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Communications Dispatcher II (#RP0102)
$30.69-$37.30 Hourly / $5,319.13-$6,465.44 Monthly / $63,829.62-$77,585.31 Yearly




DEFINITION

Under general supervision, receives and transmits messages over a radio communication system; screens incoming calls to identify problems and determine urgency and seriousness; dispatches vehicles; and does related or other work as required in accordance with Rule 3, Section 3 of the Civil Services Rules.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is the journey level class in the Communications Dispatcher series. An employee in this class is responsible for performing communications dispatch work on a full-time basis. Clerical duties are performed as needed. Employees may work rotating shifts on a twenty-hour basis, seven days a week.

TYPICAL DUTIES

  • Receives and acknowledges calls on radio equipment and phones; screens incoming calls to elicit information necessary to identify problem, to evaluate the urgency and seriousness of the problem and to determine the appropriate action.
  • Receives and processes requests for information from units; obtains information using data entry equipment, communications equipment or card files and relays information back to units.
  • Dispatches vehicles in response to requests; identifies the most available unit or units which can be contacted; contacts mobile units and directs them to location and person.
  • Contacts ambulances, fire departments and other agencies to dispatch vehicles in emergency situations.
  • Monitors and logs status and location of each mobile unit.
  • Operates CRT terminal to maintain communications log and transmit information to local, state and national law enforcement communications system.
  • Does general clerical work; updates fire dispatch run card files.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience:  One year performing duties equivalent to the those of a Communications Dispatcher I in San Joaquin County.

Certificate:  Possession of a valid POST "Public Safety Dispatcher" Certificate.

KNOWLEDGE

Techniques, procedures and methods used in the operation of public safety communications center; proper operation and care of electronic communication equipment; main geographical reference points in San Joaquin County; telephone etiquette and procedures; language mechanics, spelling and punctuation; office practices and procedures, recordkeeping principles and procedures; basic filing systems.

ABILITY

Speak clearly and distinctly; take concise and accurate messages; give clear and specific directions; elicit necessary information; work effectively under pressure; deal effectively with the public; react quickly and calmly in placing and receiving calls of an emergency nature; remember numbers and names while dealing with other variables; follow oral and written instructions; learn geography of the County; evaluate urgency and seriousness of calls; read maps; type accurately at a reasonable rate of speed.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Mobility-Operate a key board; sit for long periods; Visual-Overall vision sufficient to use computer screens and read maps; eye-hand coordination; Dexterity-Reaching; repetitive motion; Hearing/Talking-Hear on the telephone/radio; hear faint sounds; talk on telephone/radio; Emotional/Psychological Factors-Emergency situations; exposure to trauma, grief, death; public contact; decision making; concentration; working weekends/nights; working overtime.

San Joaquin County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and, upon request, will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

CLASS: RP0102; EST: 12/28/1975; REV: 7/10/1996;