Police Communications Dispatcher - Lateral; Continuous

Police Dispatcher – Experienced (Continuous Recruitment)

The City of Oakland is seeking experienced Police Dispatchers for its Communications Division. This is a continuous recruitment process, accepting new applicants now.

The City of Oakland is an equal opportunity employer that values workforce diversity, inclusion, and equity. It has a long history of activism around justice and equity. As public servants to one of the most diverse cities in the nation, we strive to develop employees who understand systemic inequities in order to create lasting, meaningful outcomes for everyone. Oakland strives to establish an environment that embraces the richness of culture, community, and individualism of its employees.

• Receiving and screening telephone calls and recording data.
• Analyzing calls for priority level.
• Using computer‑aided keyboard and data entry equipment or manually recording and relaying information (often of an emergency nature) to appropriate units.
• Receiving, transmitting, and recording data.
• Running queries in automated warrant information systems.
• Answering questions from the public.
• Dispatching from a mobile command center as requested.

• Equivalent to high‑school graduation.
• Three (3) years of full‑time, responsible work experience as a dispatcher in a law‑enforcement environment, with no gaps exceeding three (36) months.
• Must be eighteen (18) years of age or older.
• Must possess a valid Public Safety Dispatcher's Basic Course Certificate from California P.O.S.T. (or complete the certificate within one year if currently working outside California).
• Must pass a thorough background investigation, polygraph, and medical examination.

• Professional & Technical Expertise
• Analyzing & Interpreting Data
• Using Technology
• Attention to Detail
• Ownership and Accountability
• Handling Stress
• Learning Agility
• Professional Integrity & Ethics
• Oral Communication
• Writing
• Customer Focus
• Professional Impact
• Teamwork

Some positions may require selective bilingual skills in Cantonese, Mandarin, or Spanish. Candidates must pass a bilingual skills test to be eligible for placement.

• Retirement:
  CalPERS with a pension formula (2.5% @ 55 for Classic members, 2% @ 62 for new members).
• Health:
  Full coverage, including Kaiser, Anthem, Blue Shield, United Health Care, and other HMO and PPO plans.
• Dental:
  Delta Dental full premium.
• Vision: VSP full premium.
• Sick Leave: 12 days per year.
• Deferred Compensation: 457(b) pre‑tax plan and an after‑tax ROTH 401(k).
• Additional benefits:
  Flexible Spending Account, Wellness Program, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement, Life Insurance up to $200k, and Employee Training.