Communications Operator I is an entry level class in the Communications Operator series and employees assigned to this class normally have little experience involving police work. Communications Operators I are normally considered to be in a training status to develop the skills, abilities and responsibilities of the next level in this series. Within one year from date of hire, employee should successfully complete the 120-hour basic dispatcher course and demonstrate the required competencies for successful job performance. Upon meeting these qualifications, employees will be re-assigned to the next higher class, Communications Operator II.
Testing: Complete and pass the CritiCall Dispatcher Exam , which consists of several modules, keyboarding, data entry, memory recall, reading comprehension, spelling and sentence clarity.
Oral Panel Appraisal Interview: Appraisal of general experience, education, judgment, problem solving ability and communication skills. Those candidates who are categorized as “Highly Qualified” will continue in the selection process.
Background Appraisal Interview: Completion and review of detailed Personal History Statement.
Candidates meeting the basic criteria will continue with a background investigation.
Comprehensive Background Investigation: A detailed investigation of the candidate’s personal history and suitability for employment as a law enforcement officer based on the job dimensions identified by POST. This investigation includes a lie detection polygraph screening.
Captains’ Interview: Personal interviews with the Captain of Field Operations and the Captain of Support Operations.
Final Steps: Psychological and medical evaluations before hire are required. The Chief of Police may select/appoint any individual who has successfully completed the process. Appointments are probationary for one year.
Recruitment Timeline
Closing date: 4/27/15 or 250 applicants (whichever occurs first)
CritiCall Testing: TBD
Panel interviews: TBD
Key Responsibilities:
Receive routine and emergency calls and dispatch police, fire and emergency medical units using a virtual telephone, computer equipment and/or a two-way radio console as well as a keyboard and mouse, trackball or foot pedal. Perform multiple tasks simultaneously, such as receive, document and disseminate information accurately in both written and oral form, enter information into and retrieve information from computer systems and read information from multiple computer screens. Document facts accurately, legibly, and completely during multiple/emergency call situations, coordinate activities within the City departments as well as with other emergency service and other government jurisdictions. Monitor other radio frequencies, dispatching appropriate emergency units when necessary.
Take and evaluate reports, handle complaints, and requests for service over the phone and in person. Elicit information, quickly and accurately analyze situations and choose an effective course of action for both emergency and non-emergency situations.
Provide responsive, high quality service to City employees, representatives of outside agencies and members of the public by providing accurate, complete and up-to-date information, in a courteous, efficient and timely manner, screen and refer selected problems to appropriate supervisor. Assist in the supervision and training of less experienced personnel in a one-on-one, on-the-job-training environment that includes writing daily/weekly evaluations. Use computer terminals to inquire, enter and check data in local, state, and national information databases. Perform routine cleaning and maintenance of radio/dispatch equipment. Perform other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Knowledge of: Basic organization and functions of municipal police and fire departments. Basic emergency (911) system functions and operations, basic geography of the City of Carlsbad and San Diego County. Skill in: Effectively operating telephone, radio, computer terminal and other related equipment or systems in the Communications Center. Eliciting from, and explaining information effectively and accurately to, a wide variety of callers. Providing excellent customer service both in person and on the phone to every caller, regardless of who they are. Providing information relevant to maintaining the safety of field personnel, communications, analyzing situations accurately, reasoning clearly, and adopting effective courses of action even during times of stress or life-threatening peril. Ability to: Learn to operate radio, telephone, and computer terminal equipment, and properly dispatch emergency units under extreme pressure. Learn to handle multiple situations on a simultaneous basis. Learn to understand, interpret and process radio traffic and telephone calls despite considerable background noise, static and interference. Keep a spirit of collaboration and cooperation within the Communications Center, regardless of the amount of stress/activity going on and establish and maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Remain calm and communicate precisely and clearly in emergency situations. Exercise sound judgment in making priority decisions. Read maps, grids and written instructions. Deploy emergency equipment within specific guidelines. Learn and articulate rules and procedures involved in release and maintenance of police records and files. The ability to document facts accurately, legibly and under pressure during multiple emergency call situations; understand and carry out oral and written directions. Perform duties effectively with a minimum of supervision.
Experience & Education:
Any combination equivalent to the experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.
To be considered, applicants must submit a City Application and Supplemental Questionnaire. Candidates whose applications indicate education and experience most directly related to the position will be invited to participate in the selection process. All notices will be sent via e-mail.
Unless otherwise noted, a passing score must be achieved at each step of the selection process in order to have your name placed on the eligibility list for hiring consideration.
Pre-Employment Backgrounds Investigation
Successful candidates must undergo a thorough background investigation. There are certain types of conduct which are automatic grounds for disqualification. Please refer to the “Pre-Employment Disqualifying Criteria” below to help you identify some of the common areas of the background investigation process that may cause delay or prevent you from competing in the selection process.
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