Public Safety Dispatcher

Job TitlePublic Safety Dispatcher IJob Description$79,003 - $91,547 Annually (Additional $214 to $316 / month for EMD* Certification) INCENTIVES $138 to $277/mo Shift Differential $110 to $222/mo Bilingual Pay $863/yr Uniform Allowance City Paid Medical, Dental & Vision City Paid Life Insurance $50,000 4/10 Work Schedule, 3 Days Off Per Week Flexible Medical And Dependent Care Plans Deferred Compensation Plans City Paid Vacation, Holiday, And Sick Leave City Paid Retiree Medical Contribution City Paid Formal Training This is an unclassified trainee position. Under supervision, incumbents are trained to answer and process all incoming emergency and non–emergency requests for police, fire, and medical assistance. Operate a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, video display terminals, and associated equipment. Evaluate the information and create a CAD system incident, or provide information to the caller or transfer the call to the proper emergency service provider. Analyze situations accurately and take effective action to help assure officer safety. Monitor and maintain status of assigned public safety personnel and equipment; initiate fire equipment move-ups to ensure adequate citywide fire protection. Determine nature, priority, and disposition of calls. Inquire, interpret, verify, receive, and disseminate information from law enforcement computer networks relating to wanted persons, stolen property, and vehicle registration. May be required to provide the public with basic first aid and pre-arrival instructions during medical emergencies following the established Emergency Medical Dispatch* (EMD) protocols. Perform other duties as required. The Combined Communications Center is a 24-hour facility located at the Police Department. Incumbents must be available to work weekends, holidays, call back, standby, and rotating shifts. The current shifts are: Day Shift 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Evening Shift 4:00 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.; and Night Shift 7:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Shifts are rotated every 6 months. For applicants who have passed the simulation examination and would like to participate in the Police Department Dispatcher observation tour, call the Communication Center Shift Supervisor at View phone number on click.appcast.io.Employment StandardsAbility to: Follow oral and written instructions; learn police and fire radio operations and procedures, local streets, police beats, fire districts, the classifications of crimes and recognition of common police and fire codes in order to obtain information from the public, initiate a response, and accurately record information; remember instructions and information; clearly and tactfully communicate factual information to citizens; question callers while simultaneously typing information into a computer terminal. Establish and maintain cooperative working relations with those contacted in the course of work. Skill in: Operating a computer terminal; listening and speaking clearly and responding quickly and accurately to emergency and routine requests for assistance. Desirable Qualifications: Spanish-speaking skills; coursework in criminal justice or communications; public contact experience.Selection ProcessThe selection process may consist of: Simulation Exam Oral Interview Department Background Interview Background Investigation Polygraph Psychological Evaluation Medical Examination and Drug Screening Candidates must successfully complete each phase of the selection process in order to be scheduled for subsequent phases.Additional InformationApplications, with the attached acknowledgment form signed, are accepted on a continuous basis. Note: Applications may be rejected if incomplete. The City of Santa Barbara is an Equal Opportunity Employer - and we encourage all persons to apply.Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)The City of Santa Barbara is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an EEO employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, or other factors. We believe in fostering an inclusive work environment where employees feel valued, respected and empowered.BenefitsThe salary range consists of five steps, each representing an increase of approximately five percent. Step increases, through the top salary step, are tied to job performance with annual performance reviews. Employees receive annual performance reviews. The following benefits may vary and are subject to collective bargaining: Flexwork / Telecommuting is available. Bilingual pay may be available at a rate of $110-$222 / month. Specialty Assignment Pay of 2% - 6% is available for Sworn employees. POST Educational Incentive Pay of $396 - $656 / month is available for Sworn employees. Vacation is accrued at 96 hours / year, increasing with City service. Sick leave is accrued at the rate of 96 hours / year. Holiday leave is accrued at the rate of 5 hours / pay period. Retirement: The City does not participate in Social Security. Sworn employees – PERS Police Safety Formula: "Classic" members: 3% @ 50; employee contributes 9% of salary. "New" members: 2.7% @ 57; employee contributes 14.50% of salary. The City does not participate in Social Security. Non-sworn employees – PERS Miscellaneous Formula: "Classic" members: 2.7% @ 55; City contributes 23.38% and employee contributes 8% of salary. "New" members: 2% @ 62; employee contributes 7.75% of salary. Insurance including medical, dental and vision benefits is available under a group plan. Cafeteria 125 Plan: Employees who opt-out of the group insurance coverage or who select employee-only coverage may be eligible for a cash pay-out of up to $500 / month. Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance: City-paid term life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance is provided: Sworn: $75,000 Non-sworn: $50,000 Employee Assistance Program: A City-paid EAP is available for employees and members of their households. Long-term Disability Insurance is available through the Police Officers' Association. Short-term Disability Insurance optional employee-paid coverage is available. Deferred Compensation Savings Plans (457) are available to employees through a deferred compensation program. A Uniform Allowance of $863-$1,238 / year will be provided by the City. Employee must pay an amount equal to 1.45% of salary toward Medicare. An equal amount is paid by the City. The City is also a member of the Coastal Housing Partnership, which offers home loan assistance and rental reductions. The Santa Barbara Peace Officers' Association represents this classification.Revised 12/1/2024