Public Safety Dispatcher I/II

Job Details

Under direct supervision, learns and receives, dispatches, and maintains routine and emergency radio and telephone communications for law enforcement, emergency medical, and other public safety personnel and equipment. This includes serving as a public safety answering point for Lake County, maintaining field communications during incidents, performing general office support assignments, and other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER I

Licensing and Certifications:

Successful completion of the Basic Dispatcher Course and possession of a Dispatcher Certification from POST within year one (1) of employment is required to maintain employment in this classification and promote to higher levels in the class series.

Education and Experience:

One (1) year of full-time office support experience.

Experience in a public safety agency is preferred.

PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER II

Licensing and Certifications:

Completion of the Basic Dispatcher Course and possession of a Dispatcher Certification from POST.

Education and Experience:

One (1) year of full-time experience performing public safety dispatching work comparable to that of a Public Safety Dispatcher I with the County of Lake.

General Recruitment Information

This is not exhaustive of all job responsibilities. For more details, please refer to the link provided below.

To view the complete job description, you have two options: Either visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lakecountyca/classspecs or simply click on this link.

The information presented in job postings, job descriptions, or recruitment materials does not form a legally binding contract, either explicit or implicit. Benefits may differ among different employee groups. The details provided in these materials are subject to change or cancellation without prior notification. Prospective employees of the County of Lake must undergo the County's pre-employment medical review program upon receiving a conditional job offer before assuming their position with the County.

Applicants may substitute relevant experience and/or education at a 2 to 1 ratio to fulfill minimum qualifications. For further details, individuals should reach out to the Human Resources department.

ADA Accommodations

Individuals in need of accommodation during the application and/or selection process under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should reach out to County of Lake Human Resources at (707) 263-2213.

The County is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer

Veteran's Preference

PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER I
DEFINITION
Under direct supervision, learns to receive and dispatch routine and emergency radio and telephone communications; dispatches law enforcement, emergency medical, and other public safety personnel and equipment; maintains field communications during incidents; learns to serve as a public safety answering point for Lake County; performs general office support assignments; and performs related duties as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the entry and first working level in the Public Safety Dispatcher series. Incumbents have responsibility for dispatching and maintaining field communications with public safety personnel. Incumbents also confirm warrants and perform a variety of office support responsibilities. The Public Safety Dispatcher I level performs many assignments in training and learning capacity.

Positions in the Public Safety Dispatcher series are flexibly staffed. Incumbents may advance to the higher classifications after gaining the knowledge, skill, experience, licenses, and certifications which meet the qualifications for and demonstrating the ability to perform the work of the higher-level class.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direct supervision from an assigned Supervising Public Safety Dispatcher, Lieutenant, or other management staff, as assigned. Exercises no supervision over staff.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the scope of duties performed by employees in this class and are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

• Answers the telephone, receiving and classifying calls.
• Learns and exercises basic responsibility in determining the priority of response and uses radio equipment to dispatch Sheriff-Coroner, emergency medical, and other public safety units, according to availability, assigned geographic area, and location.
• Maintains field communications for public safety checks and during emergencies and incidents.
• Ensures adequate back-up for Sheriff’s Office personnel.
• Learns to serve as a public safety answering point for Lake County.
• Transfers emergency calls to other agencies as warranted.
• Monitors various public safety radio channels, coordinating efforts in dispatching personnel and equipment.
• Uses a computer to maintain records/logs of calls for services, radio transmissions, and telephone messages.
• Enters and clears information on the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS) and the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD).
• Arranges and coordinates the removal of deceased persons during coroner responses.
• Coordinates public safety communications using a telephone, radio, and computer equipment.
• Confirms warrants and performs records checks.
• Updates daily dispatching logs.
• Enters information such as stolen/repossessed property, missing persons, and repossessed and stolen vehicles into the teletype and computerized information systems.
• Operates dispatching equipment, office equipment, and computers.
• Provides information to staff, civic groups, and the public regarding the Sheriff’s Office.
• May search master recordings for information.
• May testify in court.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:

• Basic operating policies, procedures, and functions of the Sheriff’s Office for receiving, disseminating, and processing various types of information for emergency and non-emergency calls for services.

• Laws, codes, and regulations related to transmission/reception of public safety communications.
• The proper operation and care of the telephone, CLETS, computer terminals, and voice radio equipment used by the County.

• The general geography of Lake County.
• Modern office methods and procedures, including computers and computer programs.
• Proper and effective methods of deploying law enforcement personnel.
• Principles and procedures of recordkeeping.
• Techniques for dealing with people of all socio-economic backgrounds under hostile and emergency situations.
• Customer service principles and techniques.
• Written and oral communications skills.

• Proper English spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software applications) to conduct research, assess information, and/or prepare documentation.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction.

Ability to:

• Read and interpret maps and other pertinent documentation.

• Observe and accurately recall places, names, descriptive characteristics, and facts of incidents.
• Learn to apply laws, codes, and regulations related to the transmission/reception of public safety communications.

• Learn the proper operation and care of the telephone, CLETS, computer terminals, and voice radio equipment used by the County.
• Use sound judgment in dispatching personnel and equipment.
• Think clearly and act calmly in emergency situations.
• Understand, interpret, and apply pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Evaluate situations and respond appropriately.
• Take and transmit clear and complete directions and information.
• Use a keyboard to enter and extract a variety of data and information.
• Deal tactfully and courteously with the public and other staff.
• Perform a variety of office support work.
• Work under stressful conditions; assess difficult or emergency circumstances; remain calm; make quick, sound, and independent decisions based on facts; and develop, implement, and direct appropriate response strategies.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

• Utilize a computer, relevant software applications, and/or other equipment as assigned to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Licensing and Certifications:

Successful completion of the Basic Dispatcher Course and possession of a Dispatcher Certification from POST within year one (1) of employment is required to maintain employment in this classification and promote to higher levels in the class series.

Education and Experience:

One (1) year of full-time office support experience.

Experience in a public safety agency is preferred.
WORKING CONDITIONS, ADA, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
The County of Lake is an equal opportunity employer and will comply with its obligations under the law to provide equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Incumbents generally work in a typical office environment with adequate light and temperature. There may be occasional exposure to extreme temperatures, loud noise, fumes, noxious odors, dust, mist, gases, and poor ventilation; underground, confined, or restricted workspaces; and heights more than five stories above ground level. Incumbents may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Positions in this class typically require: sitting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.

Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Light Work: Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for light work.

Positions in this class may require local and statewide travel as necessary.

Incumbents in this classification will be expected to work 12-hour shifts. Work shifts may rotate.

Incumbents in this class must be willing and able to work off-hours, weekends, and holiday shifts. Incumbents may be “on-call” to respond to emergency situations.

A successful candidate will be required to submit to and pass a background check prior to the appointment. Depending upon the position and/or assigned department, the background check may include but is not limited to civil and criminal history check, reference check, Live Scan, and/or credit check (as allowed under state law).

Disaster Service Workers: As members of the County of Lake Emergency Services Organization, all Lake County employees are designated as Disaster Service Workers during a proclaimed emergency and may be required to perform certain emergency services at the direction of the department and / or County.

The contents of this class specification shall not be construed to constitute any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee, nor shall it constitute a contract of employment. The County of Lake assumes no responsibility beyond the general accuracy of the document, nor does it assume responsibility for any errors or omissions in the information contained herein. The contents of this specification may be modified or revoked without notice. Terms and conditions of employment are determined through a “meet and confer” process and are subject to the Memorandum of Understanding currently in effect.

PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER II
DEFINITION
Under direct supervision, receives and dispatches routine and emergency radio and telephone communications; dispatches law enforcement, emergency medical, and other public safety personnel and equipment; maintains field communications during incidents; serves as a public safety answering point for Lake County; performs general office support assignments; and performs related duties as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the journey level classification in the Public Safety Dispatcher series. Incumbents in this classification are responsible for dispatching and maintaining field communications with public safety personnel. Incumbents also confirm warrants and perform a variety of office support responsibilities.

This class is distinguished from Public Safety Dispatcher I in that incumbents perform a greater scope of assignments requiring more-in-depth knowledge of county dispatching and emergency 911 systems. It is further distinguished from the Supervising Public Safety Dispatcher in that incumbents in the latter perform staff scheduling and training activities and exercise shift supervision responsibilities, as well as perform dispatching duties.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direct supervision from an assigned Supervising Public Safety Dispatcher, Lieutenant, or other management staff, as assigned. Exercises no supervision over staff.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the scope of duties performed by employees in this class and are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

• Answers the telephone, receiving and classifying calls.
• Determines priority of response and uses radio equipment to dispatch Sheriff-Coroner, emergency medical, and other public safety units, according to availability, assigned geographic area, and locations.
• Maintains field communications for public safety checks and during emergencies and incidents.
• Ensures adequate back-up for Sheriff’s Office personnel.
• Serves as a public safety answering point for Lake County; transfers emergency calls to other agencies as warranted.
• Monitors various public safety radio channels, coordinating efforts in dispatching personnel and equipment.
• Uses a computer to maintain records/logs of calls for services, radio transmissions, and telephone messages.
• Records and maintains master audio tape recording equipment for all radio transmissions and telephone calls.
• Enters and clears information on the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS) and the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD).
• Arranges and coordinates the removal of deceased persons during coroner responses.
• Coordinates interagency public safety communications, using telephone, radio, and computer equipment.
• Confirms warrants and performs records checks.
• Updates daily dispatching logs.
• Enters information such as stolen and repossessed property, and missing persons into law enforcement teletype and computer systems.
• Operates dispatching equipment, office equipment, and computers.
• Provides information to staff, civic groups, and the public regarding the sheriffs-coroner department.
• May testify in court.
• May search master recordings for information.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:

• Operating policies, procedures, and functions of the Sheriff’s Office for receiving, disseminating, and processing various types of information for emergency and non-emergency calls for services.
• The general geography of Lake County.
• Modern office methods and procedures, including computers and computer programs.
• Laws, codes, and regulations related to transmission/reception of public safety communications.
• The proper operation and care of the telephone, CLETS, computer terminals, and voice radio equipment used by the County.

• Proper and effective methods of deploying law enforcement personnel.
• Principles and procedures of recordkeeping.
• Techniques for dealing with people of all socio-economic backgrounds under hostile and emergency situations.

• Customer service principles and techniques.

• Written and oral communications skills.
• Proper English spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software applications) to conduct research, assess information, and/or prepare documentation.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction.

Ability to:

• Read and interpret maps and other pertinent documentation.
• Observe and accurately recall places, names, descriptive characteristics, and facts of incidents.
• Operate radio communication, computerized system, and teletype equipment.

• Use sound judgment in dispatching personnel and equipment.
• Think clearly and act calmly in emergency situations.
• Understand, interpret, and apply pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Apply laws, codes, and regulations related to the transmission/reception of public safety communications.
• Evaluate situations and respond appropriately.
• Take and transmit clear and complete directions and information.
• Use a keyboard to enter and extract a variety of data and information.
• Work under stressful conditions; assess difficult or emergency circumstances; remain calm; make quick, sound, and independent decisions based on facts; and develop, implement, and direct appropriate response strategies.
• Deal tactfully and courteously with the public and other staff.
• Perform a variety of office support work.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

• Utilize a computer, relevant software applications, and/or other equipment as assigned to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Licensing and Certifications:

Completion of the Basic Dispatcher Course and possession of a Dispatcher Certification from POST.

Education and Experience:

One (1) year of full-time experience performing public safety dispatching work comparable to that of a Public Safety Dispatcher I with the County of Lake.
WORKING CONDITIONS, ADA, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
The County of Lake is an equal opportunity employer and will comply with its obligations under the law to provide equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Incumbents generally work in a typical office environment with adequate light and temperature. There may be occasional exposure to extreme temperatures, loud noise, fumes, noxious odors, dust, mist, gases, and poor ventilation; underground, confined, or restricted workspaces; and heights more than five stories above ground level. Incumbents may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Positions in this class typically require: sitting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.

Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Light Work: Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for light work.

Positions in this class may require local and statewide travel as necessary.

Incumbents in this classification will be expected to work 12-hour shifts. Work shifts may rotate.

Incumbents in this class must be willing and able to work off-hours, weekends, and holiday shifts. Incumbents may be “on-call” to respond to emergency situations.

A successful candidate will be required to submit to and pass a background check prior to the appointment. Depending upon the position and/or assigned department, the background check may include but is not limited to civil and criminal history check, reference check, Live Scan, and/or credit check (as allowed under state law).

Disaster Service Workers: As members of the County of Lake Emergency Services Organization, all Lake County employees are designated as Disaster Service Workers during a proclaimed emergency and may be required to perform certain emergency services at the direction of the department and / or County.

The contents of this class specification shall not be construed to constitute any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee, nor shall it constitute a contract of employment. The County of Lake assumes no responsibility beyond the general accuracy of the document, nor does it assume responsibility for any errors or omissions in the information contained herein. The contents of this specification may be modified or revoked without notice. Terms and conditions of employment are determined through a “meet and confer” process and are subject to the Memorandum of Understanding currently in effect.

RETIREMENT - County employees are members of the California Public Employee Retirement system (CalPERS).CalPERS provides a defined benefit pension at retirement for County employees.The pension formulas and employee contribution amounts may vary by bargaining unit, date of hire, prior qualifying service, and classification. Please contact Human Resources for more information.

HEALTH AND INSURANCE BENEFITS - Medical, dental, hospital, vision, life and disability coverage is available to employees and their dependents. The County contributes $1,500 of the monthly premiums for the insurance plan options.

VACATION ACCRUAL may be adjusted for current city or county government employees.

VACATION - 80 hours per year during the first five years of service, 120 hours per year after five years, and additional accruals based on years of service beyond fifteen years. Pro-rated for part-time employees.

SICK LEAVE - Accrues at a rate of 96 hours per year. Pro-rated for part-time employees.

HOLIDAYS- An average of twelve paid 8-hour holidays per year. Pro-rated for part-time employees.

SALARY - Lake County has an adopted salary schedule. The salary range for most classifications is in five increments with a provision for longevity increases. Appointments are normally made at the first step of the salary range.

SOCIAL SECURITY - County employees participate in Social Security.

CALIFORNIA STATE DISABILITY INSURANCE - SDI is available to some County employees.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLANS and CREDIT UNION MEMBERSHIPS are available to County employees.

Closing Date/Time: 8/1/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

• 

• County of Lake

• 707-263-2213

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