Police Dispatcher I/II

Police Dispatcher

Employer: City of Bakersfield

Salary: $56,010.24 - $68,092.96 Annually

Location: Bakersfield, CA

Job Type: Regular Full-Time

Job Number: 02451

Department: Police

Division: Support Services/Comm/Records

Opening Date: 04/27/2026

CLOSING DATE: Continuous. The application filing may close any time after ten days from the issue date of this job announcement if sufficient qualified applications have been received. Postmarks are not acceptable; therefore, it is important to submit your application as soon as possible.

Under general supervision performs skilled work in receiving calls at the Communications Center, including requests for police, fire and medical aid services or to provide information. Dispatches personnel and equipment for emergency service by telephone, radio, computer-aided dispatch system and other communications equipment. Disposition of calls is done in accordance with established procedures; however, an employee of this class must be knowledgeable of local government operations, and police, fire, and medical aid systems, and the geographical layout of the city. Performs related work as assigned.

Representative Duties

The following typical tasks and responsibilities are representative of this class. They are descriptive, not limiting.

Essential Duties: For a full job description, please click here: Police Dispatcher I & Police Dispatcher II

Minimum Qualifications

Applications will be accepted only from those applicants who clearly demonstrate on the COMPLETED application & supplemental questionnaire that they meet the below requirements:

Police Dispatcher I position must meet the following:

• Graduation from high school or G.E.D.; AND
• One (1) year of work experience equivalent to that gained as a Police Call Taker with the City of Bakersfield; OR
• An equivalent combination of training and experience, which provides the capabilities to perform the described duties.

• Ability to type 40 words per minute.
• A Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Course certified by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.).

Police Dispatcher II position must meet the following:

• In addition to the above, must have two (2) additional years of experience as a Public Safety Dispatcher for a Law Enforcement Agency or Fire Department

**Note: All Police Dispatchers must possess:

• Possession of a valid California Class "C" driver's license.
• Must successfully pass a police background investigation.

**Certificate Requirement: All applicants must attach a Typing Certificate (dated within the last two years of application submittal) certifying 40 NET WORDS PER MINUTE with the application. Note: We WILL accept typing certificates obtained on-line. Click here for Typing Certificate Locations.

**Other Minimum Qualifications: Knowledge of: The geography of the city and the location of streets and important buildings. Ability to: Learn quickly the operation of telephone, computer aided dispatch, radio and other communication equipment; speak clearly in a well-modulated voice and to use good diction; think and act quickly and calmly in emergency situations; prepare and maintain records and reports; perform multiple tasks at one time.

Examination (Weighted: 100%)

HIRING INCENTIVES: Up to $1,500 Hiring Bonus

For more information on the Examination and Selection Process, please visit the City's Website under News & Highlights

NOTE: Admission to the Examination may be limited to those applicants who demonstrate the best combination of qualifications. Applicants possessing the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed admittance to the Examination. Employment applications must be properly completed in accordance with instructions on face of application form. All pertinent information needed to determine that the applicant meets the minimum qualifications must be shown on the application, resume, supplemental questionnaire, and typing certificate; otherwise, the application may be rejected. NOTE: POSTMARKS will not be accepted Resumes will NOT be accepted in lieu of COMPLETED application.

Full Summary of Benefits by Bargaining Unit

Blue & White Miscellaneous Unit

Fire Safety Unit

Police Safety Unit

Police Trainee Unit

Supervisory & Management Unit

INSURANCE: The City and the employee share contributions for premiums for health insurance coverage. The City provides life insurance benefits based on bargaining unit. Visit the Cityweb Employee Benefits page for detailed information (rates and plan information).

RETIREMENT: Benefits are provided by the City's participation in the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). 2% @ 62 for new hire Miscellaneous and 2.7% @ 57 for Safety (Fire & Police). Visit the City's Retirement Info page for additional information.