Public Safety Dispatcher II (Lateral)

Salary : $118,955.20 - $152,734.40 Annually
Location : Police Dept, 275 Forest Ave, Palo Alto, CA
Job Type: Regular Full-Time
Job Number: PSDII2024
Department: Police Department
Opening Date: 06/29/2026
Closing Date: Continuous

Description
The Role

Are you ready for an exciting opportunity? The City of Palo Alto is looking for qualified candidates for the Public Safety Dispatcher II (Lateral) position. Operating under general oversight, the Communications Public Safety Dispatcher II will handle the dispatch of emergency and non-emergency personnel and equipment for various user agencies. This includes responding to service calls covering police, fire, paramedics, ambulance, utilities, public works, and animal control services. Additionally, the role involves providing crucial information to both the public and user agencies. As the journey level in the Public Safety Dispatcher series, this role carries out a wide range of dispatch duties with a high level of autonomy. Duties include receiving assistance requests, assessing response urgency and type, dispatching personnel to handle reported incidents, and monitoring situations for changes and personnel safety during responses. The work often occurs under pressure.
Don't miss this opportunity to contribute to public safety and serve our community in a fast-paced and rewarding environment.

Apply today to join our team and make a difference!

The ideal candidate will possess the following competencies:

• Comprehensive Dispatch Experience: Proficient in emergency response procedures and protocols across multiple agencies.
• Critical Thinking and Decision-Making: Quickly assesses situations to determine appropriate responses and actions.
• Effective Communication Skills: Clear and concise communicator in high-pressure situations, both verbally and in writing.
• Technical Proficiency: Skilled in using dispatch systems, databases, and communication equipment.
• Adaptability and Resilience: Maintains composure and efficiency in dynamic and challenging environments.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Works effectively with diverse teams and agencies to coordinate responses.
• Customer Service Orientation: Provides courteous and helpful assistance to callers and responders.
• Problem Solving Abilities: Identifies issues, gathers relevant information, and resolves incidents promptly.
• Attention to Detail: Ensures accurate documentation and information dissemination.
• Commitment to Public Safety: Demonstrates dedication to maintaining community safety and well-being.

Benefits: Fantastic benefits package, to learn more click, HERE.
Compensation (SEIU): Comprehensive compensation plan, to learn more click,HERE.
This position is represented by Service Employee International Union position (SEIU).

Essential Duties

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Receives telephone complaints concerning crimes and police emergencies and dispatches appropriate police patrol units by radio to investigate. Relays instructions and questions for field units.
• Receives telephone information concerning fire and medical emergencies and dispatches appropriate fire and ambulance units by radio. Relays instructions and questions from field units.
• Receives telephone complaints concerning utilities and public works emergencies and dispatches appropriate service units to make repairs. Relays instructions and questions from field units.
• Receives telephone complaints concerning animals and dispatches appropriate animal control units to investigate. Relays instructions and questions from field units.
• Receive and transmit the above information by operating communication consoles, two-way radio, telephone, paging, various computers including both manual and computer-aided dispatch systems, voice intercom, fire alarm and intrusion alarm equipment and other public safety 911 equipment and applications.
• Maintain appropriate records, computer data base, maps, diagrams, and written procedures relating to such activities.
• Operate conventional/automated office machines and equipment.

Related Functions:

• Prepare special reports as may be required.
• Assist Lead Communications Public Safety Dispatchers and Supervisor, Police Services in projects.

Minimum Qualifications

Sufficient education, training and/or work experience to demonstrate the possession of the following knowledge skills and abilities which would typically be acquired through:

• High school graduate or GED,

and

• One year of public safety dispatching experience comprised of law enforcement or fire service dispatch responsibilities.

Desired Qualifications

• Possession of a California P.O.S.T. Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Certificate.
• Experience with Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) protocols.
  
• Experience with CLETS/NCIC Databases.
  
• Possession of National Academy of Emergency Dispatch Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) Certificate.

To see full Public Safety Dispatcher II job description, click HERE.
Supplemental Information

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements:
Work in an office environment; sustained posture and intense attentiveness for prolonged periods.

Selection Process:

• Completion of "CritiCall" Exam*
• Completion of the P.O.S.T. Personal History Statement - Public Safety Dispatcher
• Oral Panel Interview(s)
• Comprehensive Police Background Check
• Polygraph Test
• Psychological Test
• Medical Exam

Technical Support:

Our online application system is provided by NeoGov. If you have problems while applying online, please contact NeoGov's Live Applicant Support at (855) 524-5627 between 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM Pacific Time, Monday - Friday.

More than one position may be filled from this posting.