Communications Dispatcher

Salary: $3,909.00 - $4,770.00 Monthly
Location : Porterville Police Department, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202400076
Department: Police Department
Division: Dispatchers
Opening Date: 05/22/2026
Closing Date: 5/29/2026 4:00 PM Pacific


Definition
Under general supervision, receives requests for fire/law enforcement services and dispatches units via radio; maintains contact with department personnel in the field and stations; provides general phone reception for the city; performs related duties as required.

Representative Duties

1. Receives requests for fire and police service over the phone; screens incoming calls to determine necessity, priority, and type of response required; monitors other radio frequencies to be aware of incidents elsewhere that may affect city police operations; monitors alarm systems.
2. Dispatches police and/or fire units in response to calls for service or requests from officers in the field; uses law enforcement terminology and cites Code sections by number; calls public and private agencies to request mutual assistance when necessary.
3. Keeps track of fire and police unit locations and status; maintains constant radio communications with personnel in the field; runs warrant checks on subjects, registration checks on vehicles, and property checks using teletype; relays information and instructions to personnel in the field.
4. Maintains log of incoming service requests and actions taken; may take criminal reports over the phone; compiles statistical reports; prepares other reports and records as directed; maintains files necessary for dispatch as assigned; enters data into computer system; may testify in court.
5. Provides general information to the public; as necessary, refers callers to appropriate agencies.
6. Acts as central reception for the city by relaying calls to appropriate department, division, and/or person.
7. May perform routine clerical work such as assisting with citation processing, as well as routine typing or report preparation; may perform matron duties.

Qualifications

Education and/or Experience:
Must have earned a high school diploma, or equivalent, and have one year of experience in public contact work including receipt and referral of a significant volume of requests and telephone communications or any combination of training and experience that provides the desired knowledge and abilities

Supplemental Information
Knowledge of:

Techniques for communicating with people in distress; record keeping and filing procedures; use of reference books; basic law enforcement terms and radio codes; questions to ask to determine nature of call and of emergency; geography and boundaries of service areas; procedure for operation of NCIC, CJIS and related information systems.
Ability to:

Perform multiple tasks at the same time; speak clearly over telephone and radio; communicate with people in emergencies; remain calm and in control; control situations involving irate and emotionally distraught persons; work under stressful conditions; deal with the public in a courteous manner; communicate with people of different backgrounds and with different communication abilities; learn and follow detailed written and verbal procedural directions; selects appropriate course of action based upon the information available; recall details and record them accurately and completely; maintain confidentiality; disseminate information quickly and accurately; sort and file documents; formulate and ask questions to get needed information; work independently; use a computer terminal.

Other Requirements:

Possession of or ability to obtain a valid California Driver's License may be required.
Must have earned a high school diploma, or equivalent and possess ability to pass an extensive background investigation.

Typing certificate of 45 wpm.


Selection: Screening will consist of a competitive assessment of relevant education, training and work experience to be followed by an interview before an Oral Board to determine the most qualified candidates. Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement to the interview, and the decision of the screening committee is final . Applicants will receive electronic notification regarding results for all phases of the recruitment up to the establishment of the eligibility list, if applicable. Candidates will be notified of the date and time of scheduled interviews and/or tests. The City of Porterville reserves the right to alter the testing process at any time, without notice, as needed.

To apply: You may apply online by clicking on the "Apply" button or you may obtain an application online at or pick one up at the Human Resources office at City Hall. Please submit a complete application (a resume may be included, but does not substitute for a completed application) together with any materials required to accompany application if noticed in this announcement, to the Human Resources Office, City of Porterville, 291 N Main St, Porterville, CA 93257.

Special Condition: Candidates recommended for hire will be required to undergo a background reference and fingerprint check and a pre-employment physical and drug screening.

EEO: The City of Porterville is an equal opportunity employer (EEO) and is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you believe you need accommodation under the ADA in the testing process for any position for which you intend to apply, please contact the Human Resources Division at View phone number on click.appcast.io to request such accommodation. The City prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability or medical condition, Acquired Immune Deficiency (AIDS/HIV) or AIDS related conditions, political affiliation, sexual orientation, ancestry, marital or domestic partner status, gender identity, parental status, veteran status, height, weight, or any other basis protected by law.
We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

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