Dispatcher

This fast-paced and meaningful position requires someone who can stay composed under pressure, prioritize competing demands, and communicate critical information clearly, accurately, and with compassion. Every call is different, but each one requires the same thing: someone who can listen, think quickly, and be a calm and steady presence when it matters most.

Whether you’re an experienced dispatcher or ready to begin a rewarding career in public safety, this is an opportunity to put your skills to work, serve the community, and make a difference every day. If you’re ready to be the voice people can count on when they need help, we invite you to apply.

About Paso Robles

Nestled in the heart of California’s scenic Central Coast, Paso Robles—short for El Paso de Robles, or “The Pass of the Oaks”—offers a unique blend of small-town charm, natural beauty, and modern opportunity. Originally founded around its famous mineral hot springs and rich agricultural heritage, Paso Robles has grown into a dynamic and thriving community. The region enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, sunny days and cool evenings, ideal for both outdoor living and agricultural innovation. With its rolling hills, majestic oak trees, and panoramic vineyard views, Paso Robles provides a truly inspiring setting for work and life.

Paso Robles’ central location within San Luis Obispo County offers residents easy access to a wide array of cultural, educational, and recreational attractions. Just a short 30-minute drive south lies California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly), a nationally ranked institution known for its hands-on learning and innovation. This proximity fosters strong connections to cutting-edge research, continuing education, and a highly educated talent pool. To the west, scenic Highway 1 leads to the iconic Hearst Castle in San Simeon, a historic landmark that draws visitors from around the world with its stunning architecture and sweeping coastal views. Within the county, residents can also enjoy the vibrant coastal towns of Morro Bay, Cambria, and Pismo Beach, as well as the eclectic energy of downtown San Luis Obispo. From wine tasting and hiking to art galleries, surf spots, and farmers’ markets, San Luis Obispo County offers an exceptional quality of life. 

Today, Paso Robles is best known as a premier wine region, home to over 200 wineries producing world-class Zinfandels, Cabernet Sauvignons, and Rhône varietals. But wine is just the beginning. The city boasts a vibrant downtown filled with boutique shopping, award-winning restaurants, and a bourgeoning local arts scene. Cultural highlights include the Paso Robles Wine Festival, California Mid-State Fair, and a variety of community events that bring residents together year-round. A wide array of housing options, good schools, a welcoming business environment, and proximity to outdoor destinations make it an ideal place to live and work. Whether you’re a young professional, a growing family, or someone looking to make a lifestyle change, the City of Paso Robles offers the perfect balance of opportunity, community, and California charm. 

The Organization

The City of Paso Robles was incorporated in 1889 as a general law city and operates under the Council-Manager form of government. As of January 1, 2025, the City's population has grown to approximately 31,061, reflecting consistent growth over recent years as more residents are drawn to the City's high quality of life, strong community identity, and comprehensive municipal services.

The City is a full-service municipality, meaning it provides a wide range of essential public services directly to its residents. These include police and fire protection, emergency medical response, water and wastewater utilities, parks and recreation, planning and development services, public works, and community enrichment programs. The City is committed to delivering responsive, effective, and efficient services that enhance the well-being of its residents and support a safe, sustainable, and vibrant community.

The governing body consists of a five-member City Council: the Mayor, elected at large by the voters of the City; and four Councilmembers elected by district. Voters also elect one City Treasurer at-large. All six elected positions are non-partisan. The City Manager, appointed by the City Council, serves as the Chief Executive Officer and is authorized to appoint all non-elected employees, with the exception of the City Attorney.

The City operates with a total annual budget of $148.5 million for fiscal year 2026-27 and employs 311.97 full-time equivalent positions across the departments of Administrative Services, City Manager’s Office, Community Development, Community Services, Fire and Emergency Services, Police, Public Works, and Utilities

The Department

The Paso Robles Police Department (PRPD) is a full-service law enforcement agency serving a growing community of more than 30,000 residents and visitors. With a strong hometown feel, PRPD works side by side with the community to promote public safety, address crime and social disorder, and enhance the quality of life in Paso Robles. The department is committed to professionalism, integrity, accountability, and delivering a high level of service to the community.

Photo by Acacia Productions 

• Receives, evaluates, prioritizes, and processes emergency and non-emergency calls for service; obtains, verifies, and assesses critical information to determine appropriate response.
• Determines call priority and dispatches law enforcement, fire, emergency medical, public works, and other personnel and resources in accordance with established policies, procedures, and protocols.
• Provides pre-arrival instructions and emergency medical dispatch services in accordance with established protocols and training.
• Monitors the status, location, availability, and safety of field personnel; coordinates resources and initiates appropriate action as necessary.
• Enters, updates, retrieves, and maintains information in the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS), Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD), Records Management System (RMS), and other public safety databases and information systems.
• Accesses and queries local, state, and federal criminal justice information systems; obtains and relays information regarding warrants, criminal history, vehicle registrations, stolen property, and other law enforcement records to authorized personnel.
• Communicates clearly, concisely, and effectively via telephone, radio, and computerized communication systems using proper procedures, terminology, and protocols.
• Accurately documents calls for service, incidents, requests, and related information; maintains complete, timely, and accurate records.
• Monitors incidents after initial dispatch and provides ongoing coordination, resource support, status updates, and information to responding personnel as needed.
• Provides information, assistance, and support to field personnel, allied agencies, service providers, and members of the public.
• Monitors multiple radio frequencies, communication channels, alarms, and information systems to maintain situational awareness and support field operations.
• Maintains confidential records, criminal justice information, call logs, recordings, and related documentation in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and departmental policies.
• Disseminates critical information to field personnel, including criminal justice information, warrants, protective orders, wanted persons, stolen property records, and officer safety alerts.
• Monitors and maintains communication with field personnel during routine and emergency operations and initiates appropriate action when safety concerns arise.
• Operates and monitors facility access control, security, surveillance, and emergency notification systems.
• Participates in training, drills, exercises, briefings, and continuing education activities to maintain proficiency and operational readiness.

• Organization, functions, services, and terminology of law enforcement, fire service, emergency medical services, and related public safety agencies.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, policies, and procedures governing public safety communications and criminal justice information.
• Principles, practices, and procedures of emergency call-taking, public safety dispatching, and radio communications.
• Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) principles, procedures, and pre-arrival instruction protocols.
• Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD), Records Management Systems (RMS), the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS), and related public safety technologies.
• Standard radio communication procedures, dispatch protocols, emergency response procedures, and telecommunications equipment.
• Techniques for obtaining information from individuals who may be distressed, injured, emotionally upset, impaired, or experiencing a crisis.
• Geography of the service area, including streets, landmarks, public facilities, response districts, and jurisdictional boundaries.
• Departmental policies, procedures, operational guidelines, and customer service standards.
• Modern office practices, procedures, equipment, and computer applications.
• Principles and practices of records management, documentation, and report preparation.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and effective oral and written communication techniques.
• Principles and practices of customer service and effective communication in stressful or emotionally charged situations.

• Operate public safety communications equipment and systems, including CAD, RMS, CLETS, multi-line telephone systems, radio systems, and related technologies.
• Receive, evaluate, prioritize, and process emergency and non-emergency calls accurately, efficiently, and in accordance with established procedures.
• Simultaneously manage multiple competing priorities, including call-taking, radio dispatching, incident prioritization, and resource coordination, while maintaining accuracy, professionalism, and sound judgment in routine and high-stress situations.
• Analyze information rapidly, assess situations, establish priorities, and determine appropriate responses within established guidelines.
• Remain calm, focused, and effective during emergencies, critical incidents, and stressful situations while exercising sound judgment and decision-making.
• Communicate clearly, concisely, and professionally using proper radio, telephone, and interpersonal communication techniques.
• Memorize and accurately apply departmental codes, procedures, geography, radio designators, and operational protocols.
• Accurately receive, retain, document, and relay information from multiple sources under time-sensitive conditions.
• Obtain accurate and complete information from callers who may be frightened, emotional, injured, confused, hostile, or otherwise difficult to communicate with.
• Maintain concentration, situational awareness, and accuracy while monitoring multiple communication channels, incidents, and information systems simultaneously.
• Adapt effectively to changing priorities, shifting workloads, interruptions, and multiple concurrent demands.
• Maintain the confidentiality and security of criminal justice information and sensitive records.
• Provide professional and courteous customer service to the public, including individuals who may be upset, distressed, confused, or confrontational.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, field personnel, allied agencies, and members of the public.

• Possession of a high school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) certificate; and
• Two years of experience involving substantial public contact, customer service, clerical support, call-taking, administrative support, or other work requiring the use of computer systems, accurate data entry, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively with the public.

• A valid California Class C driver license, a satisfactory driving record
• Must successfully complete the Public Safety Dispatchers Basic Course and obtain Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD), CPR, and First Aid certifications within one year of appointment

• Current employment as a law enforcement dispatcher; and
• Possession of a California POST Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Certificate. Individuals are eligible to apply for a POST Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Certificate upon satisfactory completion of both the Public Safety Dispatchers' Basic Course and an agency's probationary period.

Selection Components:

1.  Written Exam - POST Entry Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery (PELDSTB)

Candidates who receive a score of 48 or above on the PELDSTB may be invited to an interview. The written test may be waived if the candidate:

• Has taken the PELDSTB in the last year and scored 48 or higher; documentation of your test score on agency letterhead must be provided with your application
• Meets the requirements for a lateral transfer outlined above.

2. Interview