Public Safety Dispatcher

Title

Public Safety Dispatcher

To create a safe, secure, crime‑free environment for the Trojan Family through exemplary and professional service.

DPS, one of the largest campus public safety departments in the United States, is a team of over 300 dedicated full‑time employees. We share in the university’s ONE USC Safety Vision of ensuring an environment where everyone feels safe, respected, and protected from being a crime victim and where the experiences and needs of all USC students, faculty, staff, and neighbors throughout USC’s spheres of influence are addressed.

Visit our DPS website to explore our mission in depth.

The Public Safety Dispatcher performs multiple functions in the Communications Center in support of various department personnel at the University Park Campus, Health Sciences Campus, and University Parking Center. Receives calls for service from faculty, staff, students and guests, and dispatches the appropriate department personnel via radio communications equipment. Serves as a vital link between the service community, Public Safety personnel, and all other emergency and non‑emergency services available at the university and in the surrounding community.

The ideal candidate will have excellent verbal and written communication skills, listening skills, and the ability to make instantaneous decisions based on minimal information. Skilled in controlling emotions and working under pressure.

• Receives emergency calls requesting police, fire, and rescue assistance.
• Determines appropriate response in accordance with established procedures and assessment of the situation; dispatches Public Safety units in response to calls for service.
• Maintains a record of all calls and radio messages; monitors status of public safety, parking transportation, campus cruiser, residential protection, asset protection, and other special duty units; prepares appropriate management reports of calls.
• Receives calls and complaints regarding service and assistance and refers them to the appropriate unit; operates telephone switching equipment.
• Requests backup or follow-up assistance from the Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles Fire Department, and other agencies.
• Operates Computer Aided Dispatch system and maintains manual and automated records systems; conducts information searches as needed.

Please note: Shifts include holidays, weekends, and overtime; must have availability to work certain special events and emergencies.

• Evaluation: Application will be evaluated based on relevant experience and education.
• In‑depth Screening: After interview, successful candidates will undergo background, psychological, and medical evaluations.

Application: Showcase readiness to join the Trojan family by submitting a detailed application, resume, and thoughtful responses to supplemental questions.

Current USC Employees: Please apply through the dedicated channel in Workday.

• Tuition assistance for you and your family
• Comprehensive health, dental and vision insurance options
• 403(b) retirement account with matching 5% contribution by USC
• 50% subsidy on Metro, LADOT, and Metrolink passes
• Explore more on the USC Employee Gateway

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent
• Experience: 6–12 months
• Valid driver’s license for 2 years

• Related undergraduate study and previous switchboard or radio communications experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of two‑way radio communications procedures.
• General knowledge of campus and surrounding area geography.
• Experience in an emergency dispatch communications center, law enforcement dispatch, high‑volume call center, or related environment.
• Ability to effectively use a phonetic alphabet, speak clearly and concisely, follow oral and written instructions, transfer information accurately, handle a wide range of interpersonal interactions effectively, and learn to use applicable automated dispatch and law‑enforcement systems and databases.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Valid CA driver’s license required. Position will participate in the Department of Motor Vehicles…