Fountain Valley School is hiring: Dispatcher- Entry Level in Fountain Valley

Overview

The City of Fountain Valley is seeking a Dispatcher – Entry Level for the Fountain Valley Police Department. The role involves receiving and transmitting police radio and telephone calls, dispatching personnel and equipment, maintaining detailed records, and performing other duties as assigned.

Job Duties

• Receive and process emergency calls for police and fire protection services or information; promptly and efficiently dispatch personnel and equipment to accident, rescue, and emergency scenes.
• Analyze requests for police service; determine priority ranking of each request and the kind and level of service to be dispatched in initial response; determine available units to dispatch.
• Listen to radio transmissions from field personnel; acknowledge and comply with requests for action or information.
• Maintain awareness of the position of each police unit and activities; check periodically with personnel; supply back-up as needed to ensure safety of field personnel.
• Maintain detailed records of each service request, actions taken, and the times of actions.
• Operate dispatch and computer equipment; input and retrieve a variety of public safety information; update information on wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, warrants, and related data.
• Notify ambulance personnel, alarm company, traffic and signal maintenance, and other related personnel concerning emergencies.
• Maintain knowledge of the geography of the City and surrounding areas.

Qualifications

Education

• Graduation from high school or GED equivalent.

Experience

• One year of clerical or related experience involving public contact and some independent judgment. Public Safety experience is highly desirable.
• OR one year of heavy telephone, public contact, or dispatch experience.

Knowledge

• Operation of telephone, voice radio, and burglar alarm reception equipment.
• Operation of computer systems, speed dialer, dictaphone/tape recorder, and teletype machines.
• Geography of the City and locations of streets and important buildings.
• State mandated databases including driver\'s license, vehicle registration, warrants, and restraining orders.
• Correct English usage, spelling, punctuation, and grammar.

Requisite Abilities

• Analyze situations and adopt quick, effective courses of action in emergencies.
• Speak clearly with proper diction; effectively communicate with upset or irate citizens.
• Follow oral and written instructions with minimal supervision.
• Type at a speed adequate for job performance.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; maintain security of confidential information.
• Prepare and maintain a variety of records and reports.

Special Requirements

• Ability to work evenings, holidays, weekends, irregular hours, and variable shifts.
• Ability to work closely with others in confined spaces, around electrical energy.
• Normal vision and hearing acuity.

Physical Tasks & Environmental Conditions

Office environment with prolonged sitting; use of computer terminal, telephone, and dispatch equipment; may involve lifting up to 15 pounds; normal mobility, vision, hearing, and dexterity required.

Note

The provisions of this job bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and may be modified or revoked without notice. Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Reasonable accommodations available for qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Selection Process

WRITTEN EXAM: Candidates must complete the Emergency Communications (ECOMM) written exam through the National Testing Network (NTN) within the last 12 months and submit an online application. NTN fees apply. If you have taken a P.O.S.T. Dispatcher exam within the last year, attach scores to waive the NTN exam. Minimum P.O.S.T. ECOMM score: T-Score 45.

ORAL INTERVIEW: Evaluates experience, training, and personal qualifications for the job.

Other notes: All offers contingent upon legal authorization to work, successful completion of pre-employment process including background checks, medical, drug testing, and related requirements. The City is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will provide reasonable accommodations as required by law.