Dispatcher I

Dispatcher I

Applicants are encouraged to apply to other active dispatcher recruitments, as vacancies may be filled utilizing any current dispatcher eligible lists (Dispatcher II and Fire Dispatcher). You will be required to pass a computer-based performance test to be considered for Dispatcher I positions. Multi-tasking skills and the ability to make quick decisions are essential to be a successful dispatcher. For positions in the Police Department, selected candidates will undergo a comprehensive character and background investigation, including a polygraph examination and fingerprint check prior to hire. Felony convictions, domestic violence convictions, or use of any illegal drugs may be disqualifying.

Dispatcher I positions, under general supervision, receive incoming telephone calls and evaluate requests for Police services, Fire-Rescue services, Environmental services, and Transportation services.

Dispatcher I employees may answer 50-170 calls a day and are required to sit for long periods of time. Dispatcher I employees may be required to work extended periods of night or unusual shift work for which they may receive 5% additional pay.

Dispatcher I positions in the Police and Fire-Rescue Departments work on a Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system and are the primary answering point for all 911 and non-emergency phone calls from within the City of San Diego (Fire-Rescue Department has dispatch contracts with Chula Vista, Coronado, Imperial Beach, National City, and Poway); elicit essential incident information from callers; determine the nature and extent of the request, the priority of the problem and the need for dispatching police, fire or medical field units; enter appropriate information by typing on a computer keyboard into a dispatch format; answer routine inquiries and refer calls not requiring dispatch to the appropriate department or agency.

Dispatcher I positions in the Environmental Services Department and Transportation Department receive incoming phone calls and operate radio communications equipment to dispatch and coordinate various City units involved in servicing, maintaining or repairing City property, assets, services or facilities. Positions in these departments do NOT respond to 911 emergency calls.

Minimum Requirements

You must meet the following requirements on the date you apply, unless otherwise indicated.

Citizenship: You must be a United States citizen or have the current legal right to work in the United States.

Age: 18 years of age or older; except for high school graduates (or persons with GED equivalency) who are 17.

Education: You must meet ONE of the following options:

1. Graduation from high school.
2. Passage of the General Education Development (G.E.D.) test.
3. Passage of the California High School Proficiency Examination (C.H.S.P.E.).
4. Possession of a two-year, four-year, or advanced degree from a college or university.

Highly desirable: The ability to communicate and understand any of the following languages: Spanish, Korean, Arabic, Farsi, Somali, Chinese, Indochinese or Tagalog.

Screening Process

The screening process will consist of the following components:

• Application Review: Please ensure all information is complete and accurate as the responses you provide on the supplemental questions will be reviewed using an automated evaluation system. If you are successful in this initial screening process, your application will be reviewed for applicable education, experience, and/or training to ensure all minimum requirements have been met.
• Performance Test: The performance test is a computer-based work simulation test that measures the general aptitudes needed to be a Dispatcher. No prior dispatch experience is necessary to pass the test. The test includes the following fourteen (14) test modules and ten (10) decision-making scenario prompts that activate during the administration of the test modules.

Supplemental Information

A career as a Dispatcher offers many satisfying and rewarding opportunities to help others and make a sufficient contribution to public safety. This challenging, fast-paced work requires quick thinking and problem-solving abilities, and excellent public relations skills. The job, however, also has some demands that you may find less appealing. The factors listed below describe aspects of the job of which you may not be aware. It is important that you consider these conditions before you accept employment in this job classification.

• There will be times that you will be unable to leave your work-station for long periods during your shift. Therefore, you must be able to work in a confined area for your entire shift. You will be required to wear a headset.
• Typically, Police and Fire-Rescue Departments have been described as "paramilitary" work environments. Individuals hired to work in these departments will be required to work through a structured "chain of command."
• You may be required to change your work shift (includes weekends, nights and holidays) and/or cancel days off or holiday plans on short notice. There may be times you will be mandated to work overtime.
• You must respond courteously, calmly, and effectively to telephone calls when someone is rude, impaired, irrational, difficult to understand, confused, using obscene language, and/or screaming at you. You must also be able to respond to calls when a violent or highly emotional situation is taking place.
• For some positions, you may be required to pass a thorough background check, which will include both personal and professional references. Professional references may focus on your suitability for this work, including your ability to deal with stressful situations. Personal references may include evaluations of your honesty and integrity, and will include arrest records, credit history, and use of controlled substances.