Public Safety Dispatcher – Academy Enrolled/Academy Graduate/Non-Lateral

Salary : $74,218.68 - $94,724.04 Annually
Location : City of Benicia, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 25/26 #37
Department: Police
Opening Date: 01/09/2026
Closing Date: 6/30/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Definition
Public Safety Dispatcher - Academy Enrolled/Graduate & Non-Lateral
Base Salary: Up to $94,724.04 annually

The City of Benicia is accepting applications for Public Safety Dispatcher to establish an eligibility list for future vacancies. This position offers a dynamic work environment, excellent benefits, and opportunities for additional compensation.
Important Eligibility Notes:

• Lateral Applicants: If you are currently employed as a dispatcher with another law enforcement agency in California, please apply under our Lateral job posting.
• Entry-Level Applicants: We are not accepting candidates who have not yet taken the POST Dispatcher written exam. For more information on the POST written exam, please visit: and/or
• Typing Requirement: All applicants must submit a valid typing certificate verifying a minimum of 35 words per minute at the time of application.
  • Online typing certificates will not be accepted.
  • Information on where to complete a typing test is provided at the end of this announcement.

Additional Compensation (Beyond Base Salary):

• Certificate Pay
• Solo Dispatcher Pay
• On-Call Pay
• Shift Differential (5% and 7%)
• Uniform Allowance

Benefits Include:

• On-duty workout program and treadmill access at active workstations
• Choice of personal equipment (e.g., headset)
• Casual uniform option
• Education reimbursement program
• And more!!

Preferred Qualifications:
Preference will be given to candidates who meet one or more of the following:

1. Recent experience in 911 emergency communications for a POST-certified agency
2. Completion of or current enrollment in the POST Basic Dispatch Course
3. A POST Dispatcher written exam T-score of 53 or higher, issued within the past two years

For questions regarding this position, please contact Public Safety Dispatch Supervisor Sarah Patchin - (707) 746-4743

Distinguishing Characteristics

Under general supervision, receives 911 emergency and routine calls for service from the public, monitors radio traffic and dispatches Police and Fire units, processes and files crime reports, arrest reports, and other Police Department documents, and performs other related tasks as required.

The Public Safety Dispatcher is assigned to the Communications Center within the Police Department to receive requests for Police and Fire assistance and take appropriate action.
Representative Duties / Qualifications

The representative duties listed include essential and marginal functions that vary by position. Individuals with disabilities will be considered for placement into positions in this class based upon an assessment of the essential functions of the particular position.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Operates a computer keyboard to provide input information to the computer operated Police Information Network (PIN) System, the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS) and other data processing equipment as required;
• Receives 911, emergency and non-emergency calls for service for Police and Fire services from the public.
• Determines the location and priorities for action.
• Dispatches calls to field personnel, monitors progress, location and needs of field personnel during specific and general activity in accordance with established procedures;
• Operates a computer aided dispatching (CAD) and records maintenance system (RMS) memorializing the dispatching of Police and Fire units.
• Monitors, makes inquiries and entries into the automated Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) and the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) databases through the county message switching computers in accordance with established procedures;
• Processes, routes and files arrest reports, crime reports, District Attorney packets, missing person reports, warrants, subpoenas, citations, registers, dispositions, alarms, restraining orders, fingerprints, booking photographs, RAP sheets, and other miscellaneous departmental paperwork as required;
• Answers departmental telephones, provides accurate and thorough information to the public requesting assistance, directs calls, and takes messages;
• Assists walk-in citizens in the front lobby with complaints, reports, and other requests at the front counter;
• Monitors and responds to station alarm activations for Police, Fire and Public Works;
• Maintains operating knowledge of communications and office equipment within the Communications Center and requests repairs when needed;
• Receives calls for service and dispatches on-call Public Works personnel after business hours;
• Assists with the training of other employees within the Communications Center as assigned;
• Performs other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of:

• Modern office methods and procedures.

And

Ability to:

• Learn the operation of radio transmitting communication equipment;
• Think clearly and act quickly in emergency situations;
• Understand radio communications;
• Speak and enunciate clearly;
• Perform a variety of typing and clerical work of average difficulty;
• Type at a speed of not less than 35 WPM from clear copy;
• To learn the location of major streets, public places and landmarks within the City limits;
• Understand and carry out oral and written decisions;
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:

Any combination of experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge and ability would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and experience would be:

Education:

• Public Safety Dispatcher I/II: Equivalent to graduation from high school.

Experience:

• Public Safety Dispatcher I: One (1) year of clerical experience, preferably including experience involving direct public contact.
• Public Safety Dispatcher II: At least three (3) years of dispatch experience for a Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T) (or P.O.S.T. equivalent) public safety law enforcement agency and a P.O.S.T Dispatcher Intermediate Certificate (Note: requirements for a P.O.S.T. Dispatcher Intermediate Certificate can be found at

Or

• A minimum of six (6) years of full-time equivalent dispatch experience for a P.O.S.T. (or P.O.S.T equivalent) public safety law enforcement agency.
• In addition to the education and experience requirements, advancement from a Public Safety Dispatcher I to a Public Safety Dispatcher II is at the discretion and approval of the Police Chief and is not automatic.

LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE:

• Must possess a valid California Driver's License by time of appointment.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must have the ability to work any shift, holidays, weekends, scheduled and emergency overtime and work under potentially stressful situations;
• Must adhere to P.O.S.T. Code of Ethics, display loyalty to the department, city government and community;
• Must be able to sit for long periods of time and meet the standards of stature by physical exam, as well as pass a polygraph and psychological screening, background investigation, written and oral examinations;
• Must have no record of felony criminal convictions or misdemeanor convictions, which could affect credibility as a witness in a court of law.
• Minimum age of 18 years by date of employment.

REQUIREMENTS TO BE CONSIDERED A LATERAL CANDIDATE:

• Must have successfully completed P.O.S.T. Basic Academy Training and possess a current P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate (attach a copy).
• Must be currently employed as a public safety dispatcher in the state of California.
• Candidates not meeting the aforementioned criteria will be considered entry level.

Supplemental Information
APPLICATION PROCESS:

• Applications are accepted on a continuous basis. Individuals interested in being considered for the Public Safety Dispatcher - Lateral position must submit an application and responses to the required supplemental questions by the final filing date. It is preferred you apply through the NeoGov system by using the link:
• Verification of candidate's POST Public Safety Dispatchers' Basic Course Certification is required at time of application; results may be uploaded and attached to your online application.
• Applicants are expected to accurately document their related experience and any training, education, and/or skills relevant to this position. Applicants should respond to all supplemental questions, even if the information is also contained in the application.
• The application must be completed in its entirety. Incomplete applications MAY RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING TYPING CERTIFICATES

• Failure to attach or submit a current (dated within 2 years from the date of application) typing certificate will cause you to be disqualified from this recruitment for failure to follow directions.
• Typing certificates must be an original 5-minute timed typing certificate noting a net typing speed (after errors) of 35wpm or more. This certificate must be dated no later than 2 years before the application date and provided from an accredited school, agency, facility or institution that is deemed acceptable by the City's Human Resources Department staff.
• On-line typing tests will not be accepted. E-mailed test results from typing test websites will not be accepted.
• The certificate must contain the official emblem and name of the agency that administered the exam, as well as the following information:
• * Name of Applicant
  * Number of corrected (net) words per minute typed during a five (5) minute timed test
  * Date of Certificate - can not be more than 2 years old as of the date of application
  * Signature and title of person verifying the typing test
  * Address and telephone number of agency administering the exam
• Please note, only typing exams of 5 minutes in length or more will be accepted. Your net typing speed on your certificate must be greater than or equal to the required typing speed for this City of Benicia position.
• It is the applicant's responsibility to locate a testing site that provides typing tests and certificates. The City cannot provide this information, so please do not call for assistance.
• Many adult schools, community colleges, and temporary employment agencies offer typing certificates, usually for a fee. The City will not reimburse any costs associated with obtaining a typing certificate.
• The application must be completed in its entirety. Incomplete applications MAY RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION.

SELECTION PROCESS:

• Application materials will be carefully evaluated; applicants who document possession of experience and education which most closely meet the requirements of the position will be invited to participate in the next phase of the selection process, which will include an interview process.
• Prior to appointment, candidates must pass a thorough background investigation including a polygraph, and a pre-placement medical/psychological screening, including a drug screen.
• Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to future steps in the process.
• If, due to a disability, you need accommodations at any point during the application or testing process, please contact Human Resources at (707) 746-4766.

01

To provide us with an opportunity to evaluate your background, responses to the Supplemental Questions are required in addition to your application. The information you provide will be used to determine your eligibility to continue in the selection process for this position. All work experience that is described or included in your supplemental responses(s) should have occurred during employment of one/more of the Employers you listed in the "Work Experience" section of your application. If not, you will need to provide additional information as to where/how you received that experience.

• I have read and understand the above instructions.

02

Please carefully read the following question and indicate your understanding. I understand that I MUST submit copies of the required certification(s) along with my application. Failure to submit copies of the required certifications may result in disqualification of my application.

• I have read and understand the above instructions.

03

Which best describes your highest level of education?

• Did not finish High School
• Have GED
• Have High School Diploma
• Some College
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree

04

This position requires a valid California Driver's License. Do you possess a valid California Driver's License or, if not, do you understand you will be required to obtain one prior to being hired?

• Yes
• No

05

This position requires me to work days, nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.

• I understand and I am available to work ALL these varying shifts.

06

Are you CURRENTLY employed as a Public Safety Dispatcher at a Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) agency?

• Yes (please apply to our lateral recruitment)
• No

07

Please select your number of years of public safety dispatching experience working at a Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) agency.

• None
• Less than 1 Year
• 1 - 2 Years
• 2 + Years

08

Do you type at a rate of 35 words per minute (WPM) or higher? If yes, you must submit a typing certificate issued within the last two years by an approved agency (not a website). Please refer to the job posting for specific certificate requirements and submission instructions. Your certificate must be attached to your application at the time of submission.

• No
• Yes (and it is attached to my application).

09

Have you completed the POST Public Safety Dispatcher's Basic Course? (If yes, you must submit a copy of your certificate of completion by attaching it to your application).

• No, I have not.
• Yes, I have and will attach it to my application.

10

Do you possess the POST Public Safety Dispatcher Certificate? (If yes, please submit a copy of your certificate by attaching it to your application at the time of submission). Please note that this certificate must be issued directly from POST and is NOT the same certificate that you receive upon completion of the POST Public Safety Dispatchers' Basic Course.)

• No, I do not possess the certificate
• Yes, I do possess the certificate and will attach it to my application.

11

If you answered "Yes" to either question #9 or question #10, you are not required to have a valid T-Score and can select "N/A" for your answer to this question. For all other candidates: Have you successfully passed the POST Entry-level Dispatcher exam with a T-Score of 53 or higher within the last 24 months? If yes, and you submit proof of that by attaching it to your application at the time of submission.

• N/A (I have completed the POST Basic Dispatch Course).
• Yes, I have passed the exam with a T-Score of 53 or higher within the last 24 months (and have attached it to my application).
• No, I have not taken or passed the exam. (Please note as indicated in the job bulletin, passing the exam with a score of 53 or greater is required if you do not have your Basic Certificate).

12

Do you certify that the information and statements made in connection with this application and supplemental questionnaire are complete and true to the best of your knowledge? Please note that intentional misrepresentation of your qualifications will be grounds for disqualification from this selection process and/or removal from the eligibility list.

• I have read and understand the above information and certify the information I have provided is true to the best of my knowledge.

Required Question