Communications Dispatcher - Lateral (Per Diem)
Job Description
The City of Menlo Park currently has an excellent opportunity for experienced Communications Dispatchers. Shift work including weekends and holidays is required.Communications Dispatchers are responsible for receiving and dispatching emergency and non-emergency calls for the Police Department and City. Responsibilities are centered on extensive contact with the public over the telephone, in both emergency and non-emergency situations to receive, transmit, and provide factual information and assistance. All activities are performed within specified legal guidelines. Incumbents are expected to work independently and exercise judgment and initiative.
A job description, including examples of typical job functions and qualifying knowledge, skills, and abilities, is available by clicking on the Job Description link.
Job Description URL:
Ideal Candidate
Examples of essential Job duties include, but are not limited to:
- Operate a state of the art computer-aided dispatch system while monitoring, phones and neighboring agencies activities.
- Receive emergency and non-emergency calls including wireless E911, TDD and VOIP calls and determine appropriate priorities for action.
- Dispatch calls and directs officers in the field; monitoring officer’s status, location and needs during emergency and routine activities.•
- Listen actively using effective questioning techniques with the ability to quickly articulate the details of a call in a clear concise understandable manner when speaking.
- Operate a wide variety of communications equipment and enter data into computers/databases
Communications Dispatchers may also assist walk-in citizens with reports and other requests; testify in court; maintain various logs; process warrants and court dispositions; and participate in community outreach and education programs
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
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:
- Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade.
- One (1) year of general clerical involving frequent public contact, preferably in a law enforcement setting.
Licenses and Certifications
Possession of a valid Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Certificate issued by the California State Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.).
Benefits
These are non-benefited temporary positions. A temporary employee may not work more than 1000 hours per year and will receive sick leave in accordance with State Law.
Special Instructions
You must attach your P.O.S.T. Certificate to your application. If you wish to attach other documents, you must upload them all as one attachment no more than 2MB in size.
Only qualified lateral dispatcher applicants will be considered.
Applications will be periodically reviewed. Those applicants best matching the City's current needs, will be invited for an interview with department representatives.
The City of Menlo Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the City of Menlo Park not to discriminate against all qualified applicants or employees. We will make reasonable efforts in the selection process to accommodate persons with disabilities. Please contact Nicole Acker at (650) 330 6325 or
prior to the closing date for accommodation requests.
Before receiving a conditional offer of employment, the candidate will be required to successfully complete a reference check, criminal conviction history questionnaire and fingerprinting. Upon receiving a conditional offer of employment, the applicant will be required to submit to a psychological evaluation and pre-employment medical examination which will include a drug screening.
Applicants must be successful in all phases of the selection process to be considered for this position.
In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act, all potential employees are required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship or authorization to work in the United States.
Closing Date/Time: Continuous