Placer County

Public Safety Dispatcher - I (#16425)

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$30.39-$37.95 Hourly / $5,267.60-$6,578.00 Monthly / $63,211.20-$78,936.00 Yearly

Public Safety Dispatcher - II (#16426)

$33.51-$41.85 Hourly / $5,808.40-$7,254.00 Monthly / $69,700.80-$87,048.00 Yearly


DEFINITION

To receive and transmit routine and emergency requests for law enforcement, fire, ambulance and/or emergency assistance and equipment in a coordinated and calm manner; to monitor public safety frequencies; to operate a variety of communications equipment including radio consoles and a computer aided dispatch system according to established procedures.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Public Safety Dispatcher I
This is the entry level class in the Public Safety Dispatcher series.  This class is distinguished from the journey level by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within this series.  Employees at this level are not expected to perform with the same independence of direction and judgment on matters as those allocated to the journey level.  Since this class is typically used as a training class, employees may have only limited or no directly related work experience.  Employees work under immediate supervision while learning job tasks.

Public Safety Dispatcher II 
This is the full journey level class within the Public Safety Dispatcher series.  This class is distinguished from the Public Safety Dispatcher I by the assignment of the full range of duties.  Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the work unit.  Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the entry level.

This class is further distinguished from the Supervising Public Safety Dispatcher in that the latter supervises line staff, monitors day to day activity in the Dispatch Center, ensures minimum staffing levels, ensures calls are handled properly, monitors compliance with applicable policies and procedures, and oversees the training program for entry-level dispatchers, when assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Public Safety Dispatcher I
Receives immediate supervision from a Supervising Public Safety Dispatcher and technical and functional supervision from higher level staff as needed.

Public Safety Dispatcher II
Receives general supervision from a Supervising Public Safety Dispatcher, Dispatch Services Supervisor and/or the Watch Commander.

May exercise technical and functional supervision over entry dispatchers as needed.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

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

  • On assigned shift, receive telephone communications requiring the dispatching of emergency public safety equipment and personnel; receive and dispatch routine and emergency radio communications from Sheriff's patrol units and other public safety agencies (including contract agencies), such as fire and ambulance; maintain status of units on assignments in the field; keep Department officials informed of critical incidences; interpret information from units in field; work to ensure safety of personnel in the field at all times.
  • Monitor various public safety radio frequencies where emergencies involving the coordinated efforts of several agencies are required; relay information to other agencies as required; contact agencies concerned with major emergency operations and provide critical information concerning emergency situations; confirm warrants for deputies, as needed.
  • Coordinate efforts between local/State/Federal agencies for both law enforcement and fire incidents.
  • Interface with various computer programs on a local/State/Federal level.
  • Provide emergency medical instructions over the phone per approved protocols, as necessary.
  • Document large volumes of calls for service; compile data and prepare reports of reported emergencies, equipment dispatched and/or status of emergency.
  • Operate a variety of communications equipment including the basic and, if applicable, enhanced equipment associated with the 911 public safety answering point (P.S.A.P.); operate radio transmitters and receivers and related equipment.
  • Receive, file, send, and where appropriate, take appropriate action concerning teletype messages; utilize current law enforcement automated systems as needed, to identify persons, vehicles, and/or property.
  • Perform light clerical duties including entering information for briefing bulletins. Monitor electronic alarm systems for County property; monitor the animal control radio frequency after hours and on weekends.
  • Perform research and update information relating to events in the C.A.D. system.
  • Monitor and maintain access of after-hours call-out data for the Sheriff's Department and other County departments.
  • Perform related duties as assigned.

When assigned Dispatch Training duties:

  • Conduct the training of emergency dispatch personnel; instruct employees in the proper methods of operating communications and dispatch equipment, monitoring specified radio frequencies and dispatching public safety personnel and equipment.
  • Direct and evaluate the work of trainee employees on an assigned shift.
  • Maintain training materials, including manuals, support information, and training records.
  • Assist Supervising Public Safety Dispatcher in the periodic review of current procedures and policies.
  • Confer with the Supervising Public Safety Dispatcher and other higher level staff regarding special instructions or procedural changes and relay updated information to employees.
  • May provide input on the performance evaluations of trainees.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Public Safety Dispatcher I

Experience and Training
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: Two years of customer service experience which demonstrate a general aptitude for working with the public in an environment requiring multi-tasking, balancing competing priorities/demands, and extensive public contact  . Experience with computer terminals and radio-broadcasting/communications equipment and/or experience within a law enforcement setting is desirable.

Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade. 

Required License or Certificate:

  • Must have satisfactorily completed the P.O.S.T. certified Basic Complaint/Dispatcher course within 12 months of the date of appointment to this class.
  • Must satisfactorily complete the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) certified Emergency Medical Dispatch course within 12 months of the date of appointment to this class.
  • Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid CPR certificate by the completion of the probationary period.
  • May need to possess a valid driver's license as required by the position.  Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required. 

Public Safety Dispatcher II

Experience and Training
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: One year of experience in a public safety dispatching setting performing duties comparable to a Placer County Public Safety Dispatcher I.

Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

Required License or Certificate:

  • Successful completion of the P.O.S.T. Certified Basic Complaint/Dispatcher course or the P.O.S.T. Public Safety Dispatcher Training Equivalency Examination.
  • Must satisfactorily complete the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) certified Emergency medical Dispatch course prior to completion of probation.
  • Possession of, or ability to obtain a valid CPR certificate by the completion of the probationary period.
  • May need to possess a valid driver's license as required by the position.  Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER I

Knowledge of:
  • Modern office procedures and equipment.
  • Basic functions of police, fire, and other public safety agencies.
  • Correct English usage and grammar.

Ability to:

  • Operate computerized keyboards and other related equipment accurately at a speed necessary for successful job performance.
  • Effectively process several tasks simultaneously.
  • Learn to operate radio and 911 telephone equipment in dispatching public safety equipment and personnel.
  • Sit or stand  at workstation for long periods of time on a continuous basis. Intermittently, twist and reach office equipment, or to obtain materials from printer or other locations within the dispatch center; write or use keyboard to communicate through written means; verbally give instructions to officers in the field; possess auditory requirements in order to differentiate sounds over the radio; lift light weight.
  • Quickly and accurately receive and process auditory information in an environment that includes various background noises such as telephones ringing, multiple frequency radio traffic, and general conversation; decipher and differentiate various verbal and non-verbal auditory sounds and cues at variable intensities.
  • Continuously analyze information received from a variety of sources; identify different voices and sounds on the radio and telephone; interpret radio codes correctly and translate information to the public; listen and understand oral information; monitor multiple radio frequencies; know various locations and addresses; read maps quickly and accurately; observe computer screen for messages; receive information from the public and assist in problem solving their particular dilemma; remember, understand, interpret and apply Department policies for different types of calls; speak clearly via radio and telephone; translate information verbally and explain to the public how their concern will be handled.
  • Learn to analyze a situation and determine an effective course of action; learn to adjust quickly to changing situations; learn to perform several tasks at once and assign reasonable priorities to incoming calls; learn to monitor multiple frequencies.
  • Learn the geography of the County and location of streets and important buildings.
  • Learn established rules and procedures.
  • Learn to listen carefully and attentively and remember names, locations and numbers; learn to record pertinent data associated with C.A.D. events and logs.
  • Understand and carry out oral and written directives.
  • Perform job tasks effectively under pressure for sustained periods of time.
  • Memorize and retain information from a variety of sources.
  • Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
  • Exercise good judgment in emergency situations.
  • Develop and maintain an efficient, calm demeanor in handling adverse and/or emergency situations.
  • Work irregular hours and shift work, including holidays, nights and weekends.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER II

In addition to the qualifications for Public Safety Dispatcher I:

Knowledge of:

  • Techniques, procedures and methods utilized in the operation of emergency dispatch and related communications equipment.
  • Organization, operations and terminology of police, fire, or other public safety agencies.
  • Automated systems pertaining to communications/dispatch operations.
  • Pertinent Federal, State and local laws and codes.
  • Geography of the County and location of streets and important buildings.
  • Departmental established rules and procedures.
  • Principles of training and adult teaching techniques and supervision.

Ability to:

  • Manage emergency situations and assist in directing an appropriate course of action by operating radio and 911 telephone equipment to dispatch public safety equipment and personnel.
  • Analyze a situation and determine effective course of action; adjust quickly to changing situations; perform several tasks at once and assign reasonable priorities to incoming calls; monitor multiple frequencies.
  • Listen carefully and attentively and remember names, locations and numbers; record pertinent data associated with C.A.D. events and logs.
  • Speak clearly and concisely in an understandable voice via radio and telephone and in person.
  • Interact with others and maintain an efficient, calm demeanor in handling adverse and/or emergency situations.
  • Differentiate various sound and tones, i.e., alarms.
  • Conduct emergency dispatch training programs; train subordinates effectively and tactfully; organize and prioritize workload and subordinates' assignments.
  • Exercise tact, courtesy and patience in training and public contacts.
  • Follow and train others to follow safe work practices including workplace safety policies and procedures.

CLASS: 16425; EST: 11/1/1996; REV: 9/25/2017;
CLASS: 16426; EST: 11/1/1996; REV: 9/25/2017;