Skip to Main Content

Public Safety Dispatcher

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening.  To apply for the position, please click the Apply for this Job link/button.

If you would like to bookmark this position for later review, click on the Bookmark link.  If you would like to print a copy of this position for your records, click on the Print Preview link.

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS:
Upload P.O.S.T. certified dispatcher basic academy only if completed under license and other requirements.

Posting Details

Posting Details (Default Section)

Posting Number: 0601464
Open Date: 01/25/2024
Position Title: Public Safety Dispatcher
Working Title:
Department: College Police
Work Site: Main Campus: 900 Otay Lakes Road, Chula Vista, CA 91910
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Position Type: Classified Bargaining/Staff (Permanent Contract)
Months of Service: 12 months
FTE:
1.0 (full-time)
Hours Per Week:
40
Funding Source: Categorical/Project-Funded
District Values:
Incumbents in District positions are expected to exhibit an equity-minded focus, responsiveness, and sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, and employees, including those with physical or learning disabilities, and successfully foster and support an inclusive educational and employment environment.
Job Description
Responsibilities:
Under supervision from an assigned supervisor, provide public safety dispatch services for police officers; maintain two-way communication with police units; access law enforcement databases and provide information and assistance to emergency dispatch units; and perform a variety of police support and routine clerical duties including word processing and data entry of a specialized nature.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:
  1. Receive and prioritize calls from staff, students and the public requesting a variety of emergency services including police, fire, and ambulance services; exercise initiative and independent judgment in assessing alarms and emergency or routine calls; coordinate requests for dispatch in order of importance and determine the proper level of response; dispatch units accordingly.
  2. Monitor and operate automatic computerized alarm systems and a Computer Aided Dispatch system (CAD) to determine location and type of emergency.
  3. Advise and assist police officers and other staff in resolving problems with calls for service; determine wanted status on suspects, runaway status on juveniles, registration and stolen information on vehicles and property.
  4. Maintain contact with all units; monitor status and location of police and public safety assistants as well as fire and emergency medical service units.
  5. Advise and assist District staff and students in resolving routine issues, emergency situations, and personal issues including contacting outside law enforcement and other agencies, appropriate District staff, and parents.
  6. Operate California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS) to enter, modify, and retrieve data associated and connected with law enforcement records and criminal history databases.
  7. Maintain accurate and up-to-date police files and records; develop and monitor various logs, accounts, and files for current and accurate information; verify accuracy of information, researching discrepancies and recording information; organize and maintain filing systems; process requests for records and subpoenas.
  8. Perform a variety of clerical support functions for public safety staff; compile information and data for statistical reports; maintain a calendar of activities, meetings and events for assigned personnel.
  9. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
Knowledge & Abilities:
MUST HAVE KNOWELDGE OF:
  1. Principles and procedures of public safety dispatching including operation of computer aided dispatch software applications.
  2. Pertinent federal, state, and local codes, laws, and regulations.
  3. Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
  4. Basic principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation.
  5. Principles and practices used to establish and maintain files and information retrieval systems.
  6. Principles, practices, and procedures of basic fiscal, statistical, and administrative record keeping.
  7. Basic principles and techniques used in public relations including methods and techniques of proper receptionist and telephone etiquette.
  8. Interpersonal skills using tact, patient and courtesy.
  9. Work organization principles and practices.
  10. English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.
MUST HAVE ABILITY TO:
  1. Perform a variety of public safety dispatching functions requiring independent judgment.
  2. Act independently and efficiently in routine and emergency situations.
  3. Exercise good judgment to remedy operational problems with minimum delay while protecting life and property.
  4. Understand, interpret, and apply general radio dispatch, administrative and office policies and procedures.
  5. Perform a variety of office support and clerical duties and activities of a general and specialized involving independent judgment in the interpretation, application, or modification of existing procedures within well-defined guidelines.
  6. Respond to requests and inquiries from students, staff, or the public; effectively present information in person or on the telephone to students, staff or the public.
  7. Use sound judgment in recognizing scope of authority.
  8. Type or enter data at a speed necessary for successful job performance.
  9. Compile and organize data and information.
  10. Exercise good judgment in maintaining information, records, and reports.
  11. Plan and organize work to meet schedules and changing deadlines.
  12. Adapt to changing technologies and learn functionality of new equipment and systems.
  13. Work under steady pressure with frequent interruptions and a high degree of public contact by phone or in person.
  14. Work with and exhibit sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse racial, ethnic, disabled, sexual orientation, and cultural populations of community college students.
  15. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  16. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Education & Experience:
Graduation from high school AND six (6) months of experience performing public safety dispatch duties involving the operation of radio/voice communications equipment; or as an operator of a telephone switchboard in a public center communication center or closely related
OR
One (1) year of experience in a high-volume fast paced setting performing clerical and customer service duties as a multi-line phone or switchboard operator may be considered.
Minimum Qualifications (Faculty and Academic Administrator Positions Only)
Desired Qualifications:
Experience in a public safety Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) radio communication department or radio dispatching, public emergency information systems, or law enforcement is highly desirable.
Licenses and Other Requirements:
Possession of or the ability to obtain a valid P.O.S.T. certified dispatcher basic academy certificate within 10-months of employment. Failure to acquire a valid Post Certificate within 10-month requirement may result in termination of employment.

Ability to successfully complete a thorough background and pass the pre-employment psychological, polygraph examination, and physical examinations per CA Penal Code 13510(d).

All District employees must participate in the COVID-19 Vaccination Program, which requires them to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 unless they receive an approved medical or religious exemption.
Working Conditions:
The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment: Work is performed primarily in a standard office setting with frequent interruptions and distractions; extended periods of time viewing computer monitor; exposure to individuals requiring emergency assistance. This job class requires shift work including evening, nights, holidays, and weekends. Dispatchers may be required to work beyond their scheduled shift where relief cannot be found.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; and to verbally communicate to exchange information.

Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction.

Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.
Salary:
Range 22, Steps 1-7, $4,951.86-$6,268.93. Plus a 5% shift differential. Initial placement for external applicants is Step 1. An excellent benefits package which includes medical, vision, dental, retirement, vacation, generous sick leave package, and life insurance is available for the employee and eligible dependents.

An excellent benefits package which includes medical, vision, dental, retirement, vacation, generous sick leave package, and life insurance is available for the employee and eligible dependents.
Salary Schedule: Classified Bargaining Unit
Work Schedule:
Sunday-Wednesday: 2:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m. (Approximately). Work schedule may be adjusted to meet the needs of the department due to dispatch relief, vacation and holiday backfill. Hours may vary according to the College Police department needs. Applicants must be willing to work morning, nights, graveyards, weekends, and holidays as required.

Successful candidate may be assigned to any of the campus sites (Chula Vista, National City, Otay Mesa, and/or San Ysidro).
Start Date: As soon as the successful candidate is identified and following the subsequent governing board approval.
Initial Screening Deadline:
All application materials must be received on-line at https://jobs.swccd.edu. Position is open until filled. Applications received by the first screening deadline of 11:59 p.m. on Friday, February 23, 2024 are guaranteed to be reviewed by the selection committee. Any application received after the deadline is not guaranteed a review.
Tentative Timeline (Subject to Amendments):
 | January 25-February 23, 2024 | Position advertised; District receives applications
 | February 23, 2024 | Initial screening deadline for guaranteed consideration. Position is open until filled.
 | March 4-15, 2024 | Reviewing of applications.
 | March 18-29, 2024 | Search Committee interviews candidates
 | April, 2024 | Tentative employment start date pending Governing Board approval.
Open Until Filled Yes
Required Applicant Docs Cont'd Southwestern College Online Application
Supplemental Application:
Special Instructions to Applicants:
REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS:
Upload P.O.S.T. certified dispatcher basic academy only if completed under license and other requirements.
Equivalency (Academic Faculty Positions Only)
Equivalency (Academic Faculty Positions Only)" section to read as follows, “To teach classes at Southwestern Community College District, an applicant must have completed coursework that meets the California Community College’s Chancellor’s Office Minimum Qualifications for Faculty. In some cases, an applicant who does not possess the exact degree title(s) listed by the State may meet State requirements for equivalency. In this case, the District follows a process to determine equivalency. If this is the case, please complete the Supplemental Equivalency Application, for Academic Employment and upload this form with your online application.
Foreign Degrees:
Foreign degrees require an evaluation for United States equivalency from an agency having membership with the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services, Inc.

Transcripts issued outside the United States of America require a course-by-course analysis with an equivalency statement from a certified transcript evaluation service verifying the degree equivalency to that of an accredited institution within the USA. This report must be attached to your online application at the time of applying.

For your convenience, here is a link to NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services) membership list to assist you in complying with this requirement, https://www.naces.org/members. You may use any other certified transcript evaluation service at your disposal.
Additional Information:
A confirmation number will be assigned if your application packet has been successfully submitted. Assistance with the online application process is available through the Human Resources Office at 900 Otay Lakes Road, Chula Vista, CA 91910; telephone: (619) 482-6395 or e-mail to employment@swccd.edu.

It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to ensure that all application materials are received by the review deadline date. A separate, complete application packet is required for each position for which you are applying for. All materials included in your application packet become District property, will not be returned, will not be copied, and will be considered for this opening only.

Candidates selected for employment with Southwestern Community College District must be fingerprinted by an electronic fingerprinting service (i.e. LiveScan) within 10 days of employment; provide clearance of tuberculosis (dated within the past 4 years and renewed every four years as a condition of continued employment) within 60 days of employment; provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States.

In addition to the above, for Faculty/Administrator positions (only), successful candidate must submit official (sealed) college transcripts confirming date degree conferred and/or a valid CA Community College Credential.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided to candidates with verified disabilities. Accommodation requests should be made at the time the interview appointment is scheduled.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer and in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Southwestern Community College District will make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

The Southwestern Community College District shall not discriminate against any person in employment or in any program affiliated with the District on the basis of age, ancestry, color, ethnic group identification, national origin, religion, race, sex, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or on the basis of these perceived characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

Notice of Availability of the Annual Security Report – Southwestern College is committed to assisting all members of the community in providing for their own safety and security. The Annual Security Report is available on the SWCPD website at https://www.swccd.edu/student-support/college-police/public-information-and-resources/index.aspx.

If you would like to receive a hard copy of the Annual Security Report, which contains this information, you can stop by the SWC College Police Department or you can request that a copy be mailed to you by calling (619) 482-6390.

The report contains information regarding campus security and personal safety including topics such as: crime prevention; public safety authority; crime reporting policies; programs to prevent dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking; the procedures the College will follow when one of these crimes is reported; and other matters of importance related to security on campus. The report also contains information about crime statistics for the three most recent calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by the College or a recognized student organization; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus.

This information is required by law and is provided by the SWC College Police Department.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Plan (DAAPP) – More information about the DAAPP, including the Drug Free Environment and Drug Prevention Program Policy and Procedure and Biennial report can be found in the Health and Safety Section of the campus Consumer Information page (https://www.swccd.edu/student-support/health-services/personal-wellness-mental-health/drug-and-alcohol-abuse-prevention-program.aspx)
Selection Procedure:
A screening committee will evaluate applicants, taking into account the breadth and depth of relevant education, training, experience, skills, knowledge, and abilities. Selected applicants will be invited for an interview.

INTERVIEW TRAVEL COSTS MUST BE BORNE BY THE APPLICANT.

If additional positions become available in this classification, applications received in response to this posting may be considered for those additional positions for up to 90 days after final board approval.
HR Contact Information:
Southwestern Community College
Human Resources (Bldg. 46B-150)
900 Otay Lakes Road
Chula Vista, CA 91910
www.swccd.edu

(619) 482-6395

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

  1. * How did you learn about this career opportunity?
    • Asians in Higher Ed
    • Blacks in Higher Ed
    • CalJobs.com
    • Chronicle of Higher Education
    • DeafJobWizard.com
    • Disabled in Higher Ed
    • Higher Ed Jobs
    • Hispanics in Higher Ed
    • Inside Higher Ed
    • Jobing
    • LGBT in Higher Ed
    • Native Americans in Higher Ed
    • San Diego Union Tribune
    • SWC Website
    • Women In Higher Education
    • The Registry
    • Veterans in Higher Ed
    • Women and Higher Ed
    • Other (Please Specify if not listed above)
  2. If Other, please specify.

    (Open Ended Question)

Required and Optional Documents

Required Documents
  1. Letter of application (Cover Letter)
  2. Resume or Curriculum Vitae
  3. Unofficial copies of college transcripts showing supplemental coursework
Optional Documents
  1. Licenses & Other Requirement (See Special Instructions)