Dispatcher, Government

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Dispatcher I

Salary: $63,398.40 - $76,440.00 Annually

Location:

City of San Diego, CA

Job Type: Varies by Position

Job Number: AG-T

Business Area: N/A - Multiple Departments

Opening Date: 06/20/2025

Closing Date:
Continuous

See NOTES below for future wage increases and/or additional compensation opportunities.

You will be required to pass a computer-based performance test to be considered for Dispatcher I positions.

Multi-tasking skills and the ability to make quick decisions are essential to be a successful dispatcher.

For positions in the Police Department, selected candidates will undergo a comprehensive character and background investigation, including a polygraph examination and fingerprint check prior to hire. Felony convictions, domestic violence convictions, or use of any illegal drugs may be disqualifying. For additional information, refer to the following link: https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./dispatcher

All Dispatcher I positions, under general supervision, receive incoming telephone calls and evaluate requests for police services, Fire-Rescue services, Environmental services, and Transportation services.

Dispatcher I positions in the Police and Fire-Rescue Departments work on a Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system and are the primary answering point for all 911 and non-emergency phone calls from within the City of San Diego. Demand essential incident information from callers; determine the nature and extent of the request, the priority of the problem and the need for dispatching police, fire or medical field units;

enter appropriate information by typing on a computer keyboard into a dispatch format; answer routine inquiries and refer calls not requiring dispatch to the appropriate department or agency.

• Employees in job classifications represented by the Municipal Employees Association (MEA) are scheduled to receive the following general wage increases:
  • 3.5% effective 7/1/27
  • 2% effective 7/1/28
  • 2% effective 1/1/29
• Eligible benefitted employees originally hired on or after July 10, 2021, will be automatically enrolled in the San Diego City Employees Retirement System (SDCERS).
• Dispatcher I employees may answer 50-170 calls a day and are required to sit for long periods of time. Please refer to the Supplemental Information section of the job bulletin for a more detailed description of typical Dispatcher I duties and working conditions.
• Dispatcher I employees may be required to work extended periods of night or unusual shift work for which they may receive 5% additional pay.

• Police Department Dispatcher I employees typical starting hourly rate is $30.48.
• Police Department Dispatcher I employees must obtain a California P.O.S.T. Basic Dispatcher Course Certificate within one year from date of hire.
• Police Department Dispatcher I employees who possess a California P.O.S.T. Basic Dispatcher Course Certificate are eligible for 20% additional pay.
• Police Department Dispatcher I employees assigned as operators in the 911 Police Department Phone Room are eligible for 5% additional special assignment pay.
• Police Department Dispatcher I employees work 10 hours per shift, four days per week, with three consecutive days off.
• Police Department Dispatcher I employees may be required to work overtime.
• Police Department Dispatcher I employees may be required to work during all City holidays.
• The communication center in the Police Department operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with day, evening, and night shifts. Dispatcher I employees will be rotated to different shifts on a periodic basis.

• Fire-Rescue Department Dispatcher I employees work 12-hour shifts (44/36 rotation…