Public Safety Dispatcher II

The Department: 

The men and women of the Santa Clara Police Department take tremendous pride in providing the community with outstanding service through the "Santa Clara Way" of service.  In partnership with the citizens, the team provides law enforcement services with professional and dedicated staff. The team will always identify and resolve problems utilizing all available resources and perform services professionally and with a high level of integrity. To learn more visit our website. 

The Position: 

Under general supervision, dispatches public safety, fire, and emergency medical services. Incumbents are responsible for the full scope of dispatching duties including, answering the telephone, receiving emergency and non-emergency requests from the public; transmitting and analyzing information received, and dispatching police and fire personnel accordingly. Performs related work as required.

Additional Information: 

Applications must be filled out completely (e.g. do not write “see resume, NA, or personnel file.”). To receive consideration for the screening process, candidates must submit a complete City Application, including attaching the required attachments. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

This recruitment requires a qualifying performance exam.  In order to pass this component, candidates must meet one of the criteria to move to the next phase of the recruitment process:

1. Pass the City of Santa Clara issued Criticall assessment (instructions will be e-mailed to you to complete this step), OR
2. Provide proof of a valid POST Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Certificate. The Public Safety Dispatcher Certificate is awarded to individuals who have successfully completed the Public Safety Dispatchers’ Basic Course and their agency’s probationary period. The certificate must be attached to your application or you will be required to take the CritiCall.

Application packets may be submitted online through the “Apply Now” feature on the job announcement at www.santaclaraca.gov. This position is continuous or open until filled: Applications will be reviewed on a bi-weekly basis for consideration to the position.  If you are interested in applying you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, before the position is closed.

THIS RECRUITMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL MULTIPLE POSITIONS IN THIS, OR OTHER DIVISIONS [AL3]  BESIDES THE POSITIONS LISTED BELOW.  IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN EMPLOYMENT IN THIS CLASSIFICATION, YOU SHOULD APPLY TO ENSURE YOU ARE CONSIDERED FOR ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES THAT MAY UTILIZE THE APPLICANTS FROM THIS RECRUITMENT. MEETING THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS DOES NOT GUARANTEE ADMITTANCE INTO THE EXAMINATION PROCESS.  ONLY THE MOST QUALIFIED CANDIDATES WHO DEMONSTRATE THE BEST COMBINATION OF QUALIFICATIONS IN RELATION TO THE REQUIREMENTS AND DUTIES OF THE POSITION WILL BE INVITED TO TEST OR INTERVIEW. 

The annual salary range for this position is $111,907.80 - $142,729.56.  This position may be filled at or near the minimum of the salary range. 

Lateral Public Safety Dispatcher Hiring Incentive Program

$7,500 recruitment incentive

• $2,500 is paid in the first pay period!

• Please review the Side Letter Agreement for more information: https://www.santaclaraca.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/82587/638380624607930000

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum Education Requirements: 

• Graduation from high school or possession of a GED

Minimum Experience Requirements: 

• The equivalent of two (2) years of paid employment experience in public safety dispatching within the past five (5) years of which at least one (1) year included solo status; or
• Five (5) years of current paid employment with a public safety agency or private emergency medical services agency, with high level Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), radio and/or telephone operation; or
• Successful completion of probationary period as a Public Safety Dispatcher I with the City of Santa Clara.

Acceptable Substitution: 

• Possession of a valid California POST Public Safety Dispatcher Basic certificate, which may be substituted for six (6) months of the solo status experience.

License/Certifications: 

• Possession of a valid California POST Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Certificate and a valid Medical Priorities Dispatching System (MPDS) Certificate are required prior to the completion of the probationary period.

Desirable Qualifications: 

• Classroom education involving fire science or law enforcement related studies.

Other Requirements:  

Must be able to perform all the essential functions of the job assignment. All candidates will be required to pass a City background investigation, which will include fingerprinting and may include polygraph and/or psychological testing.

Follow this link to view the entire Class Specification, which includes more information on Typical Duties and Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.

Candidates must attain a passing score on each phase of the examination process to qualify for the Eligible List. A department interview may be required prior to appointment.

Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of Santa Clara will not sponsor, represent, or sign documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application.  

PERMANENT CITY EMPLOYEES PREFERENCE POINTS: Current permanent employee candidates who receive a passing score on the examination will have an additional five (5) points added to their final score.

The City of Santa Clara is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state or local laws. The City of Santa Clara is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at (408) 615-2080 or [email protected].