Public Safety Dispatcher - Entry Level

we strongly encourage applicants to read the job announcement, including the supplemental questions, in its entirety before submitting an application for this position.

announcing new step increase: $96,606 - $127,083*

* top step compensation including holiday in-lieu pay and uniform allowance.

are you searching for a position to become a first responder in a challenging fast-paced environment? Public safety dispatchers play a crucial role in supporting police and other public safety personnel by providing essential communication services on a 24/7 basis. This demanding profession requires great communication, multitasking, and data entry skills. If you are someone who stays calm and professional under pressure, values integrity and accountability, and intends on delivering exceptional service to the city of livermore and our community, we encourage you to apply today!

to view the job announcement.

under general supervision, receives 911 system emergency and non-emergency calls; dispatches assignments according to police and fire procedures; provides support services and maintains records; and performs other duties as assigned.

the public safety dispatcher provides technical communications support and computer information processing for police and fire activities as well as animal control and public services functions. In addition to call taking and dispatching, incumbents perform varied record keeping, information retrieval, and similar work in support of public safety activities. Incumbents are expected to exercise independent judgment in the performance of their duties with minimum supervision.

general supervision is provided by the dispatch supervisor with direction provided by other supervisory or management staff.

as experience is gained, incumbents in this classification may provide direction and training to other public safety dispatchers.

• answer 911 emergency and misdirected non-emergency calls, and other public safety telephone lines.
• communicate and relate effectively to callers and response units.
• obtain essential information from reporting parties about the nature of the emergency; enter information into computer terminals; enter control codes and retrieve files to research and provide information.
• assess urgency of call and dispatch appropriate response level, determine closest available and most appropriate units, and dispatch police, fire, medical aid, rescue, and hazardous material calls via two‑way radio or telephone.
• directly broadcast critical police emergency calls and general information bulletins.
• enter, update, and monitor information such as time of assignment, en route time, arrival, clearance, and other related information for each emergency and non‑emergency event.
• monitor location and verify safe status of public safety and other specified city personnel.
• control radio traffic and connect special hearing‑impaired telephone lines to transcription apparatus.
• dispatch animal services assignments as needed.
• refer non‑emergency calls to other resources, including other city departments, governmental and private agencies.
• answer questions and provide information to the public, as appropriate.
• answer building intercom system and grant identified personnel access through remote‑controlled security doors.
• call in relief personnel to maintain public safety staffing levels.
• alert other agencies and coordinate mutual response radio traffic; initiate follow‑up calls as requested.

• review and record case information; assign case numbers; tally assigned calls, balance officer assignments, and coordinate break periods.
• take brief, limited telephone reports of lost property.
• maintain logs, records, and automated record files.
• reproduce computer‑generated bulletins; prepare letters, reports, and other related forms and records.
• conduct radio equipment tests; retrieve or review dispatch recordings.
• classify and sort dispatch cards; assist in processing arrested persons to jail.

• modern office practices and procedures.
• proper english…