Job Description
Downey Police Department
10911 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, California 90241
Phone: (562) 861-0711
Position: Public Safety Dispatcher
Salary Range: $27.79 - $34.43 hourly
Position Summary
The City of Downey is hiring for the role of Public Safety Dispatcher. This position requires candidates to complete the ECOMM National Exam through the National Testing Network (NTN). Qualified candidates will process emergency and non-emergency calls, ensuring accurate and efficient communication with first responders.
Job Requirements
Education:
High school diploma or equivalent.
Experience (One of the following):
One (1) year of full-time experience as a public safety dispatcher (preferred).
Two (2) years of full-time clerical/administrative support experience with significant public contact (law enforcement agency experience preferred).
Knowledge of:
Modern office practices and procedures.
Proper English usage, grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Codes, practices, and procedures for transmitting information to field units.
Effective communication and customer service techniques.
Map reading and use of computer operating systems and applications.
Ability to:
Learn and refine skills related to dispatching codes, procedures, and methods.
Understand complex oral or written instructions.
Quickly evaluate emergency situations and develop logical solutions.
Multi-task effectively under high-pressure situations.
Operate a computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system and telecommunications equipment.
Type at least 30 words per minute.
Licenses and Certifications:
Valid California Class C Driver's License or ability to utilize alternative transportation.
POST Dispatcher Basic Certification (must be obtained within one year of appointment).
Typing certificate verifying at least 30 WPM (dated within the last 24 months).
Additional Skills:
Bilingual proficiency in Spanish or Asian languages is desirable.
Essential Functions
Answer and process emergency and non-emergency calls for service.
Prioritize and evaluate incoming calls, determining appropriate response levels.
Operate CAD systems to dispatch field units effectively based on location, priority, and availability.
Communicate clearly with callers and responders, relaying accurate information.
Utilize crime databases to examine subjects and vehicles, providing accurate feedback to field personnel.
Handle high-pressure situations while managing multiple tasks efficiently.
Selection Process
Step 1: Application Submission
Submit an employment application, supplemental questionnaire, and verifiable typing certification. Applications without required documents will not be considered.
Step 2: Written Examination
Complete the ECOMM written exam through NTN. Minimum passing scores:
Call Taker: 53
Recording (Note Taking): 64
Dispatch: 43
Candidates possessing a POST Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Certification are exempt from this step.
Step 3: Oral Interview
Participate in a panel interview to evaluate knowledge, experience, and ability to perform essential job functions.
Step 4: Pre-Employment Screening
Candidates receiving a conditional offer will undergo:
Background investigation
Fingerprinting
Credit check
Polygraph examination
Psychological assessment
Pre-employment medical exam, including drug testing (marijuana included).
Physical and Environmental Conditions
Office environment involving prolonged sitting, standing, and walking.
Frequent reaching, bending, stooping, and lifting up to 25 pounds.
Extended use of personal computers and exposure to vibration, pitch, and screen glare.
City Information
Downey, California, is a thriving community with a population of approximately 113,000. The city offers a diverse and vibrant environment with strong public safety services and modern infrastructure.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Downey values diversity, equity, and inclusion, encouraging all qualified individuals to apply. Accommodations are available during the selection process for candidates with disabilities upon request.
Employment Type: Full-Time
Salary: $ 27.00 34.00 Per Hour
Job Tags
Hourly pay, Full time, Work at office,