Lead Public Safety Dispatcher

Salary : $69,465.99 - $90,928.73 Annually
Location : Police Department, Covina, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number:
Department: Police Department
Opening Date: 08/06/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Max Number of Applicants: 300

DESCRIPTION
The City of Covina is accepting applications for the position of Lead Public Safety Dispatcher with the Police Department.

DEFINITION:
Under general supervision, provides coordination and oversight of the activities of the Public Safety Communications Division including providing lead worker support, evaluate performance of assigned personnel, programs and operations. Participates in the work of civilian personnel responsible for the day-to-day operations in the Commutations Division. Receives and processes routine and emergency calls and alarms; dispatches public safety and public works field units as required; provides pre-arrival instructions; enters, retrieves and uses data from various automated law enforcement information systems; coordinates with other emergency service providers as appropriate; assists in the training of less experienced personnel; learns applicable policies, procedures and work methods associated with assigned duties; performs other related duties as required.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
The Lead Public Safety Dispatcher is a lead senior-level classification responsible for assisting with overseeing, directing, and coordinating a broad range of complex technical, administrative, and operational support functions within the Public Safety Communications Division. This position is distinguished from the Public Safety Dispatcher classification by its advanced knowledge of records management operations, policies, procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements, as well as it expanded scope of responsibility and leadership authority. The incumbent is responsible for ensuring adherence to established policies, procedures, and service standards; keeps superior informed on events affecting area of responsibility, particularly personnel problems, complaints, and other occurrences having an impact on the department or City.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED:
Receives general supervision from the Administrative Lieutenant and Police Support Services Manager. Exercises direct and indirect lead worker responsibilities and provides leadership guidance and support to Public Safety Dispatchers.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (included but are not limited to the following)

• Accepts lead worker responsibilities for the day-to-day operations of the Public Safety Communications Division; assists in the planning, coordination and assigning of work assignments, work schedules, reviews and participates in the work of assigned staff; assists in the training, motivation, and performance evaluation of assigned personnel; monitors staff activities to ensure adherence to safety standards, work quality, accuracy, and confidentiality requirements; and assists with reviewing, implementing, and updating policies and procedures.
• Receives and processes routine and emergency calls and alarms; dispatches public safety and public works field units as required; provides pre-arrival instructions; enters, retrieves and uses data from various automated law enforcement information systems; coordinates with other emergency service providers as appropriate; assists in the training of less experienced personnel.
• Learns and develops an understanding of applicable policies, procedures, and work methods associated with assigned duties.
• Receives and enters calls for service in CAD; dispatches and monitors the status of field units; interprets level of service needed through information obtained from field officers or citizens; retrieves information for officers from CLETS, including information on outstanding warrants; coordinates multi-agency responses when necessary; transfers calls to appropriate agencies if warranted.

• Informs the Watch Commander of calls in progress; maintains records of all pending and dispatched calls for service; receives information and calls for service from other law enforcement agencies; provides information to other agencies by telephone and teletype.

• Monitors station security after hours; monitors the City's alarm system and determines the appropriate response; assists in the care of juveniles; provides matron services when required.

• Responds to questions and concerns from the general public, department staff and other agencies; takes and records telephone and counter reports; provides information as appropriate and resolves service issues and complaints.
• Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, state/ local agencies and associations, City management and staff, and the public.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, and stooping in the performance of daily office activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement, and fine coordination in retrieving and entering data using a computer keyboard. Additionally, the position requires near and far vision in reading work related documents and using the computer, and acute hearing is required when providing phone, dispatch and personal service. The need to lift, drag, and push files, paper, and documents weighing up to 25 pounds also is required.

Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

QUALIFICATIONS: (The following are minimal qualifications necessary for entry into the classification)

Education and/or Experience:
Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for a Lead Public Safety Dispatcher. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess three (3) years of progressively responsible experience as a Public Safety Dispatcher and a high school diploma or equivalent.

License/Certificate:
Possession of an Advanced Post Dispatcher Certificate within eleven (11) months of appointment.

KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES/SKILLS: (The following are a representative sample of the KAS's necessary to perform essential duties of the position.)

Knowledge of:

Modern office administrative practices and procedures; location of major streets, public places and landmarks in the City of Covina; public and agency desk procedures; methods of providing services and information; ability to learn alphanumeric code systems; Federal Communications Commission regulations governing voice radio and telephone communications; proper operation and care of voice radio and telephone equipment; basic principles of mathematics; applicable federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations; methods and techniques of scheduling work assignments; standard office procedures, practices and equipment; modern office practices, methods and equipment, including a computer and applicable software; methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation and writing; proper English, spelling and grammar; occupational hazards and standard safety practices.

Ability to:

Perform a variety of complex work with speed and accuracy; remain calm under emergency situations; learn to operate specialized law enforcement automated information, communication and dispatch systems; work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, overtime and rotating shifts; wear a department uniform; perform mathematical calculations quickly and accurately; interpret, explain and apply applicable laws, codes and regulations; read, interpret and record data accurately; organize, prioritize and follow-up on work assignments; work independently and as part of a team; make sound decisions within established guidelines; analyze a complex issue, and develop and implement an appropriate response; follow written and oral directions; observe safety principles and work in a safe manner; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Skill to:

Effectively operate specialized law enforcement automated information, communication and dispatch systems.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS

APPLY IMMEDIATELY! This recruitment is Open Until Filled.

The deadline for the first review of applications is on Thursday, August 13, 2026, by 6:00 pm.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early since applications are reviewed on a continuous basis. Applicants that apply after the first review date are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review date.

The selection process may consist of, but not limited to application evaluation, skills assessment and/or oral interview.

Candidates must be specific and complete in describing their qualifications for this position. Failure to state all pertinent information may lead to elimination from consideration. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a complete application.

The successful candidate will be required to undergo a reference / background check (to include a conviction record and LIVE scan) and pass a post-offer pre-employment medical examination (which will include a drug/alcohol screening).

Communications regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process as you will not receive communication by any other method.

RETIREMENT - CalPERS
Tier I Retirement Benefits (hired prior to 12/31/2010)

• 3% @ 50
• One year final compensation (§20042)
• 1959 Survivors Benefit (§21574)
  • Employee Contributes $2.00 per month
  • Level IV Survivor Benefits.
• Unused Sick Leave Conversion (§20965)
• Retired Employee Death Benefit of $600 (§21622)
• Employees pay 9% of PERS Employee Cost

Tier II Retirement Benefits (hired 01/01/2011)

• 3% @ 55
• One year final compensation (§20042)
• 1959 Survivors Benefit (§21574)
  • Employee Contributes $2.00 per month
  • Level IV Survivor Benefits.
• Unused Sick Leave Conversion (§20965)
• Retired Employee Death Benefit of $600 (§21622)
• Employees pay 9% of PERS Employee Cost

Tier III Retirement Benefit for as defined under PEPRA as "New" as of 01/01/2013

• 2.7% @57 formula
• 3 Year Final Compensation
• Employees pay 14.25% of PERs Employee Cost

VACATION LEAVE
Years of Service

• Year 1 through Completion of 4 yrs 8.67 hrs/mo 104 hrs/yr
• Beginning 5th yr through 9 yrs 12.67 hrs/mo 152 hrs/yr
• Beginning 10th yr through 14 yrs 14.00 hrs/mo 168 hrs/yr
• Beginning 15th yr through 20 yrs 16.67 hrs/mo 200 hrs/yr
• Beginning 21st yr and above 17.33 hrs/mo 208 hrs/yr

HOLIDAYS (FIXED)

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• Lincoln's Birthday
• President's Day
• Memorial Day
• Juneteenth
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Indigenours Peoples' Day
• Veteran's Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Friday following Thanksgiving
• Christmas Day

FLOATING HOLIDAYS

• Non - shift employees working a 4/10 schedule receive three (3) floating holidays per year (30 hours).
• Shift employees receive 13 hours of holiday time pay per month in lieu of fixed and floating holiday leave time.

SICK LEAVE

• Ten (10) hours of sick leave accrued per month. Maximum accumulation limit is 1,200 hours. Unless as otherwise provided for in Memorandum of Understanding.

MEDICAL, DENTAL AND VISION INSURANCE

• The City participates in the CalPERS Medical Plan.
• City provides a flex benefit dollar amount of $1,500 per month to use towards purchase of health benefits.
• Employer contribution under PEHMCA for CalPERS Medical Plan is $157/mo. This is in addition to the flex benefit above.
• Unused flex dollars may be received as taxable cash and administered according to terms of Memorandum of Understanding.
• Dental Insurance provider is Delta Dental Plan. PPO and HMO p