Public Safety Radio Dispatcher Trainee

Overview

The San José Fire Department’s (SJFD) core mission is to serve the community by protecting life, property, and the environment through prevention and response. SJFD is a high-volume, high-performance, all-risk Fire Department that protects approximately 200 square miles including residential, commercial, high-rise, wildland interface areas, and several high-hazard occupancies.

To apply please complete an application via the City of San José’s website at city careers.

Please note that applications are currently not accepted through Cal Opps or any other third‑party job board application system. Applicants must complete an application via the City of San José’s website at city careers.

The annual salary for the Public Safety Radio Dispatcher Trainee classification is $ per year. This includes an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non‑pensionable compensation pay and a (3.75%) Public Safety Radio Dispatcher Certification Pay.

Upon successful completion of training, Public Safety Radio Dispatcher Trainees are eligible for promotion to the Public Safety Radio Dispatcher classification. The salary range for the Public Safety Radio Dispatcher classification is currently $ – $ annually, with the same additional compensation and certification pay.

Employees in the Public Safety Dispatcher Trainee classification also receive an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non‑pensionable compensation pay and a (3.75%) ongoing non‑pensionable Public Safety Radio Dispatcher Certification Pay.

Answer emergency and non‑emergency telephone calls, comply with medical and fire call‑taking and dispatching policies and protocols, obtain information from callers, provide emergency instructions over the telephone, enter data into the computer‑aided dispatch (CAD) system, dispatch fire and emergency medical personnel and equipment, provide telecommunications systems support, and perform other related work as assigned.

The Public Safety Radio Dispatcher Trainee Training Program includes Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) and Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD) protocol training. EMD and EFD certification is a condition of employment. If an employee fails to maintain San José Fire Department protocol compliance standards, the employee is subject to discipline up to and including termination.

• Positions may require working weekends, holidays, and/or assignments including swing, midnight, or other nonstandard shifts.
• Shifts are currently an 8‑hour schedule during training (five days a week). Shift schedules may change based on the needs of the department, and may include an alternate 9‑hour schedule (every other set of days off includes three days off).
• Shift differential payment of $2.25/hour for swing shift and $2.50/hour for midnight shifts.
• Mandatory overtime will be required during critical incidents or to maintain staffing levels.
• Wearing a uniform is required.

Incumbents receive paid training beginning on their first day attending the Public Safety Radio Dispatcher Trainee Academy. Employee benefits are provided in accordance with the applicable union agreement.

• Education: Successful completion of high school, General Educational Development (GED) certificate, or California Proficiency Certificate.
• Experience: One year of experience receiving, processing and/or dispatching calls in a radio dispatch or call center (2080 hours) OR three years of experience working in public contact employment (6240 hours).
• Certifications: Must possess Emergency Medical Dispatch and Emergency Fire Dispatch certification through the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch within three months of employment and maintain it.

• Job Expertise – Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles and practices, Citywide and departmental procedures/policies and federal and state rules and regulations.
• Communication Skills – Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts and facts clearly, orally and in writing; demonstrates effective use of listening skills; displays openness to others' ideas and thoughts.
• Building…