Dispatcher I/Dispatcher II (On-Call/As Needed)

Job Title

Dispatcher I/II

Job Description

About Arcadia: Arcadia is a charming, family-oriented community with a population of just over 57,000. Located 13 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, regional transportation networks like the Metro A Line connect Arcadia as a premier residential, shopping, and entertainment destination in the San Gabriel Valley. Arcadia is known for its top-rated schools, iconic landmarks, and serene neighborhoods. Arcadia is an award-winning community having been twice named as the best City in California in which to raise kids and has been recognized as a premiere business friendly City in Los Angeles County.

About Us: At the Arcadia Police Department, making a positive difference is the guiding principle that shapes our decisions. The belief that every member of our team has the ability to positively impact the community is entrenched at the core of our organization. We are forward-thinking problem solvers that are rooted in tradition. Our diverse team values professionalism, integrity, work ethic, positive attitude, and camaraderie. If you are interested in embarking on the journey of serving the public as a member of our Dispatch Unit, we welcome and encourage your application. Come join and experience what it is like to serve a community that supports and appreciates its Police Department.

Important: This recruitment is primarily focused on hiring on-call Dispatchers on an as-needed basis. Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications of the position, attach the required documents, and successfully pass all components of the examination process in order to move forward in the selection process.

Required Documents

Dispatcher I: In addition to the City's application, candidates must submit a certified typing certificate, obtained within the last 12 months to demonstrate they meet the minimum typing requirement of 35 words per minute (wpm) net. Self-administered and Internet typing tests will not be accepted. Failure to submit the required typing certificate with the application will result in disqualification from the recruitment process. Re-certification of typing speed may be required as a condition of hire with the City.

Dispatcher II: In addition to the City's application, candidates must submit a certified typing certificate, obtained within the last 12 months to demonstrate they meet the minimum typing requirement of 35 words per minute (wpm) net. Self-administered and Internet typing tests will not be accepted. Failure to submit the required typing certificate with the application will result in disqualification from the recruitment process. Re-certification of typing speed may be required as a condition of hire with the City. A valid P.O.S.T Dispatcher/Telecommunications Certification.

Hourly Wage Information

Dispatcher I: Hourly: $27.89 - $34.79 *

Dispatcher II: Hourly: $32.31 - $40.34 *

* Listed hourly wage amounts indicate the first and last steps of the range for each position. Dispatchers hired on in an on-call/as-needed capacity start at the first step of the range for their position.

Examples of Duties

Examples of important and essential duties include:

Receive calls for service from the public requesting ambulance, fire, law enforcement or other emergency and non-emergency services; obtain appropriate information; input and update information into CAD system; determine nature and location of emergency; determine priority and dispatch emergency units as necessary and in accordance with established procedures for operating a dispatch system; maintain contact with calling party; relay pertinent information to responding party.

Maintain contact with all units on assignment; maintain status and location of field units; maintain daily log of all field calls and units dispatched.

Maintain awareness of activities on prior shifts and continuing problems or situations.

Use telecommunications systems to coordinate emergency calls and relay information and assistance requests involving other law enforcement agencies.

Perform a variety of record keeping, filing, indexing and other general clerical work; maintain a variety of automated and manual logs, records and files relating to emergency services activities; enter into computer.

Operate various equipment including multi-line telephones, multi-channel two-way radio, computer, teletype, typewriter, 911 emergency and alarm monitoring equipment, Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, National Criminal Information Center (NCIC) terminal, fax machines, dictaphones, copiers, and other communications equipment.

Coordinate with Emergency Management Agency and Civil Defense in cases of disasters or severe weather; monitor weather wire; obtain and distribute pertinent information to the public and other agencies.

Maintain confidentiality of information.

Attend training and information sessions to keep aware of local government capabilities and resources to assist the public and elected officials in the protection of life and property.

Perform minor maintenance or adjustments on communications equipment; maintain general cleanliness in the workplace; change tapes and clocks as necessary; request maintenance as necessary.

Prepare alarm response logs; tabulate responses; prepare authorizations to bill for services.

Enter police records/information into data bases as necessary to support Records Bureau operations.

Operate NCIC/computer system to enter, modify, update and retrieve data such as stolen and recovered property, driver license and vehicles registration information, and warrants on wanted persons.

Obtain and process a variety of documents and information including criminal histories, NCIC and warrant entries, work-ups, and validations for deputies and detectives.

Other job related duties.

Minimum Qualifications

Dispatcher I: Experience in emergency services dispatching is highly desirable. Training equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by specialized training in emergency management and telecommunications operations. Must successfully obtain an appropriate P.O.S.T. Dispatcher/Telecommunications certification upon successful completion of the probationary period. Possession of a typing certificate, obtained within the last 12 months, demonstrating the minimum typing requirement of 35 WPM net.

Dispatcher II: Two years of prior related experience within the past five years as a Public Safety/Law Enforcement dispatcher. Training equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by specialized training in emergency management and telecommunications operations. Possession of a valid P.O.S.T. Dispatcher/Telecommunications certification at time of appointment. Possession of a typing certificate, obtained within the last 12 months, demonstrating the minimum typing requirement of 35 WPM net.

Supplemental Information

Special Requirements: Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment: Ability to sit for long periods of time and reach; ability to work in an enclosed environment with limited mobility; availability for shift work.

Application: A fully completed online application is required to be submitted. Incomplete, late, emailed, faxed and hard copy applications are not accepted. Resumes are not considered in lieu of the required online employment application. All certificates, resumes, cover letters, and other documents requested by the City for the position advertised, must be uploaded with your online application.

The Selection Process: Those candidates who are determined to be best qualified based upon the information presented on the application materials will be invited to continue in the selection process which may include a qualifying written or performance evaluation and will include an interview weighted 100%. The City reserves the right to limit the number of interviews conducted. Candidates will be notified via e-mail or telephone if they qualify to move to the next step in the selection process. The interview score will determine ranking on the eligibility list and will remain in effect for one year.

Pre-employment background and medical examinations are additional requirements for hire. Failure on any part of the selection process will result in removal from the recruitment process.

Please Note: If you have a disability that may require an accommodation in the selection process, please notify Human Resources in writing when you submit your application.