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  • Dispatcher I (Dispatcher Recruit)

    Sacramento, California United States City of Sacramento, CA Temporary $60,502.66 - $73,541.36 Annually May 02, 2025
    City of Sacramento Employer:

    City of Sacramento, CA

    The City of Sacramento, Sacramento County, California, was founded in 1849, and is the oldest incorporated city in California. In 1920, Sacramento City voters adopted a City Charter (municipal constitution) and a City Council-City Manager form of government, which are still used today. The City Council consists of a Mayor elected by all City voters, and Councilmembers elected to represent the eight separate Council districts in the City. Each district is a separate geographical area with a population of about 51,000 residents. Each Councilmember must be a registered voter and live in the district they represent. Elected members serve 4 year terms and elections are staggered every two years in even numbered years. (Council District Information, including summary report of population and racial statistics). The Council establishes City policies, ordinances, and land uses; approves the City's annual budget, contracts, and agreements; hears appeals of decisions made by City staff or citizen advisory groups; and appoints four Charter Officers, a City Manager, City Attorney, City Treasurer, and City Clerk. Councilmembers serve on several working committees, such as Law and Legislation, and Personnel and Public Employees. In 2002, City voters amended the City Charter and established a Compensation Commission to set the compensation for the Mayor, Council members and public members of City boards and commissions. This Charter Amendment also established the Mayor's position as a full-time job. The City also has a Legislative Affairs Unit; it's primary purpose is to advocate, coordinate and advance the City's legislative agenda to enhance the City's ability to govern and provide essential municipal and community services.             

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    Job Description

    THE POSITION

    You must have taken and passed the Dispatcher CritiCall examination for further consideration. To take the examination, click here .

    Please Note: a candidate must successfully pass a thorough background investigation, including a criminal history check for job-related convictions, fingerprinting, polygraph test, psychological test, credit check, and a drug use history to be considered for this position.

    Applicants applying to this posting will be hired as a Dispatcher Recruit and must successfully complete a seven (7) week Dispatcher Training Academy. Upon satisfactory graduation from a Dispatcher Training Academy, a Dispatcher Recruit meeting the requirements of the Dispatcher I classification shall be advanced to the career classification of Dispatcher I. For more information regarding the Dispatcher Recruit position, please visit the following link:

    Dispatcher Recruit Classification Specification:

    https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/saccity/classspecs/33387?keywords=dispatcher%20recruit&pagetype=classSpecifications

    To receive incoming telephone calls and dispatch police units as necessary for assistance; perform a variety of general support duties related to communications activities.

    DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

    This is an entry level class in the Dispatcher series. Incumbents of this class are trained in department policies, procedures and systems through on-the-job training. Generally, work is observed and reviewed both during performance and upon completion. Dispatcher Recruit is distinguished from the Dispatcher I classification in that it is a training classification.

    SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

    Immediate supervision is provided by a Dispatcher III. Technical or functional supervision may be provided by a Dispatcher II or Dispatcher III.

    ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

    • Receive emergency and non-emergency telephone calls from the public requesting police, fire, and local government service; determine nature and priority; dispatch units as necessary; and/or refer or transfer callers to ensure excellent customer service.
    • Maintain radio contact with all units on assignment.
    • Coordinate emergency calls and relay information and assistance requests involving other law enforcement and firefighting agencies.
    • Query information from law enforcement communication networks relating to wanted persons, criminal history, stolen property, and Department of Motor Vehicle information.
    • Query and enter stolen, stored, and repossessed vehicle information.
    • Perform a variety of records keeping duties related to the computer aided dispatch system.
    • Test and inspect equipment as required.
    • Testify in court as needed.
    • Prepare written responses or reports related to communication complaints, investigative follow-ups or police reports.
    • Write daily work progress reports when training a new Dispatcher.
    • Demonstrate professionalism, courtesy, empathy, and excellent customer service in accordance with departmental policy and the community-oriented policing concept.
    • Other related duties may also be performed; not all duties listed are necessarily performed by each individual holding this classification.

    QUALIFICATIONS

    Knowledge of:
    • English grammar, usage, spelling and punctuation.

    Ability to:
    • Express themselves in English in a clear, distinct, and understandable manner when speaking to individuals, before diverse populations, various public and community groups, and when testifying in court.
    • Effectively communicate with and elicit information from upset and irate citizens.
    • Work under pressure and exercise good judgment in emergency situations.
    • Exercise independent judgment and work with a minimum of supervision.
    • Use a computer and keyboard to enter data provided verbally and in writing.
    • Learn standard broadcasting rules and procedures.
    • Learn City street system and physical layout of Sacramento.
    • Understand and comply with oral and written directions.
    • Learn to operate computer-aided dispatch, telephone, and radio broadcasting equipment.
    • Value customers and co-workers through provision of excellent customer service.
    • Operate office machines and equipment.
    • Type 40 net wpm.

    EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

    High school diploma or GED equivalent and completion of twelve (12) units from an accredited college or university.

    AND

    One (1) year of customer service experience and successful completion of the Sacramento Police Department's Basic Dispatch Academy within the last twelve (12) months.

    -OR-

    High school diploma or GED equivalent

    AND

    Four (4) years of customer service experience and successful completion of the Sacramento Police Department's Basic Dispatch Academy within the last twelve (12) months.

    PROOF OF EDUCATION

    Should education be used to qualify for this position, then proof of education such as, but not limited to, university/college transcripts and degrees should be submitted with your application and will be required at the time of appointment. Unofficial documents and/or copies are acceptable.

    An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States must have education records evaluated by a credentials evaluation service. Evaluation of education records will be due at time of appointment.

    PROBATIONARY PERIOD:

    Employees must complete eighteen (18) months of probation at a satisfactory performance.

    THE SELECTION PROCEDURE

    Please note, the City of Sacramento's preferred method of communication with applicants is via e-mail. As such, please ensure you verify the e-mail address on your application, and check your e-mail frequently, including your spam and junk folders. All e-mail notifications can also be accessed through the governmentjobs.com applicant inbox.

    1. Application: (Pass/Fail) - All applicants must complete and submit online a City of Sacramento employment application by the final filing deadline;
    • Employment applications must be submitted online; paper applications will not be accepted.
    • Employment applications will be considered incomplete and will be disqualified:
      • If applicants do not list current and past job-related experience in the duties area of the "Work Experience" section. Note: Qualifying experience is based on 40 hours per week (pro-rated if less than 40 hours/week).
      • If "see resume" is noted in the "Work Experience" section; a resume will not substitute for the information required in the "Work Experience" section.
    • Proof of education such as, but not limited to, university/college transcripts and degrees should be submitted online with your application. Proof of education will be required at time of appointment.
    • Position/job titles will not be considered in determining eligibility for meeting the minimum qualifications for this position.
    • Supplemental documents such as resume, cover letter, and proof of education are highly preferred and recommended at the time of application submission. Documents should be submitted to the City of Sacramento Employment Office as attachment(s) via online with the employment application, emailed to employment@cityofsacramento.org . If submitting via email, please include your name and Job# 002049-25-PD-5 on your documents.
    2. Online Dispatcher CritiCall Exam: (Pass/Fail) - Candidates must have taken and passed the Dispatcher CritiCall Examination by 11:59 p.m. on May 31, 2025 for further consideration. Candidates can access the examination at any time by visiting the City of Sacramento’s Examination’s website: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/HR/employment
    The online Dispatcher CritiCall examination may test your ability to:
    • Follow rules and directions.
    • Make decisions quickly and accurately based on 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, 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.
    • Determine routes and/or locations using very basic maps. (No prior map-reading training or experience is required to correctly respond to these questions.)
    • Correctly spell commonly used words which sound alike that 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 City of Sacramento’s Applicant Resources Page at: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/HR/employment
    • The exam is fully compatible with the latest version of Chrome, Edge, and Firefox. Safari users will have to follow the onscreen instructions after clicking the test link for enabling the auto-play function within the Safari browser. Please note, Microsoft is no longer supporting Internet Explorer thus the exam may not be compatible with Internet Explorer Browse.
    • For Apple users, the Safari browser defaults the Media Auto-Play settings to “off”, which prevents sound in certain modules from playing. The setting is easily changed to allow for Auto-Play. Please make sure you check these settings prior to beginning your exam. This exam contains several audio components. Computer speakers and/or headphones will be required.
    • If you have not used the testing system previously, you may be prompted to download a browser plug-in. Please do so in order to take the exam from your computer.
    3. Screening Committee: (Pass/Fail)- Human Resources will only evaluate employment applications for the minimum qualifications of candidates who have passed the Dispatcher CritiCall examination. Human Resources will evaluate employment applications for the minimum qualifications stated on the job announcement. Candidates who have passed the exam and meet the minimum qualifications will be referred to the department after the last day of the month.

    4. Eligibility: Candidates who pass the online Dispatcher CritiCall examination, submit a valid employment application, and meet the qualification standards will be forwarded to the department for further consideration. You are not required to re-apply or re-take the exam for this position if you have successfully passed the Dispatcher CritiCall test and have active eligibility. You will maintain eligibility for one year from the date of notification of a passing score on the Dispatcher CritiCall examination.

    5. Background Process: If considered for appointment, candidates must pass a background investigation, which includes a criminal history check, fingerprinting, polygraph test, psychological test, credit check, and drug use history.

    QUESTIONS
    For questions concerning Drug Use Standards or the Background process:
    • Visit the Police Department web site at http://www.sacpd.org/ OR;
    • Call the Police Recruiting Office at (916) 808-0880 OR;
    • Send an email to police_recruiting@pd.cityofsacramento.org
    For questions concerning the Sacramento Police Department's Public Safety Communications Academy:
    • Call the Sacramento Police Department's Public Safety Communications Academy at (916) 277-1740.
    For questions concerning this job announcement and the application process:
    • Please visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/Home/ApplicationGuide for a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to the application process.
    • For technical support between 6 AM - 5 PM PT, contact Live Application Support at 855-524-5627.
    • Visit the City of Sacramento Human Resources Department website at https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/HR/employment ;
    • Send an email to employment@cityofsacramento.org ; or
    • Call the Human Resources Department at (916) 808-5726


    Bilingual Pay
    Did you know that the City offers bilingual pay? That's right, most labor agreements offer the option of providing employees with bilingual pay if the department deems it to be operationally necessary.

    Pension Reform Act
    The City of Sacramento 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 at the City of Sacramento.

    Equal Opportunity Employer
    The City of Sacramento 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.

    Additional Information
    Civil Service Rules: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/content/dam/portal/hr/documentlibrary/CivilServiceBoardRules62012.pdf

    Union Contracts: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/HR/labor-agreements.html

    Salary Schedule: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/content/dam/portal/hr/documentlibrary/SalarySchedule.pdf

    Closing Date/Time: 5/31/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
    Apply Now View job Employer Profile

    Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.

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Public Dispatchers and Government Telecommunications Jobs: What You Need to Know Before Applying

Public Dispatchers and Government Telecommunications Jobs: What You Need to Know Before Applying

In the vast landscape of government telecommunications, public dispatch jobs stand out as some of the most critical and impactful roles.

These positions serve as the vital link between the public and emergency services, forming the backbone of our community's safety net.

Public dispatch jobs, often referred to as 911 dispatcher or emergency communications specialist positions, are at the forefront of public safety.

These professionals are the first point of contact in emergencies, responsible for receiving calls, assessing situations, and coordinating appropriate responses. They are the calm in the storm, the steady voice guiding both callers and responders through critical situations.

When ensuring that emergency services can communicate effectively during a crisis, your job will have a tangible impact on the nation's well-being.
 

Essential Skills for a Successful Public Dispatcher Career

Becoming a public dispatcher requires a unique blend of technical proficiency, interpersonal skills, and personal qualities.

This challenging role demands individuals who can thrive under pressure while maintaining accuracy and empathy. Let's explore the key skills that are crucial for success in this field.

Communication Skills

  • Clear and concise verbal communication
  • Active listening to extract critical information quickly
  • Ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations
  • Skill in conveying complex information simply and calmly

Multitasking Abilities

  • Capacity to manage multiple incidents simultaneously
  • Skill in prioritizing tasks based on urgency and available resources
  • Ability to switch focus rapidly between different situations

Technical Proficiency

  • Familiarity with Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems
  • Typing speed and accuracy (often 35-40 words per minute minimum)
  • Basic troubleshooting skills for communication equipment
  • Adaptability to learn new technologies and software

Decision-Making and Problem-Solving

  • Quick and accurate decision-making under pressure
  • Ability to assess situations rapidly and determine appropriate responses
  • Critical thinking skills to navigate complex or unusual scenarios

Emotional Intelligence and Stress Management

  • Empathy and compassion for callers in distress
  • Emotional resilience to handle traumatic situations
  • Stress management techniques to maintain composure
  • Ability to remain calm and focused in high-pressure situations

Attention to Detail

  • Precision in recording and relaying information
  • Ability to catch and correct errors quickly
  • Skill in maintaining accurate logs and records

Teamwork and Collaboration

  • Skill in coordinating with various emergency services
  • Ability to work effectively as part of a dispatch team
  • Capacity to collaborate with other agencies during large-scale incidents
  • Knowledge of police and fire department policies

Cultural Competence

  • Sensitivity to cultural differences
  • Ability to communicate effectively with non-native English speakers
  • Understanding of diverse community needs and concerns

Adaptability and Continuous Learning

  • Willingness to adapt to new protocols and procedures
  • Commitment to ongoing training and skill development
  • Ability to learn from experiences and improve performance

In this career, your ability to stay calm, think clearly, and communicate effectively could be the difference between life and death.

Remember, while some of these skills can be taught, others—like the ability to remain calm under pressure or the capacity for empathy—are often innate qualities. Successful public dispatchers typically possess a natural inclination towards these traits, which are then refined and strengthened through training and experience.

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Launch your career with Careers in Government! Explore exciting opportunities, connect with passionate professionals, and shape your legacy.

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Public Safety Dispatchers: The Lifeline of Emergency Communications

In the realm of government telecommunications, public safety dispatchers stand out as critical frontline workers.

These professionals serve as the vital link between the public and emergency services, playing a crucial role in coordinating responses to crises and saving lives.

Imagine being the first point of contact in someone's worst moment, the calm voice guiding them through chaos, and the invisible hand coordinating a lifesaving response. This is the world of a public safety dispatcher.

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What Public Safety Dispatchers Do:

1. Emergency Call Handling

  • Answer 911 and non-emergency calls

  • Quickly assess situations and determine appropriate responses

  • Provide pre-arrival instructions (e.g., CPR guidance) when necessary

2. Resource Dispatching
  • Coordinate and dispatch police, fire, and emergency medical services
  • Manage multiple incidents simultaneously
  • Prioritize calls based on urgency and available resources
3. Information Management

  • Operate Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems

  • Access and relay critical information to first responders

  • Maintain accurate records of all communications and actions

4. Inter-agency Coordination

  • Facilitate communication between different emergency services

  • Coordinate with neighboring jurisdictions during large-scale incidents

As a public safety dispatcher, you're not just answering phones – you're the first responder to the first responders, the unseen hero behind countless rescues and interventions.

Key Qualifications:

  • Proficiency with telecommunications equipment and computer systems
  • Clear speaking voice and active listening skills
  • Typing speed and accuracy
  • High school education

Certifications and Training:

  • Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) certification
  • CPR and basic first aid certification
  • Critical Incident Stress Management training
  • Ongoing training in new technologies and procedures

Challenges of the Job:

  • High-stress environment with life-or-death consequences
  • Shift work, including nights, weekends, and holidays
  • Emotional toll of handling traumatic situations
  • Constant vigilance and attention to detail required

Benefits of the Career:

  • Direct impact on public safety and saving lives
  • Dynamic work environment with no two days alike
  • Opportunity to serve the community
  • Develops valuable, transferable skills

Career Advancement:

Public safety dispatchers can advance to:

  • Dispatch supervisors or managers
  • Training coordinators
  • Emergency communications center directors
  • Emergency management specialists

Every call you take as a public safety dispatcher could be the most important moment in someone's life. Are you ready for a career where your voice can make the difference between life and death?

The role of public safety dispatchers is evolving with technology. Next-generation 911 systems are introducing capabilities like video calling and improved location services, requiring dispatchers to adapt and learn new skills continuously.

Public safety dispatching offers a unique entry point into government telecommunications careers.

It combines the satisfaction of public service with the excitement of working with advanced communication technologies. For those who thrive under pressure and want to make a tangible difference in their communities, few careers offer the same level of impact and importance.

Are you calm under pressure, tech-savvy, and driven by a desire to help others? A career as a public safety dispatcher could be your calling in the world of government telecommunications.

When you apply, remember to tailor your resume to the job description. Whether disabilities can be accommodated is determined on a case-by-case basis. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should know that while it's illegal to discriminate against people with disabilities, they can ask you about your ability to do the work. (It's also illegal to discriminate based on marital status, gender identity, and sexual orientation.)

 

Answering the Call to Serve

As we've explored throughout this article, government telecommunication jobs, particularly in the realm of public safety dispatching, offer a unique and rewarding employment for those who are up to the challenge. These roles combine cutting-edge technology with the opportunity to make a real difference in people's lives and contribute to national security.

category021-image-002-careers-in-government

From California to Washington D.C., public safety dispatchers stand at the forefront of emergency response, serving as the critical link between those in need and the resources that can help them.

It's a role that demands a special set of skills - from technical proficiency to emotional resilience in the name of public relations - and offers rewards that few other careers can match.

In a world where technology is constantly evolving, imagine being part of a field where your adaptability and quick thinking can literally save lives. That's the reality of a public dispatcher career in government telecommunications.

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