What are the responsibilities and job description for the Public Safety Dispatcher I position at City of Berkeley Police Department?
Public Safety Dispatcher I
City of Berkeley Police Department
Job Summary
The City of Berkeley is seeking dedicated and service-oriented individuals to join the Police Department as a Public Safety Dispatcher I. In this entry-level role, you'll serve as the vital communication link between the public and emergency responders by answering 911 and non-emergency calls, dispatching police, fire, and other emergency services, and maintaining accurate records using advanced dispatch technology.
This position includes comprehensive on-the-job training and offers a career path to Public Safety Dispatcher II upon successful completion of the training program and probation.
What You'll Do
- Answer and prioritize 911 emergency and non-emergency calls
- Dispatch police, fire, animal control, parking enforcement, and public works personnel
- Operate computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, radio equipment, and other communications technology
- Enter, retrieve, and maintain accurate records and information
- Provide professional, calm, and efficient customer service during emergency situations
- Learn departmental policies, procedures, and emergency response protocols through structured training
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent.
Additional Requirements
- Ability to successfully complete a medical and psychological evaluation
- Willingness to work evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and rotating shifts
- Ability to travel as needed for training or operational needs
- Valid California driver's license and satisfactory driving record when driving on City business
Hiring Process
Qualified applicants must submit:
- A completed employment application
- Responses to the supplemental questionnaire
Resumes do not replace the required application.
The selection process may include:
- Application review
- CritiCall examination assessing:
- Decision-making
- Data entry and keyboarding
- Call summarization
- Map reading
- Prioritization
- Job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities
Please note: The City of Berkeley does not accept CritiCall scores from other agencies or POST Dispatcher test scores.
Pre-Employment Requirements
Final candidates must successfully complete a comprehensive background investigation, which may include:
- Employment and education verification
- Criminal history review
- Live Scan fingerprinting
- Driver's license verification
- Credit check
- Reference checks
Equal Employment Opportunity
The City of Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. Qualified applicants are considered without regard to any status protected by applicable law.
Disaster Service Worker Requirement
All City of Berkeley employees are designated as Disaster Service Workers and may be required to provide emergency services during natural disasters or other emergencies.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $76,761.98 - $83,888.06 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $76,762 - $83,888