Communications Dispatcher I​/II​/Limited Term

Job Title

911 Communications Dispatcher I/II (Extra Help / Limited Term)

San Mateo County Public Safety Communications (PSC) is the largest dispatch center in the county and the only Tri‑Community (Police, Fire, Medical) Center located in Redwood City, San Mateo County. PSC emphasizes customer service, employee well‑being, and excellence. PSC provides tools and ongoing training for professional and personal success, fostering a team environment with open communication and prioritizing innovation and cutting‑edge 911 technology.

PSC is committed to employee well‑being, offering mental health initiatives, therapy animals, an on‑site gym, a quiet room, and a full kitchen. PSC is the first department in the county to employ a full‑time Wellbeing and Equity Coordinator and involve mental health professionals in departmental decisions.

Learn more here: https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./911dispatch

PSC is looking for experienced Public Safety Dispatchers to join our team for a 6‑month assignment, which may be extended. The Extra Help Dispatcher will work 8–20 hours per week on a consistent weekly or bi‑weekly shift.

• 2+ years of Public Safety Dispatching experience with Law, Fire, and/or EMS.
• CA POST Basic Dispatcher Certificate
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• Knowledge of Computer‑Aided Dispatch (CAD) operation; previous experience with Versaterm is highly desired.
• Basic computer skills in a business office and communications center environment.
• Ability to operate various types of communications equipment including public safety telephones, two‑way radio systems, data terminals, and related technologies.
• Ability to utilize available resources.
• International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (EMD) certification is highly desired.

Once selected, the Department will coordinate with the successful candidate to set a consistent weekly or bi‑weekly schedule based on the candidate’s availability.

Please note: The successful incumbent MUST be willing to work night shift hours, and/or weekend shifts. This is an Extra Help position, not Relief or Per Diem. Previous Dispatch experience is highly desired.

• Receive business or emergency calls for law enforcement, fire, medical, and other public service agencies.
• Screen information to determine the nature of the call, perform call classification, determine priority and jurisdiction, and document activity.
• Screen and prioritize telephone workload.
• Remain cognizant of workloads and specific systems’ status.
• Provide support and assistance in a team concept during day‑to‑day operations and critical or large‑scale incidents.
• Assist in the coordination of mutual aid incidents.
• Develop and foster a positive working rapport with direct and indirect customers, the public, and co‑workers.
• Testify in court regarding legal proceedings related to dispatch call(s) received.
• Prepare and submit various reports such as incident reports.
• Develop and maintain working knowledge of highways, streets, buildings, and major points of interest in the County and adjacent areas.
• Remain current on procedures for manual dispatch operations and Communications Center evacuation.
• Provide off‑hours services as required.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.

A typical way to qualify is a minimum of one year of experience receiving and processing calls while involved in performing multiple tasks simultaneously.

• English language, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Customer service and interpersonal communications principles.
• Computer operation and use in office and Communications Center environments.
• Basic principles in communicating by means of face‑to‑face contact, telephone, and/or data terminals.
• Various resources within the County in order to provide referrals to the public and public safety agencies.

• Speak, read, and write English clearly.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, in English, both orally and in writing.
• Comprehend, interpret, relay, and document information via telephone, computer software/…