Dispatcher I

To receive emergency and non-emergency calls and act as a liaison between the members of the community, other agencies, department personnel and field units in support of organizational goals and objectives.  This position requires a thorough background investigation, polygraph, and a pre-employment medical exam to be completed on each final candidate, prior to appointment.

Note: Salary posted does not reflect 2.5% shift differential for shift work. This recruitment is open and continuous and may close, without notice, at any time once a sufficient number of applications have been received.

This position is represented by Fairfield Employees' Association (FEA) and receives an  excellent benefits package, including:

• Scheduled salary increase of 4% in the first full pay period of July 2020.
• CalPERS pension eligibility
• Generous contributions to medical, dental and vision plans.
  • 3 medical carriers to choose from: Kaiser, Sutter Health or Western Health
  • Monthly employee premium as low as $97 for Kaiser family plan
• 32 hours of personal leave (cashable) annually, plus vacation and sick leave
• City paid life insurance, deferred compensation and retirement health savings contributions

Experience:

One (1) year customer service related experience, including significant contact with the public, or performing work that includes multi-line telephone systems is preferred.

Education:

Education equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade is required.

Must possess, or be able to obtain a P.O.S.T. Safety Dispatch Certificate and Emergency Medical Dispatch Certificate within one year of hire.

A typing certificate indicating 40 net words per minute, dated within the last twelve (12) months, must be attached to your application. Self-administered exams will not be accepted; the certificate must be from an outside agency (i.e. employment agency or school). 

Employees hired as Dispatcher I are required to meet the requirements of and promote to Dispatcher II by the end of the 12-month probationary period.

Must be at least 18 years of age at time of hire.

Candidates will be required to pass a thorough background investigation.

Must be able to maintain the same level of security as when first hired. Failure to maintain this level of security clearance is grounds for dismissal.

A sample of responsibilities for this position are listed below.  For the complete job description please visit: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/fairfield/classspecs

Answer non- emergency and emergency telephone calls; evaluate requests for validity, priority and type of response required; determine the location and nature of non- emergency and emergency calls for service.

Learns and operate a computer aided dispatch system, records system, mobile data system, and make inquiries and entries into the external law enforcement computer system.

Dispatch fire and ambulance emergency services when appropriate; provide emergency medical pre-arrival instruction over the telephone.

Operate a multi-channel radio console that supports fire and other emergency services; provide information and coordinate response for fire, medical and public works equipment. Monitor equipment including alarm equipment.

Learn and become independently capable to dispatch emergency services including police and other emergency services when appropriate.

Correctly determine departmental resources for varying emergency situations.

Maintain and prepare accurate records and logs of messages received and dispatched.

Assist citizens at the police department front counter.

Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:
The geography of the City of Fairfield and Solano County.

Modern office equipment and software including fax machines, personal computers, and windows based applications.

During probation the following knowledge must be acquired: codes, practices and procedures used to transmit information to units in the field and locations of streets and buildings.

Ability to:
Use a computer-aided dispatch system to coordinate emergency response for police, fire and emergency medical services.

Learn the operation of multiple channel radio system.

Think clearly, remain attentive, and apply common sense in emergency situations.

Hear and understand telephone and radio communications.

Effectively communicate with people by giving information, directions, and instructions via telephone and radio; speak and enunciate clearly.

Maintain the confidentiality of information exposed to in the work place.

Use courtesy, tact, and firmness when dealing with the public.

Type at a speed of 40 net words per minute (from clear copy and oral communications).

Remain calm under pressure or tense situations.

Learn and remember numerical and alphabetical code systems.

Perform multiple tasks simultaneously.

THE SELECTION PROCESS: 
Based on the information provided in the application documents, the best-qualified applicants will be invited for further examination. All applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. Depending upon the number of applications received, the examination may consist of an application screening, written and/or practical exam, oral interview, or any combination. This position requires a thorough background investigation, polygraph, and a pre-employment medical exam to be completed on each final candidate, prior to appointment.