City of Foster City

Estero Municipal Improvement District

Job Specification

Police/Fire Dispatcher

DEFINITION:

Receives and dispatches 9-1-1, emergency and non-emergency calls from the public for police, fire and ambulance personnel, equipment, services, and after-hours public works services.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS, FEATURES, REQUIREMENTS:

This is a non-sworn, non-exempt, position on either a full-time, part-time, or per diem basis that is assigned to a variety of shifts, and features a high volume and degree of communications responsibility for public safety and service.  This position is distinguished from the Police Dispatch Specialist position in that the Specialist serves as a lead worker within the Dispatch Center.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED:

Receives direction, supervision and training from the Communications and Records Manager and the Police Dispatch Specialist, and functional on-shift supervision from the Police Watch Commander.  Does not exercise direct supervision over others.

IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Receives and directs telephone, radio and data communications, collecting pertinent information and dispatching units using radio and computer-aided dispatch system; determines priority, nature and location of emergency and non-emergency calls and status of units on and off assignment; maintains complete and accurate records, logs and reports on calls for a variety of services; operates a variety of teletype, computer, radio and recording equipment, monitors equipment for correct functioning; making records checks, computer entries, confirming and updating status of warrants; updates information in various law enforcement systems including stolen vehicles, missing and unidentified persons, automated property, supervised release files, violent criminal information network, and automated firearms systems; process in-custody paperwork on prisoners; process restraining orders and enter emergency protective orders into the restraining order system; copy dispatch recordings onto tape; receives and responds to complaints, questions and requests for reports from citizens at the counter and on the phone when the business office is closed; contacts citizens regarding traffic incidents, crimes, fires, and other emergencies, and requests for information; assists in training new dispatchers; testifies in a court of law regarding activities leading to legal proceedings as necessary.

JOB-RELATED QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:  standard radio and telephone communications receiving and transmitting equipment; modern office procedures, methods and computer systems.

Ability to:  enunciate, speaking clearly, distinctly, and concisely; learn to write in a legible, grammatically correct, and accurate manner to report and record information; learn, retain and utilize the full capabilities of the computer-aided dispatch system and other dispatch equipment in a quick and effective manner; learn, retain, and use broadcasting, departmental, and city procedures, rules and codes; learn, retain and use geographic detail within service area; hear and understand multiple messages and direction simultaneously; explicitly follow oral and written instructions; use mature judgement; apply a practical, thorough approach to a wide variety of circumstances and individuals.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING GUIDELINES: Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way would be:

Education:  Graduation from high school or equivalent.

Experience:  one year of experience working with radio and computer equipment, preferably in the field of law enforcement, fire or medical dispatching.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to memorize and retain detailed information; ability to listen and effectively act upon many directions and requests simultaneously; ability to learn, retain and apply procedural guidelines; work a variety of shifts and hours, including nights, evenings, days, weekends, and holidays on a rotating basis; sit in a stationary position for long periods of time; reach, stand and hear to operate equipment; consistently maintain mental alertness, remain calm and composed in difficult and emergency circumstances. SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE REQUIRED  -- GO TO WWW.CALOPPS.ORG TO VIEW ANNOUNCEMENT AND QUESTIONNAIRE

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, REGISTRATION:

Licenses:  Possession of a valid California Driver’s License.

SALARY:  $5,679 - $6,903 per month

OPEN:  June 10, 2008

CLOSING DATE:  July 7, 2008