Job description
THE CITY:
National City’s multi-cultural population, mild climate and central location make National City a great place to live and work. The City takes great pride in its rich history and traditions, diverse cultures, dynamic and progressive atmosphere, strong community spirit, schools, neighborhoods and vibrant business districts. National City, San Diego County’s second oldest city, is truly “In the center of it all.” National City is 10 minutes from everywhere and positioned for prosperity, with proximity to the San Diego Bay, US-Mexico border, downtown San Diego, international airport, rail, San Diego State University, and other colleges and universities. National City is circled by interstates 5 and 805, and highways 54 and 15. For more information on the City of National City, please visit our website at: www.nationalcityca.gov
THE POSITION:
Under general supervision, to receive, evaluate, and transmit emergency and routine voice radio messages; dispatches required equipment and personnel in accordance with standard policies and procedures; maintain records; and perform related duties as required.
WORK SCHEDULE:
Shifts: Dispatcher shifts vary based on the staffing needs of the department. Currently, dispatchers work a 3/12 shift and rotate days off bi-annually.
SIGNING BONUS & RETENTION INCENTIVE PROGRAM:
New full-time Police Dispatcher employees will receive a $10,000 stipend in their first paycheck from the City and a $10,000 stipend on their first work anniversary, for a total bonus of $20,000.
BENEFITS:
To learn more about this position employee benefits, please see the Memorandum of Understanding for the Municipal Employees' Association: Miscellaneous Employees'
NOTE:
- The classification of Police Dispatcher is scheduled to receive a 7.09% wage increase effective the first full pay period in January 2024.
- Some additional perks our dispatchers have over other agencies are below:
- Night Shift Differential
- On-call pay
- A total of 6 months of weekends off
- No uniforms
- Bi-lingual pay
- Monitors radio receiver for all communications concerning police department and mutual aid radio channels.
- Maintains two-way radio communications with emergency cars and other emergency units on assignments.
- Maintains contact with all field personnel.
- Receives emergency and other-type messages, secures and records/logs all information regarding type of emergency or incident, exact location, and other pertinent information.
- Dispatches personnel and equipment according to standard operating procedures.
- Keeps supervisor informed of general activities and emergency calls or situations.
- Maintains accurate records of requests for service and other departmental activities.
- May instruct other personnel in the techniques and use of the department's communication equipment.
- Graduation from high school or GED equivalent.
- Two (2) years of public contact or clerical experience which demonstrates the ability to perform multiple tasks at the same time and use short-term recall skills.
- Previous radio communications experience is desirable.
Ability to: Learn the rules and regulations of the Federal Communications Commission, which governs the operation of radio transmitters or receivers; quickly recall from memory short-term information received; work under stress; exercise self-control and good judgment in emergency situations; study and maintain a knowledge of departmental policies and procedures, streets, and City geography; maintain clear and accurate records; follow written and oral instructions; speak clearly and distinctly; type at a speed of at least 40 net words per minute; work days, evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed; and establish and maintain effective working relations with all levels of staff and the general public in routine as well as stressful situations.
1. Application: Applications will be accepted on-line only at www.nationalcityca.gov, and all notices will be sent via email. Candidates whose applications indicate the required education and experience most directly related to the position may be invited to continue in the selection process.
2. Performance Test: Based upon review of applications received, those applicants who best meet the requirements indicated above will be invited to take the Online CritiCall Test (Pass/Fail). CritiCall is a computer based test that simulates a generic dispatch environment and designed to measure the abilities and skills critical for public safety dispatchers such as multitasking, prioritization, map reading, memory recall, comprehension and data entry. For practice tests and additional information, including study guides, please visit CritiCall. The Criticall test may be waived for candidates accepted for lateral consideration. Candidates will be notified via email of the test period to take the test.
4. Oral Board Interview: Candidates passing the review of their pre-background questionnaire will be invited to continue in the selection process, and forwarded to the hiring department for consideration.
NOTE: Successful candidates must undergo a thorough background investigation including fingerprinting, computer voice stress analysis (CVSA), psychological evaluation, and a thorough medical examination. There are certain types of conduct, which will be automatic grounds for disqualification. Please read the information on the Disqualifying Criteria (below) to help you identify some of the common areas of the background investigation process that may cause a delay or prevent you from competing in the selection process.
For a list of Disqualifying Criteria, click here.
Alternative Work Schedule
City employees work a 4/10 workweek, Monday through Thursday 7am to 6 pm. City offices are closed on Fridays. For Police, Fire, and Nutrition employees, work schedule may differ.
For benefit information, please click on the Memorandum of Understanding for the Municipal Employees' Association: Miscellaneous Employees'
About City of National City California
CEO: Alejandra Sotelo-Solis
Revenue: Unknown / Non-Applicable
Size: 201 to 500 Employees
Type: Government
Website: www.nationalcityca.gov