Dispatcher

Dispatcher

Come join our team! The City of Novato is recruiting for a Dispatcher. Application deadline : 11 : 59 p.m. Sunday, November 2, 2025.

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

Definition : Receives, screens, and responds to incoming emergencies and non-emergency calls for police assistance. Dispatches appropriate units and maintains necessary communication with units during their response to calls. Performs a variety of clerical, recordkeeping and general support duties related to communications activities.

Supervision received and exercised : Receives general supervision from the Technical Services Supervisor. When serving as a Communications Training Officer, may supervise dispatcher trainee.

Essential and marginal function statements : Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following :

• Receive 9-1-1 emergency calls from the public requesting police or other emergency services; determine nature and location of emergencies, determine priority and dispatch emergency units as necessary and in accordance with established procedures.
• Maintain contact with all units on assignment; maintain status and location of police field units using the police radio and Computer Aided Dispatch system.
• Answer non-emergency calls for assistance, answer maintenance service emergencies on weekends and holidays.
• Coordinate emergency calls and relay information and assistance requests involving other law enforcement agencies.
• Enter, update and retrieve information from teletype networks relating to wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, stolen vehicles and other information.
• Perform a variety of record keeping, filing, indexing and other general clerical work; maintain a variety of logs relating to public safety activities.

Marginal functions :

Qualifications : Knowledge of : Principles, practices, and procedures of emergency communications for police. Local geography, including street, highways, and public facilities. Standard radio broadcasting procedures and rules. Correct English usage, spelling, punctuation and grammar. Modern record-keeping techniques and office procedures, practices and equipment.

Ability to : Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Operate dispatch, teletype and other office equipment. Interpret state and federal communications and department regulations, policies, and procedures. Exercise good judgment, remain calm, and make sound decisions in emergency situations. Learn standard broadcasting procedures of a police radio system. Learn to operate a computerized public safety communication system. Effectively communicate with and elicit information from upset and irate citizens. Deal courteously and effectively with the public. To organize, communicate, and work cooperatively with diverse communities. Comprehend and accurately give directions. Type at a speed necessary for successful job performance. Understand and follow oral and written instructions. Work various shifts as assigned. Work effectively in high stress environments. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Experience and training : Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be : Experience : Although no law enforcement or public safety experience is necessary for this entry-level position, the candidate must demonstrate the life-experience and problem-solving skills necessary to achieve a satisfactory score from assessors on the initial interview panel. Two years of responsible police support dispatch experience is highly desirable. Training : Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade. Though not required, completion of some college is desirable. Proof of education is a copy of one of the following : A high school diploma, a college degree, a high school transcript, a college transcript or, if applicable, or GED certificate. License or Certificate : Possession of, or ability to obtain, P.O.S.T. Dispatcher Certification.

Working conditions : Environmental conditions : Dispatchers work within a communications center, with multiple consoles and monitoring equipment. Dispatchers use various technologies including phone systems, computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, mapping systems, and radio communication equipment. Dispatchers may handle a high volume of calls and must make quick decisions, often under pressure. Dispatchers work around the clock, requiring them to work various shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Physical conditions : Dispatcher's work involves extended periods of sitting or standing, often while wearing headsets. Dispatchers need sufficient hearing and vision to use technical equipment and use of hands to handle, feel, operate office equipment. Must have mental capability to interpret people and situations, perform multiple concurrent tasks, and work in highly emotional and emergency situations. Exposed to computer screens, radios, and electrical energy.

Selection process : It is important to complete all required application materials, including the supplemental questionnaire and any required additional documents. All applications will be screened for completeness and possession of minimum qualifications. Qualified applications will be reviewed in detail to identify the most qualified candidates to continue in the selection process which may consist solely of an application screening, or may include a written examination, skills assessment, oral appraisal interview, assessment center, or other activity selected by the Human Resources Department and the hiring department. As a result of the selection process an eligibility list of qualified candidates will be established to fill current and future vacancies as long as the eligibility list remains active. Candidates who score the highest in the selection process will be required to pass a reference and background exam prior to receiving a conditional job offer. Candidates receiving a conditional offer of employment will be required to pass a pre-employment medical and drug screen examination prior to receiving a final job offer.

Application procedure : Only online applications will be accepted. To be considered for this exciting opportunity, candidates must complete an online application and the required supplemental questionnaire. The supplemental questionnaire is part of the application; please provide sufficient detail to enable your answers to be rated. Application deadline : 11 : 59 p.m. Sunday, November 2, 2025. Accommodation : Applicants who may require special assistance in any step of the selection process should advise Human Resources by emailing hr@novato.org upon submittal of application. The City of Novato is an Equal Opportunity Employer.