Communications Dispatcher II - Per Diem

Communications Dispatcher II - Per Diem

Are you calm under pressure, quick on your feet, and passionate about helping others? As a Communications Dispatcher II - Per Diem, you'll be the vital link between the public and emergency respondersfielding urgent calls, gathering critical details, and ensuring help gets where it's needed most. This is more than just a jobit's a chance to make a real difference in your community, every single shift. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, have sharp decision-making skills, and want the flexibility of a per diem role, step into a career where every call counts and every action matters.

The Communications Dispatcher II (Per Diem) receives emergency and non-emergency calls from the public, including cellular telephone users, requesting services; dispatches emergency police, fire, and other public safety units in a coordinated manner; operates various communications equipment; functions as a lead worker; provides training; and performs other related work as required. Incumbents in the Communications Dispatcher II - Per Diem classification work on an as-needed basis, are not guaranteed hours, and will not work more than 1,000 hours per fiscal year.

The Communications Dispatcher II - Per Diem is journey-level dispatcher who works on a temporary, as-needed basis. Incumbents function at the level of a fully qualified dispatcher of emergency public safety personnel and equipment. The incumbents have prior dispatcher experience and have demonstrated proficiency in the techniques and methods of radio dispatching involving public safety operations. Incumbents handle emergency situations requiring independent judgment as to the correct course of action where unprecedented situations may arise.

• Receives calls from citizens and other agencies requesting emergency and non-emergency services.
• Evaluates information to determine jurisdiction, priority, staff availability, and equipment needed, and transfers calls for service outside of jurisdiction.
• Processes calls for ambulance services using Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) protocol to provide first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), automated external defibrillator (AED) support, and other pre-arrival instructions.
• Dispatches police, fire, and other public safety units in accordance with established procedures, and based on the nature of the call, staff availability, assigned geographical area, and location of the call.
• Provides responding units with pertinent information such as suspect information, warrant, probation and parole information, vehicle registration status, license status, premise, and subject history.
• Operates a variety of communication equipment, including radio transmitters and receivers, computerized communication terminals and keyboards, multi-line telephone equipment, and City-wide camera monitoring equipment.
• Provides callers with established instructions for emergency medical situations.
• Prepares complete and accurate records and logs.
• Provides training to Communications Dispatcher I's and Communications Call Takers. Reviews work for accuracy and compliance with standards.
• Required to work various shifts associated with a 24-hour, 365day operation and required to wear a uniform.
• Performs related work as required.

Required Education and Experience: High School diploma or GED equivalent, Eighteen (18) months of full-time experience performing public safety dispatch duties, the ability to type a minimum of 30 words per minute, and the qualifications listed below. Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities.

Required Licenses or Certifications: California POST-certified 120-hour Public Safety Dispatchers' Basic Course, Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) certification is an ongoing requirement, Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification is an ongoing requirement, California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS) certification is an ongoing requirement.

Additional Requirements: Must pass a polygraph and an extensive background examination. As a condition of employment, psychological, medical, and drug testing are also required.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement: The City's policy is that all persons hired on or after October 18, 2021, must be fully vaccinated, including the booster, for COVID-19. New employees will be required to provide proof of complete vaccination or have an approved medical or religious accommodation before employment may commence.

Knowledge of: Modern office practices and equipment, including applicable software, City streets, businesses, and community facilities, Communication devices and equipment.

Skill in: Organization and time management, Reacting quickly, accurately, and calmly in handling emergency calls, Leadership.

Ability to: Type a minimum of 30 words per minute, Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, Establish and maintain effective working relationships, Analyze and retain information gathered from citizens and other agencies, Accurately dispatch public safety units in a coordinated manner, Interpret written instructions, policies, and rules, Follow written and oral directions, Operate computerized data communications terminals.

To Apply: Applicants must apply online by fully completing the City of Richmond Employment Application, including answers to supplemental questions, by 11:59 p.m. on the final filing date. All communication regarding this recruitment will be via email; each applicant must apply with a monitored email address.

Application Screening: All completed applications will be evaluated based on job-related qualifications criteria, which could include desirable qualifications and the specific needs of the hiring department. Candidates may be screened for better qualified.

Selection Process: Successful candidates who meet minimum qualifications will be placed in an applicant pool and referred to the department hiring manager for consideration. The better-qualified candidates may be invited to continue in the selection process. The selection process may include interviews and/or testing. The candidate pool is active for six (6) months from the date of establishment.