Communications Dispatcher II

Communications Dispatcher II

The City of Richmond is looking for Communications Dispatcher II candidates who are passionate about helping others; great communicators both orally and in writing; capable of establishing and maintaining positive and cooperative working relationships; comfortable and confident in making decisions when faced with limited information; and able to exercise authority and take control in emergency situations. The Communications Dispatcher II receives emergency and non-emergency calls from the public, including cellular telephone users, requesting services;

dispatches emergency police, fire, and other public safety units in a coordinated manner; operates various communications equipment; functions as a lead worker; provides training; and performs other related work as required. Shift work and working on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays are normal working conditions for this job. A 5% salary differential is paid for the 4:00 p.m. to Midnight shift, and a 7.5% salary differential is paid for the Midnight to 8:00 a.m. shift.

Communications Dispatcher II's are required to wear a uniform and receive a $600 annual uniform allowance. Communications Dispatcher II - Annual salary for this position is $ 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 communications 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.
• Provides training to Communications Dispatcher I's and Call Takers; reviews work for accuracy and compliance with standards.
• Handles more complex situations that demand a higher level of knowledge and skills.
• In the absence of a Communications Shift Supervisor, may be required to perform some of the duties of a Communications Shift Supervisor; may be required to act (in accordance with the Personnel Rules) as Communications Shift Supervisor.
• 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, major buildings, and geographical areas of the cities of Richmond, San Pablo (including Contra Costa College), El Cerrito and Kensington. Principles and processes for providing customer service. Knowledge of communication devices and equipment. Ability to: accurately dispatch public safety equipment in a coordinated manner; verbally communicate, obtain, retain and analyze information from distraught or incoherent callers regarding their needs;

interpret written instructions, policies, rules and other materials used in performing dispatching duties; quickly sort and prioritize information regarding multiple incidents; relay messages exactly as received; operate computerized communications terminals; use good judgment as to when to act independently and when to refer situations to a supervisor; speak clearly and concisely in English; react quickly, accurately, and calmly in handling emergency calls for assistance;

prepare records and reports and maintain files; work independently; solve problems and explain work instructions to Communications Dispatcher I's and Call Takers; and follow written and oral directions. Experience/Training:
Eighteen months (18) of full-time experience performing public safety dispatch duties, the ability to type a minimum of 30 words per minute, and the qualifications listed…