Dispatcher II

Join to apply for the Dispatcher II role at the City of San Diego.

THIS IS NOT AN ENTRY-LEVEL DISPATCHER POSITION.

See NOTE(S) below for future wage increases and/or additional compensation opportunities.

Applicants are encouraged to apply to other dispatcher recruitments, as vacancies may be filled using any current dispatcher eligible list (Dispatcher I and Fire Dispatcher).

You will be required to pass a computer-based performance test for consideration.

Multitasking skills and the ability to make quick decisions are essential to be a successful dispatcher.

For Police Department positions, selected candidates will undergo a comprehensive character and background investigation, including a polygraph examination and fingerprint check prior to hire. Felony convictions, domestic violence convictions, or use of any illegal drugs may be disqualifying.

Dispatcher II positions in the Police and Fire‑Rescue Departments work on a Computer‑Aided Dispatch (CAD) system and are the primary answering point for all 911 and non‑emergency phone calls from within the City of San Diego. Tasks include eliciting essential incident information from callers; determining the nature and extent of the request, priority, and need for dispatching police, fire, or medical units;

entering information; answering routine inquiries; and performing other duties as assigned.

• Special salary wage increase of 5% effective 1/1/26.
• Eligible employees hired on or after July 10, 2021, are automatically enrolled in the San Diego City Employees Retirement System (SDCERS).

• Typical hourly rate: $31.30.
• Must obtain a California P.O.S.T. Basic Dispatcher Course Certificate within one year of hire.
• Certificate holders are eligible for 20% additional pay.
• Operators assigned to the 911 Police Department Phone Room receive 5% special assignment pay.
• Shift: 10 hours per shift, four days per week, with three consecutive days off.
• May be required to work overtime.

• Shift: 12-hour shifts (44/36 rotation schedule).
• May be required to work overtime during training or cleared positions.
• Eligible for 17.5% additional pay after completing a paid mandatory Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) certification course.
• All dispatcher classifications subject to mandated overtime beyond scheduled shift with short notice to maintain staffing.

You must be a United States citizen or have the current legal right to work in the United States.

• High school graduation.
• General Education Development (G.E.D.) test.
• California High School Proficiency Examination (C.H.S.P.E.).
• Two-year, four-year, or advanced degree from a college or university.

• Six months of prior experience as a Dispatcher I or Dispatcher II with the City of San Diego.
• One year of experience in a law enforcement agency or fire department.
• One year of experience performing emergency dispatch for a medical transport company or department.

• Ability to communicate in Spanish, Korean, Arabic, Farsi, Somali, Chinese, Indochinese, or Tagalog.

• Approved applicants will receive notification to schedule the performance test.
• Waivers may be requested if: previously served as City of San Diego Dispatcher I/II and passed probation within one year; passed current performance test within one year; current San Diego Police Dispatcher with phase training and memorandum; possess valid Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) certification and 2 years recent experience in Fire‑Rescue/medical transport within past 5 years.

If you fail the performance test, you may reapply 30 days after your…