COMMUNICATIONS DISPATCHER (PART TIME)

Communications Dispatcher Trainee

Employer: City of Monterey Park

Salary: $29.44 - $35.80 Hourly

Location: Monterey Park, CA

Job Type: Part-time

Job Number: 25-39PT

Department: Police

Opening Date: 09/09/2025

Closing Date: Continuous

This recruitment is continuous until filled. The deadline for the first review of applications is Tuesday, September 30, 2025. In the event a sufficient number of qualified applications are received before the closing date, the recruitment may close prior to the closing date. Applicants are urged to submit their applications as soon as possible, as this recruitment may close at any time without notice.

The ideal candidate:

• is currently enrolled in or has completed the POST-certified Public Safety Dispatcher course at a Police Academy
• has previous experience in a Dispatcher role with a law enforcement agency
• has completed an Associate Arts Degree or higher with a criminal justice emphasis or related field of study
• is able to work rotating nights, weekends, and holiday shifts with no guaranteed set schedule

This position is a part-time, at-will, non-benefited position that may work up to 20 hours per week, including nights, weekends, and holidays. The Monterey Park Police Department is a 24-hour/7-day-a-week emergency operation. During the on-the-job training, it is necessary to change shifts/days/hours in conjunction with your trainer.

Under direct supervision from a Dispatch Training Officer, Lead Communications Dispatcher, or Communications Supervisor, receives and completes Communication Dispatcher training in accordance with the City of Monterey Park Dispatcher Training Program; attends and completes the POST-certified Public Safety Dispatcher course at a Police Academy to fulfill the requirement for appointment as a Communications Dispatcher. Depending on assignment, duties may include but are not limited to the following: receives formalized classroom training at a Police Academy and on-the-job training to learn practices, procedures, and techniques of public safety dispatching, performs other related duties as assigned. Under general supervision, receives and transmits routine and emergency police and fire messages by telephone system, voice radio, and alarm signals; works an assigned shift; and performs related duties as required.

This class reports to an assigned Dispatch Training Officer, Lead Communications Dispatcher, or Communications Supervisor. Trainees must satisfactorily complete the Monterey Park Dispatcher's Training Program and the POST-Certified Public Safety Dispatcher course within the prescribed 18-month probationary period. Communications Dispatcher Trainees who do not successfully complete all phases of training will be automatically terminated from employment. This is a 24 hours-a-day/7-day-a-week emergency operation – most shift schedules include working part or all of weekends. Possible shift assignment may include nights, weekends, and holidays. During the on-the-job training, it is necessary to change shifts/days/hours in conjunction with your trainer.

Qualification Guidelines

Education & Experience:

• Graduation from high school or attainment of GED or equivalent is required.
• A typing certificate (40 WPM, issued within 1 year of the application date) from an accredited business school, adult school, or employment agency is required a time of application.
• Associate of Arts Degree desired.
• One (1) year of experience in a position with extensive daily public contact is desired.
• One (1) year of police-related experience is highly desirable.
• Current enrollment in or completion of a POST Certified Dispatch Academy is highly desirable.
• Previous experience as a Dispatcher with a law enforcement agency highly desirable.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of office practices and procedures;
• operation of various office equipment including computers and typewriters;
• and Windows software.

• Skilled in organization;
• initiative;
• and self motivation.

Ability to:

• type at a speed of 40 wpm while conversing on the telephone or radio;
• monitor multiple police frequencies;
• control conversations, quickly gathering pertinent and relevant information;
• hear multiple conversations simultaneously and reacting when appropriate;
• learn and apply police practices, codes, rules, policies, and procedures quickly and to interpret them correctly;
• learn and apply basic radio and telephone communications;
• write legibly, spell, comprehend & communicate effectively in English;
• understand, retain and repeat both simple and complex oral and written communication;
• follow written and verbal instructions;
• work calmly under extremely stressful situations;
• shift to new tasks and procedures when priorities change;
• work rapidly and accurately with names, numbers, codes and symbols;
• take initiative to read and understand street maps, learn and retain a workable knowledge of cities, roadways, landmarks and geography of the city;
• exercise good judgment;
• have a memory for details;
• recognize and keep information confidential;
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with others;
• work in confined quarters for extended periods of time;
• gain cooperation and cooperate with others promoting a positive & cooperative work atmosphere.

Physical Effort: Those in this position may be required to sit at a computer terminal for extended periods of time.

Licenses: A valid Class 'C' California Driver License is required at time of appointment and as a condition of continued employment

Supplemental Information

Obtaining a Typing Certificate: Some of the City's positions require applicants to provide a typing certificate to demonstrate the minimum typing requirement. Certification may be in the form of a certificate, letter, or test results form that must clearly state the following: 1. Name of the issuing agency. Acceptable agencies are a government agency, an employment agency, a business college, an adult school, or a public school system. Internet typing tests will not be accepted. 2. Date of the typing test. The typing test must be dated within one year of the final filing date of the flyer. 3. Five-minute timed test with net speed. 4. Applicant's name. Certificates that do not include all the above information may disqualify the applicant from the selection process. The following agencies are examples of acceptable issuing agencies and administer typing tests to the public:

Glendora Employment Agency203 S. Glendora Ave., Suite C, Glendora(626) 335-4081 – Appointment Required$20 Fee (Cash Only) $22.50 (Card)Photo I.D. RequiredMonday- Friday 9:30 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. - Olympic Staffing Services588 S Grand Ave,Covina, CA 91724(626) 447-3558$20 Fee, Walk-InMonday- Friday8:30 A.M. – 4:30 P.M

Foothill Workforce Development Board1207 East Green StreetPasadena, CA 91106(626) 796-JOBS8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.Free by Appointment - Long Beach City College4901 E Carson StLong Beach, CA 90808(562) 938-4111M-R 10:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.Free Walk-In

Note: New hire candidates must show proof of full Covid vaccinations prior to being hired. Applicants with legal disabilities who require special testing arrangements must contact the Human Resources Department at least five (5) days prior to the examination date. Applicants will receive communication through email only. Applicants should be diligent in checking their email and spam/junk mail after the deadline as all notices regarding their status in the current recruitment will be emailed.