Emergency Communications Dispatcher - Trainee

Final Filing Deadline: Continuous

Exam #25/80S01/09LC

The Emergency Communications Department is responsible for the operation of a countywide, consolidated Emergency Communications Center providing 9-1-1 and non-emergency call answering and law enforcement, fire protection and emergency medical dispatch services for over 30 local, Regional, County and State Public Safety agencies.

The Communications Dispatcher Trainee receives on-the-job training in basic 9-1-1 call answering and radio dispatching methods and techniques.

This classification is part of a flexible series. Incumbents appointed at the lower level of the career series may be promoted up to the higher level of the career series subject to their meeting the employment standards for the higher class and a recommendation for their promotion by the appointing authority.

The Eligible List established by this recruitment process may be used to fill current and future vacancies on a regular full-time, part-time, or temporary basis.

Hire dates for 2026 coincide with the In-House Dispatch Academy start dates:

• January 12, 2026
• April 6, 2026
• July 13, 2026
• October 5, 2026

• Learns to dispatch police and fire personnel and equipment on both routine and emergency calls utilizing the computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system, radio dispatching consoles, and related communications equipment; learns to monitor and maintain the status of assigned public safety personnel and public safety frequencies and equipment; learns to analyze situations accurately and take effective action in accordance with policies and procedures to help assure officer and citizen safety
• Receives 9-1-1 and non-emergency calls for service; utilizes interrogation techniques/protocols to evaluate what type of help is needed
• Enters information by typing while having a live conversation into a CAD system
• Determines scene and responder safety; transfers calls to the proper emergency service provider, or provides information to the field units and/or public
• Manages callers who may be in distress and highly emotional
• Inquiries, interprets, verifies, receives, and disseminates information from law enforcement computer networks relating to wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, and related matters
• Analyzes situations accurately and takes effective action to help assure officer and public safety
• Utilizes map and GIS software programs to identify the location of an incident and monitor units
• Records the nature and source of all incoming and outgoing phone and radio messages, as required
• Relays critical information as quickly as possible
• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker as required

To view the complete classification description, please visit the County of Monterey website:
Communications Dispatcher I

Will have a proven track record demonstrating the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively
• Empathize with members of the public in sensitive and/or distressful situations
• Document information in English in a clear, organized, concise, and understandable manner
• Accurately type a keyboard terminal minimum of 30 wpm (net on a computer)

Any combination of training, education and/or experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities and required conditions of employment is qualifying. An example of a way these requirements might be acquired is:

• Education:
  
  Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience:
  
  One (1) year of experience involving substantial public contact.