Police Communications Officer (Dispatcher)

  • City of Los Altos
  • Los Altos, California
  • Mar 05, 2024
Full Time Dispatch and Telecommunications Entry-Level, Non-Sworn
  • Salary: $101,962.37 To $123,935.90 Annually USD
  • Apply By: Dec 15, 2022

Job Description

City of Los Altos
Invites you to apply for the position of:

Communications Officer

Annual Salary: $101,962.37- $123,935.90

EXCITING OPPORTUNITY! The Police Communications Center is a fast-paced environment serving first responders and the community during emergency and non-emergency events. Communications Officers interact daily with the public and law enforcement personnel through phone calls, 9-1-1 events, in person and over the police radio system. We are looking for highly skilled professionals who can multi-task and react calmly during emergency situations, while making quick decisions and determining the nature and severity of service calls. If you are looking to make a difference in the City of Los Altos while working in the Communications Center, this position is for you!

ABOUT THE POSITION

Under general supervision, the Communications Officer, as a member of the Police Department, transmits and receives information over the police and public works radio system; dispatches routine and emergency calls for service; types, records, and files information; handles emergency and non-emergency telephone calls utilizing complex technical aids, such as computer aided dispatch systems (CAD), and performs related work as assigned.

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Receives emergency and non-emergency telephone calls from the public for police, fire, or other emergency services; determines the nature of the call and the resources necessary to respond.
  • Monitors police radio communications; maintains contact with police units to track officer status and respond to need for additional resources; monitors various radio channels to keep abreast of county-wide police activities affecting the City and assist other county agencies with mutual aid.
  • Prioritizes requests for police and other public safety services; determines availability and location of patrol units; transmits information and dispatches police personnel and equipment in response to calls; routes calls for fire and emergency medical assistance to the Santa Clara County Fire Department.
  • Assists police personnel in the field by quickly and accurately researching and relaying criminal history information and other requested data.
  • Receives and coordinates requests for emergency Public Works assistance outside of the City’s normal business hours (pertaining to full municipal services in Los Altos, and sewer maintenance requests in Los Altos Hills and the surrounding unincorporated areas).

IDEAL CANDIDATE

Is highly professional, patient, respectful, and ethical; possesses excellent problem-solving skills; ability to multi-task in stressful situations. Communicates effectively and proactively both verbally and in writing. Enjoys working in a small-town atmosphere with an engaged public, including merchants, property owners and residents.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

KNOWLEDGE OF: Standard office methods, procedures, software and equipment; Geography of the local area; General public safety communications practices; Principles of customer service.

SKILL AND ABILITY TO: Multi-task and prioritize; Efficiently use radio and other communications equipment; Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; Analyze situations quickly and accurately; Maintain composure and work effectively under pressure; Understand and follow oral and written direction; Demonstrate initiative and exercise good judgment in the performance of duties; Establish, maintain, and promote positive working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public.

EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, & CERTIFICATES:

Any combination of the listed experience and education requirements may lead to a qualifying application. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

  • A minimum of one year of public safety radio dispatching and/or basic clerical experience is required

Education:

  • Possession of a High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent is required.
  • Proof of successful completion of either the Criticall Dispatcher test with a passing score or the P.O.S.T. Entry-level Dispatcher Test with a T-score of 50 or above. (Lateral applicants that are currently employed as a Public Safety Dispatcher (non-probationary) do not need to submit proof of test scores, however a California POST Dispatcher Academy Certificate is required.)
  • Completion of college-level coursework is highly desirable

Certificates:

  • Possession of a typing certificate with a minimum of 50 wpm dated within one year of the application date must be included as an attachment.
  • Possession of Basic P.O.S.T. Dispatch Certificate is highly desirable and may be substituted for work experience.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS REQUIREMENTS AND GENERAL WORKING CONDITIONS: This position will require the ability to work rotating shifts on an on-going basis, including irregular hours on short notice. This position will also be assigned a uniform to wear during work hours.

 

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

The salary range for this position ranges from $101,962.37 - $123,935.90 annually. Placement within the range will be DOE. This is a full-time, non-exempt and represented by Los Altos Peace Officers’ Association.

Retirement:

  • Hired Prior to 12/31/2011: 2.7% @ 55, with employee paying a contribution of 8%; highest 12-consecutive month compensation.
  • Hired from 01/01/2012 – 12/30/2012: 2% @ 60, with employees paying a contribution of 7%; highest average 36-consecutive month compensation
  • Hired on or after 01/01/2013: 2% @ 62 plan, with employee paying a contribution of 6.75%; highest average 36-consecutive month compensation.
  • The City does not participate in Social Security.

Certificate Pay: 

  • 5% of base pay for POST Intermediate Certificate, additional 2.5% for Advanced POST Certificate, & additional 2.5% for Supervisory POST Certificate.
  • 1% of base pay for Crisis Intervention Training Program (CIT).

Quality of Life Wellness Benefit: $1,300 annually towards quality-of-life wellness expenses, FSA, or 457 retirement plans.

Health Plans:

  • Choice of HMO or PPO plans through CalPERS Health with select family plans covered at 100%.

Dental/Vision: City also offers a dental and vision reimbursement plan.

Flexible Spending Plan: Dependent care and health care reimbursement plan available

Deferred Compensation: Voluntary participation in either Nationwide or Mission Square Retirement

Holidays: The Communications Officer classifications receives pay for the 14 City-observed holidays in the form of 5% percent of base pay for regularly scheduled hours each pay period.

Vacation: Starting at 14 days annually.

 

RECRUITMENT PROCESS: This recruitment is open until filled with the first review of applications on December 15th, 2022. Prior to hire, candidates will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment process, including a complete background investigation. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment; however, failure to disclose a conviction will result in a disqualification or termination.

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Job Address

Los Altos, California United States View Map