Communications Dispatcher Trainee (Entry Level)

Communications Dispatcher Trainee

In addition to a competitive compensation package, new, full-time, regular hire entry level Communications Dispatchers are eligible to receive a $5,000 signing bonus which will be split into two equal payments : 50% at time of hire (i.e. first paycheck) and the remaining 50% after successful completion of their probationary period.

At the County of Marin, our employees overwhelmingly report feeling their work is meaningful, they like the work they do, and they are proud to tell people "I work for the County of Marin." Discover more about us, our values and our organizational culture on the Department of Human Resources website.

The Marin County Sheriff's Office : The Marin County Sheriff's Office is committed to partnering with our communities to provide leadership and excellence in public safety. We take pride in our department and work hard to provide a safe environment for our residents. The department is divided into three major bureaus; Administrative and Support Services, Detention Services, and Field Services in addition to operating the countywide Major Crime Task Force. The responsibilities of the Sheriff's Office Bureaus include providing general law enforcement services in the unincorporated communities of Marin County, maintaining the county jail, providing security to the Superior Court, operating a countywide communications division, performing death investigations under the purview of the Coroner, operating a documentary services division consisting of records, warrants, civil units, and more.

Communications Dispatcher Trainees work in the Communications Center and receive on-the-job training in routine and emergency public safety communications, specific day-to-day direction, and are closely supervised. Training includes call-taking and radio-dispatching techniques for law enforcement. After completing the probationary period, trainees are expected to advance to Communications Dispatcher where they will perform the full range of assigned duties.

Our highly qualified candidate will have experience involving heavy public contact and handling several tasks simultaneously while entering information into an automated system. The highly qualified candidate possesses excellent communications skills to enable them to effectively respond to the various public safety agencies and citizens reporting anything from the routine to a serious emergency. Additionally, they will have the ability to work as part of a team in a hectic environment and possess strong interpersonal skills and good judgment. They have the flexibility to successfully adapt to changing work assignments and the ability to execute progressively difficult tasks with increasing independence and reliability. Must have a reputation for honesty and trustworthiness and be able to meet the demands of a career in public safety communications.

Knowledge of :

Cities, highways, main streets, major buildings and geography of Marin County.

Function, organization, purpose and procedure of a public safety communications center.

Ability to :

Speak clearly and concisely in English.

React quickly, efficiently and calmly in an emergency situation and adopt an effective course of action.

Dispatch public safety equipment in a coordinated manner.

Follow written and oral directions; relay messages exactly as received.

Learn how to operate computer terminals including use of the CAD system and software; maintain written radio logs and other records.

Learn the operating procedures of the Public Safety Communications Center.

Exercise judgment and discretion in resolving problems.

React quickly, efficiently and calmly in an emergency situation and adopt an effective course of action.

Minimum Qualifications : Graduation from high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency certificate such as the General Education Development Certificate and one year of experience involving heavy public contact and handling several tasks simultaneously. Experience within a law enforcement, fire, emergency medical, or similar public agency and experience entering information into an automated system are highly desirable. Applications indicating felony convictions will not be accepted as per California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS) requirements. Applicants must be able to work shift assignments and any hours of the day or night, weekends, holidays, and overtime as required to operate a 24-hour, 7-day per week public safety facility. Certification : Possession of, or ability to obtain a California Commission on Peace Officer Standards & Training (P.O.S.T.) Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Certificate within twelve (12) months of appointment.