Position Information/Definition

The City of Turlock is accepting applications for the position of Emergency Services Dispatcher Trainee. Under immediate supervision, to learn 911 call taking and dispatch duties for the City of Turlock Police and Fire Departments.

This classification is assigned to the Turlock Associated Police Officers bargaining unit for labor relations purposes and is subject to overtime assignments.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is an entry level class in the Emergency Services Dispatcher series. Incumbents will undergo on-the-job training which is expected to take approximately four (4) months.  An Emergency Services Dispatcher Trainee will have the opportunity to promote to an Emergency Services Dispatcher I, and upon doing so, will be required to successfully complete a one hundred and twenty (120) hour P.O.S.T. Certified Basic Dispatcher Course.  The department will evaluate the progress of the trainee during the first twelve (12) months of employment to determine when standards for promotion have been met. Failure to make continuous progress and/or failure to promote to Emergency Services Dispatcher I at the end of twelve (12) months will result in termination. The Chief may extend this deadline under extenuating circumstances.

Supervision Received and Exercised

Immediate supervision is provided by a Public Safety Communications Supervisor.

Essential Functions - Include But Are Not Limited To The Following:

• Operate the computer aided dispatch system (CAD) keeping track of all related events and times 
• Receive and dispatch incoming calls from external and internal customers, 
• Learn to operate the Department of Justice automated files to include national inquires and input, 
• Triage and prioritize calls for service from the public in order to dispatch appropriate personnel;
• Perform clerical duties assigned to Communications to include but not limited to data entry, document processing, warrant processing;
• Respond to and screen incoming telephone calls on '911 and miscellaneous phone lines in Communications 
• Dispatch appropriate personnel on calls received for police and fire
• Supply information to the public as needed 
• Operate the touch screen citywide radio system 
• Patch radio channels on multi agency/department involved incidents 
• Inquire and input data into the California Department of Justice CLETS System 
• Maintain confidentiality of information obtained
• Compile DVD reports for court on calls for service as requested
• Testify in court on calls received and handled while on duty
• Perform a variety of related clerical work in the Communication Center 
• Process criminal warrants for service
• Abstract and maintain records on warrants served 
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Knowledge of:  

• High volume telephone and public contact operations
• Two-way radio system
• Basic office equipment

Ability to:

• Read, write, speak and understand English fluently 
• Dispatch emergency service calls expeditiously and correctly 
• Type proficiently
• Think clearly and quickly in emergency situations 
• Read computer screens and monitor visual changes
• Multitask 
• Follow oral and written direction
• Compile information and maintain reports in CAD 
• Reference manuals for accurate input of data into CLETS and NCIC
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted during the course of work
• Locate major streets, public places and landmarks in the city limits
• Receive and remember specific information received 

Additional Information

Experience and Training Guidelines

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge

and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

No previous experience necessary.

Training:

Be a high school graduate from a United States public or private high school

Or

Pass the General Education Development Test indicating high school level

Or

Pass the California High School Proficiency Examination

Certificates:

Possession of a valid California driver's license (minimum class C) at the time of application, to be maintained as a condition of continued employment.

Typing certificate with a typing speed of thirty-five (35) words per minute net corrected.

Completion of a POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery with a T-score of forty-five (45) or higher.

Successful completion of the Department of Justice CLETS required workbook (new employees must meet this requirement within six (6) months from date of employment)

Additional Information:

Physical Conditions:

Maintain the following physical abilities: See well enough to read instructions, read fine print, view computer screen, operate vehicle and related equipment; hear well enough to converse on the telephone and in person, assist the public and other staff; use hands and fingers for use of computer keyboard, copy machine, filing, writing, drive vehicles and answer telephone. Dispatchers work rotating shifts (including day shift, swing shift, cover shift and night shift), weekends and holidays and are subject to callback and overtime assignments.

An eligibility list will be established from this recruitment that will be valid for six (6) months. All full-time employees serve an eighteen (18) month probationary period.

Selection Process

1.  All applicants must complete a standard City of Turlock application for employment form, supplemental questionnaire and submit the following documentation:

• Proof of education -this can be a copy of transcripts or any degree.

• Attach a typing certificate obtained through an agency that can validate the certificate, such as a temporary employment agency, employment center, and school/college.  Note: A self-administered test will not be accepted.

2.     You may submit your required certifications using the following options:

• Attach a scanned copy in the "Add Attachment" option (of the Neo Gov online application) or
• Fax a copy to (209) 668-5529 or
• Email a copy to agodinez@turlock.ca.us or
• Hand deliver copies of your attachments to 156 S. Broadway, Suite 235, Turlock, CA on or before the final filing date.

Applications will be rejected if they are incomplete or required documentation is not attached. 

3. Applications will be reviewed for minimum qualifications. Applications will be rejected if incomplete or if the required typing certificate and the completed supplemental questionnaire are not attached.

4.  Candidates who possess the minimum qualifications and have submitted complete application packets will be invited to compete in the testing process.

5.  In the event that a large number of applicants possess the minimum qualifications, applicants who appear to be the most qualified based on their experience and education will be invited to compete in the testing process.

6.  Completion of a practical examination (Critical examination) will be conducted, which is graded on a pass/fail basis, in order to further evaluate skills relating to essential job functions.

7.  Candidates invited to compete in an oral examination that receives a score of 70% or more will be placed on an eligibility list. Ranking on the eligibility list is based solely on the results of the oral exam.

8.  Top candidates on the eligibility list will be referred to the Turlock Police Department for a Command Staff interview to determine which applicant(s) are referred for a background investigation.

9.  Final appointment to the position of Emergency Services Dispatcher Trainee will be contingent upon passing the following:

1. Background Investigation
2. Interview with Chief
3. Medical examination (including drug/alcohol screening, hearing and vision examinations), and
4. Psychological examination.

Veteran's Preference System

The City of Turlock has adopted a veteran's preference system (effective January 1, 2002). The percentage score achieved through entrance (non-promotional) examination which ranks applicants on an eligibility list shall be adjusted to provide: (a) one (1) percentage point added to the final test score for each six (6) months of active service during a time of armed conflict, up to a maximum of five (5) points, and (b) five (5) percentage points added to the final test score for veterans who are disabled as a result of active military service during a time of armed conflict, regardless of length of service. To receive preference points, applicants must provide supporting documentation and proof of honorable discharge. In no event shall an applicant receive more than a five (5) point adjustment. This request should be made in section #12 of the employment application form. A copy of your DD214 must be attached for this request to be considered.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Turlock is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are sincerely interested in receiving applications from qualified minorities, women and the disabled. Qualified applicants receive equal consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, political affiliation or belief except where indicated by requirements of the job. The City of Turlock will make every effort to accommodate applicants that have disabilities that would not allow them to compete in the announced process. Applicants are asked to indicate their request for accommodation in the application form.

Medical Examination and Drug/Alcohol Screening 

The incumbent will be required to take a medical examination including a drug/alcohol screening and be fingerprinted.

Customer Service Policy

The City of Turlock is committed to quality service to our customers. Our goal is to create a positive, productive and courteous atmosphere for our employees and customers. Employees are evaluated on the quality of customer service they provide.

BENEFITS

• Retirement - Qualified candidates who are currently a Cal PERS member or have been a Cal PERS member within the last six (6) months or are subject to reciprocity with another eligible retirement plan, may be a "classic member" and may be enrolled in the City's 2.7% @ 55 plan.  Employee pays employee contribution rate of 9% on a pre-tax basis. Non-classic or "new members" will be enrolled in the 2% @ 62 plan.
• Generous employer contribution to health plan for employee and family
• Term Life Insurance at 1-1/2 times annual salary
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Liberal vacation, holiday and leave plans
• Dispatcher Intermediate P.O.S.T. Certificate - 2.5% of base pay
• Dispatcher Advanced P.O.S.T. Certificate - 2.5% of base pay
• Associate's Degree or Equivalent - 2.5% of base pay
• Bachelor's Degree - Additional 2.5% of base pay
• Master's Degree - Additional 2.5% of base pay
• Bilingual Pay - 5% of base pay
• Liberal annual uniform allowance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Interest free computer loan
• The City does not participate in Social Security; however, there will be a 1.45% tax in salary for Medicare

PLEASE NOTE:

Information contained herein does not constitute an expressed or implied contract as it is subject to change.