Police Dispatcher Clearlake, CA

Police Dispatcher position with the City of Clearlake Police Department.
Salary: $4,187.53 – $5,089.97 monthly.

Location: Clearlake, CA |
Job Type: Full‑time |
Job Number: PD‑DISP‑2025‑12‑04 |
Opening Date: 12/04/2025 |
Closing Date: 12/25/2025 5:00 PM Pacific.

• Receive and assess service calls, determine nature and location of emergency, prioritize, and dispatch units per established procedures.
• Maintain communication with all units, track status and location, and log all field calls and dispatched units.
• Enter, modify, update, and retrieve data on a teletype system (e.g., stolen property, driver licenses, vehicle registration, warrants).
• Coordinate emergency calls with other agencies using telecommunications systems.
• Process requisitions for warrants and DMV print‑outs, verify and file warrants, and document impound information.
• Monitor emergency alarm boxes and provide dispatching services for various agencies after hours.
• Type, record, and file diverse police documents (memories, letters, reports, complaints, declarations, fingerprint cards, etc.).
• Sort, file, copy, and distribute reports and citations to appropriate personnel.
• Assist the public and department personnel with record checks, permit issuance, fee collection, and delivery of reports to external agencies.
• Assemble, code, record, and summarize police record data (serious crimes, stolen vehicles, bookings, etc.).
• Compile and maintain statistical and financial reports.
• Help manage property room items and conduct general clerical work.
• Assist with prisoner searches and arrangements as needed.
• Monitor building activity, doorways, prisoners, and children awaiting pickup.
• Operate multi‑line telephones, two‑way radios, computers, teletype, 911 monitoring equipment, and other communications gear.

• Modern office procedures, methods, and computer equipment.
• Correct English usage, spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
• Business letter writing principles and basic report preparation.
• Client‑service techniques that are tactful yet firm.
• Operations of computer terminals, teletype machines, and related office equipment.

• Perform under pressure, exercise sound judgment, and make critical decisions during emergencies.
• Learn the policies and procedures for receiving, processing, and dispatching emergency calls.
• Acquire basic communications rules governing radio operation.
• Familiarize with the geographic features and streets of the service area.
• Understand record‑keeping principles and maintain secure police communications reports.
• Apply general law‑enforcement codes, practices, and methods.
• Communicate effectively with upset or irate citizens.
• Type accurately at the required speed.
• Follow oral and written instructions.
• Work various shifts as assigned.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with those contacted during work.

• P.O.S.T. Incentive Pay: 5 % for Intermediate and 2.5 % for Advanced.
• Longevity pay up to 11 % of base salary.
• Bi‑lingual pay: 2.5 % for speaking & 2.5 % for writing.
• Night‑shift pay: 5 %.
• Incentives can total $1,408.39 added to base monthly pay.

• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage—City pays 80 % of premium for employee and dependents.
• Opt‑out pay if covered under spouse or parent’s insurance.
• City‑paid life insurance plan.
• City‑paid State Disability Insurance.
• City‑paid Employee Assistance Program.

• State of California P.E.R.S. Retirement program.

• 10 vacation days annually, increasing up to 20 days.
• 12 sick leave days annually.
• Compensatory Leave program—overtime can be paid biweekly or converted to time off (up to 10 days).
• Bereavement leave: 40 hours.

A POST Entry‑Level Dispatcher Selection Test will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2025, 8:00 AM‑12:00 PM at Clearlake City Hall. Applicants who have not taken the test within the last 180 calendar days before the test date must attend. A completed POST Personal History Statement (PHS) is required during the hiring process.

This position will be assigned on a merit‑based basis. The City of Clearlake prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability. Veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.