Humboldt County, CA
Salary : $49,732.80 - $63,814.40 AnnuallyLocation : Eureka, CAJob Type: Full-timeJob Number: 25-00005Department: Sheriff's OfficeDivision: 221 - SheriffOpening Date: 08/11/2025Closing Date: Continuous DEFINITIONEmergency Communications DispatcherWhen you work for the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office, you aren't just another employee, you are family. Our family is growing and we want YOU to join! We are looking for people who like to stay busy, can multi task and have excellent communication skills while still being able to understand and maintain confidentiality standards. Please Note:Successful candidates will be required to pass an extensive background investigation prior to appointment.Evening, night and weekend work will be required.This recruitment is open until filled. County Human Resources reserves the right to close this recruitment at any time.What You'll Do:Under general supervision, receives 911 system emergency and non-emergency calls; dispatches assignments according to established emergency and County procedures; operates various telecommunications equipment; performs related work as assigned.Where You'll Do It:Humboldt County Sheriff's Office826 4th Street Eureka CA 95501DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICSInitially under close supervision, incumbents learn Sheriff's Department, County, state and federal rules and regulations as well as the operation of varied communications related equipment. With experience incumbents become fully competent to independently perform responsible emergency dispatching on an assigned shift. This class is distinguished from Senior Communications Dispatcher in that the latter is the working lead level in the Emergency Communications Dispatching series, with responsibility for assisting the Emergency Communications Supervisor with the planning and direction of emergency communications activities. EXAMPLES OF DUTIES Receives, analyzes and evaluates 911, Sheriff's emergency and business calls, inquiries and complaints, via multi-line and TDD terminals; transfers calls to appropriate parties or creates a call for dispatch.Determines proper jurisdiction and/or staff to be dispatched.Dispatches Sheriff units, ambulances or other staff and equipment to emergency or non-emergency locations.Operates computer consoles for call input, dispatching and continuous update of suspect information and deputy location.Enters call information in written or computer-based format; logs and fills out call forms; maintains records of radio calls.Operates multi-channel radio systems; monitors other channels while maintaining radio traffic on main channels.Operates computer equipment to access local, state and federal criminal justice information systems; operates teletype systems to transmit and receive information.Maintains radio contact with mobile and portable units; recognizes units from other agencies and assists them with County units or provides requested information.Monitors varied alarm and/or surveillance equipment; takes action depending upon apparent needs.Responds to deputy-initiated radio traffic and requests and disseminates suspect information from roll call boards, prior calls and bulletins.Maintains and accesses business and premise history and index files for emergency and other necessary contacts.Handles in-house and radio paging, and other after-hours phone lines.Provides court testimony related to calls as required.Performs basic equipment adjustments and maintenance; maintains records and files and may perform associated office support duties.Provides work instruction to newly-hired emergency communications dispatchers. QUALIFICATIONSKnowledge of:Terminology and procedures used in sheriff's and related emergency radio and telephone communications.Operation of communication equipment including telephone, radio, paging, computer and related systems.Rules, regulations, codes and laws related to the work.The topography and communities of Humboldt County.Basic recordkeeping principles and practices.Standard office equipment including computerized equipment and typewriter.Skill in:Obtaining information from individuals in emergency situations, including those who are emotionally distraught, angry or difficult to understand.Assessing and prioritizing emergency situations.Remaining calm and making rapid and sound independent judgments in stressful emergency situations.Operating complex radio, telephone, computer, and teletype systems.Memorizing codes, names, locations and other detailed information.Communicating tactfully and effectively with the public, public safety personnel and others.Typing with sufficient speed and accuracy to operate keyboards, including typewriters and computer terminals.Following oral and written instructions.Performing routine office support and record keeping duties.Other Requirements:Must be able to pass a detailed background investigation. Must be willing to work evening, night, weekend and holiday shifts. Must be willing to be called back or held over to maintain minimum staffing levels. Must be able to meet mandated P.O.S.T. standards.Desirable Education and ExperienceA typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills outlined above is:Two years of public contact which has included exchange of factual information including one year of emergency dispatching experience. WORKING CONDITIONS & ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONADDITIONAL INFORMATIONHOW TO APPLYA complete, original application must be filed for each position you are interested in applying for. Applicants must apply online through the County's automated application system at Applications must be submitted no later than the final filing date and time listed on the job flyer. It is important that your application shows all the relevant education and experience you possess. Human Resources staff does not consider or review resumes or attachments. Incomplete applications will be rejected. Please read the job requirements section of the announcement. Be sure you meet these requirements since they will be carefully evaluated during the selection process. Your performance in any employment examinations will be compared with the performance of others who take the tests. The examination results will be emailed to you as quickly as possible. SELECTION PROCEDUREThe County utilizes a set of rules to ensure that our hiring processes are fair and equitable. Applications will be screened and those considered qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and/or written examination. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee inclusion into the selection process. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of additional application screening, written and/or practical exam(s), oral interview, or any combination thereof.FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSHow long does it take to fill out the application?You should allow 30 - 45 minutes to fill out your application. Can I change my application after submitting it?No. Once an application has been submitted, it is final. Applicants may submit a new application with updated information during the filing period if they wish. Only the most recent application submitted will be considered. All other applications will not be considered.How long until I hear back from you and how can I check for updates on my application?You may receive communications regarding your application at different stages of the selection process. Important updates will be sent to the email address listed in your governmentjobs.com account at the time of notification. To ensure you don't miss any critical information, we recommend keeping your email address current and regularly checking both your inbox and junk mail folders throughout the process. You can also log into your governmentjobs.com account at any time to check your application status. If you have any questions about your application's progress, please contact the County of Humboldt Human Resources Personnel Division at 707-476-2349 or personnel@co.humboldt.ca.us.Will I be informed if I am not selected for an interview / Oral Exam?Yes, you will be informed via email if you are not selected for an interview / Oral Exam.OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSIONResearch indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The County Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the County is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The County recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC, Disabled Persons, Veterans, LGBTQIA+ community members, etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the position. In recognition of these structural and systemic factors, the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways - oftentimes, outside of formal institutions - and strives to take a holistic approach in assessing an applicant's qualifications for a position. If you're excited about this role but your past work experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply.REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONSThe County of Humboldt is committed to providing equal access and opportunities in its programs, activities, and employment, and does not discriminate on the basis of mental or physical disabilities. The Human Resources Department is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse, which has an accessible entrance on 4th Street. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. If invited to an examination and you are in need of a reasonable accommodation, please contact Human Resources immediately at (707) 476-2349 so arrangements can be made. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERThe county is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances. MEDICAL EXAMINATIONA pre-employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment.OTHER EXAMINATIONSSome positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation.LICENSESSome classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California driver's license.PROBATIONARY PERIODPersons appointed to regular County positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six (6) months but could be up to one (1) year. All designated safety employees serve a one-year probationary period.EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITYIt is the County's intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States, pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment, you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States. For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status.DISASTER SERVICE WORKERSAll County of Humboldt employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.Please Note: Extra Help positions are non-benefitted but may be eligible to purchase health insurance upon meeting the hours worked requirement under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).RETIREMENTThe County of Humboldt participates in the CalPERS, with both the County and the employee making contributions toward the employee's retirement. CalPERS Retirement Program: Tier I - Prior to 7/5/2012: 2.7% @ 55Tier II - Post 7/6/2012: 2% @ 55Tier III - Post 1/1/2013: 2% @ 62Please note that these are the tiers available at the County of Humboldt. Tier determination is made by CalPERS. Please reach out to Personnel if you have questions regarding tier placement. COMPREHESIVE BENEFITS PACKAGEOur generous benefits package includes:Health InsuranceMedical: Multiple plan options available through CalPERSCounty covers majority of employee premium and contributes to dependent coverageAdditional Insurance CoverageDental: Full premium coverage for employees and all dependentsVision: Full premium coverage for employees and eligible dependentsCounty-Provided BenefitsLife InsuranceLongevity PayEducational ReimbursementDeferred CompensationEmployee Assistance ProgramBus Pass ProgramOptional Benefits Employees may elect to purchase additional coverage including:Supplemental Life Insurance with guaranteed issuance period at time of hireFlexible Spending AccountsVACATION 1 - 3 completed years of service = 12 days (192-hour cap)4 - 10 completed years of service = 15 days (240-hour cap)11 - 15 completed years of service = 20 days (320-hour cap)16 - 20 completed years of service = 25 days (400-hour cap)21+ completed years of service = 30 days (480-hour cap)HOLIDAYSEmployees earn 15 paid holidays per year (specific dates as defined in their specific Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)), including 3 personal holidays.SICK LEAVEEmployees earn 12 sick days per year with an unlimited cap on sick day accumulation.PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESSThe County is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness certified employer.INCENTIVE PAYCounty employees may be eligible for additional incentive pay, such as on-call pay, shift differential pay, locked facility pay, or annual uniform allowance, as defined in their specific MOU.SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT PAYAdditional salary increase for specialty assignments (Field Training Officer, Rotational Criminal Investigations Division, and Bomb Squad).01 Please select the response that most accurately describes your work experience involving public contact. No experience Less than 2 years 2 or more years 02 Any other coursework, training or experience you would like to add that directly relates to this position. Required Question