Public Safety Dispatcher

Salary : $64,932.00 - $86,928.00 AnnuallyLocation : City of Oceanside, CAJob Type: Full TimeJob Number: 26-014Department: PoliceOpening Date: 08/06/2025Closing Date: 10/3/2025 11:59 PM Pacific IntroductionTHE CITY OF OCEANSIDE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERThe City of Oceanside is accepting applications for current and future vacancies for the position of Public Safety Dispatcher. This position will be assigned to the Police Department - Communications Center.This classification is currently working a schedule of 3 consecutive days with 12-hour shifts. (3/12 schedule) Our communications center operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.EXAMINATION DATES:Computer Based CRITICALL Exam: October 2025Prospective employees will undergo and must successfully pass a thorough police background investigation which may include a psychological evaluation, polygraph examination, and a medical examination which may include a drug screen.Oceanside, a beach community located 39 miles north of San Diego, has a population of more than 175,000. The Oceanside Police Department has an authorized budgeted strength of 228 sworn and 84 professional staff members and handles approximately 110,000 calls for service each year.Our motto, "Service With Pride", speaks to our focus of quality customer service and efficient service. We are committed to public safety and to implementing innovative crime-prevention techniques to ensure a safe and healthy community. Examples of DutiesThe Public Safety Dispatcher operates RCS (800MHz), telephone key modules, computer terminal stations, alarm signal equipment, and other communications equipment; receives incoming telephone calls and evaluates requests for emergency services; elicits and records essential incident information from callers such as name, address, phone number, and a brief description of the incident; determines the priority and dispatches personnel and equipment for emergency service in accordance with department procedures; answers routine inquiries and refers calls not requiring dispatches to appropriate departments and agencies; maintains radio contact with field mobile units to coordinate emergency services, receives and transmits information; keeps command personnel informed of status of emergency situations; maintains records of communications activities; updates special files, street lists, and maps; tests communications equipment and reports malfunctions; assumes supervisory duties in the absence of the Communications Supervisor; performs related duties and responsibilities as required.Minimum QualificationsKnowledge of:Principles, practices, and procedures involved in public safety communications work;Geography of the City and the location of streets and important buildings;Operation of radio/telephone receiving and transmitting equipment; andComputer terminal. Rules, policies, and regulations regarding dispatching servicesPrinciples of functional supervision, training and dispatching operations.Ability to:Understand English and speak it clearly in a well-modulated voice using good diction and appropriate grammar;Learn and apply Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations governing voice, radio and teletype communications;Effectively work under conditions of emergency;Make quick and appropriate determinations in all situations;Adjust quickly to changing situations and priorities;Maintain accurate records;Type accurately at a moderate speed;Accurately read and interpret maps;Remain courteous and calm while interacting with the public;Handle simultaneous calls;Listen and comprehend radio calls while talking on the phone; andEstablish and maintain effective working relationships.Write clear, concise reports and instructions;Identify and implement efficient work practices and procedures;Maintain mental capacity which allows the capability of making sound decisions and demonstrating intellectual capabilities;Train others in the use of communications equipment.Experience and TrainingExperience: Some experience providing information and assistance to the public is desirable.Training: Completion of the twelfth grade or equivalent.License/Certificate:Possession of, or ability to obtain, prior to appointment, an appropriate Class C, valid Driver's License.A (5) minute typing certificate of 45 Net Words Per Minute, with no more than five (5) errors within the last six (6) months.You may obtain a typing certificate from employment/staffing agencies, adult schools, community colleges, or ROP programs. Recommended online typing certificates sites:DUE TO THE CURRENT CIRCUMSTANCES, ONLINE TYPING CERTIFICATES WILL BE ACCEPTED AS LONG AS THEY MEET THE REQUESTED CRITERIA LISTED ABOVE.Condition of Employment: Must obtain a P.O.S.T. Basic Dispatch Certificate within twelve (12) months of hire.Working Conditions and Selection ProcessEnvironmental Conditions: Office environment; exposure to computer screens.Physical Conditions: Essential and marginal functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting for prolonged periods of time and the wearing of headsets while on duty.Selection Process: All applications will be reviewed and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. The process will include a computer based examination to assess job-related experience and skills. Candidates who successfully complete the examination process will be placed on the eligibility list and will remain eligible for employment consideration for a minimum of six months.Note: A current, five (5) minute typing certificate with a net of 45 Words Per Minute, with no more than five (5) errors issued within the last six months MUST be attached to the application. If it's not, your application will not be considered.You may obtain a typing certificate from employment/staffing agencies, adult schools, community colleges, or ROP programs. DUE TO THE CURRENT CIRCUMSTANCES, ONLINE TYPING CERTIFICATES WILL BE ACCEPTED AS LONG AS THEY MEET THE REQUESTED CRITERIA LISTED ABOVE.Recommended online typing certificates sites:RESUMES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED IN LIEU OF COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS BUT MAY BE ATTACHED.CANDIDATES WHO REQUIRE A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION IN THE SELECTING PROCESS SHOULD STATE THEIR NEEDS IN WRITING WHEN SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION.THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. ANY PROVISION CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE.CITY OF OCEANSIDEOceanside Police Officers' Association - Non-SwornBenefit SummaryThe following is a highlight of benefits:RetirementPublic Employees' Retirement System (PERS) Employees hired after January 1, 2013 are subject to the State laws of the California Public Employees Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA) in regard to retirement benefits. Each individual's benefits may differ. Consult with Employee Benefits for further details. Third Level 1959 Survivor Credit Survivor Continuation optionAdditional Retirement Credit Purchase Options Buy additional Service Retirement Credit Service Credit for unused Sick Leave Buy additional Military Service CreditHealth InsuranceMedical: Kaiser HMO Blue Shield HMO Blue Shield PPODental: Delta Preferred Option (DPO) Delta Care USA (DHMO)Vision: Vision Service Plan (VSP)Pre-Tax BenefitsHealth benefits are offered on a pre-tax basis and employees cannot add or delete coverage or benefits unless a qualifying event has occurred.Employee Assistance Program (EAP)The Anthem EAP is paid for by the City. Available to all members of your household 6 free confidential counseling visits per incident Self-service support online or by phoneDisability and Life InsurancesThe STD/LTD/LIFE and AD&D Principal Financial Group premiums are paid for by City. Short-Term Disability (STD) Insurance: First 90 days - benefits paid at 55% of weekly salary to a maximum weekly benefit of $700 for non-work related disability only Seven day waiting period unless hospitalized All sick leave must be exhausted before STD is usedLong-Term Disability Insurance: After 90 days - benefits paid at 66.7% of monthly salary to a maximum monthly benefit of $6,000 for any disabilityLife and AD&D Insurance: 1 times annual base salary; minimum of $30,000 and maximum of $200,000 of Basic Life and AD&DVoluntary BenefitsBenefits are employee paidSupplemental Life Insurance through Voya: Premiums are determined by age Purchased up to a maximum $500,000 for employees Spousal coverage up to half the employee amount Dependent coverage up to $10,000Flexible Spending Accounts through BCC: Utilizes a debit card as a form of payment Health Care Spending Account - maximum annual deferral is $2,850 Dependent Care Spending Account - maximum annual deferral is $5,000Deferred Compensation - 457 and Roth IRA through Mission Square: 457 - Maximum annual pre-taxed amount is $22,500 for 2023; over age 50 may contribute an additional $7,500 Roth IRA - Maximum post-taxed amount is $6,500; over age 50 may contribute an additional $1,000Hyatt Legal Telephone and office consultations are avialable for an unlimited number fo personal legal matters with an attorney of your choice.GotZoom Student Loan Relief Provides a no-obligation benefit analysis for federal student loans to identify, maximize and enroll employees into Federal Loan Repayment and Forgiveness Programs.ScholarShare 529 An easy to manage plan that helps make the most of your or a designated beneficiary's college savings with tax benefits. Leave BenefitsVacation: All accruals are based on 80 hours in a paid status 1 - 5 years: 3.58 hours6 - 10 years: 5.12 hours11 - 15 years: 6.65 hours16 + years: 8.19 hoursMaximum accrual: 360 hours for those hired before 7/1/94 300 hours for those hired 7/1/94 or afterHolidays: Any statewide election day New Years' Day Martin Luther King Jr. Day Lincoln's Birthday Washington's Birthday Memorial Day Independence Day Labor Day CA Admission Day Columbus Day Veterans' Day Thanksgiving Day Friday after Thanksgiving Day Christmas DaySick Leave: 12 days per yearMax accrual: UnlimitedAnnual Sick Leave Pay Off: Each calendar year an employee may elect to receive a 25% payment in lieu of sick leave provided such employee has used 32 hours or less of sick leave during the calendar year.Sick Leave pay off at separation: Sick leave paid out depends on years of service and whether an employee retires or terminates Bereavement Leave: Three days for death of employee's immediate family member Two additional days may be charged to sick leave upon approvalTuition ReimbursementUp to $2,000 per fiscal yearBilingual & Notary $1.73 per hour for bilingual pay $ .58 per hour for notary payUniforms Community Services Officers, Crime Prevention Specialists, Field Evidence Technicians, Senior Field Evidence Technicians/Trainee receive $700 annually Communication Supervisors, Public Safety Dispatchers, Public Safety Call Takers, Police Records Technicians, Senior Police Records Technicians receive $525 annuallyTraining PayFor each full pay period worked as a trainer, nine hours of extra pay will be given to eligible positions as assigned.Shift Differential Pay5% for employees assigned to eligible schedulesTerm of Compensation PlanEffective July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2024This is a summary of available benefits. It is not intended to provide full details of all programs. The appropriate Memorandum of Understanding, Compensation Plan and/or Benefit Plan Documents will govern any discrepancies and provide program specifics.01 Do you possess a high school diploma or equivalent? Yes No 02 Have you attached a current, five (5) minute typing certificate with a net of 45 words per minute, with no more than five (5) errors, issued within the last six (6) months? Note: DUE TO THE CURRENT CIRCUMSTANCES, ONLINE TYPING CERTIFICATES ARE ACCEPTED. Applications missing typing certificates will not be considered. Yes No 03 Have you completed a PIQ with Oceanside Police Department within the past twelve (12) months? Yes No 04 Please describe your dispatching experience. Include the number of frequencies, number of vehicles per frequency and the minimum dispatch staffing per shift. If no direct experience, indicate how your past work experience can be applied to this position. 05 If you are bilingual, please state which languages and your degree of fluency. 06 Briefly describe the type(s) of radio/telephone receiving and transmitting equipment that you have used. Please indicate if the equipment was computer-aided or manual. 07 Please list any training, specialized courses, seminars or workshops that you have completed, and which would be useful to a dispatcher. Please specify date(s) of completion. 08 Are you willing to work overtime, varying shifts, weekends and holidays? Yes No 09 If your answer is "YES" to any of the following questions, you are not eligible for a Public Safety Dispatcher position.Have you ever been CONVICTED of a felony? Yes No 10 Have you ever been CONVICTED of Domestic Violence? Yes No 11 Do you have an Active Restraining Order? Yes No 12 Are you currently serving probation for any crime (misdemeanor or felony)? Yes No 13 Have you used illegal drugs, other than marijuana, in the past five (5) years? Yes No 14 Have you used any hallucinogens (mushrooms, LSD, peyote, mescaline, etc.) in the past fifteen (15) years? Yes No 15 Have you ever sold any illegal substances, including steroids? Yes No 16 Have you ever injected any illegal substances, not including steroids? Yes No 17 CERTIFICATE OF APPLICANT: I certify that all statements and information provided in this application and any attachments are true, and I understand that any false or misleading statements or omissions of material facts may forfeit my right to employment considerations by the City of Oceanside. Yes No Required Question