Communications Dispatcher

communications dispatcher i

under general supervision of a shift supervisor, the communications dispatcher i receives emergency and non-emergency calls from the public, including calls from cellular telephone users requesting services; dispatches emergency police, fire, and other public safety units in a coordinated manner; operates various communications equipment; and performs other related work as required. Incumbents are required to work various shifts associated with a 24-hour, 365-day operation and are required to wear a uniform.

The communications dispatcher i initially receives on-the-job training in the techniques and methods of radio dispatching involving public safety operations. Incumbents are taught to handle emergency situations requiring independent judgment as to course of action where unprecedented situations may arise. Shift work on saturday, sunday and holidays are normal working conditions of this job. A 5% salary differential is paid for the 4:00 p.m. To midnight, and 7.5% differential is paid for the midnight to 8:00 a.m. Shifts.

Communications dispatcher i - annual salary for this position is $91,274.16 at the top of the range. Additionally, city-paid benefits may include medical, dental, vision, paid vacation, holidays, administrative leave days, sick time, calpers retirement contribution, life insurance, disability insurance, tuition reimbursement, annual professional development reimbursement, four weeks of paid parental leave, and more! All benefits information can be found here.

the city of richmond is the city of pride and purpose, and we value those traits in our employees! The following list is intended to be illustrative in nature and does not necessarily represent the entire range of work duties expected of employees within the job classification.

• receives emergency and non-emergency calls, complaints, and inquiries from the public.
• evaluates information to determine jurisdiction, priority, staff availability and equipment needed.
• dispatches police, fire, and other public safety units, in accordance with established procedures, and based on the nature of the call, staff availability, assigned geographical area, and location of the call.
• provides responding units with pertinent information such as suspect information; warrant, probation and parole information; vehicle registration status; license status; premise and subject history; and location of knox boxes and hideaway keys.
• operates a variety of communication equipment, including radio transmitters and receivers, computerized communication terminals and keyboards, multi-line telephone equipment, and city-wide camera monitoring equipment.
• retrieves information in response to requests from police and fire units, and monitors and maintains status and location of units.
• provides callers with established instructions for emergency medical situations.
• prepares records and logs.
• provides information to the public by telephone; advises them on what agency to contact for services not provided by the city.
• contacts other agencies to coordinate public safety and mutual aid operations.

general knowledge of: main streets and geographical areas of the cities of richmond, el cerrito, san pablo (including contra costa college) and kensington. Ability to: accurately dispatch public safety units in a coordinated manner; verbally communicate and extract information from callers regarding what they need; use good judgment as to when to act independently and when to refer situations to a supervisor;

speak clearly and concisely in english; interpret written instructions, policies, rules and the materials used in performing dispatching duties; react quickly, accurately, and calmly in handling emergency calls for assistance; prepare records and reports and maintain files; type a minimum of 30 words per minute; follow written and oral directions; and learn to operate computerized data communications terminals. Certification: incumbents in this classification are required to satisfactorily complete a police officer standards and training (post) certified 120-hour basic complaint/dispatcher course within one year of appointment.

This is a…