Public Safety Radio Dispatcher Trainee​/Public Safety Communications Specialist - Fire Department

Job Posting

This job posting allows candidates to submit an application for Public Safety Radio Dispatcher Trainee, Public Safety Communications Specialist, or for both classifications. You must indicate which position(s) you are applying for in your answer to Supplemental Question #3.

The San José Fire Department is accepting applications for the position of Public Safety Radio Dispatcher Trainee. This is the entry-level training classification for a career in public safety dispatching within the City of San José. As a Public Safety Radio Dispatcher Trainee, you are provided with formal training, both in the classroom and in the Communications Center, to develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the full range of public safety dispatching functions.

Trainees must successfully complete all formal academic and on-the-job training to be appointed to the class of Public Safety Radio Dispatcher and retain their employment. The salary range for the Public Safety Radio Dispatcher classification is $ - $. This salary range includes an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable compensation.

The San José Fire Department is currently seeking to fill two (2) full-time Public Safety Communications Specialist vacancies in the Fire Communications Division. This is the journey-level classification for a career in public safety call taking within the City of San José. As a Public Safety Communications Specialist, you are provided with formal classroom-based academic and on-the-job training to develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the full range of public safety call taking functions.

Public Safety Communications Specialists must successfully complete all formal academic and on-the-job training.

Public Safety Radio Dispatcher Trainee:
Successful completion of high school and one year of experience receiving, processing and/or dispatching calls in a radio dispatch or call center OR successful completion of high school and three (3) years of experience working in public contact employment defined as customer service, a call center, or a closely related field where substantial face-to-face or over-the-phone contact was made with the public.

Required Licensing:
None.

Public Safety Communications Specialist:
Completion of high school or equivalent (General Education Development [GED] Test or California Proficiency Certificate) AND one (1) year of experience working in public contact employment defined as customer service, a call center, or a closely related field where substantial face-to-face or over-the-phone contact was made with the public. Acceptable Substitution:
Completion of the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training Public Safety Dispatchers' Basic Course may be substituted for the one (1) year of required experience. Required Licensing:
Must possess and maintain the Emergency Medical Dispatch and Emergency Fire Dispatch certification through the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch within three (3) months of employment.

The ideal candidate will possess the following competencies, as demonstrated in past and current employment history.

Job Expertise:
Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles and practices, Citywide and departmental procedures/policies and federal and state rules and regulations.

Communication

Skills:

Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts and facts clearly, orally and in writing; demonstrates effective use of listening skills; displays openness to other people's ideas and thoughts.

Building Trust:
Communicates an understanding of the other person's interests, needs and concerns; identifies and communicates shared interests and goals; identifies and communicates differences as appropriate; demonstrates honesty, keeps commitments, and behaves in an appropriate manner.

Multi-Tasking:
Can handle multiple projects and responsibilities simultaneously; has handled a wide variety of assignments in past and/or current position(s).

Reliability:
Completes quality work assignments in a timely and efficient…