Santa Cruz Regional 911
Salary :
$55,244.80 - $79,289.60 Annually Location :
Santa Cruz, CA Job Type:
Full-Time Job Number:
JPA 177 Department:
Operations Opening Date:
10/03/2025 Closing Date:
Continuous
DESCRIPTION
This is an entry-level position. Once training is completed, the annual salary range is$61,415.23 to $95,777.39. The salary range is based on the compensation structure outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Additional compensation for bilingual, training officer, retention, and shift work.
This is a
continuous recruitmen
t . We will review and rank all qualified applications on the first of every month. Candidates who rank at the top of the list at each interval may be selected and invited to interview.
List and Ranking To be considered for the eligibility list, candidates must complete: An application Agency proctored CritiCall Exam A 2-hour sit-along A Personal History Statement Candidates are placed on the eligibility list and ranked based on their performance assessment scores and Personal History Statement. The eligibility list may be used to fill current and future vacancies until a new list is established. The full selection process is outlined below.
DEFINITION Under supervision, this trainee role acquires skills and knowledge to prepare to serve as the vital communications link between the public needing help and emergency services responders (law, fire, medical, rescue, animal control, and other emergency equipment). Incumbents receive training in public safety radio and telephone operational duties for dispatching public safety personnel and equipment in a high-stress environment. This is the trainee class in the Public Safety Dispatcher series.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This is a trainee classification, preparing the incumbent for a professional classification with the primary responsibility of coordinating and managing communication during critical and emergency situations. Services are provided on a seven day 24-hour basis. Employees at this level receive direct instruction and assistance, learn to operate several types of computer systems and technology, and receive training in the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. This position is distinguished from the next higher classification of Public Safety Dispatcher II in that the latter is the journey level class. Public Safety Dispatcher I incumbents are expected to achieve the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to advance to the Public Safety Dispatcher II level within the twelve-month probationary period. SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Receives general supervision from an Operations Supervisor and direct oversight from a Public Safety Dispatcher II or Senior Public Safety Dispatcher (Level III) certified as an Academy Instructor and/or Communications Training Officer. No supervision of staff is exercised. ADDITIONAL CLASS INFORMATION
Working Title(s): Trainee Dispatcher
Bargaining Unit: Operating Engineers Local No. 3
Established: October 26, 2000
Revised: December 5, 2024 Career Ladder
Operations Division Manager Operations Supervisor Senior Public Safety Dispatcher (Level III) Public Safety Dispatcher II Public Safety Dispatcher I (Trainee) Public Safety Dispatcher Assistant II Public Safety Dispatcher Assistant I Public Safety Communications Intern Essential Duties and Responsibilities
EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only) Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
Participates in classroom and on-the-job training to build the knowledge and skills necessary to develop the ability to perform the following job functions required for promotion to Public Safety Dispatcher II:
Answers non-emergency phone lines, provides resources and referrals, documents information for public safety personnel as needed. Handles reports of law, fire, and medical emergency situations delivered via voice (9-1-1 emergency telephone lines), text messages (Text-to-911), or electronic means (such as alerts from alarm companies) by gathering essential information and determining the nature of the emergency. Depending on the assignment, may handle reports of emergency situations delivered via video. Maintains accurate records of calls received and handled, ensures critical information is input to the record, documents actions taken including updates from first responders and reporting parties. Provides clear and effective communication with active listening, call control, judgment, respect and empathy to the public in life-safety situations, triages requests for service, and coordinates appropriate responses to high-risk and high-stress operations. Operates a sophisticated workstation comprised of multiple computer systems including computer aided dispatch, location services, emergency mapping, state and federal database queries, 9-1-1 call handling equipment, public safety radio consoles, and a variety of solutions dedicated to emergency management. Transmits and receives messages to and from User Agencies via public safety radios, 9-1-1 emergency telephone lines, data terminals, and other communications equipment. Effectively dispatches appropriate emergency resources, such as law enforcement, fire, or medical personnel, to the location of the incident, prioritizing incident response to the correct level of urgency, and thoroughly and accurately documenting incident activities while maintaining scene awareness. Monitors and maintains status of assigned public safety personnel and equipment; may initiate actions to ensure adequate area-wide protection. Provides operational support for police, fire, and medical personnel including warrant checks and confirmations, vehicle tow requests, and facilitation of outside agency assistance and mutual aid requests. Inquires, interprets, verifies, receives, disseminates, and updates information from national, state, and local law enforcement computer networks. Stays current on new technologies and industry best practices by learning and integrating new technologies, policies, and protocols. Manages multiple systems and conversations simultaneously without error. Provides after-hours support to allied agencies, providing records services such as time-sensitive entries to state and federal databases, as well as call-handling and dispatching for animal control and public works. Provides pre-arrival and post-dispatch instructions to callers. Depending on certification, provides life-saving instructions such as CPR to assist the public until emergency responders arrive on scene.
Takes and passes routine examinations designed to demonstrate competence in the skills and knowledge acquired during the classroom training phase. Receives daily feedback on critical elements of the position in the form of a Daily Observation Report (DOR) prepared by the Communications Training Officer (CTO) responsible for the incumbent's training. Performs related duties as assigned. Qualifications and Requirements Must be at least eighteen (18) years old. Must be authorized to work in the United States. Must be a resident of Santa Cruz, San Benito, Santa Clara, San Mateo, or Monterey counties unless an exception is granted by the General Manager. Knowledge of:
The operation of a typical office computer system. Recordkeeping techniques and proper office procedures. Ability to:
Learn to effectively operate the various public safety technology solutions used by the Authority, including the 9-1-1 call handling system, the computer-aided dispatch program, the radio consoles, and other associated public safety equipment and software. Interpret and follow rules, policies, regulations, and procedures. Prepare clear, concise, and understandable written documents. Learn to coordinate multiple events and emergency responses. Read, write, spell, and speak in a clear and concise manner. Make sound decisions using all available information. Read and interpret written instructions as well as city and county maps. Maintain confidentiality of critical and sensitive information, records, and reports. Establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, User agency personnel, other communications agencies' personnel, and the general public. Accomplish tasks in a controlled and competent manner while working under stress. Learn and understand the techniques, methods, and technologies used in modern public safety communications center. Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Education
High school graduation or the tested equivalent. Experience
No work experience is required for this trainee position. Licenses and Certifications:
Possession of a Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) card and Basic First Aid certificate issued by the American Red Cross or other authorized agency (within 60 days of employment). Will be coordinated by the employer. Candidates for this classification are required to pass a comprehensive background investigation in accordance with applicable law, regulation and/or policy and shall not have been convicted of a felony or any other crime which would prohibit Department of Justice approval for access to law enforcement restricted information. PHYSICAL DEMANDS Management may make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job. This position is primarily sedentary and requires the ability to tolerate sitting for extended periods; sit-stand equipment may be available. Must possess mobility to move between work areas. Must have the ability to hear and comprehend telephone and radio traffic and routine interpersonal communications with supervisors and dispatchers working adjacent console assignments; have vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; have color vision adequate to determine various color-coded console displays; have the ability to read, write, and speak clear and concise English; have legible handwriting; and have the physical, mental, and functional ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment and to remain calm and professional when handling potentially stressful incidents. Persons in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 10 pounds. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement, and fine coordination in using a computer keyboard and mouse. ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS Employees work primarily in an emergency communications center with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions, and occasionally travel to other sites where they may be exposed to inclement weather. Employees may interact with members of the public, field responders, or other staff under emotionally stressful conditions. This is exclusively an in-person position. Employees must be willing to work day, swing, graveyard, and rotating shifts, including weekends and holidays to ensure 24/7 coverage. Employees are subject to call back, hold over, on-call, and overtime shifts to maintain minimum staffing. When on-call, employees are required to be able to report to work within 60 minutes of being notified.
The Selection Procedure
Please note that Santa Cruz Regional 9-1-1 prefers to communicate with applicants via email. To ensure you receive important updates, please verify the email address on your application and check your inbox, including your spam and junk folders, regularly. After submitting your application, you will receive an automatic message from governmentjobs.com. All future communications will come through this platform, so please add the email address to your contacts.
The hiring process is outlined below. This typically takes 4 months. 1. Applications -
All applicants must complete and submit a Santa Cruz Regional 9-1-1 employment application online. This is a pass/fail requirement. Paper applications will not be accepted.
Applications will be considered incomplete and disqualified if job-related experience is not listed in the "Work Experience" section, or if "see resume" is noted instead of job duties. If you do not have any job experience, please enter N/A.
Proof of education will be required at the time of appointment; however, transcripts or diplomas should not be submitted until requested.
Supplemental documents, such as DD214 or certifications should be attached to your the application. Alternatively, they can be sent to
2. Online Dispatcher CritiCall Exam:
(Pass/Fail) - PSD candidates must pass the Dispatcher CritiCall Examination proctored by Santa Cruz Regional 9-1-1 for further consideration. Candidates will receive a link with testing information after application screening.
CritiCall examination tests your ability to:
Follow rules and directions. Make decisions quickly and accurately based on the rules you are provided. Enter data or information (such as names, telephone numbers, license plate sequences, etc.) into a computer using a keyboard. Hear, comprehend, summarize, and/or answer questions about information provided verbally in short story form. Use written information provided on lists (such as an alphabetically sequenced telephone book). Recognize if bits of information, such as addresses or names, are similar or different. Quickly learn and later recognize information that is shown in writing, such as descriptions (e.g., red car, blue boat, green shirt). Perform basic arithmetic (such as addition, subtraction, and percentages) without a calculator or other tools. Hear and remember pieces of information, such as telephone numbers or license plate numbers, for a short period of time. Evaluate information provided in order to prioritize or categorize incidents. Evaluate information and identify the most correct solution based upon that information. Correctly spell commonly used words that sound alike but might delay emergency assistance if misspelled (e.g., patience instead of patients). Communicate using sentences or phrases that clearly express the intended meaning. Read and comprehend written passages.
A Dispatcher CritiCall Examination study guide is available for your reference on the Santa Cruz Regional 9-1-1 Careers Page at
3. Sit-Along:
Applicants observe Dispatch Center floor operations to understand the job better. This will be your first impression of the agency. Be prepared to ask and answer questions about the job. This will be scheduled for candidates who pass the Criticall exam.
4. Submit a personal history statement (PHS) : The personal history statement is the basis for a background invistigation. Candidates who pass the Criticall Exam will be provided with this form.
5. Eligibility:
Candidates who meet the minimum qualification standards, pass the CritiCall examination, the sit-along review, and the PHS will be moved forward to establish an eligibility list.
6. Peer Review Panel:
Candidates at the top of the eligibility list will be invited to a peer review panel and supervisor panel. The peer panel is a group of peers consisting of dispatchers, call-takers, and lead dispatchers. If the candidate indicates a bilingual status, the bilingual assessment will be done before or after the peer review.
7. Background Process:
If considered for an appointment, candidates must consent to a background check, including a criminal history check and fingerprinting.
8. Conditional Offer: Applicants may progress through the recruitment process upon available authorized positions and successfully passing the preceding steps.
8. Medical and Psychological Assessment:
Psychological test and medical exam.
9. General Manager Interview
10. Final Job Offer with a start date (tentatively scheduled for February 2, 2026) Equal Opportunity Employer Santa Cruz Regional 9-1-1 is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation. Benefits
For the year 2025, the Authority pays $2,292.86 per month for family medical, $1,789.82 per month for plus-one medical, and $897.33 per month for single medical coverage. Dental and Vision - The agency contributes 100% towards the cost of dental and vision insurance for the employee and their family. Vacation/Sick Leave - vacation leave is up to 200 hours per year; Sick leave is 120 hours per year. Holidays - 120 paid hours for dispatchers, 112 paid hours for administrative employees Life Insurance - $50,000 Deferred Compensation - voluntary by the employee Flexible spending account Tuition reimbursement Employee Assistance Program (EAP) which includes a Wellness app. Pension Reform Act Santa Cruz Regional 9-1-1 is covered by the California Public Employees' Retirement System, and as such, must adhere to the California Public Employee's Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) of 2013. Please note that the provisions within this act may affect or impact an applicant's eligibility and/or selection for open vacancies.
All employees hired who are "New Members" on or after January 1, 2013, shall participate in the California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) as defined by the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) of 2012. Some of the provisions of PEPRA include:
A "New Member" is defined as:
A new hire who is brought into CalPERS membership for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, and who has no prior membership in any California public retirement system, or A new hire who is brought into CalPERS membership for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, and who is not eligible for reciprocity with another California public retirement system or, A member who first established CalPERS membership prior to January 1, 2013, and who is rehired by a different CalPERS employer after a break in service of greater than six months. A defined benefit formula of 2%@62 with a three-year final compensation period. Employee contribution rate of 50% of total normal costs or 8%, whichever is greater. 01
Are you 18 years or older?
Yes NO
02
Are you a citizen of the United States or do you have a legal right to work in the United States? (Written proof of citizenship or right to work will be required at time of hire.)
Yes No
03
I understand I must pass a comprehensive background check and I confirm I have never been convicted of a felony.
Yes No
04
Public safety dispatch is a 24/7 operation with a rotating schedule that includes nights, weekends, and holidays. Are you willing and able to work this type of schedule as part of the normal rotation?
Yes No
05
Imagine you finish a 12-hour shift and are required to work an additional 3 hours of mandatory overtime due to staffing issues. How would you manage rest, transportation, and personal commitments so you can report safely for your next shift? Please be specific. Required Question
$55,244.80 - $79,289.60 Annually Location :
Santa Cruz, CA Job Type:
Full-Time Job Number:
JPA 177 Department:
Operations Opening Date:
10/03/2025 Closing Date:
Continuous
DESCRIPTION
This is an entry-level position. Once training is completed, the annual salary range is$61,415.23 to $95,777.39. The salary range is based on the compensation structure outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Additional compensation for bilingual, training officer, retention, and shift work.
This is a
continuous recruitmen
t . We will review and rank all qualified applications on the first of every month. Candidates who rank at the top of the list at each interval may be selected and invited to interview.
List and Ranking To be considered for the eligibility list, candidates must complete: An application Agency proctored CritiCall Exam A 2-hour sit-along A Personal History Statement Candidates are placed on the eligibility list and ranked based on their performance assessment scores and Personal History Statement. The eligibility list may be used to fill current and future vacancies until a new list is established. The full selection process is outlined below.
DEFINITION Under supervision, this trainee role acquires skills and knowledge to prepare to serve as the vital communications link between the public needing help and emergency services responders (law, fire, medical, rescue, animal control, and other emergency equipment). Incumbents receive training in public safety radio and telephone operational duties for dispatching public safety personnel and equipment in a high-stress environment. This is the trainee class in the Public Safety Dispatcher series.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This is a trainee classification, preparing the incumbent for a professional classification with the primary responsibility of coordinating and managing communication during critical and emergency situations. Services are provided on a seven day 24-hour basis. Employees at this level receive direct instruction and assistance, learn to operate several types of computer systems and technology, and receive training in the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. This position is distinguished from the next higher classification of Public Safety Dispatcher II in that the latter is the journey level class. Public Safety Dispatcher I incumbents are expected to achieve the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to advance to the Public Safety Dispatcher II level within the twelve-month probationary period. SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Receives general supervision from an Operations Supervisor and direct oversight from a Public Safety Dispatcher II or Senior Public Safety Dispatcher (Level III) certified as an Academy Instructor and/or Communications Training Officer. No supervision of staff is exercised. ADDITIONAL CLASS INFORMATION
Working Title(s): Trainee Dispatcher
Bargaining Unit: Operating Engineers Local No. 3
Established: October 26, 2000
Revised: December 5, 2024 Career Ladder
Operations Division Manager Operations Supervisor Senior Public Safety Dispatcher (Level III) Public Safety Dispatcher II Public Safety Dispatcher I (Trainee) Public Safety Dispatcher Assistant II Public Safety Dispatcher Assistant I Public Safety Communications Intern Essential Duties and Responsibilities
EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only) Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
Participates in classroom and on-the-job training to build the knowledge and skills necessary to develop the ability to perform the following job functions required for promotion to Public Safety Dispatcher II:
Answers non-emergency phone lines, provides resources and referrals, documents information for public safety personnel as needed. Handles reports of law, fire, and medical emergency situations delivered via voice (9-1-1 emergency telephone lines), text messages (Text-to-911), or electronic means (such as alerts from alarm companies) by gathering essential information and determining the nature of the emergency. Depending on the assignment, may handle reports of emergency situations delivered via video. Maintains accurate records of calls received and handled, ensures critical information is input to the record, documents actions taken including updates from first responders and reporting parties. Provides clear and effective communication with active listening, call control, judgment, respect and empathy to the public in life-safety situations, triages requests for service, and coordinates appropriate responses to high-risk and high-stress operations. Operates a sophisticated workstation comprised of multiple computer systems including computer aided dispatch, location services, emergency mapping, state and federal database queries, 9-1-1 call handling equipment, public safety radio consoles, and a variety of solutions dedicated to emergency management. Transmits and receives messages to and from User Agencies via public safety radios, 9-1-1 emergency telephone lines, data terminals, and other communications equipment. Effectively dispatches appropriate emergency resources, such as law enforcement, fire, or medical personnel, to the location of the incident, prioritizing incident response to the correct level of urgency, and thoroughly and accurately documenting incident activities while maintaining scene awareness. Monitors and maintains status of assigned public safety personnel and equipment; may initiate actions to ensure adequate area-wide protection. Provides operational support for police, fire, and medical personnel including warrant checks and confirmations, vehicle tow requests, and facilitation of outside agency assistance and mutual aid requests. Inquires, interprets, verifies, receives, disseminates, and updates information from national, state, and local law enforcement computer networks. Stays current on new technologies and industry best practices by learning and integrating new technologies, policies, and protocols. Manages multiple systems and conversations simultaneously without error. Provides after-hours support to allied agencies, providing records services such as time-sensitive entries to state and federal databases, as well as call-handling and dispatching for animal control and public works. Provides pre-arrival and post-dispatch instructions to callers. Depending on certification, provides life-saving instructions such as CPR to assist the public until emergency responders arrive on scene.
Takes and passes routine examinations designed to demonstrate competence in the skills and knowledge acquired during the classroom training phase. Receives daily feedback on critical elements of the position in the form of a Daily Observation Report (DOR) prepared by the Communications Training Officer (CTO) responsible for the incumbent's training. Performs related duties as assigned. Qualifications and Requirements Must be at least eighteen (18) years old. Must be authorized to work in the United States. Must be a resident of Santa Cruz, San Benito, Santa Clara, San Mateo, or Monterey counties unless an exception is granted by the General Manager. Knowledge of:
The operation of a typical office computer system. Recordkeeping techniques and proper office procedures. Ability to:
Learn to effectively operate the various public safety technology solutions used by the Authority, including the 9-1-1 call handling system, the computer-aided dispatch program, the radio consoles, and other associated public safety equipment and software. Interpret and follow rules, policies, regulations, and procedures. Prepare clear, concise, and understandable written documents. Learn to coordinate multiple events and emergency responses. Read, write, spell, and speak in a clear and concise manner. Make sound decisions using all available information. Read and interpret written instructions as well as city and county maps. Maintain confidentiality of critical and sensitive information, records, and reports. Establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, User agency personnel, other communications agencies' personnel, and the general public. Accomplish tasks in a controlled and competent manner while working under stress. Learn and understand the techniques, methods, and technologies used in modern public safety communications center. Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Education
High school graduation or the tested equivalent. Experience
No work experience is required for this trainee position. Licenses and Certifications:
Possession of a Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) card and Basic First Aid certificate issued by the American Red Cross or other authorized agency (within 60 days of employment). Will be coordinated by the employer. Candidates for this classification are required to pass a comprehensive background investigation in accordance with applicable law, regulation and/or policy and shall not have been convicted of a felony or any other crime which would prohibit Department of Justice approval for access to law enforcement restricted information. PHYSICAL DEMANDS Management may make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job. This position is primarily sedentary and requires the ability to tolerate sitting for extended periods; sit-stand equipment may be available. Must possess mobility to move between work areas. Must have the ability to hear and comprehend telephone and radio traffic and routine interpersonal communications with supervisors and dispatchers working adjacent console assignments; have vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; have color vision adequate to determine various color-coded console displays; have the ability to read, write, and speak clear and concise English; have legible handwriting; and have the physical, mental, and functional ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment and to remain calm and professional when handling potentially stressful incidents. Persons in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 10 pounds. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement, and fine coordination in using a computer keyboard and mouse. ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS Employees work primarily in an emergency communications center with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions, and occasionally travel to other sites where they may be exposed to inclement weather. Employees may interact with members of the public, field responders, or other staff under emotionally stressful conditions. This is exclusively an in-person position. Employees must be willing to work day, swing, graveyard, and rotating shifts, including weekends and holidays to ensure 24/7 coverage. Employees are subject to call back, hold over, on-call, and overtime shifts to maintain minimum staffing. When on-call, employees are required to be able to report to work within 60 minutes of being notified.
The Selection Procedure
Please note that Santa Cruz Regional 9-1-1 prefers to communicate with applicants via email. To ensure you receive important updates, please verify the email address on your application and check your inbox, including your spam and junk folders, regularly. After submitting your application, you will receive an automatic message from governmentjobs.com. All future communications will come through this platform, so please add the email address to your contacts.
The hiring process is outlined below. This typically takes 4 months. 1. Applications -
All applicants must complete and submit a Santa Cruz Regional 9-1-1 employment application online. This is a pass/fail requirement. Paper applications will not be accepted.
Applications will be considered incomplete and disqualified if job-related experience is not listed in the "Work Experience" section, or if "see resume" is noted instead of job duties. If you do not have any job experience, please enter N/A.
Proof of education will be required at the time of appointment; however, transcripts or diplomas should not be submitted until requested.
Supplemental documents, such as DD214 or certifications should be attached to your the application. Alternatively, they can be sent to
2. Online Dispatcher CritiCall Exam:
(Pass/Fail) - PSD candidates must pass the Dispatcher CritiCall Examination proctored by Santa Cruz Regional 9-1-1 for further consideration. Candidates will receive a link with testing information after application screening.
CritiCall examination tests your ability to:
Follow rules and directions. Make decisions quickly and accurately based on the rules you are provided. Enter data or information (such as names, telephone numbers, license plate sequences, etc.) into a computer using a keyboard. Hear, comprehend, summarize, and/or answer questions about information provided verbally in short story form. Use written information provided on lists (such as an alphabetically sequenced telephone book). Recognize if bits of information, such as addresses or names, are similar or different. Quickly learn and later recognize information that is shown in writing, such as descriptions (e.g., red car, blue boat, green shirt). Perform basic arithmetic (such as addition, subtraction, and percentages) without a calculator or other tools. Hear and remember pieces of information, such as telephone numbers or license plate numbers, for a short period of time. Evaluate information provided in order to prioritize or categorize incidents. Evaluate information and identify the most correct solution based upon that information. Correctly spell commonly used words that sound alike but might delay emergency assistance if misspelled (e.g., patience instead of patients). Communicate using sentences or phrases that clearly express the intended meaning. Read and comprehend written passages.
A Dispatcher CritiCall Examination study guide is available for your reference on the Santa Cruz Regional 9-1-1 Careers Page at
3. Sit-Along:
Applicants observe Dispatch Center floor operations to understand the job better. This will be your first impression of the agency. Be prepared to ask and answer questions about the job. This will be scheduled for candidates who pass the Criticall exam.
4. Submit a personal history statement (PHS) : The personal history statement is the basis for a background invistigation. Candidates who pass the Criticall Exam will be provided with this form.
5. Eligibility:
Candidates who meet the minimum qualification standards, pass the CritiCall examination, the sit-along review, and the PHS will be moved forward to establish an eligibility list.
6. Peer Review Panel:
Candidates at the top of the eligibility list will be invited to a peer review panel and supervisor panel. The peer panel is a group of peers consisting of dispatchers, call-takers, and lead dispatchers. If the candidate indicates a bilingual status, the bilingual assessment will be done before or after the peer review.
7. Background Process:
If considered for an appointment, candidates must consent to a background check, including a criminal history check and fingerprinting.
8. Conditional Offer: Applicants may progress through the recruitment process upon available authorized positions and successfully passing the preceding steps.
8. Medical and Psychological Assessment:
Psychological test and medical exam.
9. General Manager Interview
10. Final Job Offer with a start date (tentatively scheduled for February 2, 2026) Equal Opportunity Employer Santa Cruz Regional 9-1-1 is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation. Benefits
For the year 2025, the Authority pays $2,292.86 per month for family medical, $1,789.82 per month for plus-one medical, and $897.33 per month for single medical coverage. Dental and Vision - The agency contributes 100% towards the cost of dental and vision insurance for the employee and their family. Vacation/Sick Leave - vacation leave is up to 200 hours per year; Sick leave is 120 hours per year. Holidays - 120 paid hours for dispatchers, 112 paid hours for administrative employees Life Insurance - $50,000 Deferred Compensation - voluntary by the employee Flexible spending account Tuition reimbursement Employee Assistance Program (EAP) which includes a Wellness app. Pension Reform Act Santa Cruz Regional 9-1-1 is covered by the California Public Employees' Retirement System, and as such, must adhere to the California Public Employee's Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) of 2013. Please note that the provisions within this act may affect or impact an applicant's eligibility and/or selection for open vacancies.
All employees hired who are "New Members" on or after January 1, 2013, shall participate in the California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) as defined by the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) of 2012. Some of the provisions of PEPRA include:
A "New Member" is defined as:
A new hire who is brought into CalPERS membership for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, and who has no prior membership in any California public retirement system, or A new hire who is brought into CalPERS membership for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, and who is not eligible for reciprocity with another California public retirement system or, A member who first established CalPERS membership prior to January 1, 2013, and who is rehired by a different CalPERS employer after a break in service of greater than six months. A defined benefit formula of 2%@62 with a three-year final compensation period. Employee contribution rate of 50% of total normal costs or 8%, whichever is greater. 01
Are you 18 years or older?
Yes NO
02
Are you a citizen of the United States or do you have a legal right to work in the United States? (Written proof of citizenship or right to work will be required at time of hire.)
Yes No
03
I understand I must pass a comprehensive background check and I confirm I have never been convicted of a felony.
Yes No
04
Public safety dispatch is a 24/7 operation with a rotating schedule that includes nights, weekends, and holidays. Are you willing and able to work this type of schedule as part of the normal rotation?
Yes No
05
Imagine you finish a 12-hour shift and are required to work an additional 3 hours of mandatory overtime due to staffing issues. How would you manage rest, transportation, and personal commitments so you can report safely for your next shift? Please be specific. Required Question