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City of Sunnyvale

Public Safety Dispatcher - Lateral

City of Sunnyvale, Sunnyvale, California, United States, 94087

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Overview

PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER - LATERAL , Regular Full Time Employment Opportunity. A complete application packet will consist of a City of Sunnyvale employment application, responses to the required supplemental questions, and a current (dated within one year of application) typing certificate verifying 35 or more net words per minute. Online OR in-person typing tests are accepted. This recruitment may close without notice. For information on obtaining and submitting a typing certificate, contact the Human Resources front desk at (408) 730-7490 or via email to recruitments@sunnyvale.ca.gov.

Responsibilities

Under general supervision of the Senior Public Safety Dispatcher, processes emergency and non-emergency calls for service; dispatches police, fire, medical, rescue, animal control or other emergency equipment by telephone or radio, utilizing computer aided dispatch systems (CAD), and performs related work as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Public Safety Dispatcher is a fully qualified journey-level technical classification. It differs from the Public Safety Dispatcher-in-Training (entry level) and from the Senior Public Safety Dispatcher (supervisory).

Typical Duties

Answer telephone lines and 9-1-1, emergency and non-emergency requests; evaluate information, create CAD events, relay information to other jurisdictions or provide pre-arrival and post-dispatch instructions; process and prioritize calls. Dispatch fire, police, medical and animal control personnel and equipment on routine and emergency calls using CAD, multiple video display terminals, radio consoles, and related equipment. Monitor and maintain status of public safety personnel and equipment; analyze situations and take actions to ensure officer safety; may reassign fire equipment to ensure city-wide protection. Provide operational support for police, fire, and medical operations including warrant checks, tow requests, and facilitation of outside agency mutual aid. Provide Emergency Medical dispatch and Emergency Fire dispatch, including pre-arrival and post-dispatch instructions. Maintain familiarity with major roads, streets, areas, and facilities within the city limits. Maintain records of all calls and prepare reports of critical incidents; perform routine clerical work related to the assignment. Monitor Text to 9-1-1 and may provide dispatcher operational training.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a structured, often stressful environment. Requires prolonged sitting, standing, bending, and other movements; extensive use of computer equipment and multiple video displays; near/far vision and color interpretation; ability to hear and communicate clearly while processing multiple conversations. Lifting up to 10 pounds may be required. Some accommodations may be available.

Education and Experience

Minimum qualifications may be met by: Graduation from high school or equivalent; AND Two years of experience dispatching police and/or fire services for a public safety agency using CAD systems; OR Successful completion of probation as a Public Safety Dispatcher-in-Training with the City of Sunnyvale.

Knowledge

Call processing protocols, dispatching and emergency procedures. CAD tools and equipment, including CAD systems. Primary roads, streets, highways, major buildings and public facilities within the city. Emergency service response techniques; office methods, software, and equipment; Police and fire codes (Penal Code, Vehicle Code, Sunnyvale Municipal Code). Record-keeping techniques and customer service principles.

Abilities

Operate CAD with speed and accuracy to document field activity and create dispatch calls within response criteria. Analyze situations quickly and take actions to ensure safety. Enter information into CAD while receiving information by phone or radio; extract data from multiple video displays. Apply standard dispatch policies and procedures; memorize street names; type at least 35 net words per minute. Maintain composure under pressure; handle multiple conversations; use word processing and office software; follow written and oral instructions; communicate effectively; establish positive working relationships; exercise initiative and good judgment; work independently and in a team; observe safety principles.

Willingness to

Work any shift, on any day, including irregular hours on short notice. Complete Fire and Medical certification courses within one year of appointment, or per management extension. Wear a uniform.

Licenses/Certificates

Valid California Class C driver’s license or approved alternative with safe driving record. POST Basic Dispatch certificate within one year of appointment. Emergency Medical and Fire Dispatch certifications within one year of appointment and ongoing maintenance.

Desirable Qualifications

Emergency Fire Dispatch and Emergency Medical Dispatch certification at hire. POST Dispatch certificate.

Application and Exam Information

Submit a complete application with supplemental responses and a current typing certificate (35 net words per minute; online tests accepted) to the Department of Human Resources. This open recruitment may close without notice. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. Apply online at Sunnyvale.ca.gov, Search: CITY JOBS.

Examination and Selection Process

Applications are screened against minimum qualifications. Qualified candidates may participate in an examination process (possibly including an oral exam). The selection process may change as determined by the Director of Human Resources. Candidates who pass the exam will be placed on an eligibility list for up to one year per Civil Service Rules. Pre-employment steps may include background checks and medical exams; fingerprinting is required; some positions may require drug testing.

Provisions and EEO

Information about proof of education will be required for selected candidates. Positions are represented by the Communications Officers Association (COA). The City of Sunnyvale is an Equal Opportunity Employer and may modify this announcement without notice. Applicants needing special testing accommodations should submit requests to the Department of Human Resources at the time of application.

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