Job Details

Public Safety Dispatcher I

This is an unclassified trainee position. Under supervision, incumbents are trained to answer and process all incoming emergency and nonemergency requests for police, fire, and medical assistance. Operate a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, video display terminals, and associated equipment. Evaluate the information and create a CAD system incident, or provide information to the caller or transfer the call to the proper emergency service provider. Analyze situations accurately and take effective action to help assure officer safety. Monitor and maintain status of assigned public safety personnel and equipment; initiate fire equipment move-ups to ensure adequate citywide fire protection. Determine nature, priority, and disposition of calls. Inquire, interpret, verify, receive, and disseminate information from law enforcement computer networks relating to wanted persons, stolen property, and vehicle registration. May be required to provide the public with basic first aid and pre-arrival instructions during medical emergencies following the established Emergency Medical Dispatch* (EMD) protocols. Perform other duties as required. The Combined Communications Center is a 24-hour facility located at the Police Department. Incumbents must be available to work weekends, holidays, call back, standby, and rotating shifts. The current shifts are: Day Shift 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Evening Shift 4:00 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.; and Night Shift 7:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Shifts are rotated every 6 months.

Ability to: Follow oral and written instructions; learn police and fire radio operations and procedures, local streets, police beats, fire districts, the classifications of crimes and recognition of common police and fire codes in order to obtain information from the public, initiate a response, and accurately record information; remember instructions and information; clearly and tactfully communicate factual information to citizens; question callers while simultaneously typing information into a computer terminal. Skill in: Operating a computer terminal; listening and speaking clearly and responding quickly and accurately to emergency and routine requests for assistance. Desirable Qualifications: Spanish-speaking skills; coursework in criminal justice or communications; public contact experience.

The selection process may consist of: Simulation Exam, Oral Interview, Department Background Interview, Background Investigation, Polygraph, Psychological Evaluation, Medical Examination and Drug Screening. Candidates must successfully complete each phase of the selection process in order to be scheduled for subsequent phases.

Applications, with the attached acknowledgment form signed, are accepted on a continuous basis. Note: Applications may be rejected if incomplete. The City of Santa Barbara is an Equal Opportunity Employer - and we encourage all persons to apply. The City of Santa Barbara is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an EEO employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, or other factors. We believe in fostering an inclusive work environment where employees feel valued, respected and empowered.