Communications Operator

Description

The City of Visalia Police Department is recruiting for Communications Operator (Dispatcher). The recruitment is open continuously and will be used to fill current and future vacancies as they arise. A typing certificate dated within one year of the filing deadline MUST be submitted verifying typing speed of 40 corrected WPM before hire.

Click herefor the recruitment announcement.

THE DIVISION

The Operations Division consists of the Patrol Bureau and Communications Unit that provide patrol, traffic, commercial, and emergency communications services for the Visalia Police Department. The Patrol Bureau operates out of two District Substations, one in each policing district, and the Visalia Emergency Communications Center. In 2023, the Department fielded more than 145,000 police calls for service.

Examples of Duties

THE POSITION

The Communications Operator works under direct supervision of the Communications Supervisor. They will receive and transmit routine and emergency telephone and radio traffic, dispatch and coordinate police, fire and animal control.

They will maintain and process a variety of communications paperwork, records, and logs. As an Emergency Services employee, the applicant must be available for all shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Qualifications / Requirements

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate will be capable of assertively taking command of situations in a sensitive yet straightforward manner, while showing consideration and respect to others, and will have the ability to deal with stressful and pressured situations in an efficient and controlled manner. Candidates must demonstrate good decision making skills under pressure, work with minimum direct supervision, and be a team player with a positive attitude. Additionally, candidates should have the ability to work all shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge, skill and ability is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skill and abilities would be:

• Possession of high school diploma or GED.

• One year of 911 emergency dispatching experience with a law enforcement agency, within the last three years.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Possession of a California P.O.S.T. Dispatcher Basic Certificate.

• Keyboarding speed of 40 CWPM (correct words per minute).

• Possession of a valid California Driver's License by time of appointment.

TYPING CERTIFICATE DATED WITHIN ONE YEAR OF THE FILING DEADLINE AND DISPATCHER BASIC CERTIFICATE MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH APPLICATION

Additional Information

SELECTION PROCESS

Application and supplemental materials will be evaluated and applicants who appear to be most qualified will be invited to participate in a job related interview and/or examination process. Successful candidates may be required to pass a background, physical examination, and/or drug screen.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The City of Visalia offers a competitive total compensation package that includes:

$5,061 - $6,363 Monthly

CalPERS retirement program

Health, Dental and Vision Insurance

Onsite City Health and Wellness Clinic (no out of pocket expenses)

Paid Holidays, Vacation, Sick Leave and much more...

Review the Benefits tab for more information.

COMMUNITY OVERVIEW

If work-life balance is important to you, consider living in a thriving community that offers the most affordable housing in California with a typical commute time of less than 20 minutes. With a population of over 143,000, Visalia offers small town charm with metropolitan amenities. Visalia has a world class health care system, our own Sequoia Symphony Orchestra, a flourishing arts community, a minor league baseball team, a downtown convention center, and numerous fine dining establishments.

As the Tulare County seat, Visalia is the principal retail center in the region, and home to several large industrial employers. Visalia has a vibrant downtown district, safe neighborhoods, excellent schools, institutions for higher learning, and low cost of living. The City has many community parks, organized team sports, a municipal golf course and private country club, a multi-sport family-oriented regional sports park, and numerous outdoor and recreational activities.

Located in the heart of California's San Joaquin Valley, Visalia offers easy access to the nearby mountains, national parks, lakes and rivers which provide year-round opportunities for sports and recreation within an hour or less. Visalia was ranked as the top Central Valley community and one of seven California cities in the top 25 of Gallup Sharecare's latest State of American Well Being Index.

Our strong sense of community and social well-being keeps Visalians happy, healthy and moving forward. Come discover all Visalia has to offer!

The City of Visalia is an equal opportunity employer.