Communications Dispatcher I​/II​/Limited Term

San Mateo County Public Safety Communications is accepting applications for the position of 911 Communications Dispatcher I/II (Extra Help / Limited Term).

San Mateo County Public Safety Communications (PSC) is the largest dispatch center in the county and the only Tri-Community (Police, Fire, Medical) Center. Located in Redwood City, PSC is a stand-alone department with a civilian command structure, including a Director, Deputy Director, and several managers.

PSC emphasizes customer service, employee well-being, and excellence. We provide tools and ongoing training for professional and personal success, fostering a team environment with open communication. Located in Silicon Valley, we prioritize innovation and cutting-edge 911 technology.

PSC is committed to employee well-being, offering mental health initiatives, therapy animals, an on-site gym, a quiet room, and a full kitchen. We're the first department in the county to employ a full-time Wellbeing and Equity Coordinator and involve mental health professionals in departmental decisions.

Learn more here: https://www.smcgov.org/911dispatch

PSC is looking for experienced Public Safety Dispatchers to join our team for a 6-month assignment, which may be extended.

The Extra Help Dispatcher will work 8 - 20 hours per week on a consistent weekly or bi‑weekly shift.

• 2+ years of Public Safety Dispatching Experience with Law, Fire, and/or EMS.
• Possess CA POST Basic Dispatcher Certificate
• Knowledge of Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) operation; previous experience with Versaterm is highly desired.
• Knowledge of basic computer use in a business office and Communications Center environment.
• Ability to operate various types of communications equipment, including public safety telephones, two-way radio systems, data terminals, and other related technologies.
• Ability to utilize available resources.
• International Academies of Emergency Dispatch EMD certification is highly desired.

Once selected, the Department will coordinate with the successful candidate to set a consistent weekly or bi‑weekly schedule based on the candidate’s availability.

PLEASE NOTE:
The successful incumbent MUST be willing to work night shift hours, and/or weekend shifts.

PLEASE NOTE:
This is an Extra Help position, not Relief or Per Diem. Previous Dispatch experience is highly desired.

• Receive business or emergency calls for law enforcement, fire, medical, and other public service agencies.
• Screen information to determine the nature of the call, perform call classification, determine priority and jurisdiction, and document activity.
• Screen and prioritize telephone workload.
• Remain cognizant of workloads and specific systems’ status.
• Provide support and assistance in a team concept during day-to-day operations and critical or large-scale incidents.
• Assist in the coordination of mutual aid incidents.
• Develop and foster a positive working rapport with direct and indirect customers, the public, and co‑workers.
• Testify in court regarding legal proceedings related to dispatch call(s) received.
• Prepare and submit various reports such as incident reports.
• Develop and maintain working knowledge of highways, streets, buildings, and major points of interest in the County and adjacent areas.
• Remain current on procedures for manual dispatch operations and Communications Center evacuation.
• Provide off-hours services as required.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.

A typical way to qualify is a minimum of one year of experience receiving and…