Public Safety Dispatcher

Positions hired from April 1, 2026 to June 30, 2028 in the Lateral Public Safety Dispatcher class with a minimum of two (2) or more years of public safety dispatching experience may be eligible for up to a $7,500 bonus incentive.

Under general supervision, learn and understand City Police Department dispatching policies, methods, and procedures; receive emergency and non-emergency calls for service through 911, radio, phone, and other communications media; dispatch law enforcement, fire, and other public safety personnel and equipment; provide telecommunications support and incident coordination for field units; learn and serve as call taker for the City of Clovis 911 Public Safety Answering Point;

assist with other non-emergency responsibilities when assigned; perform general office support assignments; help and serve people in need; and to perform related work as required.

Positions in this class work in a team setting with other Public Safety Dispatchers using radio equipment, and computers where incumbents may be required to handle several emergencies simultaneously. Incumbents work under the guidance of a Lead Public Safety Dispatcher, and under the general supervision of a Communications Supervisor. Incumbents receive thorough instructions when tasks are initially assigned and after training are expected to perform duties without constant supervision.

Work is reviewed by the Lead Public Safety Dispatcher, Communications Supervisor, or the Watch Commander while in progress. Incumbents are expected to refer most variations in dispatch work to the supervisor for instructions.

• Possession of a valid California Driver's License and a good driving record;
• Possession of valid typing certificate or documentation for a minimum of forty (40) net words per minute;
• Completion of the POST Public Safety Dispatcher’s Basic Course training during the first year of service.

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent;

Education Desirable:

• Bachelor’s Degree

Experience:

• Three (3) years of experience involving public contact work.

Knowledge of:

• Operating policies, procedures, and functions of the police department relevant to the position;
• Laws, codes, and regulations pertinent to public safety services;
• Procedures, principles, and techniques of communication center operations, dispatching, public safety and emergency communications, call taking, telecommunications support, and customer courtesy;
• Proper operation and care of communications center equipment including phones, computers, radios, computer software, office equipment, and vehicles used in the communications center and in the field;
• Principles, practices, and techniques of computer aided dispatch systems;
• General geography of the City of Clovis;
• Public relations methods and techniques;
• Proper English usage, grammar, spelling, and punctuation;
• Techniques of effective communication;
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

Ability to:

• Learn policies, procedures, and functions of the police department relevant to the position;
• Read and understand the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) broadcasting procedures and rules regarding law enforcement radio transmissions and department procedures, rules, and regulations regarding dispatching and general public safety;
• Learn and operate communications center equipment, to include computers, CLETS terminals, phones, radio, and computer software;
• Analyze situations quickly and use sound judgment, initiative, creativity, and planning in dispatching personnel and equipment;
• Think clearly and act calmly in emergency situations;
• Read, analyze, and interpret written materials, maps, laws, codes, rules, and regulations;
• Evaluate situations and respond appropriately;
• Take and transmit clear and complete directions and information;
• Use patience, courtesy, and tact to recognize and discern various emotional states during all communications;
• Relate effectively to people of a variety of cultures, languages, disabling conditions, and socioeconomic…