Communications Dispatcher I​/II​/Limited Term

911 Communications Dispatcher I/II (Extra Help / Limited Term)

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

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, providing training and resources for professional and personal success.

We are 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. The position requires willingness to work night shift hours, and/or weekend shifts.

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

Ideal Candidate:

• 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 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.
• International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (EMD) certification highly desired.

Education and Experience: A minimum of one year of experience receiving and processing calls while performing multiple tasks simultaneously is typical qualification. Any combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.

Knowledge of:

• English language, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Customer service and interpersonal communications principles.
• Computer operation and use in office and Communications Center environments.
• Basic principles in communicating by means of face‑to‑face contact, telephone, and/or data terminals.
• Various resources within the County to provide referrals to the public and public safety agencies.

Skill/Ability to:

• Speak, read, and write English clearly.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, in English, both orally and in writing.
• Comprehend, interpret, relay, and document information via telephone, computer software/data terminals, or other related technology.
• Screen and interpret general data and filter relevant information.
• Learn and operate Computer‑Aided Dispatch (CAD) Systems and other related technology.
• Read and interpret various mapping devices and relay pertinent information.
• Work under pressure, exercising good judgment and common sense while making sound decisions in emergency situations.
• Perform multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Listen, understand, and relay information via telephone and in person.
• Remain calm and controlled under stressful periods while projecting a professional demeanor.
• Establish and maintain positive and courteous working relationships with customers, the community, and co‑workers.
• Work with the Communications Center team while maintaining assigned job responsibilities and duties.
• Anticipate and adapt to fluctuating workloads in the Communications Center.
• Communicate and receive constructive feedback and opinions to effect change.
• Access and refer to information using available resources.
• Read, interpret, understand, and follow written and oral instructions and/or information.
• Remain seated for long periods of time.
• Read and interpret text/data on electronic screens, computer printouts, and a variety of maps.
• Remain focused and be able to hear in a noisy environment while communicating via telephone or face‑to‑face.

• Successfully complete a pre‑employment medical examination and be subject to polygraph testing.
• Follow strict drug use standards and guidelines.
• Willingness to work night shift hours and/or weekend shifts.

• Re…