with a non‑consolidated public safety agency, and possession of a Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Dispatch certificate.

Licenses, Certifications, and Other Requirements:
Must be able to pass a medical and psychological evaluation. Must be willing to work evening, night, weekend, and holiday shifts. Must be able to travel to various locations within and outside the City of Berkeley to meet program needs and fulfill job responsibilities. When driving on City business, the incumbent must maintain a valid California driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record.

• Completed application
• Responses to the supplemental questionnaire
• Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Dispatch certificate (if applicable)