Looking For A Few Good Men Or Women

Formerly:  Communications Dispatcher

Under general supervision received and dispatches emergency (911) calls for police or fire and emergency medical services.  

Note: No online job interest cards are accepted for this job.

Under general supervision, receives and dispatches emergency (911) calls for police or fire and emergency medical service; enters data into personal computer while questioning callers for information; determines nature, validity and disposition of calls; may provide post dispatch medical instructions; utilizes computer generated messages and priorities to dispatch field units to emergency situations; operates a variety of communications equipment including radio transmitters, accessories and telephones; performs call reception and dispatch activities utilizing computer-assisted dispatch system; answers or refers inquiries and complaints regarding a wide variety of public safety and related matters; accesses, retrieves, and transmits vehicular or personal information to field units; relays relevant situational information to non-city enforcement or public safety agencies; may provide training for dispatchers and participate in evaluation of their performance; may act in a variety of dispatch supervisory positions; performs other related duties as required.

The Long Beach Civil Service Commission in conjunction with the Long Beach Police Department and the Long Beach Fire Department present Public Safety Dispatcher Preparation Workshops.

1. MUST be willing to work: Any shift assignment in either the Police or Fire Departments and work mandatory holidays and weekends and overtime (Public Safety Dispatchers work a 10-hour shift in the Police Department and a 12-hour shift in the Fire Department.) 2. MUST be able to: Handle a high volume of emergency calls with tact, good judgment, initiative and speed; question callers while simultaneously typing information into a computer terminal; speak English clearly and understandably; comprehend, interpret and retain written and orally presented information effectively (i.e., read, memorize, interpret and apply policies and procedures, State Penal Code, FCC regulations, charts and maps.) 3.  Ability to demonstrate keyboarding skills at 30 wpm.  4. Ability to pass a thorough background investigation and polygraph examination conducted by the Long Beach Police Department.  The investigation will cover information regarding relatives, references, acquaintances, educational background, residential history, employment history, criminal history, military service records, financial status, legal history, drug use and related areas.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS: Bilingual skills in English/Spanish or English/Southeast Asian languages, experience or training as an emergency communications operator, dispatcher or similar position requiring knowledge of emergency medical or public safety operations, experience dealing with the public in a service related capacity, a First Aid, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Emergency Medical Dispatching (EMD), or California Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Public Safety Dispatcher Basic (or above) certificate.

EXAMINATION WEIGHTS:

Application and Supplemental Application…………………..Qualifying
Keyboarding Test (minium net speed of 30 wpm)*……….Qualifying
Written/Performance Test**…………………………………………Qualifying

Scope: the ability ti retain orally presented information and aptitude for dispatching.

*The Keyboarding Test will be waived for candidates providing acceptable keyboarding certificates.
**The Written Test will be waived for candidates providing proof of a current California Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Public Safety Dispatcher Basic (or above) certificate or a recognized Emergency Medical Dispatching (EMD) certificate.

Please View Information Sheet

A minimum rating of 70 must be attained in order to pass the written examination.  This is a continuous examination.  Applicants may take hte exam only once during a four month period.

If you have not received notification by September 2, 2009, contact the Civil Service Department at (562) 570-6202.

This information is available in an alternative format by request to (562) 570-6202.

J.O.B. 116-09 J4AN-09 PSD  7/29/09