Communications Dispatcher II (#RP0102)
$30.69-$37.30 Hourly / $5,319.13-$6,465.44 Monthly / $63,829.62-$77,585.31 Yearly

Under general supervision, receives and transmits messages over a radio communication system; screens incoming calls to identify problems and determine urgency and seriousness; dispatches vehicles; and does related or other work as required in accordance with Rule 3, Section 3 of the Civil Services Rules.

This is the journey level class in the Communications Dispatcher series. An employee in this class is responsible for performing communications dispatch work on a full-time basis. Clerical duties are performed as needed. Employees may work rotating shifts on a twenty-hour basis, seven days a week.

• Receives and acknowledges calls on radio equipment and phones; screens incoming calls to elicit information necessary to identify problem, to evaluate the urgency and seriousness of the problem and to determine the appropriate action.
• Receives and processes requests for information from units; obtains information using data entry equipment, communications equipment or card files and relays information back to units.
• Dispatches vehicles in response to requests; identifies the most available unit or units which can be contacted; contacts mobile units and directs them to location and person.
• Contacts ambulances, fire departments and other agencies to dispatch vehicles in emergency situations.
• Monitors and logs status and location of each mobile unit.
• Operates CRT terminal to maintain communications log and transmit information to local, state and national law enforcement communications system.
• Does general clerical work; updates fire dispatch run card files.

Experience:  One year performing duties equivalent to the those of a Communications Dispatcher I in San Joaquin County.

Certificate:  Possession of a valid POST "Public Safety Dispatcher" Certificate.

Techniques, procedures and methods used in the operation of public safety communications center; proper operation and care of electronic communication equipment; main geographical reference points in San Joaquin County; telephone etiquette and procedures; language mechanics, spelling and punctuation; office practices and procedures, recordkeeping principles and procedures; basic filing systems.

Speak clearly and distinctly; take concise and accurate messages; give clear and specific directions; elicit necessary information; work effectively under pressure; deal effectively with the public; react quickly and calmly in placing and receiving calls of an emergency nature; remember numbers and names while dealing with other variables; follow oral and written instructions; learn geography of the County; evaluate urgency and seriousness of calls; read maps; type accurately at a reasonable rate of speed.

Mobility-Operate a key board; sit for long periods; Visual-Overall vision sufficient to use computer screens and read maps; eye-hand coordination; Dexterity-Reaching; repetitive motion; Hearing/Talking-Hear on the telephone/radio; hear faint sounds; talk on telephone/radio; Emotional/Psychological Factors-Emergency situations; exposure to trauma, grief, death; public contact; decision making; concentration; working weekends/nights; working overtime.