Communications Dispatcher Trainee

Communications Dispatcher Trainee

The City of Redondo Beach Police Department is looking for dedicated individuals ready to begin their career in public service emergency dispatch!

Under the direction of the Police Chief and supervisors, Communications Dispatcher Trainees perform in a training capacity to dispatch Police, Fire and emergency medical services and to receive complaints and calls for service in the City's Communication Center. This position performs work under general instructions, but with established policies, procedures, and precedents as guides; and performs related duties as required to achieve successful results in support of the City's mission, goals, policies, and objectives. Successful candidates will demonstrate the ability to work well under pressure and during periods of high stress, be capable of multi-tasking, and function productively in a fast-paced environment. The ability and / or willingness to work nights, weekends, holidays, and / or overtime if requested is also desired.

Communications Dispatcher Trainees receive a flat rate of pay during training. Candidates who successfully complete training will then become Communications Dispatchers and will follow the pay scale for that classification. Testing takes place on a rolling basis. Applicants will only receive notices via e-mail. Status updates will only be provided when testing is taking place. This is a continuous recruitment and may close at any time. Prompt application is strongly recommended since this post may close at any time with or without notification.

This position is accountable to perform as a team member to assist with operational and support duties and services including but not limited to :

• Receiving, updating and reviewing police, fire, and emergency medical service calls and status of rescue units; prioritizing incidents and radio traffic; dispatching the appropriate police, fire, or rescue units in accordance with established operational guidelines in a training capacity
• Broadcasting information over radio or phone lines and entering call information into the computer aided dispatch system chronologically; transmitting messages to the appropriate station or location directing unit(s) to respond to calls; announcing information over station paging systems and via radio frequency; maintaining direct contact with field personnel; updating responding unit status, as necessary in a training capacity
• Receiving calls for service from the public and private alarm systems; determining the nature of the complaints, alarms, or codes for computer input; recording the type of incident, locations, and other details; inputting the information into the computer to be routed to the appropriate Police or Fire dispatcher in a training capacity
• Working shifts and irregular hours including days, evenings, nights, overtime and including weekends and holidays; may be called back for major emergencies, disasters, and critical incidents
• Working in an environment that requires the ability to sit for extended periods of time, read color coded displays; use a computer terminal for extended periods; hear sufficiently to accurately and completely obtain information from callers; and communicate clearly to effectively dispatch information over the radio / communication system. Frequent lifting and / or moving up to 10 pounds and occasionally lifting and / or moving up to 25 pounds may be required.
• Providing outstanding internal and external customer service, communicating effectively with the public and fellow employees, solving problems and proactively creating sustainable solutions to issues
• Conducting duties, responsibilities, tasks and assignments with a constructive, cooperative, positive, professional attitude and demeanor
• Supporting the City's mission, goals, policies, and objectives
• Supporting City's corporate values of : openness and honesty; integrity and ethics; accountability; outstanding customer service; teamwork; excellence; and fiscal responsibility
• Performing other related duties as required

The position requires the ability to work shifts, weekends and / or holidays, spell and use correct grammar, type a minimum of 45 words per minute, follow oral and written directions, and understand and follow complex written rules and regulations and policies and procedures. Also needed is the ability to memorize and use crime, phonetic alphabetical and computer codes, react quickly, efficiently and calmly in emergency situations, maintain effective working relationships with others and communicate effectively and professionally on the phone and radio.

Requirements and desired qualifications include :

Candidates may be required to successfully complete and pass a combination of the following examinations prior to being placed on the Eligible List :

Eligible Lists may be valid for up to one year from the date established. Candidates may be contacted from the Eligible List on a timeline at the hiring department's discretion. Once selected from the Eligible List, candidates will be required to complete a full background investigation prior to beginning employment, which may take up to three (3) months. Due to the volume of candidates who may place on an Eligible List, it is possible that not all candidates will be contacted.

Qualified Military Veterans are given an additional five (5) points to a passing score for both open-competitive and promotional recruitments. Documentation of such service, such as a veteran identification card, must be provided along with the application for employment or before the conclusion of the testing process.

The selection process may include but is not limited to : Application review and evaluation, written examination, performance test, and interview. All employment offers made by the City are contingent upon establishing proof of a prospective candidate's legal authorization to work in the United States and successfully passing all components of the pre-employment process. The pre-employment process may include but not be limited to : Reference checks, background investigation, fingerprint-based criminal history check, credit check, degree verification, and post-offer medical examination and drug test. For public safety positions, including positions based in the Police and / or Fire Department(s), the pre-employment process may also include but not be limited to a P.O.S.T. compliant background check, polygraph examination, post-offer medical examination and drug test, and post-offer psychological examination.

The City of Redondo Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The City will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. Candidates with a disability who may need accommodation during the selection process must notify the Human Resources Department at least five (5) business days in advance of the test date.