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Public Safety Dispatcher II (Lateral)

City of Palo Alto

Palo Alto, CAFull-time$119–153K/yrPosted 5mo agoSeen in employer's feed 4 days ago

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At a glance

Compensation
$119–153K/yr
Location
Palo Alto, CA
Schedule
Full-time
Work Authorization
Not specified

Requirements

Credentials this posting asks for.

Security clearance

Job overview

City of Palo Alto is hiring a Public Safety Dispatcher II (Lateral). The City of Palo Alto seeks experienced public safety dispatchers to provide coordinated 9‑1‑1 services, handle emergency and non‑emergency calls, and dispatch police, fire, ambulance, utilities and animal control resources while maintaining accurate records and communicating under pressure.

Key focus areas include Receive telephone complaints and dispatch appropriate police, fire, ambulance, utilities, public works, or animal control units, Operate communication consoles, two‑way radios, telephone, paging systems, and computer‑aided dispatch systems, and Maintain records, computer databases, maps, diagrams, and written procedures related to dispatch activities.

Successful candidates bring High School Graduate Or GED and 1 Year Public Safety Dispatching Experience. Important skills include Operating Communication Consoles, Two-Way Radio Operation, Telephone Operation, Paging Systems, Computer-Aided Dispatch Systems, and Voice Intercom. Preferred (not required): Comprehensive Dispatch Experience, Problem Solving, Decision-Making, and Effective Communication.

Skills & qualifications

RequiredNice to have

Skills

Operating Communication ConsolesTwo-Way Radio OperationTelephone OperationPaging SystemsComputer-Aided Dispatch SystemsVoice IntercomFire Alarm EquipmentIntrusion Alarm EquipmentPublic Safety 911 EquipmentMaintaining RecordsComputer Data Base ManagementOperating Conventional Office MachinesOperating Automated Office MachinesComprehensive Dispatch ExperienceProblem SolvingDecision-MakingEffective CommunicationTechnical ProficiencyDatabasesCommunication EquipmentAdaptabilityCollaborationCustomer Service OrientationAttention to DetailCommitment to Public SafetyEmergency Medical Dispatch ProtocolsEmergency Response ProceduresDispatch SystemsTwo-Way RadioCLETS/NCIC DatabasesCustomer ServicePublic Safety Knowledge

Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED1+ Years Public Safety Dispatch ExperienceCalifornia P.O.S.T. Public Safety Dispatcher Basic CertificateNational Academy of Emergency Dispatch Emergency Medical Dispatch CertificateCompletion of CritiCall ExamCompletion of P.O.S.T. Personal History Statement Public Safety DispatcherComprehensive Police Background CheckPolygraph TestPsychological TestMedical Exam

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Full job description

Public Safety Dispatcher II (Lateral)

Print (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/paloaltoca/jobs/newprint/4582260)

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Public Safety Dispatcher II (Lateral)

Salary

$118,955.20 - $152,734.40 Annually

Location

Police Dept, 275 Forest Ave, Palo Alto, CA

Job Type

Regular Full-Time

Job Number

PSDII2024

Department

Police Department

Opening Date

08/12/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

  • Description

  • Benefits

  • Questions

Description

LOOKING FOR EXPERIENCED PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHERS!

Palo Alto Police Department

The Palo Alto Police Department is committed to providing exceptional public safety services and taking a leadership role in building community partnerships. We subscribe to core values that include integrity, accountability, trust, teamwork, a positive attitude, and the professional, impartial treatment of all. Our key responsibilities include:

  • To provide police response to emergency and non-emergency requests for service in a coordinated and timely manner.

  • To apprehend and prosecute offenders and/or resolve investigations in a timely and thorough manner.

  • To minimize injury and property damage by promoting a safe and orderly flow of pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular traffic.

  • To provide coordinated, responsive and reliable 9-1-1 dispatch services.

The Role

Are you ready for an exciting opportunity? The City of Palo Alto is looking for qualified candidates for the Public Safety Dispatcher II (Lateral) position. Operating under general oversight, the Communications Public Safety Dispatcher II will handle the dispatch of emergency and non-emergency personnel and equipment for various user agencies. This includes responding to service calls covering police, fire, paramedics, ambulance, utilities, public works, and animal control services. Additionally, the role involves providing crucial information to both the public and user agencies. As the journey level in the Public Safety Dispatcher series, this role carries out a wide range of dispatch duties with a high level of autonomy. Duties include receiving assistance requests, assessing response urgency and type, dispatching personnel to handle reported incidents, and monitoring situations for changes and personnel safety during responses. The work often occurs under pressure.

Don't miss this opportunity to contribute to public safety and serve our community in a fast-paced and rewarding environment.

Apply today to join our team and make a difference!

The ideal candidate will possess the following competencies:

  • Comprehensive Dispatch Experience: Proficient in emergency response procedures and protocols across multiple agencies.

  • Critical Thinking and Decision-Making: Quickly assesses situations to determine appropriate responses and actions.

  • Effective Communication Skills: Clear and concise communicator in high-pressure situations, both verbally and in writing.

  • Technical Proficiency: Skilled in using dispatch systems, databases, and communication equipment.

  • Adaptability and Resilience: Maintains composure and efficiency in dynamic and challenging environments.

  • Collaboration and Teamwork: Works effectively with diverse teams and agencies to coordinate responses.

  • Customer Service Orientation: Provides courteous and helpful assistance to callers and responders.

  • Problem Solving Abilities: Identifies issues, gathers relevant information, and resolves incidents promptly.

  • Attention to Detail: Ensures accurate documentation and information dissemination.

  • Commitment to Public Safety: Demonstrates dedication to maintaining community safety and well-being.

Benefits : Fantastic benefits package, to learn more click, HERE (https://www.cityofpaloaltoemployee.com/summary-of-benefits) .

Compensation (SEIU ): Comprehensive compensation plan, to learn more click, HERE (https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Human-Resources/Labor-Agreements-and-Salary-Schedules) .

This position is represented by Service Employee International Union position (SEIU).

Essential Duties

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Receives telephone complaints concerning crimes and police emergencies and dispatches appropriate police patrol units by radio to investigate. Relays instructions and questions for field units.

  • Receives telephone information concerning fire and medical emergencies and dispatches appropriate fire and ambulance units by radio. Relays instructions and questions from field units.

  • Receives telephone complaints concerning utilities and public works emergencies and dispatches appropriate service units to make repairs. Relays instructions and questions from field units.

  • Receives telephone complaints concerning animals and dispatches appropriate animal control units to investigate. Relays instructions and questions from field units.

  • Receive and transmit the above information by operating communication consoles, two-way radio, telephone, paging, various computers including both manual and computer-aided dispatch systems, voice intercom, fire alarm and intrusion alarm equipment and other public safety 911 equipment and applications.

  • Maintain appropriate records, computer data base, maps, diagrams, and written procedures relating to such activities.

  • Operate conventional/automated office machines and equipment.

Related Functions:

  • Prepare special reports as may be required.

  • Assist Lead Communications Public Safety Dispatchers and Supervisor, Police Services in projects.

Minimum Qualifications

Sufficient education, training and/or work experience to demonstrate the possession of the following knowledge skills and abilities which would typically be acquired through:

  • High school graduate or GED,

and

  • One year of public safety dispatching experience comprised of law enforcement or fire service dispatch responsibilities.

Desired Qualifications

  • Possession of a California P.O.S.T. Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Certificate.

  • Experience with Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) protocols.

  • Experience with CLETS/NCIC Databases.

  • Possession of National Academy of Emergency Dispatch Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) Certificate.

To see full Public Safety Dispatcher II job description, click HERE (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/paloaltoca/classspecs/792165?keywords=Public%20safety%20dispatcher%20II&pagetype=classSpecifications) .

Supplemental Information

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements:

Work in an office environment; sustained posture and intense attentiveness for prolonged periods.

Selection Process:

  • Completion of "CritiCall" Exam*

  • Completion of the P.O.S.T. Personal History Statement – Public Safety Dispatcher

  • Oral Panel Interview(s)

  • Comprehensive Police Background Check

  • Polygraph Test

  • Psychological Test

  • Medical Exam

Technical Support:

Our online application system is provided by NeoGov. If you have problems while applying online, please contact NeoGov's Live Applicant Support at (855) 524-5627 between 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM Pacific Time, Monday - Friday.

More than one position may be filled from this posting.

The City of Palo Alto is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

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