Lateral Dispatcher

Salary : $7,075.29 - $8,600.06 Monthly
Location : Santa Maria, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: FY 25-00114
Department: Police Department
Division: Public Safety Dispatch
Opening Date: 12/03/2025
Closing Date: Continuous


OPPORTUNITY
Closing Date: Continuous Interview Date: TBD

Second Interview Date: TBD Desired Start Date: TBD
The City of Santa Maria has an exciting opportunity for Lateral Dispatchers! (Note: The Dispatcher II (Lateral Dispatcher) is distinguished from the Dispatcher I in that the former is journey level and possesses two years of dispatch experience in a law enforcement agency, and functions under limited supervision as opposed to direct supervision and training .)

LATERAL INCENTIVE:

• $6,000 hiring incentive to lateral Dispatchers with a valid POST Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Certificate
  • $2k at time of hire
  • $2k upon successful completion of training
  • $2k upon successful completion of probation
• Credit for full time service with a POST recognized agency (for vacation accrual purposes)
• 7% Longevity Pay for employees with ten (10) years of sworn law enforcement service
• 10% Longevity Pay for employees with twenty (20) years of sworn law enforcement service

See for more details
WHO WE ARE:

The City of Santa Maria is a full-service City with a City Council/City Manager form of government with over 700 employees, an annual budget of approximately $291.4 million and serves approximately 112,208 constituents. The City of Santa Maria is located on the beautiful central coast of California and covers over 23 square miles. The City has a harmonious balance of maintaining coastal and agricultural lands while promoting business. Santa Maria has been recognized nationally as an All-America City by the National Civic League and offers reasonably priced housing, community festivals, quality schools, and is in close proximity to beaches, cultural arts, a local airport, wineries, and higher education institutions.


WHAT WE DO:

The Santa Maria Police Department strives to protect and serve all those who live, work, and/or visit Santa Maria. This is accomplished by working in cooperation with the community, promoting safety and enforcing the law. The SMPD Communications Center operates on a 24-hour basis and handles approximately 160,000 calls for service each year including all emergency 9-1-1 and non-emergency calls for services. Dispatchers play a vital role in the delivery of public safety for the community and ensures that appropriate resources are dispatched on a timely basis.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR: The ideal candidate exhibits the following qualities:

• Experienced public safety dispatcher
• Ability to multi-task
• Integrity and Ethics
• Self-motivated
• Excellent communication skills
• Problem solving and decision making in potentially high stress situations
• Good judgement under pressure
• Spanish speaking skills are highly desirable

DETAILED JOB DESCRIPTION:
REQUIRED SUBMITTALS:

Due upon application:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Public Safety Dispatcher POST Certificate

DUTIES
These duties are a representative example; position assignments may vary depending on the business needs of the department and organization. This position:

• Transmits and receives radio, telephone, teletype messages, and other electronic communications equipment.
• Receives and processes routine and emergency calls for service.
• Determines nature and priority of call and dispatches appropriate equipment and personnel.
• Secures and records information of the transmission.
• Provides routine information and assistance to the public over the telephone
• Operates a CLETS teletype and computer terminal (or related equipment).
• Monitors various multi-channel radio frequencies.
• Performs routine clerical and/or record keeping work.
• May act as lead supervisor in his/her absence.
• Scope of assigned area will depend on departmental structure and is at the discretion of the department director.
• Upholds the values of the organization and has strong customer service orientation.
• Performs other related projects and duties as assigned.
• Demonstrates regular, reliable and punctual attendance.

Individual Contributor:
Incumbents should have a solid foundation of the following core competencies identified by the organization to be essential and listed in order of importance (click the hyper link to see the full definition ):

• Team Player - Effective performers are team oriented, share resources, respond to requests, and support a spirit of cooperative effort.
• Customer Orientation - Effective performers are in touch with community needs and review the organization through the eyes of Santa Maria residents. They go out of their way to anticipate needs.
• Integrity - Effective performers think and act ethically and honestly, take responsibility for their actions and foster a work environment where integrity is rewarded.
• Composure - Effective performers maintain emotional control, even under ambiguous or stressful circumstances, and demonstrate emotions appropriate to the situation.
• Functional/Technical Expertise - Effective performers are knowledgeable and skilled in a functional specialty (e.g., finance, public works, planning, information technology, human resources, etc.), and remain current in their area of expertise.
• Problem Solving & Decision Making - Effective performers identify problems, solve them, act decisively, and show good judgment.
• Learning Agility - Effective performers continuously seek new knowledge, are curious, learn quickly, and use new information effectively.
• Drive/Energy - Effective performers have a high level of energy and are ambitious and passionate about their role. They have stamina and endurance to maintain a fast pace.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Dispatcher II
  • Ideally, two years of dispatch experience in a law enforcement agency; and
  • Graduation from high school.
  • An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.
  • Employees may be considered for a level II advancement after completion of two years in the Dispatcher I assignment, at the Department Director discretion.
• Current technical/professional knowledge of complex principles, methods, standards and techniques associated with the scope of work of a recognized profession, such as:
  • Public safety computer system operations; video display terminal and dispatching consoles; enhanced 911 telephone system and other associated public safety communications equipment; etc.
  • Operation of a modern, mid-size public safety communications center; record keeping techniques and proper office procedures; operational policies and procedures; etc.
  • Hear and understand English language; understand, retain, and recall information and instructions;
  • Primary roads, streets, highways, area, major buildings and public facilities within the boundaries of the authority user and associate user agencies.
  • Respond quickly, calmly, and helpfully, and make sound decisions on dispatching assistance in emergency situations.
  • Read maps and communicate directions
  • Effective verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Microsoft Office Suite (or equivalent).
  • Use computer and other office equipment effectively.
• Possession of Public Safety Dispatcher POST Certificate

SELECTION PROCESS
The completed electronic application packet will include the online application, supplemental questions, and electronic attachments of a cover letter, resume, and POST Certificate. If you are experiencing any technical (computer related) difficulties or need help with attaching documents to your application, please call the NEOGOV help line for assistance at View phone number on click.appcast.io .

Qualified candidates will be placed on the eligibility list and may be selected to appear before a panel for an oral interview. Those applicants invited to interview will be notified electronically at the e-mail address provided by each candidate through the application process. Therefore, it is the applicant's responsibility to provide an accurate email address and to allow their inbox to receive emails in regard to this recruitment. Department selection interviews will be ongoing and offered as qualified applications are received.


Prior to an offer of employment, applicants must pass a thorough background investigation, including security clearance, polygraph test, psychological exam, and medical evaluation.
The following benefits vary by bargaining unit. For full benefit information please refer to the Memorandum of Understanding or compensation resolution available at


Retirement
The City of Santa Maria is a member of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). Your benefit factor is determined by the retirement formula, age, service credit and final compensation. Based upon your bargaining unit and hire date the benefit factor will vary.
Health Insurance
Medical Insurance is provided to employees and eligible dependents through the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). There are four Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO's) and three Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO's) to choose from. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.

The City has a medical insurance benefit program which provides either payment towards the premium for the employee and eligible dependents, or cash payment if you and your dependent(s) already have health benefits. Evidence of major medical health insurance coverage is required for those employees who receive the cash payment. See Memorandum of Understanding for eligibility requirements.


Dental Insurance
Dental Insurance is provided to employees and eligible dependents through The Standard covering 100% of Preventive; 90% of Basic; and 60% of Major with a minimal deductible. The plan includes a Max Builder option rewarding insured employees and their dependents who use only a portion of their annual dental benefit maximum. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.

Vision Insurance

Vision Insurance is available to employees and eligible dependents. Coverage is through VSP and covers an annual Well Vision exam and an allowance towards prescription glasses. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.
Life Insurance and AD&D Coverage
All employees working a minimum of thirty two (32) hours per week are eligible for Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage. Supplemental life, spousal and dependent child options are also available. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.
Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
All employees working a minimum of thirty two (32) hours per week, excluding Sworn Police and Fire shall participate in the short-term and long-term disability plan with coverage up to 66 2/3% of salary. Sworn Police and Fire are covered through their respective bargaining unit.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
The City offers a flexible spending account option for Dependent Care and Health Care Expenses. With these plans, employees can choose to place a portion of their earnings into a personal reimbursement account on a pre-tax basis. Doing so lowers employees' taxable income for the year and allows them to pay for their qualified dependent care and eligible health care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
Employee Assistance Program
The City provides an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through AETNA for all full and part time employees and their eligible dependents. The confidential EAP program can refer employees to professional counselors and services that can help resolve emotional health, family and work-life issues, or provide help with childcare and eldercare assistance, financial and legal services, identity theft recovery services and daily living services.
Wellness Program
Offered to help employees gain knowledge, skills and motivation to improve the quality of their lives and well-being. The City's Wellness Program includes ergonomic evaluations, flu shots, and Wellness Workshops during lunch and after work.


Access to the Paul Nelson Aquatics Center for employee and immediate family members. Access to the Weight room at the Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center for employee and immediate family members. Access to employee discounts and special offers on travel, entertainment, shopping, dining and services.
Mentorship Program
This professional development program of mentoring and job shadowing provides mentees with an opportunity to be mentored by experienced staff with the objective of developing specific skills and knowledge that will enhance the participants' leadership skills and promote professional growth.

Succession Planning
The academies are offered to all employees including those that are not yet in a supervisory role, but are interested in becoming leaders within the organization as well as our executive management team who have an interest in honing their skills and helping to prepare our future leaders. In addition to multiple leadership academies, the City offers quarterly Speaker Series, a corporate Toastmasters club available for City employees, site tours of various departments, and more.
Deferred Compensation
Employees may participate in the City's 457 Deferred Compensation Plan sponsored by either Empower or CalPERS Supplemental Income. The plan enables employees to save salary and earn interest on a tax-deferred basis. A City match is available based upon representation.
The City also provides an IRS approved 401(a) plan sponsored by Empower for managers represented by Non-Represented Full-Time Management & Confidential (NMAC).
Post Employment Health Plan (PEHP)
Based upon your bargaining unit the City may participate in a PEHP plan that will provide reimbursement for out-of-pocket cost of qualified medical expenses such as prescription drugs, doctor co-pays, eyeglasses and cover the reimbursement of medical insurance premiums upon separation or retirement.
Holidays
The City offers seven (7) paid holidays per year. In addition, based upon your bargaining unit a bank of floating holiday hours is available to be used at the employee's discretion.
Vacation
The City initially offers two weeks of paid vacation per calendar year for all full time employees. Accrual rates increase thereafter based upon your bargaining unit.
Sick Leave
Sick leave shall accrue a rate of eight hours for each month of continuous service, or approximately two weeks per year for all full time employees. Employees may use up to half of their annually accrued sick leave for family illness and up to five days (40 hours) per calendar year for bereavement leave.
Management Leave
Management level employees may receive a prorated amount of management leave time each new calendar year.
Educational Incentive Program
In addition to regular pay when education is in addition to the regular requirements of the job specifications and is work related.
Tuition Reimbursement
Based on your bargaining unit, you may be reimbursed for tuition and book costs of approved job related courses. The maximum amount of tuition reimbursement in any calendar year will vary based upon your bargaining unit.
Auto Allowance
Management level employees may receive auto allowance based upon the need of the position.
Telephone/PDA Stipend
Management level employees may receive a telephone and/or PDA stipend based upon the need of the position.
Bilingual Pay
Bilingual pay is provided to employees who are required by their department head to use both English and Spanish in communicating with the public while performing the duties of his/her position and who demonstrate appropriate skills in both speaking and understanding the Spanish language shall receive compensation. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.
01


Have you reviewed the Job Bulletin Minimum Qualifications for this position?

• Yes
• No

02


Do you have at least two years experience as a public safety dispatcher?

• Yes
• No

03


Do you hold certification as a POST Public Safety Dispatcher?

• Yes
• No

Required Question