Public Safety Dispatcher

Public Safety DispatchersThe City of Torrance is recruiting for Public Safety Dispatchers! The Torrance Police Department has been proudly serving the community of Torrance for over 100 years, and currently employs 227 sworn police officers and 128 civilian staff. The Torrance Police Department Public Safety Dispatchers serve as the primary link between the public, and the Police and Fire personnel. The City of Torrance operates a Public Safety Communication Center under the Support Services Division, and is responsible for providing communications services to the Police and Fire Departments, including answering 911 and non-emergency telephone calls, dispatching public safety resources, and providing emergency medical dispatch services and 911 education to the public. The Communication Center is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment in order to provide the highest level of public safety service to the Torrance community. Our Public Safety Dispatchers are an essential component to our overall mission of serving the citizens of our community. Dispatchers operate communication systems utilizing radio, telephone and computer equipment to receive emergency and non-emergency calls requesting Police and Fire services. They make critical decisions during urgent incidents in order to provide First Responders with real-time information to help them solve a variety of situations. Public Safety Dispatchers currently work three 12-hour shifts per week. Work shifts may be extended as needed. You must be available to work rotating shifts, including day, evening, graveyard, weekends and holidays.Qualification GuidelinesEducation and Experience Any combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge and skills required is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills would be: Graduation from high school or possession of a GED Certificate. One year of experience in voice communications equipment or public contact work involving the use of communication equipment. License and/or Certificates Must obtain and maintain a valid California POST Public Safety Dispatch Certificate and Emergency Medical Dispatch Certificate within one (1) year of hire. Ideal Candidate In addition to the minimum requirements, a desirable candidate will possess: A customer service mindset with excellent interpersonal and communication skills; Ability to remain calm, have a clear and controlled voice, think quickly and logically while working under pressure and exercise good judgment in potential emergency situations; Strong multitasking skills and the ability to learn quickly; Skill to operate a computer and keyboard to enter data provided verbally and in writing; Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Experience as a Police, Fire or other emergency dispatcher involving computer-aided dispatching is desirable.How To Apply & Exam ProcessInterested candidates must submit an online application and supplemental questionnaire at Application submission will be accepted on a continuous basis until the positions are filled. Only those candidates who best meet the City and Department's needs will be invited to participate in the examination process, which will consist of the following components: California POST Entry Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery Written: 40% Panel Interview: 60% Please note: Exam components will be scheduled on an as needed basis. The City of Torrance uses the California Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) Entry Level Law Dispatcher Battery Written Test and will accept scores from other agencies within one year of the written test date. The passing T-score for the City of Torrance is 50. Candidates who have taken the POST Entry Level Law Dispatcher Battery examination at another agency and have received a T-score of 50 or higher within the last 12 months must attach a copy of their T-score to their employment application. POST allows candidates to test only once in a 30 day period. Applicants may not take the POST written test if taken with another agency within the last 30 days of the City of Torrance scheduled written test.