Dispatcher



Dispatcher

Salary

$65,093.60 - $82,517.50 Annually

Location

Public Safety Center, Paso Robles

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

21/22-09

Department

Police

Opening Date

11/09/2021

Closing Date

6/5/2023 11:00 AM Pacific

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Description

This recruitment is open until filled and may close at any time. To be considered with the next pull of applicants, apply now!  

The Position
Dispatchers are an integral part of the Police Department by acting as a critical link between the community and police and fire units in the field. They help maintain the safety of our community by taking command of situations in a sensitive and straightforward manner while also showing consideration and respect to others. The successful candidate will be able to assess situations accurately, make quick decisions, and use sound judgment. This recruitment is for both experienced dispatchers as well as entry-level candidates looking for an exciting career change.

Interested in learning more about the department and position? 
Sign-up for a sit-along here.


The Community
El Paso de Robles, or "The Pass of the Oaks," is located halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, in San Luis Obispo County. Paso Robles is surrounded by scenic rolling hills and California’s premier wine regions and is only 27 miles from beautiful beaches. This thriving community of over 30,000 actively engaged citizens possesses the benefits of a suburban-rural community while retaining a small-town feel and is one of California’s best kept secrets. With over 200 wineries nearby and a bustling downtown with a variety of excellent restaurants and specialty retail, Paso Robles is fast becoming one of the most desirable places to live, work, and play.

The City of Paso Robles has a long history with both wine and healing waters. Paso Robles was named one of the “25 Top Places to Visit for the Holidays” by Travel and Leisure magazine and one of the “Best Summer Getaways” by the Today Show. Other accolades for Paso Robles include “America's Healthiest Small Towns”, “Best Small Main Street Towns in America”, “America’s Happiest Cities”, “Best Food and Wine Festivals”, “Winery of the Year” (Tablas Creek, Justin), and “Brewery of the Year” (Firestone Walker Brewing, multiple times) among others. As these honors attest, Paso Robles and the Central Coast offer an unparalleled quality of life.

The City understands the importance of business development and works hard to attract commerce in a diverse array of industries. The economic outlook for Paso Robles continues to be strong. The housing market is robust and offers a wide array of housing choices including new neighborhoods, houses with acreage, infill, and charming Victorian homes. Paso Robles also has excellent schools, both public and private. Approximately half an hour away is the nationally ranked Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, and within the city of Paso Robles is accredited Cuesta College (North County Campus).

Typical Duties

  • Monitors and receives routine and emergency calls for service
  • Determines the nature and priority of a call, the availability and location of patrol units, and dispatches appropriate equipment and personnel within established policies and procedures
  • Makes accurate entries into the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS) computer terminals and collects and enters pertinent information into local data storage systems
  • Communicates in a clear, easily understood voice with proper diction under stressful conditions
  • Accurately secures and records information of reported emergency or problem and the exact location
  • Provides resource information to field units, stations, other agencies, and the public
  • Receives information over the radio from numerous police, fire, and public works radio frequencies
  • Maintains a variety of confidential records, call and incident logs, and prepares reports as directed
  • Disseminates information to field officers regarding wanted persons, property, and warrants
  • Monitors officers in the field to ensure their physical safety
  • Maintains departmental security by operating intercoms, locks, and gates
  • Performs other related duties as assigned
This position requires rotating shift assignments and is subject to mandatory overtime in accordance with maintaining a fully operational 24-hour facility. It will be required to work a variety of shifts including weekends, holidays, and/or irregular hours.

Employment Standards & Special Requirements

Knowledge of:

  • The functions of law enforcement, fire, and other emergency services
  • Modern office equipment, including a computer and applicable software for spreadsheets and word processing, including Microsoft Office and Microsoft 365
  • English language, spelling, grammar and punctuation
Ability to:
  • Operate a California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS), Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, and Records Management System (RMS)
  • Simultaneously take calls, radio dispatch, prioritize calls for service, manage incidents, units and resources, and log incident details in the computer aided dispatching software during normal and high-volume periods
  • Learn the geography of the City, including the location of streets, roads, highways, areas, major buildings, and public facilities
  • Learn proper radio dispatching techniques, including code language 
  • Calmly and effectively manage emergency situations and assist in directing others in an appropriate course of action during stressful situations
  • Retain and accurately relay information received from a variety of sources
  • Work efficiently and effectively under stress, and exercise sound judgment in emergency situations
  • Adjust quickly to changing situations and perform several tasks at once while adjusting appropriate prioritization of incoming calls
  • Use clear enunciation, tact and courtesy while handling irate or distraught individuals
Education and Experience
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be equivalent to graduation from high school plus two years of related experience involving extensive public contact.

Lateral Transfers
Applicant must have a POST Public Safety Dispatcher Certificate* as well as satisfy one of the following conditions: 

  • be currently employed as a law enforcement dispatcher; OR
  • have recently been a law enforcement dispatcher and have not had a break in service for more than 1 year from application date
*Individuals are eligible to apply for a POST Public Safety Dispatcher Certificate upon satisfactory completion of both the 120-hour Public Safety Dispatchers' Basic Course and the agency's probationary period.

Special Requirements
  • Possession of a valid California Class C driver license and have a satisfactory driving record
  • At least 18 years of age
  • Possession of the 120 hour Public Safety Dispatchers' Basic Course, CPR certification, and First Aid certification within 12 months of appointment 
Spanish language skills are highly desirable.

Selection Procedure & Application Process

Selection Components:

1. Written Exam - POST Entry Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery (PELDSTB)  

Candidates who receive a score of 48 or above on the PELDSTB may be invited to an interview. 

The written test may be waived if the candidate meets one of the following conditions:
  • has taken the PELDSTB in the last year and scored 48 or above; documentation of test score on agency letterhead must be provided with application
  • is considered a lateral transfer (as described above)
2. Interview


Application Process: 

This recruitment is open until filled and may close at any time. To be considered with the next pull of applicants, apply now!   

All interested parties must submit an employment application and any applicable certificationsThis is a confidential recruitment and will be handled accordingly throughout the various stages of the process. Candidates should be aware that references will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established.

This is a continuous recruitment and will remain open until filled. Applications will be reviewed for accuracy, completeness and job related qualifications. A limited number of persons whose applications clearly demonstrate they most closely meet the requirements may be invited to participate in the selection process, which may be any combination of written, oral, and/or performance exams. All statements made in the application materials are subject to verification. False statements will be cause for disqualification or discharge.

Appointment is subject to successfully passing a pre-employment physical, psychological exam, polygraph, and background and criminal history check. Before starting work, applicants must present documentation of their identity, authorization to work in the United States and a DMV driving record. The City of Paso Robles participates in E-Verify (more information can be found at www.PRCity.com/HR). Following appointment, an 18-month probationary period will be required as the final phase of the appointment process.

The email address you provide on the City application will be the primary means of communication the City will use to contact you regarding your application and this recruitment. If you have questions regarding the application process, please contact Human Resources at (805) 227-7234, or by email at Jobs@PRCity.com.

All persons employed by the City of Paso Robles are designated as "disaster service workers" as defined in the California Government Code section 3100 and 3101.

The City of Paso Robles provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute a contract.


Vacation: Accrual of 80 hours per year, increasing with years of service. New hires will be front loaded, for their first 6 months of employment, 40 hours of vacation time. After 6 months of employment, employees will accrue hours in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Sick Leave: Accrual of 96 hours per year. New hires will be front loaded, for their first 6 months of employment, 48 hours of sick time. After 6 months of employment, employees will accrue hours in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Holidays: 14 per year (paid at 4.31 hours per pay period)

Retirement:

  • CalPERS
    • Classic Tier 1 members participate in a formula of 2.5% at 55, with the employee paying an 8% member contribution, plus a 2% cost sharing contribution, for a total of 10%
    • Classic Tier 2 members participate in a formula of 2% at 60, with the employee paying a 7% member contribution, plus a 3% cost sharing contribution, for a total of 10%
    • PEPRA members participate in a formula of 2% at 62, with the employee paying one-half of the normal cost (currently 7%) contribution, plus a 3% cost sharing contribution, for a total of 10%
  • Deferred Compensation: Employee can set aside tax free dollars toward their retirement.
  • Social Security: The City participates in Social Security.

Health Insurance:
  • Medical: City pays $838.21/month of employee premium, $1,427.99/month of premium for employee with one dependent, and $1,855.12/month of premium for employee with two or more dependents.
    • Employees who opt out of health coverage may be eligible for a payment of $300/month. 
  • Dental: City pays full premium for employee and partial premium for family
  • Vision: City pays premium for employee and family

Life Insurance: $40,000 for employee only

Flexible Spending Account: Allows you to pay for dependent care and unreimbursed medical expenses on a pre-tax basis

Employee Assistance Program (EAP): The City pays 100% of the cost of the Employee Assistance Program for the employee and your family

Bilingual Pay: Spanish verbal skills: $100 per month; Spanish written skills: $25 per month. 

Certification Pay: $46.15 per pay period for Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) and CPR certifications OR an additional 2.5% of base pay for Intermediate POST Certificate; additional 1% of base pay for Advanced POST Certificate.

Education Reimbursement: Reimbursement up to $3,000 per fiscal year for educational costs directly related to occupational field or for promotion within City service.

Uniform Allowance: $1,000 per year

Retiree Health Reimbursement: Up to $500 per month reimbursement of health premiums for employees who retire from the City with at least 20 years of service until the age of 65. 

01
Are you either currently employed as a law enforcement dispatcher or have recently been a law enforcement dispatcher and have not had a break in service for more than 1 year from the application date?
  • Yes
  • No
02
Have you obtained any of the following? Please select all that apply and attach a copy of each to your application.
  • 120-hour Public Safety Dispatchers' Basic Course
  • POST Public Safety Basic Certificate (Must have satisfactorily completed the 120-hour Public Safety Dispatchers' Basic Course AND an agency's probationary period before eligible to apply for basic certificate)
  • POST Public Safety Intermediate Certificate
  • POST Public Safety Advanced Certificate
  • N/A - None Obtained
03
Are you CPR and First Aid certified? If yes, please attach a copy of your certification to your application.
  • Yes
  • No
04
Have you taken the POST Entry Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery (PELDSTB) exam with another agency in the last year and scored a 48 or above? If yes, please submit certified results as an attachment to your application. The document must contain your name, your passing score(s), the date of the exam(s), and must be on the testing agency's letterhead.
  • Yes
  • No
05
Why are you interested in working as a Dispatcher for the City of Paso Robles Police Department? (Limit response to 500 words)
06
Describe your experience and level of proficiency utilizing Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook. Please also include any experience you have with additional programs. (Limit your answer to 500 words)

Required Question

Agency
City of Paso Robles
Address
821 Pine Street, Suite A

Paso Robles, California, 93446
Phone
(805) 227-7234
(805) 237-3962