Public Safety Dispatcher - Lateral
Apply NowCompany: City of San Luis Obispo, CA
Location: San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Description:
Salary : $74,958.00 - $101,972.00 Annually
Location : City of San Luis Obispo, CA
Job Type: Regular Full Time
Department: Dispatch
Opening Date: 04/09/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Non-Exempt
JOB DESCRIPTION
The City of San Luis Obispo has an exciting opportunity for Lateral Dispatchers! (Note: A lateral candidate is someone who has a minimum of one year of experience in dispatching for a Public Safety Agency and meets the minimum requirements of the position.)
Applications will be received by Human Resources on a continuous basis. When a vacancy is anticipated, the most qualified candidates will be invited to complete a virtual written exam (CritiCall). Upon completing the CritiCall exam, top scoring candidates will be invited to participate in a panel interview.
JOB SUMMARY:
Operates radio systems to dispatch public safety emergency vehicles and personnel, answers emergency and non-emergency phone calls and provides pre-arrival medical emergency instructions. Performs a variety of clerical activities and related work as required.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:
Employees in this line-level classification perform the full range of assigned duties. They must be able to work in an independent manner, receiving only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise. Public Safety Dispatchers are fully competent and knowledgeable of the operating procedures and policies within the City and the Police and Fire Departments. They are responsible for responding to a wide variety of calls and requests in an appropriate and timely manner. This requires a thorough knowledge of public safety dispatch procedures and standards as well as excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Public Safety Dispatchers are expected to work shifts including weekends, nights, holidays, and irregular shifts, which may be on short notice. This classification is distinguished from the Public Safety Dispatch Supervisor in that the latter is responsible for the evaluation and supervision of the Public Safety Dispatchers.
SUPERVISION
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:
Works under the general supervision of the Public Safety Dispatch Supervisor and the Watch Commander. Employees in this classification participate in providing general instruction and training to new dispatchers or other staff.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all tasks that may be found in positions of this class.)
Knowledge of:
TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Entry Level
High School diploma from a recognized American accreditor or G.E.D.;
and
Two years of typing, keyboard or clerical experience with word processing speed of at least 40 w.p.m. net;
and
Successful completion of a POST Entry-level Dispatcher Selection exam before hire.
Experience operating radio and telephone equipment and data entry terminals is desirable.
Lateral
In addition to the above:
A minimum of one year experience in dispatching for a Public Safety Agency.
Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) experience is preferred.
Possession of a California POST Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Course Certificate.
POSSESSION AND MAINTENANCE OF:
THIS POSITION WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING BEFORE A FINAL OFFER IS MADE:
For a detailed spreadsheet of employee benefits by bargaining group, please view our
Retirement: California Public Employee's Retirement System (PERS). The City participates only in the medicare portion of Social Security.
Health: the City has a cafeteria plan for health, dental and vision insurance and contributes towards medical insurance. Employees may choose from several health insurance options. There are also two dental plans to choose from. See the Benefits Summary link to determine the contribution amount.
Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance: group term life and AD&D insurance is provided for all regular employees. The amount of coverage varies depending on the classification. Employees may purchase additional life and AD&D insurance for themselves and their dependents.
Vacation: employees receive 12 days per year increasing to 20 days after 20 years.
Holidays: employees receive 12-13 days per year depending on the classification.
Sick Leave: employees receive 12 days per year.
Administrative Leave: is a benefit available to management employees. The number of administrative leave hours varies depending on the classification.
Flexible Work Schedule: is available to many positions within the City organization.
Long Term Disability Insurance: is available for regular employees. The amount of benefit and contribution by employee varies by classification.
Deferred Compensation: is available for employees to set aside a portion of their salary on a pre-tax basis to supplement retirement.
Wellness Program: offered to help employees gain knowledge, skills and motivation to improve the quality of their lives and well-being.
Employee Assistance Program: a counseling and consultation service designed to help employees and eligible family members with a wide range of personal issues.
Flexible Benefits Program: available to help employees save taxes on: (1) Pre-tax health insurance premium deductions, (2) Unreimbursed/ uncovered medical expenses, and (3) Dependent care expenses.
Tuition Reimbursement: up to $1500 annually for job-related educational costs is available to employees who have passed probation.
Trip Reduction Incentive Program (TRIP): incentives are available for employees who voluntarily participate in alternative forms of transportation to and from work.
Computer Purchase Program: interest-free loans to employees who have passed probation and who purchase computers for personal use with City approved software configuration.
Professional Association for City Employees (PACE): voluntary organization for professional development training classes, monthly membership meetings with a variety of speakers, and social functions designed to facilitate interaction with employees from all departments in a relaxed setting away from work.
01
Which of the following best describes your highest level of education?
02
How many years of typing, keyboard or clerical experience do you have?
03
How many years of experience do you have in dispatching for a Public Safety Agency?
04
Please explain your typing, keyboard or clerical experience, including your experience in dispatching for a Public Safety Agency, in detail.
05
What is your word processing speed?
06
Have you completed a POST-certified Public Safety Dispatcher's Basic Course of no less than 80 hours? (Please attach a copy of your certificate to your application)
07
Do you have experience with Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems? (desirable; not required)
08
If you answered yes to the question above, please explain in detail. If you answered no, please put N/A.
09
Do you currently possess a valid Class "C" California driver's license?
10
If you currently possess a valid California Class "C" Driver's License, do you possess a satisfactory driving record?
Required Question
Location : City of San Luis Obispo, CA
Job Type: Regular Full Time
Department: Dispatch
Opening Date: 04/09/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Non-Exempt
JOB DESCRIPTION
The City of San Luis Obispo has an exciting opportunity for Lateral Dispatchers! (Note: A lateral candidate is someone who has a minimum of one year of experience in dispatching for a Public Safety Agency and meets the minimum requirements of the position.)
Applications will be received by Human Resources on a continuous basis. When a vacancy is anticipated, the most qualified candidates will be invited to complete a virtual written exam (CritiCall). Upon completing the CritiCall exam, top scoring candidates will be invited to participate in a panel interview.
JOB SUMMARY:
Operates radio systems to dispatch public safety emergency vehicles and personnel, answers emergency and non-emergency phone calls and provides pre-arrival medical emergency instructions. Performs a variety of clerical activities and related work as required.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:
Employees in this line-level classification perform the full range of assigned duties. They must be able to work in an independent manner, receiving only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise. Public Safety Dispatchers are fully competent and knowledgeable of the operating procedures and policies within the City and the Police and Fire Departments. They are responsible for responding to a wide variety of calls and requests in an appropriate and timely manner. This requires a thorough knowledge of public safety dispatch procedures and standards as well as excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Public Safety Dispatchers are expected to work shifts including weekends, nights, holidays, and irregular shifts, which may be on short notice. This classification is distinguished from the Public Safety Dispatch Supervisor in that the latter is responsible for the evaluation and supervision of the Public Safety Dispatchers.
SUPERVISION
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:
Works under the general supervision of the Public Safety Dispatch Supervisor and the Watch Commander. Employees in this classification participate in providing general instruction and training to new dispatchers or other staff.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all tasks that may be found in positions of this class.)
- Receives information and requests for services from the public via telephone and Text to 9-1-1.
- Receives information via radio over numerous police, fire, and public works radio frequencies.
- Uses various computer programs to provide resource information to field units, other agencies, and the public.
- Makes accurate entries into the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System and collects and enters pertinent information into local data storage systems.
- Analyzes situations accurately and takes effective action to help assure officer and citizen safety.
- Communicates in a calm, clear, easily understood voice with proper diction, under stressful conditions.
- Dispatches emergency police, fire, and other City resources/vehicles to scenes of requests for service in accordance with established policies and procedures. Prioritizes and assigns appropriate resources for emergency and non-emergency service calls.
- Provides medical pre-arrival instructions using established emergency medical dispatch protocols.
- Maintains computerized and paper indexes of information in the communications center.
- Disseminates information on wanted persons, property, warrants, etc.
- Responsible for proper care of communications equipment. Maintains security for confidential or restricted information.
- Participates in training program and utilizes acquired knowledge to train other unit members.
- Performs related duties similar to the above in scope and function as required.
Knowledge of:
- Current computer and cellular telephone technology.
- California law and City of San Luis Obispo ordinances.
- Learn the standard broadcasting procedures of a law enforcement radio system.
- Learn and utilize established emergency medical dispatch protocols to provide pre-arrival instructions.
- Simultaneously use the computer keyboard effectively while speaking on the phone and radio.
- Communicate in a clear, easily understood voice with proper diction, under stressful conditions.
- Apply acquired knowledge to new situations in order to make effective decisions.
- Demonstrate social intelligence combined with quick thinking and decisive action.
- Accurately type at a rate of net 40 words per minute.
- Conduct work in a manner that supports the overall team effort and maintain effective work relationships.
- Work with diverse populations and maintain an inclusive environment.
TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Entry Level
High School diploma from a recognized American accreditor or G.E.D.;
and
Two years of typing, keyboard or clerical experience with word processing speed of at least 40 w.p.m. net;
and
Successful completion of a POST Entry-level Dispatcher Selection exam before hire.
Experience operating radio and telephone equipment and data entry terminals is desirable.
Lateral
In addition to the above:
A minimum of one year experience in dispatching for a Public Safety Agency.
Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) experience is preferred.
Possession of a California POST Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Course Certificate.
POSSESSION AND MAINTENANCE OF:
- A valid California class C driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.
THIS POSITION WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING BEFORE A FINAL OFFER IS MADE:
- Polygraph
- Police Background Investigation
- Pre-employment Physical
- Credit Check
- Live Scan Fingerprinting (DOJ & FBI)
For a detailed spreadsheet of employee benefits by bargaining group, please view our
Retirement: California Public Employee's Retirement System (PERS). The City participates only in the medicare portion of Social Security.
Health: the City has a cafeteria plan for health, dental and vision insurance and contributes towards medical insurance. Employees may choose from several health insurance options. There are also two dental plans to choose from. See the Benefits Summary link to determine the contribution amount.
Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance: group term life and AD&D insurance is provided for all regular employees. The amount of coverage varies depending on the classification. Employees may purchase additional life and AD&D insurance for themselves and their dependents.
Vacation: employees receive 12 days per year increasing to 20 days after 20 years.
Holidays: employees receive 12-13 days per year depending on the classification.
Sick Leave: employees receive 12 days per year.
Administrative Leave: is a benefit available to management employees. The number of administrative leave hours varies depending on the classification.
Flexible Work Schedule: is available to many positions within the City organization.
Long Term Disability Insurance: is available for regular employees. The amount of benefit and contribution by employee varies by classification.
Deferred Compensation: is available for employees to set aside a portion of their salary on a pre-tax basis to supplement retirement.
Wellness Program: offered to help employees gain knowledge, skills and motivation to improve the quality of their lives and well-being.
Employee Assistance Program: a counseling and consultation service designed to help employees and eligible family members with a wide range of personal issues.
Flexible Benefits Program: available to help employees save taxes on: (1) Pre-tax health insurance premium deductions, (2) Unreimbursed/ uncovered medical expenses, and (3) Dependent care expenses.
Tuition Reimbursement: up to $1500 annually for job-related educational costs is available to employees who have passed probation.
Trip Reduction Incentive Program (TRIP): incentives are available for employees who voluntarily participate in alternative forms of transportation to and from work.
Computer Purchase Program: interest-free loans to employees who have passed probation and who purchase computers for personal use with City approved software configuration.
Professional Association for City Employees (PACE): voluntary organization for professional development training classes, monthly membership meetings with a variety of speakers, and social functions designed to facilitate interaction with employees from all departments in a relaxed setting away from work.
01
Which of the following best describes your highest level of education?
- Master's degree or higher
- Bachelor's degree
- Associate's degree or vocational equivalent
- Some college
- High School
- None of the above
02
How many years of typing, keyboard or clerical experience do you have?
- 6 years or more
- 5 years to 5 years 11 months
- 4 years to 4 years 11 months
- 3 years to 3 years 11 months
- 2 years to 2 years 11 months
- 1 year to 1 year 11 months
- Less than 1 year
- No Experience
03
How many years of experience do you have in dispatching for a Public Safety Agency?
- 6 years or more
- 5 years to 5 years 11 months
- 4 years to 4 years 11 months
- 3 years to 3 years 11 months
- 2 years to 2 years 11 months
- 1 year to 1 year 11 months
- Less than 1 year
- No Experience
04
Please explain your typing, keyboard or clerical experience, including your experience in dispatching for a Public Safety Agency, in detail.
05
What is your word processing speed?
- 56 w.p.m. or more
- 50 w.p.m. to 55 w.p.m.
- 45 w.p.m. to 49 w.p.m.
- 40 w.p.m. to 44 w.p.m.
- 35 w.p.m. to 39 w.p.m.
- 30 w.p.m. to 34 w.p.m.
- 29 w.p.m. or less
06
Have you completed a POST-certified Public Safety Dispatcher's Basic Course of no less than 80 hours? (Please attach a copy of your certificate to your application)
- Yes
- No
07
Do you have experience with Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems? (desirable; not required)
- Yes
- No
08
If you answered yes to the question above, please explain in detail. If you answered no, please put N/A.
09
Do you currently possess a valid Class "C" California driver's license?
- Yes - I currently possess a valid Class "C" California driver's license
- No - I do not currently possess a valid Class "C" California driver's license
10
If you currently possess a valid California Class "C" Driver's License, do you possess a satisfactory driving record?
- Yes
- No
- N/A - Do not possess a valid CA Class C Driver's License
- Other
Required Question