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City of Santa Barbara

Public Safety Dispatcher (Trainee)

Entry-Level JobVerifiedNo experience needed

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What they do

A Dispatcher answers emergency calls and relays information from callers to the appropriate police, fire or ambulance staff. Speaks calmly with callers to get the information needed for emergency personnel. Keeps detailed records of calls and responses.

$53,202 / year median in California

+8% projected growth

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Job Description

$79,003 - $91,547 Annually (Additional $214 to $316 / month for EMD• Certification)
INCENTIVES
$138 to $277/mo Shift Differential $110 to $222/mo Bilingual Pay $863/yr Uniform Allowance City Paid Medical, Dental & Vision City Paid Life Insurance $50,000 4/10 Work Schedule, 3 Days Off Per Week Flexible Medical And Dependent Care Plans Deferred Compensation Plans City Paid Vacation, Holiday, And Sick Leave City Paid Retiree Medical Contribution City Paid Formal Training This is an unclassified trainee position. Under supervision, incumbents are trained to answer and process all incoming emergency and non-emergency requests for police, fire, and medical assistance. Operate a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, video display terminals, and associated equipment. Evaluate the information and create a CAD system incident, or provide information to the caller or transfer the call to the proper emergency service provider. Analyze situations accurately and take effective action to help assure officer safety. Monitor and maintain status of assigned public safety personnel and equipment; initiate fire equipment move-ups to ensure adequate citywide fire protection. Determine nature, priority, and disposition of calls. Inquire, interpret, verify, receive, and disseminate information from law enforcement computer networks relating to wanted persons, stolen property, and vehicle registration. May be required to provide the public with basic first aid and pre-arrival instructions during medical emergencies following the established Emergency Medical Dispatch• (EMD) protocols. Perform other duties as required. The Combined Communications Center is a 24-hour facility located at the Police Department. Incumbents must be available to work weekends, holidays, call back, standby, and rotating shifts.
The current shifts are:
Day Shift 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Evening Shift 4:00 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.; and Night Shift 7:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Shifts are rotated every 6 months. For applicants who have passed the simulation examination and would like to participate in the Police Department Dispatcher observation tour, call the Communication Center Shift Supervisor at (805) 882-8900.
Ability to:
Follow oral and written instructions; learn police and fire radio operations and procedures, local streets, police beats, fire districts, the classifications of crimes and recognition of common police and fire codes in order to obtain information from the public, initiate a response, and accurately record information; remember instructions and information; clearly and tactfully communicate factual information to citizens; question callers while simultaneously typing information into a computer terminal. Establish and maintain cooperative working relations with those contacted in the course of work.
Skill in:
Operating a computer terminal; listening and speaking clearly and responding quickly and accurately to emergency and routine requests for assistance.
Desirable Qualifications:
Spanish-speaking skills; coursework in criminal justice or communications; public contact experience.
THE SELECTION PROCESS MAY CONSIST OF
Simulation Exam Oral Interview Department Background Interview Background Investigation Polygraph Psychological Evaluation Medical Examination and Drug Screening Candidates must successfully complete each phase of the selection process in order to be scheduled for subsequent phases.
APPLICATIONS, WITH THE ATTACHED ACKNOWLEDGMENT FORM SIGNED, ARE ACCEPTED ON A CONTINUOUS BASIS. NOTE
APPLICATIONS
MAY BE REJECTED IF INCOMPLETE.
The City of Santa Barbara is an Equal Opportunity Employer - and we encourage all persons to apply.