Public Safety Dispatcher Trainee

Public Safety Dispatcher Trainee

The City of Riverside is accepting applications for the position of Public Safety Dispatcher Trainee. The eligibility list established may be used to fill the current and/or upcoming vacancies within this classification for up to twelve (12) months.

Become a valuable part of your community as a Public Safety Dispatcher and join a top-tier department that values integrity, exceptional service, accountability, and respect. Public Safety Dispatcher Trainees serve as the crucial connection between the public and law enforcement. Public Safety Dispatcher Trainees under close supervision, perform entry level work in operating a 911 phone system and a computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system on an assigned shift;

enter calls for service for emergency and non-emergency calls for Police and Fire; dispatch required fire and medical services personnel and equipment; and perform related work as required.

All candidates must pass a thorough background investigation prior to appointment.

Schedule information:

• 3/12 split weekend schedule
• 6-month shift rotations by seniority
• Availability required for days, nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime
• A 12–18-month on-the-job training program
  • Requires schedule rotations every 6-8 weeks for exposure to different training styles, shifts, and hours.

Additional pay incentives:

• 5% Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) Pay
• 5% Communications Training Officer (CTO) Pay
• 5% Lead Dispatcher Pay
• Swing shift and Graveyard Differential Pay
• Double time overtime during graveyard hours
• Holiday premium pay
• $2,500 retention bonus every 2-years

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Receive incoming telephone calls on an assigned shift; input and retrieve information in a computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system.
• Obtain and record information using a telephone system or mobile data computer (MDC) to enter emergency necessary law enforcement, fire medical and other emergency services such as ambulances and tow trucks.
• Run inquiries on DOJ, National Crime Information Service, FBI, Stolen Vehicle System.
• Compile data and maintain records of emergency recorded, equipment and personnel dispatched, and/or disposition of emergencies.
• Send, receive and decode teletype information.
• Provide a variety of public information relating to law enforcement or fire activities as permitted.
• Operate a variety of equipment such as a computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system, 9-1-1 telephone system and alarm monitoring system.
• Calms distressed citizens on the phone.
• Coordinate emergency calls and relay information and assistance requests involving other law enforcement and firefighting agencies.

Recruitment Guidelines:

Education:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

Experience:

None Necessary Special Requirements:

• Must be willing to work weekends, holidays, as well as days, swing and graveyard shifts.
• Must be able to pass an extensive police background investigation.
• Must be able to sit for long periods in a confined area and wear a headset.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain within twelve months of employment, a POST Basic Dispatcher Certificate or equivalent certificate.

Knowledge of:

• Modern office methods, equipment, and procedures.
• Correct English usage, spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
• Telephone and radio courtesy.
• Radio and/or mobile data computer (MDC) system.
• Computer aided dispatch (CAD) system.
• Police department standards, policies, and procedures.
• City policies and procedures.

Skill in:

• Using standard broadcasting procedures and rules associated with the operation of an emergency services communication network.
• Hearing and comprehending telephone communication, fire radio traffic and routine interpersonal communications with supervisors and adjacent dispatchers.
• Reacting quickly, efficiently and calmly in an emergency situation and adopting an effective course of action.
• Using manual dexterity in operating a computer terminal, telecommunications devices, data cards, time stamp, and multi-functional radio operating console.
• Operating computer terminals including use of the computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system.
• Operating radio channels and/or mobile data computer (MDC) system.
• Performing a variety of clerical tasks such as filing, record keeping, and typing.
• Organizing work within a constantly changing set of priorities.
• Exercising independent judgment and working with a minimum of supervision
• Understanding and carrying out oral and written directions.
• Learning and interpreting maps.
• Establishing and maintaining effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Working rotating shifts (days, swings and graves), weekends, holidays and overtime as required.
• Communicating effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.

The selection process will begin with an employment application package screening, with the best qualified candidates being invited to participate further in the assessment process. This process may include any combination of…