Senior Public Safety Dispatcher

Overview

The San José Fire Department (SJFD) serves the community by protecting life, property, and the environment through prevention and response. SJFD is a high-volume, high-performance, all-risk Fire Department that protects approximately 200 square miles including residential, commercial, high-rise, wildland interface areas, and several high-hazard occupancies. For additional information, visit the City of San Jose website.

Information about the Fire Communications Division is available and the California Equal Pay Act information is provided in this posting.

Note:

applications are not accepted through Cal Opps or any other third‑party job board systems. To apply, applicants must complete an application via the City of San Jose’s website /city careers.

The San José Fire Department (SJFD) is seeking to fill one (1) Senior Public Safety Dispatcher in the Communications Division.

Senior Public Safety Dispatchers (Senior PSDs) supervise a team of Public Safety Communication Specialists (PSCSs) and Public Safety Radio Dispatchers (PSRDs) assigned to a shift in the Communications Center. PSCS are the journey-level class responsible for processing all incoming requests for fire and medical assistance. PSRD is the journey-level class for public safety dispatching within the City of San José, handling the full range of telephone answering and dispatch functions.

• Supervising PSCSs and PSRDs, including approving time-off and other scheduling requests in accordance with established guidelines.
• Assigning PSCSs and PSRDs to work the various call-taking and dispatch positions within the Communications Center.
• Conducting training sessions and drills to maintain efficiency and coordination of the assigned team.
• Evaluating the performance of team members and providing frequent feedback to subordinates.
• Preparing written training evaluations and performance appraisals.
• Investigating and responding to resident, department, and allied agency concerns or complaints.
• Coordinating with Chief Officers in the field regarding matters affecting department operations.
• Performing additional support tasks when assigned to an administrative role in the Operations Unit, Training Unit, Quality Improvement Unit, or Systems Support Unit.
• Performing all duties of the PSCS and PSRD classifications.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this or other divisions or departments. If you are interested in employment in this classification, apply to be considered for additional opportunities. The starting salary will be determined by the selected candidate’s qualifications and experience.

In addition to the salary, employees in the Senior Public Safety Dispatcher classification shall also receive an approximate 5% ongoing non-pensionable compensation pay and a 3.75% Public Safety Radio Dispatcher Certification Pay.

Salary range(s) for this classification is/are:

• $ - $ (pensionable)
• $ - $ (including non-pensionable and certification pay)

This recruitment is open until filled; applications received on or before February 22, 2026, will be given first consideration.

Education and Experience

Completion of high school or equivalent (GED or California Proficiency Certificate) AND three (3) years of experience answering, processing, and dispatching emergency requests from the public for law enforcement, fire department, or emergency medical services resources.

Required Licensing

• Possess a valid State of California driver’s license.
• Must possess within three (3) months of employment and maintain the Emergency Medical Dispatch and Emergency Fire Dispatch certification through the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch.

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.

• • Ability to provide direct supervision to subordinates by establishing realistic priorities within available resources, assigning work functions to others appropriately, and ensuring…