Police Communications Operator II - Lateral

Salary : $78,540.80 - $95,472.00 Annually
Location : Carlsbad, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2026
Department: Police
Opening Date: 01/06/2026


The Position
Please note: this is a LATERAL opportunity that requires previous experience as a 911 public safety dispatcher.
Please do not apply if you do not possess the experience required
outlined in the "Experience & Education" section.

For an inside look at the Carlsbad (CA) Police Department


Under general direction, this position will receive, evaluate and act upon emergency and non-emergency telephone and radio communications which range from routine to the complex in the support of municipal law enforcement and fire departments; perform other related work as assigned. A Communications Operator II works under general supervision and performs a wide variety of complex clerical and emergency tasks in support of the police and fire department operations.
You belong in Carlsbad

The City of Carlsbad embraces and recognizes the vital relationship of an inclusive, engaged work environment and innovative excellence. An equitable and inclusive work climate comprises personal experiences, values, and views shaped from differences of culture and circumstance. Our organization appreciates belonging, creativity, recognition and retention of its employees and is committed to hiring and developing motivated, productive and talented employees who provide services and enhance our quality of life. We work to embrace open and equitable access to opportunities for learning and development as our responsibility and goal.


Selection Process
Oral Panel Appraisal Interview: Appraisal of general experience, education, judgment, problem solving ability and communication skills. Those candidates who are qualified will continue in the selection process.

Background Appraisal Interview: Completion and review of detailed Personal History Statement.
Candidates meeting the basic criteria will continue with a background investigation.

Comprehensive Background Investigation: A detailed investigation of the candidate's personal history and suitability for employment as a law enforcement officer based on the job dimensions identified by POST. This investigation includes a lie detection polygraph screening.

Captains' Interview: Personal interviews with the Captain of Field Operations and the Captain of Support Operations.

Final Steps: Psychological and medical evaluations before hire are required. The Chief of Police may select/appoint any individual who has successfully completed the process. Appointments are probationary for one year.

Key Responsibilities


Receive routine and emergency calls and dispatch police, fire and emergency medical units using a virtual telephone, computer equipment and/or a two-way radio console as well as a keyboard and mouse, trackball or foot pedal.


Perform multiple tasks simultaneously, such as receive, document and disseminate information accurately in both written and oral form, enter information into and retrieve information from computer systems and read information from multiple computer screens.


Document facts accurately, legibly, and completely during multiple/emergency call situations.


Coordinate activities within the city departments as well as with other emergency service and other government jurisdictions. Monitor other radio frequencies, dispatching appropriate emergency units when necessary.


Take and evaluate reports, handle complaints, and requests for service over the phone and in person. Elicit information, quickly and accurately analyze situations and choose an effective course of action for both emergency and non-emergency situations.


Provide responsive, high quality service to city employees, representatives of outside agencies and members of the public by providing accurate, complete and up-to-date information, in a courteous, efficient and timely manner.


Screen and refer selected problems to appropriate supervisor.


Assist in the supervision and training of less experienced personnel in a one-on-one, on-the-job-training environment that includes writing daily/weekly evaluations.


Use computer terminals to inquire, enter and check data in local, state, and national information databases.


Perform routine cleaning and maintenance of radio/dispatch equipment.


Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Basic organization and functions of municipal police and fire departments.
• Basic emergency (911) system functions and operations.
• Basic geography of the City of Carlsbad, San Diego County.
• Operational principles and practices of a police and fire radio-telephone emergency communications and dispatching system, including emergency (911) system operations. Geography of the City of Carlsbad and environs.
• Appropriate agencies for handling of public safety complaints/problems/emergencies.

Ability to:

• Elicit from, and explain information effectively and accurately to, a wide variety of callers.
• Provide excellent customer service both in person and on the phone to every caller, regardless of who they are.
• Provide information relevant to maintaining the safety of field personnel.
• Analyze situations accurately, reason clearly, and adopt effective courses of action even during times of stress or life-threatening peril.
• Learn to operate radio, telephone, and computer terminal equipment, and properly dispatch emergency units under extreme pressure.
• Learn to handle multiple situations on a simultaneous basis.
• Learn to understand, interpret and process radio traffic and telephone calls despite considerable background noise, static and interference.
• Keep a spirit of collaboration and cooperation within the Communications Center, regardless of the amount of stress/activity going on.
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Remain calm and communicate precisely and clearly in emergency situations.
• Exercise sound judgment in making priority decisions.
• Read maps, grids and written instructions.
• Deploy emergency equipment within specific guidelines.
• Learn and articulate rules and procedures involved in release and maintenance of police records and files.
• Document facts accurately, legibly and completely under pressure of multiple emergency call situations.
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
• Perform duties effectively with a minimum of supervision.
• Communicate with the public and quickly identify the emergency dispatch needs.
• Handle multiple situations on a simultaneous basis.
• Employ good judgment and make sound decisions in accordance with established procedures and policies.
• Read, interpret and communicate map information accurately.
• Assist less experienced personnel in the operation and compliance with fire and police rules and regulations.
• Perform duties effectively with minimum of supervision.

Experience & Education


One year of operational experience in public safety performing duties comparable to those of a Communication Operator I.


Possession a Police Officer Standards of Training (P.O.S.T) Basic Complaint/Dispatcher Certificate. Computer Aided Dispatch (C.A.D.) experience strongly preferred but not required.
Ability to keyboard/type at a minimum net speed of 40 wpm.

Dispatch operations run on a 24-hour per day, seven day a week schedule. This position works on a rotating shift basis, holidays and weekends.

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Life Insurance
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
• Retirement under the CalPERS program, 2% @ 62 formula, Classic Members (those who are enrolled in CalPERS at another local agency) have the 2% @ 60 formula
  • Pension contribution limitations set by PEPRA are currently $151,549 for new members or $280,000 for classic members
• Bilingual Pay
• Holidays - 11 scheduled holidays
• Paid vacation
• Computer purchase loan
• Tuition reimbursement

A detailed list of our benefits can be found here:
01


INSTRUCTIONS: The supplemental questionnaire is used to further evaluate your experience and education to determine your eligibility to compete. The experience you indicate in your responses to the supplemental questions must also be described, in detail, on the Work History/Experience section of your Employment Application. Failure to complete the "Work History/Experience" section of the employment application will result in your application not being considered. A resume will not be considered in determining your qualifications.I have read and understood the instructions above.

• Yes
• No

02


As an applicant for a position with the Carlsbad Police Department, you are required to complete this Backgrounds Pre-Screening Form. You are admonished with the following: "I am aware that any false statement or omission on this questionnaire will cause my name to be removed from the eligibility list, or be considered for immediate dismissal if an appointment is made." All of your answers will be scrutinized during a thorough background investigation. Please initial below indicating your understanding.
03


Successful candidates must undergo a thorough background investigation. There are certain types of conduct which are automatic grounds for disqualification.Are you willing to undergo a thorough pre-employment character and background investigation, that requires you to give detailed and sensitive information in your personal/professional history if you move forward in this process?

• Yes
• No

04


Have you had the required one year of operational experience in Public Safety Dispatch (911) performing duties comparable to those of a Communications Operator I?

• Yes
• No

05


A typing certificate is required. Please acknowledge if invited to continue in the recruitment process, that you must bring one to the panel interview or upload one when submitting your application. NOTE: 40 WPM is the minimum requirement.

• Yes
• No

06


Are you able to work a variety of shifts as assigned, including days, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays?

• Yes
• No

07


Have you ever been arrested or convicted for any crime, as an adult or juvenile, or have you ever been detained as part of a criminal investigation (excluding traffic citations)?

• Yes
• No

08


If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please describe in detail. If you answered "No", indicate "n/a".
09


Excluding the use of cannabis off the job and away from the workplace, have you ever used or experimented with any substance, drug or narcotic, even one time?

• Yes
• No

10


If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please describe in detail. If you answered "No", indicate "n/a".
11


Have or do you participate in any behavior legal or not that may be considered risky behavior? (alcohol related crime, prostitution, illegal sexual contact, drug use, etc)

• Yes
• No

12


If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please describe in detail. If you answered "No", indicate "n/a".
13


Have you ever been involved in a fight?

• Yes
• No

14


If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please describe in detail any/all fights. If you answered "No", indicate "n/a
15


Do you have, or have you ever had, a poor credit rating and/or any accounts in collections?

• Yes
• No

16


If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please describe in detail why you have/had a poor credit rating and/or why you have/had any accounts in collections. If you answered "No", indicate "n/a".
17


Have you ever had any traffic citations? Any that do not currently show on your motor vehicle print-out.

• Yes
• No

18


If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please describe in detail. If you answered "No", indicate "n/a".
19


Have you ever been formally disciplined by past or present employer including verbal warning, written reprimand or an Internal Affairs investigation, and/or terminated?

• Yes
• No

20


If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please describe in detail. If you answered "No", indicate "n/a".
21


Have you ever stolen anything from an employer?

• Yes
• No

22


If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please provide a description and the value of the item(s). If you answered "No", indicate "n/a".
Required Question