Dispatcher II

Dispatcher II Position

This is not an entry-level dispatcher position. Applicants are encouraged to apply to other dispatcher recruitments as vacancies may be filled utilizing any current dispatcher eligible lists (Dispatcher I and Fire Dispatcher). You will be required to pass a computer-based performance test to be considered for Dispatcher II 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 II 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; and perform other duties as assigned.

Note for all Dispatcher II positions: Employees in job classifications represented by the Municipal Employees Association (MEA) are scheduled to receive the following general wage increases:

• 3.5% effective 7/1/27
• 2% effective 7/1/28
• 2% effective 1/1/29

Eligible benefitted employees originally hired on or after July 10, 2021, will be automatically enrolled in the San Diego City Employees Retirement System (SDCERS).

Notes for Police and Fire-Rescue Department positions:

• Police and Fire-Rescue Departments Dispatcher II employees may answer 50-170 calls a day and are required to sit for long periods of time. Please refer to the Supplemental Information section of the job bulletin for a more detailed description of typical Dispatcher II duties and working conditions.
• Police and Fire-Rescue Departments Dispatcher II employees may be required to work during all City holidays.
• Police and Fire-Rescue Departments Dispatcher II employees may be required to work extended periods of night or unusual shift work for which they may receive 5% additional pay.
• The communication center in the Police and Fire-Rescue Departments operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with day, evening, and night shifts. Dispatcher II employees will be rotated to different shifts on a periodic basis.

Notes for Police Department positions:

• Police Department Dispatcher II employees typical starting hourly rate is $33.53.
• Police Department Dispatcher II employees must obtain a California P.O.S.T. Basic Dispatcher Course Certificate within one year from date of hire.
• Police Department Dispatcher II employees who possess a California P.O.S.T. Basic Dispatcher Course Certificate are eligible for 20% additional pay.
• Police Department Dispatcher II employees assigned as operators in the 911 Police Department Phone Room are eligible for 5% additional special assignment pay.
• Police Department Dispatcher II employees work 10 hours per shift, four days per week, with three consecutive days off.
• Police Department Dispatcher II employees may be required to work overtime.

Notes for Fire-Rescue Department positions:

• Fire-Rescue Department Dispatcher II employees work 12-hour shifts (44/36 rotation schedule).
• Fire-Rescue Department Dispatcher II employees may be required to work overtime during training, if needed, on cleared positions.
• Fire-Rescue Department Dispatcher II employees are eligible for 17.5% additional pay after successfully completing the paid mandatory Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) certification course.
• All dispatcher classifications in the Fire-Rescue Department are subject to mandated overtime beyond their scheduled shift with short notice to maintain staffing levels.