Public Safety Communicator Trainee (911 Dispatcher Trainee)

Salary: $7,029.50 - $9,891.17 Monthly
Location : 7301 Hanna St. Gilroy, CA 95020, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: FY 25/26 -00011
Department: Police
Opening Date: 10/28/2025

$7,029.50 - $8,544.42 MONTHLY BASE SALARY PLUS EXCELLENT BENEFITS!
In addition to the above:

• 6.6% Holiday Pay in lieu of holidays off.
• 5% Bilingual Pay for verbal fluency in Spanish/English
• $41.67 per month uniform allowance
• PSC's typically work 12-hour shifts and are scheduled 3 or 4 days in each workweek plus overtime as needed.
• Trainee's are typically in the Gilroy PSC training program for approximately 6-12 months. Once the employee successfully completes training and is ready to be a solo dispatcher, the base salary range increases to $8,161.00 - $11,483.33 per month. Trainee candidates typically start at the entry point of the range and can advance through the range via annual performance evaluations. Note: Steps, F, G and H require 5, 10, and 15 years of City of Gilroy service per the MOU.
• The City of Gilroy is an equal opportunity employer and supports workforce diversity, equity, inclusion, & belonging. Join our team!

ABOUT THE POSITION
The City of Gilroy is recruiting for the position Public Safety Communicator Trainee in the Police Department. The Public Safety Communicator Trainee position is a full-time, at-will position trained to become a Public Safety Communicator for the Gilroy Police Department. The general goal of the Communications Unit is to provide 24 hour emergency communication response for all police, fire, and medical emergency calls for service in a courteous and professional manner.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Under the direct supervision of the Communications Supervisor and under the functional supervision of the Watch Commander, answer emergency and routine calls from the public for Police, Fire, and medical assistance and general service and dispatch necessary personnel and equipment, perform other related duties as required. Work shifts including weekends, holidays, nights and evening hours.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL:

• Have excellent interpersonal and professional customer service skills.
• Have superb listening skills and the ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Be adaptable to changing situations; work well under pressure, and be comfortable making quick or critical decisions.
• Multi-task proficiently within a short period of time.
• Be proficient with computers and with the use of software and technology.
• Be able to successfully complete the Public Safety Communicator Trainee training program in a 6-12 month time period.
• Be able to study and memorize codes, personnel, and geographic of the community to effectively dispatch accurate information to those working in the field.
• Have participated in "sit-alongs" with a Communications or Dispatch department, preferably with the City of Gilroy Police Department.
• Have a willingness to learn and improve on service skills and be receptive of constructive feedback.

1. Receive telephone complaints concerning crimes, fires, medical emergencies, public works calls, and other requests.
2. Promptly and courteously obtain pertinent information regarding the calls for service utilizing proper radio/telephone etiquette.
3. Determine the priority and promptly dispatches appropriate Police, Fire and other units.
4. Maintain complete and accurate written/typed records of all calls for service and all pertinent radio transmissions.
5. Operate teletype, computer and recording equipment and performs minor daily maintenance of equipment.
6. Maintain up-to-date operating manuals, procedure manuals and training guides.
7. Process requests for warrants and record checks on persons and property. Interpret information to be returned.
8. Make computer entries.
9. Participate in training programs and utilizes acquired knowledge.
10. Perform other related work as required.

1. Graduation from high school or the equivalent (ie. GED).
2. Prior 911 dispatching experience is not required. Any prior work experience or volunteer experience with a public safety agency is helpful.
3. Must successfully complete the City of Gilroy Public Safety Communicator training program in six to twelve months from date of hire.
4. Must obtain a State of California POST Dispatching Certificate within one year from date of hire.
5. Computer keyboarding at the rate of 35 net words per minute.
6. Possess and maintain a valid California Driver License and a safe driving record necessary to operate assigned vehicle(s).
7. Pass a post-offer psychological Evaluation and a medical examination, which includes a drug test.
8. Pass a POST background investigation, which includes a polygraph examination, an extensive Department of Justice criminal record check, and an FBI clearance.
9. Prefer non-tobacco user.
10. Prefer bilingual (English/Spanish).
11. Must be willing to work weekends, various shifts, and holidays.

P.O.S.T. DISPATCHER TEST BATTERY
Attach a copy of passing results (dated within 1 year) with your application for:

• P.O.S.T (entry level) Dispatcher testing (48 or higher)

Testing information is provided for San Jose only but results are accepted from any California POST location. If you would like to check other locations, visit


POST Dispatcher Test Dates and Registration
Test dates and registration is available at
It typically takes up to 10 business days to receive results.


T-Score results of 48 or higher is passing. This test is approximately 2.5 hours. The cost for the POST Dispatcher exam will be $35 due at the time of registration. Candidates who are hired for this position can submit testing receipts for reimbursement after their date of hire.

APPLICATION PROCESS
If you are interested in pursuing this exciting career opportunity, please attach and submit the following required items with your electronic NEOGOV application:

Required:

• A completed City of Gilroy employment application including complete supplemental question responses
• A P.O.S.T Dispatcher Test T-Score of 48 or higher, dated within one year

Preferred:

• A cover letter expressing your interest in this specific position with the City of Gilroy Police Department
• A detailed resume that highlights your related skills and experience
• A certificated typing/keyboarding certificate showing a typing/keyboarding speed of at least 35wpm. Note: Candidates invited to an interview will be required to provide a typing/keyboarding certification prior to the interview.

City Application Form - Candidates must complete the NEOGOV City of Gilroy application form for this position and submit on line. Please prepare attachments prior to completion of the NEOGOV application as incomplete applications will not be accepted.


Apply Online: Go to You can apply online by clicking on the job title you are interested in and clicking on the "Apply" link. After viewing the Job Description, click the 'Apply' tab. If this is the first time you are applying using our online job application, you will need to create an account and select a Username and Password. After your account has been established, you can import your resume from LinkedIn, upload it from a saved document on your computer, or manually enter your personal information. This application will be saved and used to apply for future job openings.

Recruitment Schedule
This position is open until filled. Applications are currently being accepted on a continuous basis. Please apply as soon as possible. Applications will be reviewed weekly. Interviews may be scheduled at any time.


Only complete application packets will be reviewed. Only the most qualified applicants with the most relevant experience and education will be invited to continue in the selection process. In addition, final candidates for the position are required to pass a detailed P.O.S.T. background check, State of California Department of Justice criminal records check, P.O.S.T. medical evaluation, and drug screen, given at the City's expense, prior to appointment. If special accommodations are necessary at any stage of the selection process, please contact the Human Resources Department right away View phone number on click.appcast.io.
Attention: Communication regarding your status in this recruitment process will be conducted via e-mail. Be sure to include an e-mail address on the employment application. Applicants are responsible for notifying Human Resources of any changes to an e-mail address and/or other contact information.


THE CITY OF GILROY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND SUPPORTS WORKFORCE DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, & BELONGING. JOIN OUR TEAM!
COMPENSATION, BENEFITS, AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Persons appointed to this position on a full-time basis will receive the following benefits:

Health Allowance and Flexible Benefits Plan
Depending upon the number of dependents the health allowance ranges from $939.36 to $2,480.68 per month for core health benefits. Subject to specific rules, a cash back program is also available with proof of other medical coverage. City employees participate in the PERS Health Program, and may choose their medical coverage from a variety of providers. The City's flexible benefits plan includes medical and dental coverage as core benefits. A range of optional benefits including vision care, medical and dependent care accounts are also available. A term life insurance policy equal to $100,000 as of July 1, 2017 per MOU, long-term disability plan, and an employee assistance plan are currently provided at City expense.

Other Benefits
The City currently offers the PERS 2.5% at 55 pension plan for "classic" members and 2% at 62 for "new" members. Currently, the city pays the full employer portion of the retirement contribution for "classic" members and 50% of the total normal cost for "new" members. The "classic" member contribution of 8% is a pre-tax payroll deduction; "new" members shall pay 50% of the total normal cost as set by CalPERS. Anyone hired on or after January 1, 2013 will be subject to the applicable provisions, retirement formulas, and plan benefits/restrictions associated with the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013.

Vacation, Sick Leave, H oliday Pay, and Shift Differential Pay
Annual vacation ranges from two to four weeks per year, based on years of City of Gilroy service. Employees accrue eight hours of sick leave each month. Employees receive 20 hours of personal leave time in July of each fiscal year which must be used during the fiscal year (pro-rated based on hire date), and 6.6% of base salary as holiday pay in lieu of holidays off. Dependent upon assigned work hours, shift differential pay may apply.

Bilingual Pay, Uniform Allowance
Employees who are bilingual in Spanish/English may receive 5% bilingual pay following testing. Employees receive a monthly uniform allowance of $41.67 towards the purchase of required uniforms, and newly hired employees receive an initial uniform allowance of $250.00.

Medicare/Social Security
Employees participate in Medicare (1.45% for both the employer and employee) as this is a mandated federal program. City of Gilroy does not participate in Social Security.

Payroll
All City employees are paid monthly, on the first business day of each month for the prior calendar month via direct deposit.

Representation
Persons appointed to this position on a full-time basis are covered by the AFSCME General Unit Memorandum of Understanding and Supplemental Agreements.
01


The supplemental information that you provide will be evaluated along with your completed application. This includes the required documents (i.e. cover letter, resume, or certifications) and responses to the supplemental questions below. Some questions may include multiple parts (i.e., (a), (b), (c), (d), etc.). Please make sure to address each part of the question in your answers.Responses to the supplemental questions that indicate, "see resume" are considered incomplete. The information you provide will be used to further identify those applicants who are best qualified to continue in the selection process for this position.Note: Failure to provide all of the required documents will result in the application being rejected as incomplete. Please refer to the "Application Process" section of the job announcement for required documents.By checking the 'Yes' response below, I indicate that I have read these instructions under "Application Process" for submitting a complete application and have attached all the required documents. I understand that written responses to the supplemental questions along with attachments as noted in the job announcement are required in order to evaluate my qualifications for this position and for my application to be considered complete.

• Yes
• No

02


A required item for candidate application packets is a copy of your P.O.S.T. Entry Level Dispatcher Exam Results noting a T-Score of 48 or higher. The details regarding this exam are explained on the job posting.Did you complete this exam?Did you attain a T-Score of 48 or higher?Did you upload a copy of your written test results to your application packet?Packets without these test results will be deemed incomplete and not considered further.
03


Please describe your work experience where you have worked directly with members of the public either face to face or on the phone.
04


Please describe how you will provide excellent customer service if you are hired as a Public Safety Communicator Trainee.
05


The Public Safety Communicator Trainee position requires an intense, demanding, fast-paced training program. Successful candidates thrive in a busy environment that requires skilled multi-tasking and are comfortable with regular testing and expectations to progress through training. How have you prepared yourself to complete this type of training program and how will you set yourself up for success?
06


Are you able to work all shifts (days, swings, and graveyard), all days of the week, and holidays? Please describe any conflicts you may have with your work schedule, if any.
07


What is your net keyboarding speed expressed in words per minute (wpm)? Note: Candidates invited to the background process may be required to provide a typing certification.
08


Why would you like to be hired as a Public Safety Communicator Trainee for the Gilroy Police Department?
Required Question