Part-Time Public Safety Communications Dispatcher

PART-TIME PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS DISPATCHER

THE CITY OF PLACENTIA IS NOW RECRUITING FOR THE POSITION OF PART-TIME PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS DISPATCHER. This is a part-time, at‑will, non‑benefited position. You are required to work at least four (4) shifts per month, which may include days, evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed. New hires will be required to work a set schedule during training. This recruitment will be open continuously and may close at any time without advance notice.

You are encouraged to apply immediately.

Under the direction of the Public Safety Communications Manager, the dispatcher receives and processes all incoming emergency and non‑emergency requests for police, fire, and medical help before dispatching the appropriate units.

• Receives 911 emergency calls from the public for police and fire emergency services; evaluates information to determine the location of the emergency and the appropriate personnel and equipment needed to respond; gathers all pertinent information for responding units.
• Dispatches emergency units on the computer‑aided dispatch system (CAD).
• Maintains contact with all units on assignment to determine status and location.
• Contacts county and emergency management network agencies to provide information and coordinate call responses.
• Operates computer, telephone, and radio console and telecommunication equipment simultaneously while performing dispatching activities.
• Answers non‑emergency calls for assistance, screens calls, and routes calls to the appropriate person or office.
• Enters, updates, and retrieves police related data from computer and teletype networks and inputs a daily log of all calls field units were dispatched to or initiated.
• Operates computer terminal, teletype, and radio unit to obtain or extract pertinent data.
• Assists sworn field personnel by searching records and requesting information from other law enforcement agencies in conjunction with field investigations being carried out by department personnel.
• Notifies appropriate coordinating agencies, such as Code Enforcement, Public Works, and other government and non‑government entities, for response to various adverse incidents.
• Responds to questions, complaints, and requests from the public in accordance with departmental procedures.
• Compiles, tabulates, records, types, and checks statistical data.
• Completes medical and fire trainings using the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) system.

• May be required to work overtime as needed.
• May be required to work holidays, night shift, rotating shifts, etc.
• Performs other related duties as assigned to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit and the City.

A high school diploma, GED, or equivalent is required. A college‑level degree in criminal justice or a related field, such as communications, is preferred. One year of public contact work experience is required. Telephone or dispatch experience is preferred.

• Valid, current driver’s license
  • This position does not typically require driving; however, the ability to use reliable transportation for occasional off‑site duties may be necessary.

• P.O.S.T. Public Safety Dispatcher’s Basic Course
• Obtain Emergency Medical and Fire Dispatch certification
• Complete the Communications Center Training program
• Complete required annual P.O.S.T. training and Continued Dispatch Education credits
• CPR certification
• California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS) certification

Applicants must file a concise and complete City application for the position online through the Human Resources Department webpage at  as soon as possible. Applications may be accompanied by a resume that describes experience, education, and training with the position’s requirements; however, a resume will not be accepted as a substitute for a City employment application.

The City of Placentia offers complete testing services for the Public Safety Communications Dispatcher position through the National Testing Network (NTN). All candidates must pass the…