Public Safety Dispatcher (Entry-level)

Salary : $79,560.00 - $108,212.00 Annually
Location : City of San Luis Obispo, CA
Job Type: Regular Full Time
Department: Dispatch
Opening Date: 08/18/2026
Closing Date: 9/7/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
FLSA: Non-Exempt


JOB DESCRIPTION
The City of San Luis Obispo's Police Department is currently recruiting for the position of Public Safety Dispatcher!

CLICK HERE to learn more about joining SLOPD!
THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS:

Candidates must submit an online application by 5:00 pm on September 7, 2026. Once the position has closed, applications that meet the minimum qualifications for the role will be reviewed. After applications are reviewed, candidates will be notified of their status, and those selected to move forward in the recruitment process will be invited to complete a POST Entry-level Dispatcher Selection virtual written exam (CritiCall).The CritiCall virtual testing period will open September 8, 2026 and remain open through September 15, 2026.

Upon completing the CritiCall exam, your results as well as your application and application materials will be evaluated.

Top-scoring candidates will be invited for panel interviews, which will take place on Thursday, October 1, 2026.

Please note that this posting is for entry-level candidates - candidates with a minimum of one year of experience in dispatching for a Public Safety Agency and who meet the minimum requirements of the position should apply to the "Public Safety Dispatcher - Lateral" posting.


SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE STATEMENT: A successful Public Safety Dispatcher is deeply committed to the profession and ready to meet the demands of rigorous training and challenging shifts. They remain calm under pressure, show compassion without becoming emotionally overwhelmed, and communicate clearly and quickly-turning distressed callers' information into accurate, concise emergency calls. They multitask effectively, track field units, and manage both phone and radio communication with strong judgment and prioritization. They adapt easily to evolving technology, including reading electronic maps and using multiple systems. They bring excellent interpersonal skills, working closely with partners for long shifts, and demonstrate assertiveness, flexibility, tolerance, and teamwork.
JOB SUMMARY :
Operates radio systems to dispatch public safety emergency vehicles and personnel, answers emergency and non-emergency phone calls and provides pre-arrival medical emergency instructions. Performs a variety of clerical activities and related work as required.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:
Employees in this line-level classification perform the full range of assigned duties. They must be able to work in an independent manner, receiving only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise. Public Safety Dispatchers are fully competent and knowledgeable of the operating procedures and policies within the City and the Police and Fire Departments. They are responsible for responding to a wide variety of calls and requests in an appropriate and timely manner. This requires a thorough knowledge of public safety dispatch procedures and standards as well as excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Public Safety Dispatchers are expected to work shifts including weekends, nights, holidays, and irregular shifts, which may be on short notice. This classification is distinguished from the Public Safety Dispatch Supervisor in that the latter is responsible for the evaluation and supervision of the Public Safety Dispatchers.

SUPERVISION
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED :
Works under the general supervision of the Public Safety Dispatch Supervisor and the Watch Commander. Employees in this classification participate in providing general instruction and training to new dispatchers or other staff.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :
(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all tasks that may be found in positions of this class.)

• Receives information and requests for services from the public via telephone and Text to 9-1-1.
• Receives information via radio over numerous police, fire, and public works radio frequencies.
• Uses various computer programs to provide resource information to field units, other agencies, and the public.
• Makes accurate entries into the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System and collects and enters pertinent information into local data storage systems.
• Analyzes situations accurately and takes effective action to help assure officer and citizen safety.
• Communicates in a calm, clear, easily understood voice with proper diction, under stressful conditions.
• Dispatches emergency police, fire, and other City resources/vehicles to scenes of requests for service in accordance with established policies and procedures. Prioritizes and assigns appropriate resources for emergency and non-emergency service calls.
• Provides medical pre-arrival instructions using established emergency medical dispatch protocols.
• Maintains computerized and paper indexes of information in the communications center.
• Disseminates information on wanted persons, property, warrants, etc.
• Responsible for proper care of communications equipment. Maintains security for confidential or restricted information.
• Participates in training program and utilizes acquired knowledge to train other unit members.
• Performs related duties similar to the above in scope and function as required.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES :
Knowledge of:

• Current computer and cellular telephone technology.
• California law and City of San Luis Obispo ordinances.

Ability to :

• Learn the standard broadcasting procedures of a law enforcement radio system.
• Learn and utilize established emergency medical dispatch protocols to provide pre-arrival instructions.
• Simultaneously use the computer keyboard effectively while speaking on the phone and radio.
• Communicate in a clear, easily understood voice with proper diction, under stressful conditions.
• Apply acquired knowledge to new situations in order to make effective decisions.
• Demonstrate social intelligence combined with quick thinking and decisive action.
• Accurately type at a rate of net 40 words per minute.
• Conduct work in a manner that supports the overall team effort and maintain effective work relationships.
• Work with diverse populations and maintain an inclusive environment.

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE :
Entry Level
High School diploma from a recognized American accreditor or G.E.D.;
and
Two years of typing, keyboard or clerical experience with word processing speed of at least 40 w.p.m. net;
and
Successful completion of a POST Entry-level Dispatcher Selection exam before hire.
Experience operating radio and telephone equipment and data entry terminals is desirable.

POSSESSION AND MAINTENANCE OF:

• California POST Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Course Certificate within one year of appointment.

THIS POSITION WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING BEFORE A FINAL OFFER IS MADE:

• Polygraph
• Police Background Investigation
• Pre-employment Physical
• Credit Check
• Live Scan Fingerprinting (DOJ & FBI)

Equal Opportunity & Language Access Notice

The City of San Luis Obispo values diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We are committed to fostering a community where all individuals are treated with dignity, respect, and inclusion, and where everyone can thrive. Our job posting site is compatible with tools such as Google Translate, which applicants may use to view postings in their preferred language. Please note that all application materials and responses must be submitted in English, as English is the working language of the City.

La Ciudad de San Luis Obispo valora la diversidad, la equidad, la inclusión y el sentido de pertenencia. Estamos comprometidos a fomentar una comunidad donde todas las personas sean tratadas con dignidad, respeto e inclusión, y donde todos puedan prosperar. Nuestro sitio de publicación de empleos es compatible con herramientas como Google Translate, que los solicitantes pueden usar para ver las publicaciones en su idioma preferido. Tenga en cuenta que todos los materiales de la solicitud y las respuestas deben enviarse en inglés, ya que el inglés es el idioma de trabajo de la Ciudad.

For questions or assistance, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io. Si tiene preguntas o necesita asistencia, por favor comuníquese con View email address on click.appcast.io.
For a detailed spreadsheet of employee benefits by bargaining group, please view our


Retirement: California Public Employee's Retirement System (PERS). The City participates only in the medicare portion of Social Security.

Health: the City has a cafeteria plan for health, dental and vision insurance and contributes towards medical insurance. Employees may choose from several health insurance options. There are also two dental plans to choose from. See the Benefits Summary link to determine the contribution amount.

Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance: group term life and AD&D insurance is provided for all regular employees. The amount of coverage varies depending on the classification. Employees may purchase additional life and AD&D insurance for themselves and their dependents.

Vacation: employees receive 12 days per year increasing to 20 days after 20 years.

Holidays: employees receive 12-13 days per year depending on the classification.

Sick Leave: employees receive 12 days per year.

Administrative Leave: is a benefit available to management employees. The number of administrative leave hours varies depending on the classification.

Flexible Work Schedule: is available to many positions within the City organization.

Long Term Disability Insurance: is available for regular employees. The amount of benefit and contribution by employee varies by classification.

Deferred Compensation: is available for employees to set aside a portion of their salary on a pre-tax basis to supplement retirement.

Wellness Program: offered to help employees gain knowledge, skills and motivation to improve the quality of their lives and well-being.

Employee Assistance Program: a counseling and consultation service designed to help employees and eligible family members with a wide range of personal issues.

Flexible Benefits Program: available to help employees save taxes on: (1) Pre-tax health insurance premium deductions, (2) Unreimbursed/ uncovered medical expenses, and (3) Dependent care expenses.

Tuition Reimbursement: up to $1500 annually for job-related educational costs is available to employees who have passed probation.

Trip Reduction Incentive Program (TRIP): incentives are available for employees who voluntarily participate in alternative forms of transportation to and from work.

Computer Purchase Program: interest-free loans to employees who have passed probation and who purchase computers for personal use with City approved software configuration.

Professional Association for City Employees (PACE): voluntary organization for professional development training classes, monthly membership meetings with a variety of speakers, and social functions designed to facilitate interaction with employees from all departments in a relaxed setting away from work.
01


Which of the following best describes your highest level of education?

• Master's degree or higher
• Bachelor's degree
• Associate's degree or vocational equivalent
• Some college
• High School/G.E.D.
• None of the above

02


How many years of typing, keyboard or clerical experience do you have?

• 6 years or more
• 5 years to 5 years 11 months
• 4 years to 4 years 11 months
• 3 years to 3 years 11 months
• 2 years to 2 years 11 months
• 1 year to 1 year 11 months
• Less than 1 year
• No Experience

03


Please explain your typing, keyboard or clerical experience in detail.
04


Do you have experience operating radio telephone equipment and data entry terminals? If yes, please explain in detail. If no, please put "N/A". (desirable, not required)
05


What is your word processing speed?

• 56 w.p.m. or more
• 50 w.p.m. to 55 w.p.m.
• 45 w.p.m. to 49 w.p.m.
• 40 w.p.m. to 44 w.p.m.
• 35 w.p.m. to 39 w.p.m.
• 30 w.p.m. to 34 w.p.m.
• 29 w.p.m. or less

06


Do you currently possess a valid California POST Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Course Certificate, or are you able to complete the course and obtain the certificate within one year of appointment?

• Yes, I currently possess a valid California POST Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Course Certificate. Please attach your Certificate to your application.
• No, I do not currently have the certificate, but I have the ability to complete the required California POST Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Course and obtain the certificate within one year of appointment.
• No, I do not currently possess the certificate and am unable to obtain it within one year of appointment.

Required Question