Dispatcher I/Dispatcher II (Full-time)

Arcadia Police Department Dispatcher Recruitment

At the Arcadia Police Department, making a positive difference is the guiding principle that shapes our decisions. The belief that every member of our team has the ability to positively impact the community is entrenched at the core of our organization. We are forward-thinking problem solvers that are rooted in tradition. Our diverse team values professionalism, integrity, work ethic, positive attitude, and camaraderie. If you are interested in embarking on the journey of serving the public as a member of our Dispatch Unit, we welcome and encourage your application. Come join and experience what it is like to serve a community that supports and appreciates its Police Department.

IMPORTANT: This recruitment is primarily focused on hiring Dispatcher I's and lateral Dispatcher II's--please review the required minimum qualifications for each position prior to submitting an application. Additionally, applications that do not include the required documents (e.g. typing certificate, etc.) as attachments will be disqualified.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

DISPATCHER I

1) In addition to the City's application, candidates must submit a certified typing certificate, obtained within the last 12 months to demonstrate they meet the minimum typing requirement of 35 words per minute (wpm) net. Self-administered and Internet typing tests will not be accepted. Failure to submit the required typing certificate with the application will result in disqualification from the recruitment process. Re-certification of typing speed may be required as a condition of hire with the City.

DISPATCHER II

1) In addition to the City's application, candidates must submit a certified typing certificate, obtained within the last 12 months to demonstrate they meet the minimum typing requirement of 35 words per minute (wpm) net. Self-administered and Internet typing tests will not be accepted. Failure to submit the required typing certificate with the application will result in disqualification from the recruitment process. Re-certification of typing speed may be required as a condition of hire with the City.

2) A valid P.O.S.T Dispatcher/Telecommunications Certification.

SALARY INFORMATION:

DISPATCHER I

Monthly: $4,834 - $6,031 Annually: $58,008 - $72,372 *

DISPATCHER II

Monthly: $5,600 - $6,993 Annually: $67,200 - $83,916 *

*Listed salary amounts indicate the first and last steps of the range for each position.

WHAT WE OFFER:

• CalPERS retirement plan

• Three tier monthly benefit allowance of up to $1,800

• City paid Vision Plan for employee and family

• City paid Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, and Long-Term Disability

• Expected salary increases of:

  • 5% effective 07/01/2026

• Tuition reimbursement/advancement upon completion of probationary period
• Bilingual pay

APPLICATION DEADLINE: This is a continuous recruitment and periodic testing will be conducted. Application filing period may close at any time without prior notice.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS: Apply Online – Submit a detailed, thorough application. Ensure all required documents (i.e. Typing Certificate) are attached to your application. Written Exam (Pass/Fail) – Candidates must pass the POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery (PELDSTB) with a score of 50 or above. Applicants who have obtained a qualifying PELDSTB score within the last 12 months are encouraged to attach their test results to their application for consideration. Qualifications Appraisal Interviews (100%) – Candidates who successfully pass the prior component of the examination process are invited to participate in the oral interview panel and are required to pass it with a score of 70% or above in order to successfully be assigned to an eligibility list.

SELECTION PROCESS Chief's Interview – The Chief of Police and Arcadia Command Staff will meet and interview candidates to determine their readiness to join the Arcadia Police Department. Background Check – An extensive background check will be conducted to ensure that candidates meet the high standards set forth to join the Arcadia Police Department. Psychological Examination – Candidates who successfully pass the background process are required to go through a psychological exam to be evaluated on their ability to handle stresses that accompany a career in law enforcement. Medical Examination – Candidates who successfully pass the psychological examination undergo a medical evaluation to assess their ability to perform the essential duties of the job.

DEFINITION Under supervision (Dispatcher I) or general supervision (Dispatcher II), to perform a variety of duties involved in the operation of the emergency services systems and various communication devices to receive, route, relay, and dispatch calls for emergency and non-emergency law enforcement, ambulance, fire, and other services.

Examples of Duties

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

DISPATCHER I

This is the entry level in the Dispatcher class series. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the Dispatcher II level, but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise. Since this class is often used as a training class, employees may have only limited or no directly related work experience.

DISPATCHER II

This is the full journey level in the Dispatcher class series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Dispatcher I level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, exercising judgment and initiative and assisting in training new dispatchers. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Positions in this class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the Dispatcher II level may be filled by advancement from the Dispatcher I level with two years of experience and successful performance reviews. When filled from the outside, the employee is required to have two years of prior related experience as a Public Safety/Law Enforcement Dispatcher which allows the employee to meet the qualification standards for the Dispatcher II level.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

DISPATCHER I

Exercises no supervision.

DISPATCHER II

May exercise technical and functional supervision over lower level staff.

EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Receive calls for service from the public requesting ambulance, fire, law enforcement or other emergency and non-emergency services; obtain appropriate information; input and update information into CAD system; determine nature and location of emergency; determine priority and dispatch emergency units as necessary and in accordance with established procedures for operating a dispatch system; maintain contact with calling party; relay pertinent information to responding party.

Maintain contact with all units on assignment; maintain status and location of field units; maintain daily log of all field calls and units dispatched.

Maintain awareness of activities on prior shifts and continuing problems or situations.

Use telecommunications systems to coordinate emergency calls and relay information and assistance requests involving other law enforcement agencies.

Monitor and provide dispatching services for a variety of agencies after hours.

Perform a variety of record keeping, filing, indexing and other general clerical work; maintain a variety of automated and manual logs, records and files relating to emergency services activities; enter into computer.

Operate various equipment including multi-line telephones, multi-channel two-way radio, computer, teletype, typewriter, 911 emergency and alarm monitoring equipment, Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, National Criminal Information Center (NCIC) terminal, fax machines, dictaphones, copiers, and other communications equipment.

Coordinate with Emergency Management Agency and Civil Defense in cases of disasters or severe weather; monitor weather wire; obtain and distribute pertinent information to the public and other agencies.

Maintain confidentiality of information.

Attend training and information sessions to keep aware of local government capabilities and resources to assist the public and elected officials in the protection of life and property.

Perform minor maintenance or adjustments on communications equipment; maintain general cleanliness in the workplace