Public Safety Dispatcher (Lateral)

Public Safety Dispatcher - Lateral

The City of Hemet is an equal opportunity employer. The City of Hemet is accepting applications for Public Safety Dispatcher - Lateral (experienced). The position is full time, located in the Police Department, and assigned to work rotating day, evening, and night shifts, including weekends and holidays.

Public Safety Dispatchers are the unsung heroes and a lifeline for police officers. It's not a job for everyone, but the hundreds of people who call for help depend on your voice, your directions, and your knowledge to get through an emergency. If you are a highly motivated public safety professional ready to be part of a strong, cohesive team, then join the City of Hemet Police Department where our dispatchers are considered the backbone of the department. With state-of-the-art equipment and training opportunities, you'll provide the excellent service and security people have come to expect from the City of Hemet Police Department.

Receives requests for fire and police service over the phone; dispatches as necessary police and/or fire units in response to call for service or requests from officers in the field; keeps track of fire and police unit locations and status; maintains constant radio communication with personnel in the field; operates radio receivers and transmitters in various frequency bands, telephone key modules, teletypewriters, computer terminal stations, alarm signal equipment, and other communications equipment; receives incoming telephone calls and evaluates requests for emergency services; elicits and records essential incident information from callers such as name, address, phone number, and a brief description of the incident; determines the priority and dispatches personnel and equipment for emergency service in accordance with department procedures; answers routine inquiries and refers calls not requiring dispatches to appropriate departments and agencies; maintains radio contact with field mobile units to coordinate emergency services, receives and transmits information; keeps command personnel informed of status of emergency situations; maintains records of communications activities; updates special files, street lists, and maps; tests communications equipment and reports malfunctions; prepares paperwork for field personnel; assumes supervisory duties in the absence of the Communications Supervisor; may perform matron duties; performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

Knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures involved in public safety communications work; geography of the City and the location of streets and important buildings; operation of radio/telephone receiving and transmitting equipment; computer terminal and Teletype operations. Rules, policies, and regulations regarding dispatching services; police and fire dispatching procedures and the laws and regulations; report writing; and record keeping principles. Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes and procedures relevant to the assigned area of responsibility; knowledge of call screening procedures, call priority rules, radio codes and identifiers, basic elements of a crime; principles of functional supervision, training and dispatching operations.

Ability to understand English and speak it clearly in a well-modulated voice using good diction and appropriate grammar; oral and written comprehension, oral and written expression; memorization, deductive and inductive reasoning, selective attention, hearing ability, auditory attention; learn and apply Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations governing voice, radio and teletype communications; effectively work under conditions of emergency; obtain vital information from individuals in stressful or emergency situations; make quick and appropriate determinations in all situations; adjust quickly to changing situations and priorities; use tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgement within general policy and legal guidelines; maintain accurate records; type accurately at a moderate speed; accurately read and interpret maps; remain courteous and calm while interacting with the public; handle simultaneous calls; listen and comprehend radio calls while talking on the phone; and establish and maintain effective working relationships; identify and implement efficient work practices and procedures; maintain mental capacity which allows the capability of making sound decisions and demonstrating intellectual capabilities; train others in the use of communications equipment.

Minimum qualifications include one year experience in typing and general clerical work. Some experience providing information and assistance to the public is desirable. High school or GED. College level coursework in radio communications or law enforcement is desirable. Possession of, or ability to obtain, prior to appointment, an appropriate Class C, valid Driver's License.

Special requirements include passing a background investigation including polygraph and psychological exam and a medical exam which may include drug testing, an audio test and vision exam; work rotating shifts including weekends and holidays. Employees must be able to work a varying schedule including weekends, weekdays, evenings, and holidays (hours and days are adjusted as needed by the department). Working conditions include periods of high volume emergency and life-threatening calls for service to periods of little activity. Employees work on a rotating shift schedule that requires the availability to work nights, weekends and holidays. Environmental conditions include office environment. Physical requirements include sufficient mobility to work in an office setting; stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; operate office equipment including use of a computer keyboard; ability to communicate verbally to exchange information; lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds. Vision requirements include see in normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens, printed documents, and overhead presentations, and to operate assigned equipment. Hearing requirements include hear in the normal audio range with or without correction and wear headsets for prolonged periods of time.

The selection process may include any combination of a written exercise, oral interview, and/or skills assessment to further evaluate job related experience and skills. Candidates who successfully complete the selection process will be placed on an eligibility list and will remain eligible for employment consideration for a one-year period. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of completed application forms, but may be attached. Candidates who require a reasonable accommodation in the selection process should state their needs in writing when submitting an application package.