Public Safety Dispatcher Trainee

Salary : $65,604.00 - $79,716.00 Annually
Location : Riverside, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 25-2497-01
Department: Police
Opening Date: 03/27/2025
Closing Date: Continuous


The Position
The City of Riverside is accepting applications for the position of Public Safety Dispatcher Trainee The eligibility list established may be used to fill the current and/or upcoming vacancies within this classification for up to twelve (12) months.

Become a valuable part of your community as a Public Safety Dispatcher and join a top-tier department that values integrity, exceptional service, accountability, and respect. Public Safety Dispatcher Trainees serve as the crucial connection between the public and law enforcement. Public Safety Dispatcher Trainees under close supervision, perform entry level work in operating a 911 phone system and a computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system on an assigned shift; enter calls for service for emergency and non-emergency calls for Police and Fire; dispatch required fire and medical services personnel and equipment; and perform related work as required.

All candidates must pass a thorough background investigation prior to appointment.

Schedule information:

• 3/12 split weekend schedule
• 6-month shift rotations by seniority
• Availability required for days, nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime
• A 12-18-month on-the-job training program
  • Requires schedule rotations every 6-8 weeks for exposure to different training styles, shifts, and hours.

Additional pay incentives:

• 5% Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) Pay
• 5% Communications Training Officer (CTO) Pay
• 5% Lead Dispatcher Pay
• Swing shift and Graveyard Differential Pay
• Double time overtime during graveyard hours
• Holiday premium pay
• $2,500 retention bonus every 2-years

Work Performed
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Receive incoming telephone calls on an assigned shift; input and retrieve information in a computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system.
• Obtain and record information using a telephone system or mobile data computer (MDC) to enter emergency necessary law enforcement, fire medical and other emergency services such as ambulances and tow trucks.
• Run inquiries on DOJ, National Crime Information Service, FBI, Stolen Vehicle System.
• Compile data and maintain records of emergency recorded, equipment and personnel dispatched, and/or disposition of emergencies.
• Send, receive and decode teletype information.
• Provide a variety of public information relating to law enforcement or fire activities as permitted.
• Operate a variety of equipment such as a computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system, 9-1-1 telephone system and alarm monitoring system.
• Calms distressed citizens on the phone.
• Coordinate emergency calls and relay information and assistance requests involving other law enforcement and firefighting agencies.

Qualifications
Recruitment Guidelines:

Education: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

Experience: None

Necessary Special Requirements:

• Must be willing to work weekends, holidays, as well as days, swing and graveyard shifts.
• Must be able to pass an extensive police background investigation.
• Must be able to sit for long periods in a confined area and wear a headset.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain within twelve months of employment, a POST Basic Dispatcher Certificate or equivalent certificate.

Knowledge of:

• Modern office methods, equipment, and procedures.
• Correct English usage, spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
• Telephone and radio courtesy.
• Radio and/or mobile data computer (MDC) system.
• Computer aided dispatch (CAD) system.
• Police department standards, policies, and procedures.
• City policies and procedures.

Skill in:

• Using standard broadcasting procedures and rules associated with the operation of an emergency services communication network.
• Hearing and comprehending telephone communication, fire radio traffic and routine interpersonal communications with supervisors and adjacent dispatchers.
• Reacting quickly, efficiently and calmly in an emergency situation and adopting an effective course of action.
• Using manual dexterity in operating a computer terminal, telecommunications devices, data cards,
  time stamp, and multi-functional radio operating console.
• Operating computer terminals including use of the computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system.
• Operating radio channels and/or mobile data computer (MDC) system.
• Performing a variety of clerical tasks such as filing, record keeping, and typing.
• Organizing work within a constantly changing set of priorities.
• Exercising independent judgment and working with a minimum of supervision
• Understanding and carrying out oral and written directions.
• Learning and interpreting maps.
• Establishing and maintaining effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Working rotating shifts (days, swings and graves), weekends, holidays and overtime as required.
• Communicating effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.

Selection Process
The selection process will begin with an employment application package screening, with the best qualified candidates being invited to participate further in the assessment process. This process may include any combination of written, performance, and oral assessments to evaluate job-related education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. Those who successfully complete the selection process will be placed on the eligibility list for this classification.
It is the responsibility of candidates with a disability requiring accommodation in the assessment process to contact the Human Resources Department in writing to request such accommodation prior to the closing date of this recruitment.
IMPORTANT: Appointment is subject to successful completion of an in-depth pre-employment background investigation, medical/physical examination, and drug and alcohol test; and will be subject to polygraph examination, and/or psychological examination. As part of the background investigation, all claims of education and experience made in the employment application process, as well as other information submitted, will be verified.
NOTE: The City reserves the right to modify selection devices and test instruments in accordance with accepted legal, ethical, and professional standards. Candidates may reapply when there is a posting to establish an eligibility list. Some candidates may be disqualified indefinitely due to the results of their background investigation.
All applicants will be notified via e-mail or telephone of their application status and the assessment dates/times/locations after the closing date of this announcement.
THE PROVISIONS OF THIS JOB ANNOUNCEMENT DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT.
Service Employees International Union (SEIU) - General Unit

The City offers an attractive benefits package, the central provisions of which are as follows:

• Retirement for Classic Members - For employees hired after 1/1/2013 who are CLASSIC MEMBERS of California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) or a reciprocal agency as of 12/31/12 and have not been separated from service from such agency for six months or more, the retirement benefit shall be 2.7 % @ age 55; 3-year final compensation. The required employee contribution is 8%. The City does not participate in Social Security; thus, employees do not bear this additional 6.2% expense.
• Retirement for New Members - For employees hired 1/1/2013 or later and who ARE NOT a member of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) or a reciprocal agency as of 12/31/12, or those who have been separated from a public agency which contracts with CalPERS or a reciprocal agency for six months or more, the retirement benefit shall be 2% at age 62; 3 year final compensation. The required employee contribution is 50% of the normal cost and is subject to change per CalPERS every fiscal year. The City does not participate in Social Security; thus, employees do not bear this additional 6.2% expense.
• Health Insurance - The City offers six health insurance plans and contributes up to $1,687 per month for HMO plans (family coverage).
• Dental Insurance - The City provides three dental insurance plans and contributes up to $85 per month.
• Vision Insurance - The City provides vision coverage through Vision Service Plan (VSP) for employees and their dependents that are enrolled in medical coverage.
• Life Insurance - The City provides and pays for term life insurance equal to $100,000. Additional Life Insurance is available and voluntary for employees and eligible dependents (up to $300k).
• Deferred Compensation - The City contributes $50 a month with a minimum employee contribution of $12.50 per check. Participation in the deferred compensation plan is optional.
• Leave Benefits - Includes vacation leave, sick leave, bereavement leave, and holiday benefits. Please refer to the SEIU MOU for specific details.
• Flexible Spending Account - The City offers a Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Plan for optional participation.
• State Disability Insurance - Automatic coverage administered by the Employee Development Department (EDD) of the State of California
• Vacation Accrual - 0-4 yrs. = 80hrs, 5-9 yrs. = 120hrs, 10+ yrs. = 160 hrs.

For other special compensation, refer to the
For additional benefits information, please visit the following website:
For part-time, benefitted positions the insurance and other benefits (leave accruals, holidays, etc.) are pro-rated based on ½ or ¾ time status.
01



Instructions: The information on the application and your responses to the following supplemental questions will be used to determine whether you meet the minimum and/or highly desirable qualifications for the position in which you are applying. Detailed responses must be provided for each question in order to ensure qualifications are properly considered.
(*Do not refer to a resume in lieu of completing the supplemental questions).
Employers listed on this questionnaire must also be listed and fully detailed in the work experience section of your application.

• I understand.

02


Please indicate the highest level of education you have completed.

• Less than High School Diploma or GED
• Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade
• Some college coursework completed (less than 59 semester units or less than 89 quarter units)
• Associate's Degree (at least 60 semester units or 90 quarter units)
• Bachelor's Degree (at least 120 semester units or 180 quarter units)
• Master's Degree
• PhD

03


How many years of experience providing responsible front line customer service do you possess?

• None
• Less than 1 year
• 1 year or more, but less than 2 years
• 2 years or more, but less than 3 years
• 3 years or more, but less than 4 years
• 4 years or more, but less than 5 years
• 5 or more years

04


For the question answered above, please provide the name of the agency, length of time, position, and level of responsibility by each function listed. Please note that "See Resume" or "See Application" will be considered an incomplete response for this question and your application will be considered incomplete. If you do not have the required experience, please indicate "N/A".
05


Have you completed the POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery examination with the City of Riverside or with another agency within the last two (2) years?

• Yes
• No

06


This position requires availability to work weekends, holidays, swing, graveyard, and rotating shifts. Please indicate if you will be able to be available during these times.

• Yes
• No

07



Background: The following questions are to assess your suitability for employment with the Riverside Police Department based on your personal background. Please answer each question to the best of your knowledge. This information will be used to determine whether or not you will be invited to continue in the selection process for the current position.

• I understand.

08


Are you currently on court probation?

• Yes
• No

09


Have you ever been convicted of misdemeanor Domestic Violence, including a lesser plea in lieu of, or fall under provisions of 12021.1 PC?

• Yes
• No

10


Have you committed any serious crime that has gone undetected?

• Yes
• No

11


Have you ever been terminated or quit in lieu of being terminated from any employer within the past five years?

• Yes
• No

12


Have you failed a drug test (other than marijuana) for any employer or court?

• Yes
• No

13


Have you failed to appear in court and /or failed to pay fines while an adult within the past five years?

• Yes
• No

14


Have you been arrested for driving under the influence in the last three (3) years?

• Yes
• No

15


Have you used methamphetamine, cocaine, or steroids (other than doctor prescribed) in the last five years?

• Yes
• No

16


Have you used hallucinogens to include LSD, PCP, XTC, in the last five (5) years?

• Yes
• No

17


Have you ever used heroin/opium? (other than doctor prescribed)

• Yes
• No

18


Have you ever manufactured, cultivated, transported, brokered, or sold controlled substances, other than marijuana?

• Yes
• No

19


Have you ever injected any form of illegal narcotics (steroids do not apply)?

• Yes
• No

20


Have you ever been convicted of a felony?

• Yes
• No

21


If you answered "Yes" to any of the background related questions above, please provide a detailed explanation in the space provided. If you did not answer "Yes" to any of the background related questions, please enter, "N/A."
22



Certification: I understand that I cannot update my application once it has been submitted. Therefore, I have fully completed ALL sections, provided full descriptions of my duties and responsibilities for each employer, and have fully answered ALL questions on the Supplemental Questionnaire. Do not refer to a resume or other documentation, as it will not be reviewed in lieu of completing the Supplemental Questionnaire. Note: Employers noted on the Supplemental Questionnaire must also be included and fully detailed on the Application.

• I understand.

Required Question