Police Dispatcher - Lateral

The annual salary range for a Police Dispatcher is $99,871- $120,202. Placement in the salary range will depend on a candidate’s qualifications. Lateral candidates are eligible to accrue General Leave (vacation and sick leave) based on prior experience and receive a bank of General Leave hours at time of hire, subject to the discretion of the Chief of Police.

This recruitment is ongoing and may close without notice when a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received or if vacancies have been filled.

• Join a progressive and state-of-the-art department that values work-life balance, wellness, and career development;
• Enjoy meal facilities, a dispatch treadmill, an on-site gym, a strong working relationship with our officers, and no uniform requirement.

The Police Department team is committed to integrity, professionalism, and respect while maintaining focus on continually learning and adapting. As highly dedicated and trained employees, we are committed to protecting and serving the community through professional conduct and proactive enforcement of the law. We strive for superior customer service, upholding the trust of this community and organization one interaction at a time.

Spanning 19.5 square miles, Walnut Creek is a rare blend of sprawling landscapes and suburban oasis with an urban flair. There are 2,800 acres of open space, a vibrant downtown and upscale shopping and dining district, a business park, premier healthcare facilities and a performing arts center. Walnut Creek offers something for everyone!

The City of Walnut Creek staff are committed to the values of respect, integrity, excellence, teamwork, and creativity. CARE, the City’s award‑winning employee engagement initiative, focuses on three key areas: providing career development opportunities; promoting connections among employees; and supporting employee health and wellness.

Under general supervision, Dispatchers at the City of Walnut Creek work in the Communications Center receiving emergency calls and inquiries from the public, and dispatching police officers via the radio to calls for service. Walnut Creek Dispatchers dispatch for police only and have the opportunity for collateral assignments such as Tactical Dispatch, Social Media Team, Communications Training Officer, Peer Support Team Member, and Cadet Advisor.

• Deal effectively, professionally, and courteously with all contacts—including police, emergency and service organizations, outside agencies, other City staff, and the public—and exercise tact and discretion at all times.
• Handle multiple work requests under pressure with frequent interruption, use sound judgment, and calm distressed community members during emergency situations in order to gather sufficient information to act appropriately and to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Operate multiple automated systems including CAD, radio system, phones, and multiple online jurisdictional databases and use various telecommunications equipment such as telephone, radio, and computer terminal.

This work group is staffed 24x7, 365 days a year. Dispatchers will work holidays, weekends, and overtime. Dispatchers working the swing shift receive an additional 2.5% pay differential, and those working the graveyard (overnight) shift receive a 5% pay differential. While shift assignments are generally made in order of seniority, all Police Dispatchers are assigned shifts as needed to meet staffing requirements.

Dispatchers work a rotating two‑week schedule illustrated by the following elements: