Public Safety Dispatcher

Salary : $76,296.00 - $92,748.00 AnnuallyLocation : Clovis, CAJob Type: 001-Full-TimeJob Number: Department: Police DepartmentOpening Date: 05/20/2025Closing Date: Continuous Description DEFINITIONUnder general supervision, learn and understand City Police Department dispatching policies, methods, and procedures; receive emergency and non-emergency calls for service through 911, radio, phone, and other communications media; dispatch law enforcement, fire, and other public safety personnel and equipment; provide telecommunications support and incident coordination for field units; learn and serve as call taker for the City of Clovis 911 Public Safety Answering Point; assist with other non-emergency responsibilities when assigned; perform general office support assignments; help and serve people in need; and to perform related work as required.CLASS CHARACTERISTICSPositions in this class work in a team setting with other Public Safety Dispatchers using radio equipment, and computers where incumbents may be required to handle several emergencies simultaneously. Incumbents work under the guidance of a Lead Public Safety Dispatcher, and under the general supervision of a Communications Supervisor. Incumbents receive thorough instructions when tasks are initially assigned and after training are expected to perform duties without constant supervision. Work is reviewed by the Lead Public Safety Dispatcher, Communications Supervisor, or the Watch Commander while in progress. Incumbents are expected to refer most variations in dispatch work to the supervisor for instructions. Examples of DutiesReceive and respond to emergency and non-emergency calls for police, fire, medical, and other related services over phone, 911, radio, and other communications media; respond rapidly to inquiries and requests to ensure proper dissemination of information and dispatch police, fire units, and other public service entities to public safety incidents; interview callers to evaluate location, and the nature and urgency of their situation; request all pertinent information; classify incidents; establish dispatch priorities; investigate law enforcement history pertaining to people and addresses to prepare officers for the situation they will be encountering; query information and provide telecommunications support, using the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS) and other local, regional, national, and international databases to determine alerts and requests for people and property; provide information to support officers and other public safety personnel in the field using a variety of computerized and manual information systems; coordinate and maintain contact with other agencies to assist field personnel in managing and resolving requests and public safety issues, as required and coordinate or transfer requests for emergency and non-emergency medical services with other emergency service providers; transfer calls to other units or agencies as warranted; monitor and broadcast public safety radio transmissions to facilitate communication flow; enter, update, modify, and clear incident data and other related information into the computer-aided dispatching (CAD) system, records management systems (RMS), California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS), and other computer systems and databases as required; maintain incident records, cards, and logs including handwriting, documenting, and time stamping conversations on the radio and during calls; as directed by a supervisor duplicate recordings of radio and phone communications for court or other purposes; call out special teams and make other notifications as required; operate communications center equipment including but not limited to phones, radios, computers, and printers; monitor locations on multiple computer screens and verify safe status of public safety units; relay information to other appropriate agencies regarding hazards; maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and city regulations; confirm out of agency warrants and abstract warrants issued by the City of Clovis Police Department; respond to routine phone requests from the public for information; brief oncoming dispatchers of shift action at end of shift; answer questions and provide information to the public; monitor and relay information obtained through the City of Clovis camera system; and to perform related work as required. Typical QualificationsLICENSE REQUIREDPossession of a valid California Driver's License and a good driving record;Possession of valid typing certificate or documentation for a minimum of forty (40) net words per minute;Completion of the POST Public Safety Dispatcher's Basic Course training during the first year of service.EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCEEducation:High school diploma or equivalent;Education Desirable:Bachelor's DegreeExperience:Three (3) years of experience involving public contact work.QUALIFICATIONSKnowledge of:Operating policies, procedures, and functions of the police department relevant to the position;Laws, codes, and regulations pertinent to public safety services;Procedures, principles, and techniques of communication center operations, dispatching, public safety and emergency communications, call taking, telecommunications support, and customer courtesy;Proper operation and care of communications center equipment including phones, computers, radios, computer software, office equipment, and vehicles used in the communications center and in the field;Principles, practices, and techniques of computer aided dispatch systems;General geography of the City of Clovis;Public relations methods and techniques;Proper English usage, grammar, spelling, and punctuation;Techniques of effective communication;Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.Ability to:Learn policies, procedures, and functions of the police department relevant to the position;Read and understand the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) broadcasting procedures and rules regarding law enforcement radio transmissions and department procedures, rules, and regulations regarding dispatching and general public safety;Learn and operate communications center equipment, to include computers, CLETS terminals, phones, radio, and computer software;Analyze situations quickly and use sound judgment, initiative, creativity, and planning in dispatching personnel and equipment;Think clearly and act calmly in emergency situations;Read, analyze, and interpret written materials, maps, laws, codes, rules, and regulations;Evaluate situations and respond appropriately;Take and transmit clear and complete directions and information;Use patience, courtesy, and tact to recognize and discern various emotional states during all communications;Relate effectively to people of a variety of cultures, languages, disabling conditions, and socioeconomic situations;Deal tactfully and courteously with the public and other staff;Control phone conversations to elicit information;Accomplish multiple tasks simultaneously and organize workload with frequent interruptions and distractions in a high stress environment;Type and enter data at a speed necessary for successful job performance;Receive, retain, and use large quantities of information;Anticipate officer needs;Type from auditory sources;Maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards;Maintain up to date logs, records, and files;Operate a computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system with sufficient speed and accuracy;Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications;Work in a team-based environment and achieve common goals;Operate the City of Clovis camera system and provide pertinent updates to field units;Distinguish and comprehend simultaneous communications from several sources;Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing;Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work;Operate a vehicle observing legal and defensive driving practices.Supplemental InformationPHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONSWork is primarily sedentary.Hearing: Acute to hear in person, radio, phone, or telephone head-set.Strength: Light work-lifting, carrying, and/or pushing 25 pounds with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds in the office environment; medium work-lifting, carrying, and/or pushing 50 pounds with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 50 pounds in the outdoor/driving environments.Vision: Corrected to normal.Other physical requirements: Clear verbal communication, feeling, finger dexterity, frequent grasping and holding, reaching, talking, and balancing.Environment: Primary job functions are performed in an office environment other duties are performed in outdoor and driving environments; incumbents assigned to the outdoor/driving environments are required to work in all weather conditions with the ability to work outdoors when over 100 degrees in the summer and in the cold and rain during the winter months.Working conditions: Work is subject to simultaneous emergency situation evaluation; ability to attend periodic evening meetings or meetings outside of regularly scheduled shift; and work rotating shifts including evenings, weekends, and holidays.SELECTION PROCESSInterested applicants must submit a completed City of Clovis employment application, supplemental questionnaire, and valid typing speed documentation or a Dispatcher POST Certificate at the time of application submission to the City of Clovis Personnel office. Applications must be submitted online at For additional questions, you may contact Personnel at . Brief resumes are welcome as a supplement to the City's standard application form; however, the application form and supplemental questionnaire must be filled out completely to be considered. You may attach your resume, valid typing speed documentation or Dispatcher POST Certificate at the time of application submission to the attachment section of the application form or submit by email to A resume only may not be submitted in lieu of a completed employment application to be considered. Applicants may not attach any additional documents that are not required to their application form or submit any other documents by email, mail, fax, or hand delivery. Veterans' Preference Points may be provided if a DD Form 214 demonstrating qualifying service is submitted to the Personnel Office at the time of application submission. Applicants may attach, hand deliver or email the documentation to Reasonable accommodation, when needed, for otherwise qualified candidates with disabilities, must be requested in writing at the time of application submission. Applicants will receive notification regarding the status of their application by email or phone once the applications have been processed and reviewed.Applicants must meet each qualification for the position at the time of application submission. All applications will be reviewed based on the necessary employment standards for the position. Those candidates who best meet the needs of the operations may be invited to participate in a written, online or oral examination that will be weighted 100%. Candidates receiving a passing score from the examination process may be placed on an eligibility list for a period of up to one (1) year. Examinations and department interviews for the position will be administered in the City of Clovis. As determined by the City and at the City's expense, successful candidates shall be required to complete and pass a Personal History Questionnaire, an extensive background investigation, a polygraph or voice stress examination, a psychological examination, a medical examination, and a drug/alcohol screenPossession of a valid California Driver's License and a good driving record will be required prior to hire. Proof of citizenship or eligibility to work in the U.S. will be required at the time of hire.Required Documentation:To be considered for this position you must submit one of the following required documents at the time of application submission. You may attach the required documentation to your application at the time of submission only. If you do not attach the required documentation to your application, you must submit the documentation by email to within five (5) days of application submission; no exceptions will be made.Valid typing speed documentation completed within the last six (6) months for a minimum of forty (40) net words per minute; or Dispatcher POST Certificate (Lateral applicants).Valid Typing Speed Documentation Requirements:Valid typing speed documentation may be obtained from any valid source (i.e.: employment agencies, schools, online, etc.). The document must include the applicant's full name as listed on the application form, the date completed within the last six (6) months, and the net typing speed for a minimum of forty (40) net words per minute.The required documentation for the position must be attached before you submit your online employment application to the City of Clovis. The NEOGOV application site will allow you to attach documents to an application that you have already submitted however, the system will not allow the City of Clovis to view or print attachments after the online employment application has been submitted. If you do not attach the required documentation prior to submitting your online employment application, you must submit the required documents by email to within five (5) days of application submission to be considered for this employment opportunity. Failure to submit the required documentation will result in disqualification from the recruitment process.Lateral Applicant Requirements/Selection Process:Lateral applicants are currently employed as an Emergency Dispatcher with a minimum of one (1) year of experience, possess a Dispatcher POST Certificate, and meet the position requirements at the time of application submission.Lateral applicants are not required to submit valid typing speed documentation or participate in the written or online examination.Lateral applicants are required to submit a complete employment application, supplemental questionnaire, and a copy of a Dispatcher POST Certificate, and receive a passing score on an initial selection screening which will include a pass/fail oral examination. Applicants who pass the initial screening and receive a passing score on the oral examination that will be weighted 100% may be placed on an eligibility list for a period of up to one (1) year. Department interviews for the position will be administered in the City of Clovis. As determined by the City and at the City's expense, successful candidates shall be required to complete and pass a Personal History Questionnaire, an extensive background investigation, a polygraph or voice stress examination, a psychological examination, a medical examination, and a drug/alcohol screenPossession of a valid California Driver's License and a good driving record will be required prior to hire. Proof of citizenship or eligibility to work in the U.S. will be required at the time of hire.The examination may consist of questions relative to knowledge of operating policies, procedures, and functions of the police department relevant to the position; laws, codes, and regulations pertinent to public safety services; procedures, principles, and techniques of communication center operations, dispatching, public safety and emergency communications, call taking, telecommunications support, and customer courtesy; proper operation and care of communications center equipment including phones, computers, radios, computer software, office equipment, and vehicles used in the communications center and in the field; principles, practices, and techniques of computer aided dispatch systems; general geography of the City of Clovis; public relations methods and techniques; proper English usage, grammar, spelling, and punctuation; techniques of effective communication; and office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases. The examination may also contain questions regarding the ability to learn policies, procedures, and functions of the police department relevant to the position; read and understand the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) broadcasting procedures and rules regarding law enforcement radio transmissions and department procedures, rules, and regulations regarding dispatching and general public safety; learn and operate communications center equipment, to include computers, CLETS terminals, phones, radio, and computer software; analyze situations quickly and use sound judgment, initiative, creativity, and planning in dispatching personnel and equipment; think clearly and act calmly in emergency situations; read, analyze, and interpret written materials, maps, laws, codes, rules, and regulations; evaluate situations and respond appropriately; take and transmit clear and complete directions and information; use patience, courtesy, and tact to recognize and discern various emotional states during all communications; relate effectively to people of a variety of cultures, languages, disabling conditions, and socioeconomic situations; deal tactfully and courteously with the public and other staff; control phone conversations to elicit information; accomplish multiple tasks simultaneously and organize workload with frequent interruptions and distractions in a high stress environment; type and enter data at a speed necessary for successful job performance; receive, retain, and use large quantities of information; anticipate officer needs; type from auditory sources; maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards; maintain up to date logs, records, and files; operate a computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system with sufficient speed and accuracy; operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications; work in a team-based environment and achieve common goals; operate the City of Clovis camera system and provide pertinent updates to field units; distinguish and comprehend simultaneous communications from several sources; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; and operate a vehicle observing legal and defensive driving practices.This job flyer does not constitute a contract and its terms and conditions can change without notice. THE CITY OF CLOVIS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERThe City of Clovis offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time positions. For more information on the benefit package, please refer to the City's website under Departments & Services/Personnel/Employee Resources.01 Carefully complete your Application and Supplemental Questionnaire and submit by the final filing date as indicated on the job announcement. It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. You may attach a resume, but this cannot be used in lieu of completing an application. Follow the instructions below on how to submit a complete application. Applications may be rejected if incomplete. Include a minimum of ten (10) years of current and/or previous work experience. Begin with your most current work experience through the previous ten (10) years. If you are unable to include ten (10) years of current and/or previous work experience you must include any combination of work or volunteer experience, academic or vocational school enrollment, and any periods of unemployment. The application may not contain any unexplained gaps in employment periods. Be sure to attach any required documents before submitting the application. Yes, I acknowledge and agree to the above statement. 02 Please answer the following questions. This information is REQUIRED, as it will be used to initially determine minimum qualifications. For those applicants meeting the employment standards, this information will be critical in any subsequent competitive assessment to identify those applicants to be invited to continue in the examination process. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of required supplemental responses. Please do not say, "see resume" or "see application" or your application and supplemental questionnaire will be deemed incomplete. Yes, I acknowledge and agree to the above statement. 03 The information provided in your application must support your selected answers to the supplemental questions. The information you provide will be verified and documentation may be required. Please be as honest and accurate as possible.With the completion of this supplemental questionnaire, you are attesting that the information you have provided is accurate. Any misstatements, omissions, or falsification of information may disqualify you from being considered for this position. Yes, I acknowledge and agree to the above statement. 04 Notifications pertaining to a recruitment will be sent to the email address provided on the employment application. Please provide a current and complete email address on your application. Please check your inbox as well as spam or junk mail folders for correspondence as your email provider or personal settings may flag notification emails as spam. To check your application status, please log in to your account. Yes, I acknowledge and agree to the above statement. 05 Do you possess a current and valid California Driver's License? Yes, I possess a current and valid California Driver's License. Other, I possess a current and valid Driver's License in another state. No, I currently do not possess a valid Driver's License. 06 Please list the expiration date MM/DD/YY of your current and valid California Driver's License. If you currently do not possess a valid California Driver's License, please explain. 07 Do you possess a High School Diploma or GED? Yes No 08 Please specify the highest level of education that you have attained from an accredited college or university. The education you possess must be listed under the (Education) section on your application. None Less than 60 semester college units At least 60 semester college units Associate's Degree Bachelor's Degree Master's Degree or higher 09 International Degree Accreditation - International degrees must be accredited by the U.S. Department of Education. If you possess a degree from an international college or university, please attach documentation from the U.S. Institution that the degree has been accredited through at the time of application submission to be considered for the position. Yes, I acknowledge and agree to the above statement. 10 How many years of experience do you possess involving public contact work? The work experience you possess must be listed under the (Work Experience) section on your application. No Experience Less than one year One year to less than two years Two years to less than three years Three years or more 11 Are you currently employed as an Emergency Dispatcher with a minimum of one (1) year of experience and possess a Dispatcher POST Certificate? Yes No 12 Non-lateral applicants must submit valid typing speed documentation to qualify for this position. The document must include the applicant's full name as listed on the application form, the date completed within the last six (6) months, and the net typing speed for a minimum of forty (40) net words per minute. Lateral applicants must submit a Dispatcher POST Certificate to qualify for this position. Documentation must be attached at the time of application submission or submitted by email to within five (5) days of application submission. No exceptions will be made. I am a non-lateral applicant and I acknowledge and agree to the above statement. I am a lateral applicant and I acknowledge and agree to the above statement. 13 The required documentation for the position must be attached before you submit your online employment application to the City of Clovis. The NEOGOV application site will allow you to attach documents to an application that you have already submitted; however, the system will not allow the City of Clovis to view or print attachments after the online employment application has been submitted. If you do not attach the required documentation prior to submitting your online employment application you must submit the required documents by email to within five (5) days of application submission, to be considered for this employment opportunity. Failure to submit the required documentation will result in disqualification from the recruitment process. Yes, I acknowledge and agree to the above statement. 14 I acknowledge that I may not attach any additional documents that are not required to my application form or submit any other documents by email, mail, fax, or hand delivery.Acceptable Application Attachments:•Valid typing speed documentation•Dispatcher POST Certificate•DD Form 214•Department of Veterans Affairs Letter•Reasonable Accommodation Request•Resume•College/University Degrees•International Degree Accreditation Documentation Yes, I acknowledge and agree to the above statement. 15 I acknowledge that the Public Safety Dispatcher position requires the ability to work rotating shifts including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Yes, I acknowledge and agree to the above statement. 16 I acknowledge that if I am selected for the Public Safety Dispatcher position as a non-lateral applicant, I will be required to complete the POST Public Safety Dispatcher's Basic Course training during the first year of employment. Yes, I acknowledge and agree to the above statement. 17 I acknowledge that if I am successful in the recruitment process for the Public Safety Dispatcher position that I shall be required to complete and pass a Personal History Questionnaire, an extensive background investigation, a polygraph or voice stress examination, a psychological examination, a medical examination, and a drug/alcohol screen. Yes, I acknowledge and agree to the above statement. Required Question