Job Number:
Comm. Dispatcher I and II DN

Job Title:
Communications Dispatcher I and II

Category:
Public Safety

Status:
Open

Salary:
Communications Dispatcher I - $4,422-$5,184/per month Communications Dispatcher II - $5,302-$6,290/per month

Description:

Dispatchers work in the Communication Center of the Richmond Police Department receiving emergency calls, complaints and inquiries from the public; evaluating this information to determine jurisdiction and equipment to be dispatched; and dispatching police, fire and other public safety units to the scene of the situation.    Shift work on Saturday, Sunday and holidays are normal working conditions of this job.  A 5% salary differential is paid for the 4:00 p.m. to Midnight, and 7.5% for the Midnight to 8:00 a.m. shifts.

Because of the sensitivity of the dispatcher position, applicants must be emotionally stable and mature, and have a satisfactory record as a law abiding citizen.  Final candidates for the position will be required to take a polygraph examination and undergo a background investigation.  Excessive alcohol usage, drug abuse, a poor work record or any falsification of employment information are grounds for disqualification from employment consideration.

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Publication Date/Time:

7/1/2009 12:00 AM

Closing Date/Time:

Open Until Filled

Qualifications:

Communications Dispatcher I: Requirements: Persons hired in this position receive on-the-job training in the techniques and methods of radio dispatching involving police and fire safety operations. Ability to: Speak clearly and concisely in English; interpret instructions, reference materials and written guidelines relating to dispatching duties; type 30 net words per minute; react quickly and calmly in emergency situations; and follow directives from supervisors. Physical Qualification: Incumbents must have excellent hearing. Certification Requirement: Incumbents in this classification are required to pass a P.O.S.T. certified, 80-hour Basic Complaint Dispatcher course within one (1) year of appointment. This is a condition of continued employment and failure to do so will result in termination. Typing Certificate: Each applicant must submit with their application a typing certificate. The certificate must specify qualification on an electric typewriter/computer of at least 30 net w.p.m., with no more than 15 errors. Only certificates from a public agency, school/training center or employment agency [issued within six (6) months of application] will be accepted. Each certificate must include the following: name of the school, agency or institution conducting the testing; the equipment used (typewriter/computer); the gross and net number of words, and the number of errors; the signature of the individual responsible for the testing; and the testing date. SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL BE SUBJECT TO A BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION, POLYGRAPH & MEDICAL EXAMINATION PRIOR TO A JOB OFFER. Communications Dispatcher II: Requirements: Persons hired in this position function at the level of a fully qualified dispatcher of emergency public safety personnel and equipment, and are responsible for the operation of a variety of voice and print-out communications equipment to receive and transmit messages and information. Incumbents handle emergency situations requiring independent judgment as to the correct course of action where unprecedented situations may arise. Skill in: Accurately dispatching public safety equipment in a coordinated manner; analyzing verbal information and deciding best course of action; interpreting instructions, reference materials and written guidelines relating to dispatching duties. Ability to: Use good judgment as to when to act independently and when to refer situations to a higher authority; react quickly, efficiently and calmly in emergency situations, speak clearly and concisely in English; prepare records and perform data entry into an automated system, and understand and utilize geographical information; and type a minimum of 30 net words per minute. Experience: One (1) year of full time training or experience performing duties which would demonstrate the possession of the above skills and abilities indicated above. Physical Qualification: Incumbents must have excellent hearing. Certification Requirement: Successful completion of a P.O.S.T. certified 80-hour Basic Complaint Dispatcher course and a possession of a certificate from the P.O.S.T. equivalency examination at the time of application. Typing Certificate: Each applicant must submit with their application a typing certificate. The certificate must specify qualification on an electric typewriter/computer of at least 30 net w.p.m., with no more than 15 errors. Only certificates from a public agency, school/training center or employment agency [issued within six (6) months of application] will be accepted. Each certificate must include the following: name of the school, agency or institution conducting the testing; the equipment used (typewriter/computer); the gross and net number of words, and the number of errors; the signature of the individual responsible for the testing; and the testing date. SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL BE SUBJECT TO A BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION, POLYGRAPH & MEDICAL EXAMINATION PRIOR TO A JOB OFFER.

Special Requirements:

TO APPLY: APPLICANTS QUALIFYING FOR POSITIONS ON THE BASIS OF COLLEGE DEGREES AND/OR COURSES NEED TO INCLUDE DOCUMENTATION OF STATED EDUCATION. Each applicant must submit a City of Richmond Employment Application. The Employment Application may be obtained from: City of Richmond, Human Resources Management Department, 450 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond, CA 94804. (510) 620-6602. Candidates who are unable to visit the Human Resources Management Department to pick up an Employment Application may obtain one by providing a stamped, self-addressed envelope with first class postage. An Employment Application may also be obtained by visiting the City’s website at www.ci.richmond.ca.us. (Please Note: The City of Richmond will not accept responsibility for postage handling and will not accept faxed copies of applications.)

Miscellaneous:

Typing Certificate is required along with the Employment Application.