Communications Operator

Communications Operator I – City of Vallejo, California

This ongoing recruitment is for the entry‑level Communications Operator I in the City of Vallejo Police Department. The position supports public‑safety operations by receiving, interpreting, and dispatching emergency calls and maintaining accurate records and communications.

• Receive, interpret, classify, prioritize, and respond to routine and emergency calls for law enforcement, fire, ambulance, and other agencies.
• Enter relevant information using a computer‑aided dispatch system and transmit dispatch messages in accordance with established procedures.
• Assign calls to police units, coordinate with patrol supervisors, and monitor radio frequencies and video displays to maintain clear status of field units.
• Operate communications equipment, including dispatch consoles, radio transmitters and receivers, electronic terminals, and telephone systems.
• Access and retrieve information from computerized databases (wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, etc.).
• Provide information and assistance to officers, field personnel, the public, and other agencies, including warrants, permits, and criminal history.
• Maintain logs, records, and files related to communications center activities.
• Perform mobile dispatch duties while operating a vehicle as required.
• Respond to public inquiries and resolve complaints efficiently.
• Attend court appearances and other assigned duties as necessary.

• Customer‑service skills and professional telephone‑answering techniques.
• Proficiency with computer equipment, office software, and modern office procedures.
• Correct English usage, spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
• Ability to remain calm under stressful or emergency conditions.
• Capability to learn and apply departmental rules, policies, and dispatch procedures.
• Effective use of two‑way radio and dispatch systems with accurate status updates.
• Map reading and knowledge of the surrounding geographic area.
• Clear, concise verbal communication for distressed or angry citizens.
• High typing speed – minimum 35 words per minute.
• Maintain confidentiality and exhibit professional composure during stressful situations.
• Work flexible hours, including night, weekend, and overtime shifts.
• Perform multi‑tasking, clerical work (filing, indexing, record keeping).

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Some experience operating radio, computer, or other communication equipment is desirable.
• Valid California driver’s license required upon hire.
• Completion of required training including chief’s interview, sit‑along, personal history statement, live‑scan fingerprinting, polygraph, background investigation, psychological assessment, and medical assessment.

• Telephone console (911 & non‑emergency). Computer‑aided dispatch systems with mapping features and printers.
• Radio console controls and monitors; headset.
• Mobile data computer.
• Microsoft Word, e‑mail, copy machine, fax machine.
• California Law Enforcement Telephone System (CLETS) and Telecommunications Device for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (TDD).

The City of Vallejo provides reasonable accommodations to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Request accommodations during the application or testing process by contacting the Human Resources Department.

Veterans receive preference points in accordance with Civil Service Rule 24. Include a copy of the DD‑214 when applying.

City of Vallejo is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, or any other non‑job‑related factors.