Dispatcher

Dispatcher Position

The top salary range for this position currently reaches $81,165.24, PLUS, an excellent benefits package! The position will receive a 5.0% salary increase in July 2026; bringing the top step salary to $85,223.52. Applications submitted without a valid typing certificate will not be considered. See section on SELECTION PROCESS for criteria.

To perform a variety of complex duties involved in the receipt and dispatching of calls for law enforcement, fire, ambulance and other emergency assistance.

Supervision is provided by the Assistant Chief Police of the Support Services Division or designee.

Essential job functions may include, but are not limited to, the following: Receive emergency service calls from the public requesting law enforcement, or other emergency service; determine nature and location of emergency, determine priority and dispatch resources; maintain contact with all units on assignment; maintain status and location of law enforcement; maintain daily log of all field calls and units dispatched; input and retrieve a variety of public safety information using a computer terminal; enter, update and retrieve information from teletype networks relating to wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, stolen vehicles and other information; use telecommunications systems to coordinate emergency calls and relay information and assistance requests involving other law enforcement agencies; receive, respond to and document requests for warrants and Division of Motor Vehicles print-outs; verify, type and file warrants; document vehicle impound information; maintain a variety of automated and manual logs, records and files related to dispatching activities; perform a variety of record keeping, filing, indexing and other general clerical work; maintain a variety of logs relating to public safety activities; test and inspect equipment as required; arrange for needed repairs; perform related duties and responsibilities as required. Maintain regular attendance.

To qualify for this classification, an individual must possess any combination of experience and education that would likely produce the required knowledge and abilities, and enable the individual to successfully perform the essential job functions of the position. A typical combination is:

High School Diploma or GED required. Some experience operating radio, teletypewriter or other communication equipment is highly desirable. Applicant must have completed or be able to attend and successfully complete, the Police Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T) Dispatch Course. Selected candidates not possessing a Post Dispatcher Certificate will be required to pass a written test related to essential dispatching skills within twelve months of appointment.

Knowledge of: Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment; correct English usage, spelling, punctuation and grammar.

Ability to: Work under pressure, exercise good judgment and make sound decisions in emergency situations; learn procedures used in operating Computer Aided Dispatch and 9-1-1 systems for a large agency; learn policies and procedures of receiving and processing emergency calls; learn basic communications rules and regulations governing the operation of radio transmitting and receiving system; learn standard radio broadcasting and dispatch procedures and rules; learn the geographic features and streets within the area served; learn principles and procedures of record keeping including the maintenance and security of fire and police communications reports; learn general law enforcement codes, practices and methods; effectively communicate with and elicit information from upset and irate citizens; type accurately; understand and follow oral and written instructions; operate a computer terminal, teletype and other office equipment; work various shifts as assigned including weekends, holidays and night-shifts; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

If driving a City vehicle, possession of and ability to maintain a valid Class "C" California Driver's License. Certification verifying a typing speed of 35 net WPM. Must be able to obtain a P.O.S.T. Public Safety Dispatcher Certificate within twelve months of appointment.

Ability to lift up to 15 pounds is required. Ability to sit for long periods of time and reach; ability to work in an enclosed environment with limited mobility; availability for shift work. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement, and fine coordination in retrieving and entering data using a computer keyboard. Additionally, the position requires near and far vision in reading work related documents and using the computer, and acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal service.

Employee generally works indoors. Environment is generally clean with limited exposure to conditions such as dust, fumes, or odors. Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but the employee may occasionally be exposed to loud talking and interruptions from telephones and/or members of the public.

The duties, skills, and demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. When appropriate, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with a disability to perform the essential functions of the position.

The person holding this position is considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirement as a condition of employment.

Candidates must submit an application online and a typing certificate with a net speed of 35 wpm. Internet or electronic typing certificates will not be accepted. Certificates must be issued and dated within six (6) months of application submission date and obtained from a government agency, temporary employment agency, business college, or public school system. Typing tests from the County of Los Angeles Department of Human Resources are not accepted. Failure to submit a valid typing certificate, along with your application, will result in disqualification from the recruitment. Visit the City of Alhambra website for a list of possible agencies to obtain a typing certificate from. Applications will be screened for qualifications and appropriate background. Only the most qualified will be invited to participate in the examination process. Successful candidates must achieve a minimum passing score in each of the test components. Applicants will be notified by email as to the test date, time, and location. The examination process will include the following: Typing Certificate: Qualifying Written Examination: The P.O.S.T Dispatcher written examination consists of multiple choice questions designed to measure verbal, reasoning, memory, and perceptual abilities at levels necessary to perform the job. Applicants are given 2 ½ to 3 hours to complete the Dispatcher test. Applicants must successfully pass the Dispatcher test, with a t-score of 43 or higher, in order to proceed further in the selection process. Oral Interview: Candidates who successfully pass the written test will be invited to a panel interview. Dates will be determined in the future for the panel interview. Applicants who successfully pass the interview will be placed on the employment eligibility list. Candidates will be required to pass a City administered pre-employment physical and will be required to pass a thorough background investigation, polygraph examination, psychological evaluation, and medical examination as part of the Selection Process. Candidates who do not pass any portion of the above processes, will be disqualified and removed from the eligibility list. Once backgrounds are complete, applicants will meet with the Chief of Police, prior to proceeding forward in the selection process.

Applicants with legal disabilities who require special testing arrangements must contact the Human Resources Department at least five (5) business days prior to the examination date. The City of Alhambra is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is responsible for enforcing federal laws that make it illegal to discriminate against a job applicant or an employee because of the person's race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.