Full-Time Dispatcher - City of Sierra Madre, CA : Job Details

Salary : $60,881.60 - $74,006.40 Annually Location : Sierra Madre, CA Job Type: Full Time Job Number: 201600235 Department: Police Department Opening Date: 10/31/2024 Description The Sierra Madre Police Department is seeking energetic, detail-oriented, and effective communicators to join our team of professionals committed to safeguarding our community. As a Police Dispatcher, you will play a critical role in handling and dispatching 9-1-1 emergency calls and business lines, serving as the initial point of contact at the front counter for the City of Sierra Madre. The ideal candidate is dedicated, diligent, and motivated to serve others with professionalism, integrity, and respect, providing outstanding customer service to both external and internal stakeholders. Police Dispatchers work a 3/12 schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays, offering a rewarding opportunity to make a difference in a community-focused law enforcement agency. Applications for Full-Time Dispatcher will be reviewed on December 11, 2024 and applicants will be selected for testing. All selected candidates will need to take the POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery or present a previous T-score to be considered for this position. Current Police Dispatchers or those with prior dispatch experience are encouraged to apply. CALPERS Retired Annuitants with prior dispatcher experience are also encouraged to apply.Recruitment Closing: Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at 5:00PMTentative Testing Date: Wednesday, December 18, 2024Examples of DutiesEssential Functions The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Operates radio, telephone, and computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems to receive and transmit non-emergency and emergency 9-1-1 calls from the public.
• Provides information at the counter and by telephone regarding vehicle codes, penal codes, basic law, overnight parking, and city rules and regulations.
• Performs inquiries via CLETS, DOJ, National Crime Information Center, FBI, and Stolen Vehicle Systems.
• Places service calls and dispatches police, medical, fire, and search and rescue personnel as needed.
• Responds to field unit requests via radio or telephone for information, tow truck, paramedics/fire department, animal control, or other law enforcement agencies.
• Monitors radio and teletype system communications from local, state, and federal agencies.
• Maintains a daily log of police activity.
• Enters, maintains, retrieves, and interprets data in police department computer systems (e.g., Computer-Aided Dispatch and Records Management System).
• Inputs data into JDIC for stolen property, stolen vehicles, guns, warrants, missing persons, etc.
• Notifies other agencies and departments by telephone or radio to coordinate activities.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Typical QualificationsCompetencies The following list represents the core competencies needed for success in this position.

• Attention to Detail: Carefully examines all aspects of tasks, ensuring accuracy and thoroughness in every step and outcome.
• Critical Thinking: Evaluates information thoughtfully and systematically to assess ideas, arguments, and potential outcomes.
• Decision Making: Selects the best course of action quickly and efficiently, considering the circumstances and resources available.
• Handling Stress: Maintains composure, resilience, and focus when facing pressure, challenges, or unexpected situations.
• Informing: Actively seeks and shares necessary information to keep others informed and updated.
• Oral Communication: Participates in conversations clearly and concisely to ensure mutual understanding.
• Self-Management: Exhibits strong organization, personal responsibility, and reliability in fulfilling duties.
• Teamwork: Works cooperatively with colleagues to accomplish collective objectives.
• Using Technology: Proficiently operates digital tools, including radio systems and relevant software, to support job functions.
• Writing: Conveys information clearly and effectively through written communication.

Knowledge of:

• California Penal Code, Police Department Operations Orders, Police Department Policy Manual, Sierra Madre Municipal Code, and general Emergency Operations Center procedures.
• Typewriter keyboard and C.A.D. system command codes.

Ability to:

• Speak with a clear, well-modulated voice in English by phone and radio dispatching equipment while tactfully communicating with highly emotional callers.
• Operate computer-aided dispatch equipment.
• Comprehend and make inferences from material written in the English language and learn job-related material primarily through oral instruction, observation, and structured lecture.
• Operate a variety of standard office equipment.
• Enter data or information into a terminal, PC, or other keyboard device. Remain in a sitting position for extended periods of time.
• Work cooperatively with citizens, co-workers, sworn personnel, and other City and agency employees. Remain calm and exercise judgment in making decisions in emergency situations under heavy workloads. Determine priorities of emergencies.
• Work safely without presenting a direct threat to self or others.
• Work a flexible schedule which may include nights, weekends, and holidays.

Education/Training/Experience: High school diploma or equivalent required; Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements: Must be able to satisfactorily complete the Public Safety Dispatchers' Basic Course. Must possess a current American Red Cross certificate in First Aid/CPR/AED for Schools and the Community or obtain within three months of employment. Supplemental InformationPHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Physical Demands While performing the duties of this class, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, and hear, both in person and by telephone; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate standard office equipment; and reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, or crouch to access or place records or files; lift and carry records and documents, typically weighing less than 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Mental Demands While performing the duties of this class, the employee is regularly required to use oral and written communication skills; read and interpret data, information and documents; analyze and solve problems; observe and interpret data and situations; use math and mathematical reasoning; perform highly detailed work under changing, intensive deadlines, on multiple concurrent tasks; work with constant interruptions; and interact with City officials, citizens groups, employees, management, and others encountered in the course of work; occasionally subject to conflicts. WORK ENVIRONMENT The employee primarily works in an office setting but may be required to travel to different city facilities and events. In the office setting, the noise level is frequently quiet or moderately quiet. Occasional driving is required to visit city facilities and assist with preparations for community and public meetings. Disaster Service Workers All City of Sierra Madre employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work in the event of an emergency. Equal Opportunity Employer The City of Sierra Madre is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Sierra Madre will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. Summary of Benefits Police Officers AssociationPERS Retirement

• Classic Members
  • 3% @ 55 safety / 2.5% @ 55 misc
  • 5% employee share paid by the City
  • EPMC: 4% (safety) / 5% (misc) paid by the City is reported as employee's income
  • Final year single highest year

New Members

• 2.7% @ 57 safety / 2% @ 62 misc
• EE pay 50% of normal cost
• Final compensation determined by highest 36 consecutive month period

1953 Survivor benefit

POST Stipends:

• Intermediate POST Certificates: Any officer who has an Intermediate POST Certificate shall receive an additional 5% pay over said officer's base salary.
• Advanced POST Certificates: Any officer who has an Advanced POST Certificate shall receive an additional 10% pay over said officer's base salary. This may not be combined with any other POST Stipend.
• Supervisory POST Certificates: Any sergeant who has a Supervisory POST Certificate shall receive an additional 15% pay over said sergeant's base salary. This may not be combined with any other POST Stipend.

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance Effective December 1, 2023

• PERS Medical Plans available (HMO/PPO)
• The City offers different tiers for employee and their dependents
• Employee Only $892.50
• Employee +1 $1,102.50
• Family (3 plus) $1,260
• $325/month stipend for employees enrolled in alternate group insurance

Life & Accidental Death Insurance

• $50,000 coverage for sworn employees
• $25,000 coverage for non-sworn (Dispatchers)

Sick Leave

• Accruable at 96 hours per year

Vacation Leave

• 88 hours of accrual per year, with additional accrual for each year of service

Holiday Bank

• 104 hours of holiday granted on July 1
• Leave cashed out June 30th if not taken

Tuition Reimbursement

• Up to $10,000 for cost of tuition.

Computer Loan Program

• Up to $3,000 low interest loan

Deferred Compensation

• Plans with ICMA

Flexible Spending Program

• Medical ($2,550 annually)
• Childcare/parent care ($5,000 annually)

Uniform Allowance

• $55 / work period ($715 / year)

Signing Bonus (Sworn only) (Dispatchers NOT Eligible)

• $5,000, half payable upon appointment and second half payable upon passing probation

Employee Assistance Program

• Health EAP
• WorkLife Services
• Confidential Advice

Ancillary Benefits

• Accident Insurance
• Additional Life Insurance
• Cancer Insurance
• Disability Insurance

01 Do you have one year or more of general clerical experience?

• Yes
• No

02 If you selected Yes on the previous question, please describe your clerical experience in the text box below. 03 How many years of responsible radio operation, computer assisted dispatching and teletype experience do you have?

• No experience, but willing to learn
• 1 - 2 years
• More than 2 years

04 This position requires that you be available to work a flexible schedule that includes weekends, holidays, day, swing or graveyard shifts. Are you able to meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

05 Have you successfully completed the POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery exam and have a T-score?

• Yes
• No

Required Question