Public Safety Dispatcher - Lateral

Salary: $96,606.90 - $117,426.29 Annually
Location : Livermore, CA
Job Type: Full time
Job Number: 26-4300-01L
Department: Police
Opening Date: 01/02/2026

Description
WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE APPLICANTS TO READ THE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT, INCLUDING THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS, IN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR THIS POSITION.
ANNOUNCING NEW STEP INCREASE: $96,606 - $127,083*
*Top Step Base Compensation including Holiday In-Lieu Pay and Uniform Allowance.
The Livermore Police Department is hiring Lateral Public Safety Dispatchers. Public Safety Dispatchers receive 911 system emergency and non-emergency calls and dispatch assignments according to police procedures, and provide support services as needed. If you are currently employed as an emergency dispatcher for a police agency and would like to work for the City of Livermore, now is the time to apply!

to view the job announcement.

Scheduled Pay Increases
10/5/26 - 4%
10/4/27 - 3%
10/2/28 - 3%

DEFINITIONUnder general supervision, receives 911 system emergency and non-emergency calls; dispatches assignments according to police and fire procedures; provides support services and maintains records; and performs other duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Public Safety Dispatcher provides technical communications support and computer information processing for police and fire activities as well as animal control and public services functions. In addition to call taking and dispatching, incumbents perform varied record keeping, information retrieval, and similar work in support of public safety activities. Incumbents are expected to exercise independent judgment in the performance of their duties with minimum supervision.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

General supervision is provided by the dispatch supervisor with direction provided by other supervisory or management staff.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

As experience is gained, incumbents in this classification may provide direction and training to other Public Safety Dispatchers.
Examples of Important and Essential Functions

Call Taking and Dispatching Functions
Answers 911 emergency and misdirected non-emergency calls, and a variety of other public safety telephone lines; communicates and relates effectively to those contacted in the course of the work; obtains essential information from reporting parties about the nature of the emergency; enters information into computer terminals; enters control codes and searches files to research and provide information; assesses urgency of call and assigns code; assesses the nature of the emergency, determines appropriate response level, determines closest available and most appropriate company, and dispatches police, fire, medical aid, rescue, and hazardous material calls via two-way radio or telephone; directly broadcasts critical police emergency calls and general information bulletins; enters, updates, and monitors information such as time assignment, en route time, arrival, clearance, and other related information for each emergency and non-emergency event; monitors location and verifies safe status of public safety and other specified City personnel; monitors and controls radio traffic; connects special hearing-impaired telephone lines to transcription apparatus; dispatches animal services assignments, as needed; refers non-emergency calls to other resources including other City departments, governmental, and private agencies; answers questions and provides information to the public, as appropriate; answers building intercom system and grants identified personnel access through remote-controlled security doors; calls in relief personnel to maintain public safety staffing levels; alerts other agencies and coordinates mutual response radio traffic; and initiates follow-up calls as requested.

Administrative Functions
Reviews and records case information; assigns case numbers; tallies assigned calls, balances police officer assignments, and coordinates break periods; may take brief, limited telephone reports of lost property; maintains logs and records; enters information into automated record files; reproduces computer generated bulletins; prepares letters and reports and other related forms and records; conducts radio equipment tests; may retrieve or review dispatch recordings; may classify and sort dispatch cards, as needed; and may be assigned to assist in processing arrested persons to jail.
Job Related and Essential Qualifications

Demonstrated Knowledge of:
Modern office practices and procedures; proper English usage, grammar, spelling, and punctuation; alphabetic, chronological, and numeric filing systems; effective communication techniques; community resources; map reading; and personal computer operating systems and software applications.

Demonstrated Skills to:
Analyze situations quickly and make sound decisions in emergency and routine situations; demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills including communicating effectively with those contacted in the course of work; perform multiple tasks concurrently; quickly read and retain information; quickly interpret maps and floor layouts; relate effectively to co-workers; speak in a clear and understandable voice; write basic letters, memos, and reports; utilize personal computers and computer software to perform word processing and spreadsheet functions; meet the City's keyboarding standard (35 net wpm); and exemplify an enthusiastic, resourceful, and effective service attitude with co-workers and the public.

Ability to:
Learn the techniques, procedures, methods, and City dispatching codes used in the operation of a highly technical communications center; use patience, courtesy, and tact in dealing with the public; recognize and discern various emotional states when dealing with citizens in person and while on 911, emergency, and business lines; recognize the voices of field units; and quickly operate electronic data processing equipment and radio consoles.

Experience, Education, and Training Guidelines:
Any combination of experience, education, and training that would provide the best qualified candidates. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be:
Experience: Two years of experience involving heavy public contact while performing multiple tasks and using a computer.
Education: Equivalent to graduation from high school. College course work in communications, business administration, or a related field are desirable.
Training: Any recent training such as academic courses and certification programs which are relevant to this job classification.
Certification:Possession of POST Public Safety Dispatching Certificate is required prior to the completion of the probationary period.
License:May require the possession of a valid California driver's license and satisfactory driving record as determined by the City.
Other Requirements:Willingness and ability to work any shift in a 24 hour period, holidays, weekends, scheduled and emergency overtime, and be available for call back as required; attend classes during work and non-work hours as required; maintain the certifications necessary for this job classification; and wear a uniform and comply with departmental grooming standards.
Special Requirements: Essential duties may require the mental and/or physical ability to quickly read fine print, charts, graphs, maps, and computer monitors; see fine detail with no color deficiencies; hear and understand radio and telephone transmissions through headsets, handsets, and speakers, sometimes with interference, static, and background noises, such as with others talking in the room, audible traffic noise, and telephone ringing; hear a telephone ring when the bell unit is located 30' away; discern various tones, rhythms, and series of "beeps" through a headset and over a speaker; discern when a person is speaking with varying degrees of volume, such as shouting or whispering including emotional states; speak quickly in a clear, understandable voice with sufficient volume and tone quality to project effectively over radio, telephone, and in person; move quickly about the building or to other buildings, as needed; stamina to sit for long periods of time and to work long hours; operate computer keyboards and complex radio computer equipment; strength to safely lift and maneuver up to 40 pounds; and quickly bend, reach, climb step stools, and stoop.

Additional Information

Non-Exempt.
CITY OF LIVERMORE
BENEFITS SUMMARY
Association of Livermore Employees
Please click here for a copy of the current Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the Association of Livermore Employees. The information contained here is a summary of benefits. For a more detailed summary of benefits for all employee groups, click Any errors or omissions do not constitute either an expressed or implied contract. Updated 10/2025

MOUTERM
10/01/2025 - 09/30/2029

SCHEDULED INCREASES
10/06/2025 5% + 1% (in recognition of rising medical costs)
10/05/2026 3% + 1% (in recognition of rising medical costs)
10/04/2027 3%
10/02/2028 3%

CAFETERIA PLAN (MEDICAL, DENTAL & VISION)
$1,950/month towards medical, dental, and vision; any unused portion of the employee's benefit amount will be added as taxable income to the employee's earnings. Effective 12/1/2025, ER will pay up to $100 per month towards the premiums for the dental and vision plans selected by the employee who is currently enrolled in a City medical plan.

BASIC LIFE INSURANCE & ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT INSURANCE (AD & D)
FT - $60,000 EE coverage or PT - $30,000 EE coverage, ER paid
$1,000 dependent coverage, ER paid

EE option to purchase $25,000 additional life insurance & supplemental life to $500,000 (not to exceed 5x annual earnings).

LONG TERM DISABILITY (LTD)
ER paid
60% of base monthly earnings to $5,000/month max. (180 day waiting period)

PERS
New City of Livermore EEs are enrolled in the 2% at 60 formula or 2% at 62 formula, depending on eligibility, as per AB 340.

Classic PERS Misc Member- 2% at 60

• Member Rate = 7% EE paid
• Employer Rate = 34.43% ER paid (includes unfunded liability; FY23/24)
• 36 consecutive months Final Comp
• Sick Leave Credit
• 4th Level 59 Survivor Ben.
• Military Service Credit

New PERS Misc Member- 2% at 62

• Member Rate = 7.5% EE paid
• Employer Rate = 34.43% ER paid (includes unfunded liability; FY23/24)
• 36 consecutive months Final Comp
• Sick Leave Credit
• 4th Level 59 Survivor Ben.
• Military Service Credit

MEDICARE (Hired after 3/31/86)EE paid 1.45%ER paid 1.45%

RETIREMENT HEALTH SAVINGS (RHS) ER contribution of 4% of base pay into RHS account.

VACATION ACCRUAL
Years of ServiceAccrual Per Year180.62-5120.126-10135.9811-15160.9416-19180.1820+192.4
Prorated for part-time EE.
Maximum accrual: 340 hours
HOLIDAYS & HOLIDAY-IN-LIEU PAY
Holidays: 12 observed holidays or in lieu day off or if work 2.5 times pay.
Holiday-In-Lieu Pay: EE's assigned receive 7.5% of base salary, paid per pay period

SICK LEAVE ACCRUAL
96.2 hours/year
Pro-rated for part-time EE

SICK LEAVE USAGE:

• FAMILY SICK LEAVE: For immediate Family Illness - ½ Annual Sick Leave Accrual.
• PARENTAL LEAVE: For non-birthing parent who becomes a parent due to adoption, foster care placement, or birth of a child - 48 hours
• BEREAVEMENT/ FUNERAL LEAVE (non-immediate family): 3 regularly scheduled workdays of sick leave can be used for aunt or uncle.

BEREAVEMENT LEAVE
3 regularly scheduled workdays max for immediate family.

PERSONAL LEAVE
Full-Time: 16 hours per year
Pro-rated for part-time EE.

PREGNANCY LEAVE & FMLA/CFRA
EE may use accrued leaves in compliance with City Rules & Regs
Benefit provided as per regulations: Federal Family and Medical Leave Act, California Family Rights Act, and California Pregnancy Disability Act

DEFERRED COMPENSATION 457(b)
ER will contribute $75, $50, or $25 per pay period, with required matching contribution of $75, $50, or $25 by EE.

2025 Maximum:
Normal = $23,500
Age 50+ = $7,500
Catchup Limits = $46,000
Voluntary EE Participation

SECTION 125 PLAN
No ER contribution
2025 Maximum
Dependent Care*: Up to $5,000/year -- *See IRS Pub #503
Unreimbursed Medical: Up to $3,300/year

• Pre-tax Health Care Premiums
• FSA's for Dependent Care
• Unreimbursed Medical Expenses
• Other options offered by plan administrator

UNIFORM ALLOWANCE
$850 per year/ paid in equal amounts per pay period
For Public Safety Dispatchers, Senior Public Safety Dispatchers, Supervising Public Safety Dispatchers, Police Clerks, Senior Police Clerk, Supervising Police Clerk, Animal Control Officers, Police Identification Technician, Supervising Property and Evidence Specialist, Property and Evidence Specialist, Community Service Specialists, Crime & Intelligence Analysts, Supervising Crime & Intelligence Analyst, Crime Prevention Specialist, and Crisis Intervention Specialist.

SAFETY SHOE ALLOWANCE
Public Works Department employees that are required to wear safety shoes or boots, and employees in the Engineering Technician, Neighborhood Preservation Officer, and Building Inspector series who perform field work, shall be eligible for an annual Safety Shoe reimbursement of up to $225 per calendar year for the purchase of safety shoes.

PRESCRIPTION SAFETY GLASSES
Reimbursement of up to $150/year for purchase of safety prescription glasses for EEs working in locations where there is a risk of eye injuries.

SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL
EEs regularly assigned to city facilities operating 24/7 - $2.50/hour for all hours worked when assigned to a shift requiring EE work at least 4 hours between 4:00 p.m.- 6:00 a.m.

EQUIPMENT OPERATION
Public Works EEs: $12.00/day for EE who operates Class A vehicle, min of 50%+ operation/day.

STANDBY PAY
2 hours straight-time for standby on regularly scheduled work day
3 hours straight-time for standby on regularly scheduled days off and fixed City holidays

CALL BACK PAY
3 hours min @ OT rate for FLSA nonexempt. First 3 hours can't be taken as comp time but paid to EE.

WORK IN A HIGHER CLASS
If work min of 3 consecutive workdays, paid @ 5% differential or the minimum of the salary range of the higher classification.

COURT PAY/COURT CANCELLATION PAY
If in connection with EE's usual official duties, 3 hrs min @ OT, or 4 hrs min @ OT for those required to appear on normal day off or on graveyard shift.

SUPPORT SERVICES TRAINING OFFICER PAY
$90/pay period for full pay period while assigned.

BILINGUAL PAY
$75/pay period for those certified as competent at the conversational and written level. Must be identified by Department Head and approved by Admin Services Director, and used on the job.

$60/pay period for those certified as competent at the conversational level. Must be identified by Department Head and approved by Admin Services Director.

TELEPHONE PAY
20 minutes and for each minute exceeding 20 minutes at OT rate.

CELL PHONE ALLOWANCE
Standard = $40/month (if authorized)
See Administrative Regulation 36 for details.

COMMERCIAL DRIVERS' LICENSE PAY
$35/pay period with valid CA Commercial Driver's License and valid DOT medical card.

OT COMP & COMP TIME OFF
OT for > 40 hrs/week or > 8 hrs/day in a reg scheduled day or hrs in excess of those normally scheduled & worked/day @ 1 ½ x reg. pay or Comp Time in lieu of OT for FLSA nonexempt. Accrued Comp Time in excess of 100 hours must be paid out.

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT
75% reimbursement for tuition & books
For undergraduate studies, $4,000 FY max; $16,000 lifetime max
For graduate studies, $5,000 FY max; $10,000 lifetime max

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS
100% reimbursement for required licenses and certifications

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Three (3) sessions per incident per family member. Unlimited telephonic consultations.

FLSA WORK PERIOD
168 hour pay period beginning Monday at 12:01 a.m., ending 7 days later on Sunday at 12:00 midnight. If an EE is not on this work week schedule, something must be in writing documenting EE's work week.

For WR Operator series: 168 hour period beginning Sunday at 12:00 midnight,
ending 7 days later on Saturday at 11:59 p.m.

PAY PERIODS
26 pay periods per year

Benefits listed are for regular full-time employees. Benefits are prorated for 30-hour and 20-hour employees.

ER = Employer
EE = Employee
FT = Full-Time
PT = Part-Time
01

This is a Lateral recruitment. You must be currently employed, or within the last 6 months, as a 9-1-1 emergency dispatcher to be considered for this opportunity. Please check all boxes below which applies to you.

• I am currently employed with a public agency, or within the last six months, as an emergency 9-1-1 dispatcher.
• I have completed the probationary period as a 9-1-1 dispatcher with my current employer.
• I have completed the POST-certified Public Safety Dispatchers' Basic Course.
• I currently possess the POST Public Safety Dispatcher Certificate.
• None of the above.

02

Describe a specific dispatch situation that you personally handled which demonstrates your ability to make quick and sound decisions in an emergency. (Provide your response in paragraph form)
03

Describe a difficult communication issue or interpersonal conflict you encountered at work. Was there a resolution and what did you learn from this particular incident? (Provide your response in paragraph form)
04

To the best of your knowledge, what overall rating did you receive on your last performance evaluation as an emergency dispatcher?

• Needs Improvement
• Meets Standards
• Exceeds Standards

05

The conditions of employment for the position of Public Safety Dispatcher include the following:

• Work any shift in a 24-hour period, work holidays, and/or weekends
• Work scheduled and emergency overtime
• Be available on call as required
• Attend classes as required
• Maintain the certifications necessary for this job classification
• Wear a uniform and comply with departmental grooming standards
• Assist in processing arrested persons to jail, as needed

Are you willing and able to meet the above conditions?

• Yes
• No

06

The City of Livermore Police Department requires its employees to be free from illegal drug use. Candidates for this position must be free from the use of illegal drugs for three years prior to application. Have you remained free from illegal drugs for the last three years? (In responding to this question DO NOT include any information about cannabis)

• Yes
• No

07

Candidates who are considered for this position will be subject to the following as part of the selection process for the Livermore Police Department: 1) Polygraph test2) Background investigation (minimally includes verification of education, employment, military, criminal history, civil litigation, credit history, DMV records, and personal history)3) Post-offer drug screen4) Post-offer medical examination5) Post-offer psychological examination.I understand and agree that I will be subject to these tests.

• Yes
• No

08

I hereby certify that my answers to the above questions are complete and true to the best of my knowledge. I agree and understand that any misstatement of the material facts contained in the application or supplemental questionnaire will cause me to forfeit all rights to employment with the City of Livermore.

• Yes
• No

Required Question