Dispatcher- Entry Level Job at City of Fountain Valley in Fountain Valley

Overview

COME BE A PART OF OUR TEAM AND SEE WHAT MAKES FOUNTAIN VALLEY A NICE PLACE TO LIVE AND WORK!

Please apply immediately as this recruitment may close at any time upon receiving enough qualified applications.

The City of Fountain Valley is located in the heart of Orange County with approximately 60,000 residents. We are a mid-sized full-service Police Department that serves our community with courage, duty, and commitment. The City is close to the beach, with Disneyland and other venues within a short distance.

FOUNTAIN VALLEY POLICE DEPARTMENT

Mission: to demonstrate courage to protect life and property, duty to provide high-quality service in a fair, impartial and ethical manner, and commitment to leadership in public safety while preserving public trust. The Department is composed of sworn and professional staff including the Chief, captains, lieutenants, sergeants, officers, dispatchers, analysts, records staff, and administrative personnel.

CLASS DEFINITION

To perform skilled work in receiving and transmitting police radio and telephone calls, dispatch appropriate personnel and equipment, maintain detailed records of activities in response to requests, and other duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This classification requires successful completion of the Public Safety Dispatchers Basic Course within the probationary period. Work is performed within established policies and procedures and requires sound judgment in emergency situations.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Works under the general supervision of the Lead Dispatcher or Watch Commander.

JOB DUTIES

• Receive and process emergency calls for police and fire protection services or information; dispatch personnel and equipment to incidents promptly and efficiently.
• Analyze requests, determine priority and appropriate response, and identify available units to dispatch.
• Monitor radio transmissions, acknowledge requests, and provide action or information as needed.
• Maintain awareness of unit positions and activities; coordinate back-up and safety measures for field personnel.
• Maintain detailed records of each service request, action, and time taken.
• Operate dispatch and computer equipment; input and retrieve public safety information (wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, warrants, etc.).
• Notify ambulance, alarm, traffic, and related personnel of emergencies.
• Maintain knowledge of City geography and landmarks, and general knowledge of surrounding areas.

OTHER JOB-RELATED DUTIES

• Assist in training new personnel in Dispatch Center operations.
• Perform a variety of record-keeping, filing, and general clerical duties.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION

• High school diploma 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 OF

• Proper operation of telephone, voice radio, and burglar alarm reception equipment.
• Proper operation of computer systems and related devices.
• Geography of the City and location of streets and important buildings.
• State-mandated databases including driver’s licenses, vehicle registration, warrants, and restraining orders.
• Correct English usage, spelling, punctuation, and grammar.

REQUIRED ABILITIES

• Analyze situations and adopt quick, effective courses of action in emergencies according to rules and regulations.
• Speak clearly with proper diction; communicate effectively with upset or irate citizens.
• Follow oral and written instructions with minimal supervision.
• Type at a speed necessary for job performance.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, City officials, and the public.
• Maintain security of confidential information and prepare/maintain records and reports.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

• 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 AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Office environment with extended sitting; occasional walking and movement; operate computer, telephone, and dispatch equipment; exposure to computer glare and vibrations; ability to lift and move objects up to 15 pounds; mobility, vision, hearing, and dexterity adequate to perform duties.

NOTICE

The statements describe the general nature and level of work and are not a comprehensive list of duties, responsibilities, or skills.

FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT DESIGNATION

Non-Exempt

To be considered, please complete and submit the online employment application and supplemental questionnaire. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application.

For timely submission, create/update your profile before applying. If you need technical assistance, review the Government Jobs Online Employment Application Guide or contact their toll-free Applicant Support line at (855) 524-5627. HR is not responsible for issues caused by internet or browser problems.

QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS RECRUITMENT SHOULD BE SENT TO HR at fountainvalley.gov.

ALL REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH YOUR APPLICATION AND EXAM COMPLETED TO BE CONSIDERED. CANDIDATES WHO APPLIED WITHIN SIX MONTHS TO A PREVIOUS DISPATCHER RECRUITMENT ARE NOT ELIGIBLE.

SELECTION PROCESS

WRITTEN EXAM: Candidates who meet qualifications must have completed the ECOMM written exam through NTN within the last 12 months and submit an online application. NTN fees apply. Visit NTN for test dates/sites. NTN scores are valid if obtained within 12 months of application. Candidates who have completed a P.O.S.T. Dispatcher exam within the last year must attach scores to waive the NTN exam.

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

IMPORTANT RECRUITMENT INFORMATION

All offers are contingent on legal work authorization and successful completion of pre-employment processes which may include reference checks, background investigation, credit check, DOJ Live Scan, polygraph, psychological evaluation, post-offer drug test, and post-offer medical examination.

The City of Fountain Valley is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Reasonable accommodations are provided under the Americans with Disabilities Act. If accommodations are needed during the selection process, notify Human Resources at least 72 hours in advance of the exam date.

NOTE: This job bulletin does not constitute a contract. Provisions may be modified or revoked without notice.