Emergency Call Dispatcher

THIS IS NOT AN ENTRY-LEVEL DISPATCHER POSITION.

Applicants are encouraged to apply to other dispatcher recruitments, as vacancies may be filled using any current dispatcher eligible list (Dispatcher I and Fire Dispatcher).

You will be required to pass a computer-based performance test for consideration.

For Police Department positions, selected candidates will undergo a comprehensive character and background investigation, including a polygraph examination and fingerprint check prior to hire. Felony convictions, domestic violence convictions, or use of any illegal drugs may be disqualifying.

Dispatcher II positions in the Police and Fire‑Rescue Departments work on a Computer‑Aided Dispatch (CAD) system and are the primary answering point for all 911 and non‑emergency phone calls from within the City of San Diego. determining the nature and extent of the request, priority, and need for dispatching police, fire, or medical units; Eligible employees hired on or after July 10, 2021, are automatically enrolled in the San Diego City Employees Retirement System (SDCERS).

Typical hourly rate: $31.30.

Operators assigned to the 911 Police Department Phone Room receive 5% special assignment pay.

Shift: 10 hours per shift, four days per week, with three consecutive days off.

May be required to work overtime.

Fire‑Rescue Department Details

Shift: 12-hour shifts (44/36 rotation schedule).

May be required to work overtime during training or cleared positions.

Eligible for 17.5% additional pay after completing a paid mandatory Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) certification course.

All dispatcher classifications subject to mandated overtime beyond scheduled shift with short notice to maintain staffing.

You must be a United States citizen or have the current legal right to work in the United States.

High school graduation.

One year of experience in a law enforcement agency or fire department.

One year of experience performing emergency dispatch for a medical transport company or department.

Ability to communicate in Spanish, Korean, Arabic, Farsi, Somali, Chinese, Indochinese, or Tagalog.

Application Review: Ensure information is complete and accurate.

Performance Test: Computer-based simulation test with 14 modules and 10 decision‑making scenarios; Testing modules include: Data Entry, Data Entry (Audio), Call Summarization 1, Call Summarization 2, Cross Referencing, Cross Referencing (Audio), Character Comparison, Memory Recall, Memory Recall - Numeric (Audio), Prioritization, Map Reading, Spelling, Sentence Clarity, Reading Comprehension.

Performance Test Scheduling & Waivers

Approved applicants will receive notification to schedule the performance test.

Waivers may be requested if: previously served as City of San Diego Dispatcher I/II and passed probation within one year; passed current performance test within one year; current San Diego Police Dispatcher with phase training and memorandum; possess valid Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) certification and 2 years recent experience in Fire‑Rescue/medical transport within past 5 years.

If you fail the performance test, you may reapply 30 days after your most recent test date.

Dispatcher offers many rewarding opportunities but also demands such as confined work area, headset use, shift flexibility, handling difficult callers, and potential background checks.

Must work in a confined area for entire shift; Work may involve changing shifts, overtime, or short‑notice cancellations.

Conditional upon citizenship, medical examination, drug testing, reference checks, fingerprinting, and possible polygraph.

The posting does not constitute an express or implied contract for employment.

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