Public Safety Dispatcher- Entry-Level

The City of Laguna Beach Police Department is accepting applications for the position of Public Safety Dispatcher - Entry-Level. In this role, you will connect Police, Fire, and Marine Safety personnel to those in need, responding to emergency calls and coordinating critical actions using telephone, computer, and radio systems. Working under the supervision of a Senior Dispatcher you will handle various tasks requiring independent judgment and quick decision-making in high-pressure situations. In addition to dispatching, you will perform support duties such as recordkeeping, monitoring alarms, and managing teletype communications. If you are adaptable, detail-oriented, and committed to teamwork and integrity, we invite you to apply and help us keep Laguna Beach safe.

The schedule is a 3/12 schedule with an 8-hour payback shift every other week. The Communications Center is a 24/7 operation which includes holidays and weekends.

APPLICATION PROCESS: Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis with a first review deadline on Tuesday, October 6, 2026. Interested candidates must submit a completed online application to be considered.  

TESTING PROCESS: 

WRITTEN EXAM: Submit test results from one of the two test options below.  Scores dated within one (1) year of the application date that meet the minimum passing score will be accepted.

• To schedule a test: visit the website www.nationaltestingnetwork.com, select "Exams," "Emergency Communications-ECOMM," and sign up for the "City of Laguna Beach Police Department." A test fee applies.
• NTN will submit scores directly to Laguna Beach Human Resources for review.
• Passing scores: Call Taker - 53 or higher; Recording (Notes) - 64 or higher; Dispatch - 43 or higher.

• Passing score: Total T-Score - 50 or higher

Certification Exemption: Applicants with a valid P.O.S.T. Public Safety Dispatcher training certification may be exempt from the exam. To be considered for this exemption, attach your certification to your application.

INTERVIEWS: Candidates who successfully pass the Dispatcher test will be invited to participate in a Structured Panel Interview. Those recommended for further evaluation will undergo a department interview with City staff. Based on the Department's needs, the selection process listed may be modified.

ELIGIBILITY LIST: Candidates must pass all steps listed above to be placed on the City's Eligibility List. Eligibility lists are valid for one (1) year from the date they are established unless the list is exhausted sooner or extended for an additional period of time. This eligibility list will be used to fill the current vacancies and future vacancies.

Any combination of education and experience demonstrating the ability to effectively and successfully perform the duties of the position is considered qualifying. A typical combination is as follows:

Education: Graduation from high school or equivalent.

Experience: Two (2) years of experience in clerical and public contact work is required. Typing speed of at least 30 wpm is required (Note: typing certifications are not required to apply but will be required at a later date.)

License/Certificate: Possession of any certification and/or license relevant to the position of public safety dispatcher is preferred. 

Why work for Laguna Beach: Laguna Beach is a beautiful coastal city located in Orange County, California, with a vibrant art scene and cultural events. We offer competitive compensation and benefits packages, including City paid health insurance for employees, alternative work schedules, wellness programs and more! The City has a strong commitment to its employees, providing opportunities for professional growth and development through training and education programs.

Additional resource: Commission on POST > Home (ca.gov) 

The Department: The Police Department is organized into two divisions and provides general law enforcement services, including animal control and oversight and management of our local animal shelter. There are 104 full-time positions, of which 60 of the positions are sworn personnel. The department augments its services with the assistance of Reserve Police Officers, Community Volunteers, Animal Shelter Volunteers, Parking Services, Police Explorers, Police Cadets, and Traffic Control Aides.

Click here: Police Department Common Disqualifiers

Pre-Placement Process: All prospective candidates must successfully pass a background security investigation, polygraph examination, pre-employment physical examination including a drug test, and a psychological examination.