Police Dispatcher- Full-Time Night Shift

Department: Police
Bargaining Unit: 700

The City of Walnut Creek is seeking one full-time Police Dispatcher to join the Police Department's Communications Division. This is not an entry-level position; only Police Dispatchers with experience are eligible to apply.
Effective June 22, 2025, the annual salary range for a Police Dispatcher is $95,115 - $114,478 . This recruitment is ongoing and may close without notice when a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received.
Enjoy a relaxed dress code, meal facilities, dispatch treadmill, on site gym, and a strong working relationship with our officers.
Spanning 19.5 square miles, the community's sprawling landscapes, warm weather, diverse dining options, and thriving shopping district make Walnut Creek a suburban oasis with an urban flair. With a rare blend of 2,800 acres of open space, a vibrant downtown, a business park, premier healthcare facilities and a performing arts center, Walnut Creek offers something for everyone!
As highly dedicated and trained employees, we are committed to protecting and serving the community through professional conduct and proactive enforcement of the law. We strive for superior customer service, upholding the trust of this community and organization one interaction at a time.

Under general supervision, Dispatchers at the City of Walnut Creek work in the Communications Center receiving emergency calls and inquiries from the public, and dispatching police officers via the radio to calls for service. Walnut Creek Dispatchers dispatch for police only and have the opportunity for collateral assignments such as Tactical Dispatch, Social Media Coordinator, Communications Training Officer, Peer Support Team Member, and Cadet Advisor.
They handle multiple work requests under pressure with frequent interruption, use sound judgment, and calm distressed community members during emergency situations in order to gather sufficient information to act appropriately and to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Dispatchers operate multiple automated systems including CAD, radio system, phones, and multiple online jurisdictional databases and use various telecommunications equipment such as telephone, radio, and computer terminal.
Dispatchers are assigned to shift work; Shift assignments are generally made in order of seniority although Dispatchers can be assigned shifts as needed to meet staffing requirements. Dispatchers typically work a 3/12 schedule with an eight-hour make-up day every other week and every other Sunday off. Dispatchers working the swing shift receive an additional 2.5% pay differential, and those working the graveyard (overnight) shift receive a 5% pay differential.

Any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.
Graduation from high school, supplemented by coursework in communications, secretarial duties, public safety, or a related field.
One year of full-time, or its equivalent, experience within the last seven years performing law enforcement dispatch duties at a California law enforcement agency or at least two years of experience within the past two years at an out of state law enforcement agency; Experience operating a computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system; A passing score on the POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery. The POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery results must be uploaded and attached to the application.

Important: The third requirement may be waived if the candidate's application shows they passed probation as a Dispatcher at a law enforcement agency. Those candidates eligible to waive the POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery must submit the Public Safety Dispatcher's Basic Course documentation.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, prior to employment, a Class C Driver's License and a good driving record.
Computer Proficiency: Must have the ability to type at the corrected minimum rate of 40 words per minute

Applications are accepted on a continuous basis. Applications must comply with the Lateral Candidate Experience Requirements listed above in order to advance forward. Applications demonstrating the most desirable qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will include an oral interview. Applicants considered for appointment to this position will be subject to a thorough Police Department background investigation including a California Department of Justice and FBI fingerprinting, a credit check, a pre-placement medical exam including a drug screen, and a psychological evaluation. If you have a disability as defined by state and federal law that could impact your participation at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io or to request a reasonable accommodation. As such, all City of Walnut Creek employees may be called upon to assist in the event of fire, flood, earthquake, or other natural or man-made disasters.
The City of Walnut Creek provides a generous benefit package to employees in the Civilian Police Unit. More information can be found on the benefit page of the City's website and in the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Walnut Creek and the Civilian Police Unit.
Health Benefits - Choice of Kaiser or Blue Shield HMO or HDHP health insurance plans with generous City contribution.
Dental and Vision Plans - Family coverage fully paid by the City.
Life Insurance and Long Term Disability - Individual coverage fully paid by the City.
Retirement Program - CalPERS 2% at 60 retirement plan OR for new employees hired after 1/1/2013 the benefit formula applicable under AB340 California Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA). or contributions required under AB340 California Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA)
Voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation and Retirement Health Savings plans are available. The City participates in the Medicare Program but does not participate in Social Security or the State Disability program.
Paid Leave and Holidays - General Leave accrual starts at 20 days per year and progresses to 30 days per year at twenty-five years of service. There are twelve paid holidays per year and one floating DEIB holiday per year.
Dependent Care and Medical Spending Accounts - Available to eligible employees on a voluntary basis.
Additional Benefits - Tuition Reimbursement Program, Employee Assistance Plan, Wellness Program, Commute Alternative Program and others.
Have you completed one year of full-time experience, or its equivalent, within the last seven years performing law enforcement dispatch duties at a California law enforcement agency? (Have you completed two years of full-time experience, or its equivalent, within the past two years at a US law enforcement agency outside of California? (Have you successfully completed probation as a Police Dispatcher with a California law enforcement agency?
Have you taken the POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery? (If the answer is yes, you are required to attach a copy of your official score notice to this application. Do not submit your application without attaching.)
Have you successfully completed the POST Public Safety Basic Dispatcher Course? (If the answer is yes, you are required to attach the Public Safety Dispatcher's Basic Course documentation to this application. Do not submit your application without attaching.)
I understand that if I am invited to participate in an oral board interview, I will be required to submit a current typing certificate (dated within the past six months) before my interview.
Have you ever been convicted of any crime which resulted in imprisonment, probation, or the payment of a fine or forfeiture or bail of $50 or more, including traffic violations? 2) any misdemeanor conviction for which probation has been successfully completed or otherwise discharged and the case has been judicially dismissed pursuant to Penal Code section 1203.4; or 3) misdemeanor convictions for marijuana-related offenses that are more than two years old.)
Check 'Yes' below to confirm that all of the information provided on your application is true and accurate.
Why do you want to become a Police Dispatcher for the City of Walnut Creek? (