Public Safety Dispatcher I/II

Public Safety Dispatcher I/II The Public Safety Dispatcher I/II position offers a meaningful opportunity to join a dedicated team that plays a vital role in keeping the Tracy community safe. The City is committed to providing comprehensive training for new dispatchers, equipping them with the skills, tools, and confidence needed to succeed in a fast-paced, service-oriented environment. Whether you are beginning your public safety career or bringing prior experience, this role provides a pathway to grow, learn, and make a lasting impact. We are looking for individuals who will contribute to a positive, supportive workplace and take pride in representing the department with professionalism and integrity. Dispatchers are often the first voice people hear in moments of crisis, and the City values team members who approach that responsibility with compassion, resilience, and a commitment to excellence. This opportunity is ideal for someone who wants to be a champion for the departmenta person who invests in their team, strengthens our culture, and envisions a long-term future with the City of Tracy. The City of Tracy offers excellent pay, including 4% COLA increases in July 2027, and 2028. Employees approved to work a compressed work schedule also enjoy strong worklife balance through a 4/11 schedule with rotating days off. Our competitive benefits package includes fully covered HMO Medical, Dental and Vision for employee + family, generous vacation and sick leave, life insurance, optional 457(b) deferred compensation with a City match, and longevity pay. We proudly participate in CalPERS, with employees enrolled in either the 2% @ 55 or 2% @ 62 formula based on eligibility, with retirement calculated using a three-year final compensation average. For a full overview of everything we offer, check out our Benefits section to learn more about the programs and support available to City of Tracy employees. Together, these benefits reflect our commitment to employee well-being, long-term stability, and rewarding career growth. Under direct to general supervision, receives incoming emergency and non-emergency calls, and dispatches Police and other public safety units following prescribed procedures; answers non-emergency calls for public safety and other City departments; initiates contact with other City departments and agencies as needed in response to calls received; performs a variety of general administrative support duties including record keeping, typing, and filing; and performs related work as required. Receives direct (Public Safety Dispatcher I) or general (Public Safety Dispatcher II) supervision from assigned supervisory or management staff. Exercises no supervision of staff. Public Safety Dispatcher I: This is the entry-level class in the Public Safety Dispatcher series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents with basic public contact experience learn to interact with the public in both emergency and non-emergency situations to receive, transmit, and provide factual information, forms, and reports. As more experience is gained, assignments become more varied and are performed with greater independence. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the II level, but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise. Since this class is often used as a training class, employees may have only limited or no directly related work experience. Public Safety Dispatcher II: This is the journey-level class in the Public Safety Dispatcher series that performs the full range of receiving and dispatching emergency calls for the Police Department. Responsibilities are centered on extensive contact with the public over the telephone, in both emergency and non-emergency situations to receive, transmit, and provide factual information, forms, and reports. All activities must be performed within specified legal guidelines. Incumbents are expected to work independently and exercise judgment and initiative. Positions at this level are distinguished from the entry-level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. This class is distinguished from the Senior Public Safety Dispatcher in that the latter provides technical and functional direction to lower-level support staff and is responsible for the more complex work. Positions in the Public Safety Dispatcher class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the II-level are normally filled by advancement from the I-level after gaining the knowledge, skill, and experience which meet the qualifications for and after demonstrating the ability to perform the work of the higher-level class. Examples of typical job functions (illustrative only): Receives and evaluates police and emergency calls, and related business calls for the City during an assigned portion of the 24-hours-per-day/7-days-per-week Police Department operations; provides information and/or transfers calls to the appropriate department, agency, or response organization; takes messages for Police Department personnel. Dispatches public safety emergency units in accordance with established procedures and policies using a computerized dispatch system, including determining priority of emergency and contacting and sending appropriate response unit. Maintains contact with field units, including accounting for location and status of units and maintaining records of field calls; sends back-up units, as necessary, ensuring the safety of field units. Operates computer, telephone, and radio console and telecommunication equipment simultaneously while performing dispatching activities; tests and inspects equipment as assigned. Logs call data in a written or automated format; monitors calls after initial dispatch to provide additional coordination, support, or information. Enters, updates, and retrieves a variety of records from teletype database, including stolen vehicles and property, vehicle registration information, guns and property, and warranted or missing persons. Accesses Federal, State, and local law enforcement information databases to obtain information regarding outstanding warrants, criminal history, records information, and vehicle data; relays such information to sworn staff. Acts as a liaison to the public and representatives of other agencies for the department; provides initial non-emergency contact with the public and representatives of other agencies for the requesting of police records or related services; determines the nature of the contact; provides factual information regarding services, policies, and procedures, which requires a knowledge of legal guidelines, departmental policies and procedures, and the use of tact and discretion, or directs the caller to the proper individual or agency. Maintains accurate departmental and law enforcement records and files, researches and compiles information from such files. Attends necessary training and shift briefing sessions as required. Performs other duties as assigned. Some knowledge, skills, and abilities may be performed by positions at the entry (I) level in a learning capacity: Principles and practices of data collection and report preparation. Business arithmetic. Basic principles of record keeping. Functions, principles, and practices of law enforcement agencies. Terminology and procedures used in public safety dispatching. Operation of computer-aided communications equipment, including multiple telephone lines and radio systems. City and County geography, maps, streets, landmarks, and driving directions. Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility. Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff. The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination. Computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software packages) to conduct, compile, and/or generate documentation including the Department of Justice California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS). Ability to: Assess and prioritize emergency situations while remaining calm and using sound, independent judgment. Memorize codes, names, street locations, and other information. Read and interpret maps and other pertinent documentation. Interpret, apply and explain policies, procedures, and regulations. Attend to multiple activities simultaneously. Obtain necessary information from individuals in stressful or emergency situations. Compile and summarize information to prepare accurate, clear, and concise reports. Perform technical, detailed, and responsible office support work. Compose correspondence independently or from brief instructions. Organize, maintain, and update office database and records systems. Enter and retrieve data from a computer with sufficient speed and accuracy. Effectively communicate upset and irate callers; obtain necessary information from individuals in stressful or emergency situations. Multi-task by listening, speaking, and performing computer