What are the responsibilities and job description for the Police Dispatcher-Clerk position at City of San Marino?
Welcome
This recruitment is subject to close without advance notice.
P.O.S.T. Entry-Level Test Battery Exam: Tentatively March 10-11
Interview Dates: Tentatively April 8-9
Competitive Wages
4% COLA increase effective July 1, 2026
The San Marino Police Department is looking for an effective communicator and a motivated individual to join our team of professionals in handling emergency and non-emergency calls for the city of San Marino. The ideal candidate will have strong multi-tasking skills and the ability to remain calm during stressful situations. The successful candidate will provide excellent customer service to both external and internal customers. Police Dispatchers currently work a 3/12 schedule that includes nights, weekends and holidays. If you are interested in joining a team that is motivated by public service and committed to delivering the highest level of public safety, apply today!
The San Marino Police Department is comprised of 32 sworn officers and 11.5 civilian staff. San Marino Police Department is led by a Chief of Police, two Bureau Commanders and a Civilian Administrative Manager.
Situated 12 miles from the majestic foothill mountains, the beautiful City of San Marino, California, with a population of approximately 13,000 is located northeast of Los Angeles in the San Gabriel Valley. Incorporated in 1913, San Marino is primarily a residential community known for expansive properties surrounded by beautiful gardens, wide streets, well- maintained parkways, and top- performing schools. A city of 3.75 square miles, the City is home to numerous recreational and cultural opportunities that complement all interests. Residents and visitors enjoy hiking in the foothill mountains, exhibits at The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, historical culture and art galleries at the Old Mill (El Molino Viejo), and recreational activities at the historic Lacy Park. Other recreational activities include shopping and dining in the delightful business districts along Mission Street and Huntington Drive. With a focus on resident services and community engagement, the City of San Marino is recognized for its police and fire services, library, parks and community amenities, and planning and zoning that maintain the community’s high-quality residential character.
General Description
Under supervision, the Police Dispatcher/Clerk performs general duties related to the operation of a communications center that receives incoming calls for emergency and non-emergency police and fire assistance; dispatches required equipment and personnel; receives and transmits teletypes for related computer systems; operates a variety of communications equipment including radio, telephone, and computer systems; completes and maintains a variety of police records.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is a civilian employee in the Police Department and is distinguished from a Police Officer position because it is without peace officer powers. The Police Dispatcher/Clerk reports to the Police Records Manager and is functionally under the supervision of the Watch Commander.
Essential Functions
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The duties, skills, and demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an incumbent to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with a disability to perform the essential duties, skills, and demands.
Duties
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND DEMANDS
Knowledge Of
Any combination equivalent to the education and experience likely to provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to gain such knowledge and abilities would be:
Education
The City Maintains a Strong Culture Of Integrity, Collaboration, And Diversity And Inclusion In The Workplace And The Community At Large. To That End, The Incumbent Is Expected To
The physical demands and work environment described are representative of those that must be met by an incumbent to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Demands
Employee is regularly required to sit at a desk for long periods of time; talk or listen, in person, in meetings and by telephone; use hands and fingers to handle, feel or operate standard office equipment; and reach with hands and arms. Vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction. Lift up to 15 pounds intermittently, twist to reach equipment; walk to observe department activities; periodically bend and squat; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; use telephone and communicate through written means; Interact with employees and the public in possible challenging situations. Occasionally walk up and down stairs; work closely with others; work long periods of time and irregular hours.
Work Environment
Employee generally works 100% indoors. While performing the duties of this job indoors, the work environment is generally in a temperature-controlled office. Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but the employee may occasionally be exposed to loud talking and interruptions from telephones, office equipment and/or members of the public and emergency vehicle sirens.
Employee is exposed to unusual fatigue factors, emergencies and stressful situations and electrical energy. Due to the unpredictable nature of emergency work, an employee will be assigned to work various shifts, including evenings, weekend, and graveyard shifts and holidays. Employee is required to wear a uniform.
This information is available in an alternative format by request to (626) 300-0780.
The City of San Marino is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value and seek diversity in our workforce. San Marino is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
RETIREMENT – PERS
CalPERS 2% @ 60 (Classic Members) or CalPERS 2% @ 62 (New members). The employee pays the full employee portion of the retirement contribution, and the City does not participate in Social Security.
SOCIAL SECURITY
No contributions are paid by the City or employee into Social Security
MEDICARE
1.45% of salary paid by the City and 1.45% by the employee
VACATION LEAVE
The City provides full time and probationary employees with 90 hours of annual vacation accrual, increasing up to 180 hours based on years of service. Please refer to the San Marino CEA Memorandum of Understanding for vacation accrual formula.
SICK LEAVE
Employees receive 96 hours of sick leave per year, maximum accrual of up to 240 hours.
HEALTH COVERAGE
Effective July 1, 2024- June 30, 2027, the costs for all medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance, short-term and long-term disability plans shall be fully funded by the City for the Los Angeles County region of medical coverage.
In the event that the "FFBP" fails to cover the actual costs, the individual employee shall pay the difference.
MEDICAL INSURANCE
The City participates in the CalPERS health benefit program for medical plans: Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Health Net, Kaiser, PERS Gold, PERS Plantinum, UnitedHealthcare.
DENTAL INSURANCE
Delta Dental PPO or DeltaCare HMO coverage
VISION INSURANCE
Ameritas/VSP
LONG TERM DISABILITY & SHORT TERM DISABILITY
Benefits equal 60% of employee's base salary for qualified periods
LIFE INSURANCE
$50,000 Basic Life Insurance - Lincoln Financial Group
Up to $500,0000 Voluntary Life Insurance with Humana
457b TAX-DEFERRED COMPENSATION
Income may be deferred on a pre-tax and/or post-tax basis through TIAA based on IRS Regulations. The City will match up to $100 per month towards the employer-sponsored tax-savings retirement plan.
FLEX-SPENDING, DEPENDENT CARE REIMBURSEMENT, & SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE PROGRAMS
The City provides access to supplemental insurance programs currently administered through American Fidelity
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
EAP services designed to help manage life's challenges are available. Free counseling sessions, legal and financial consultation, discounts, and referrals.
FLOATING HOLIDAY - Two floating holidays per fiscal year.
Dispatcher/Clerk employees in the Police Department shall have the following six (6) paidholidays per calendar year:
New Year's Day
Memorial Day
Fourth of July
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day
In Addition, The Dispatcher/Clerk Employees In The Police Department Shall Have Five (5) Days Which Shall Be Used As Vacation Days. These Five (5) Days Shall Be Credited To The Employee On The Following Dates
President's Day
Veterans Day
Friday after Thanksgiving
Christmas Eve
New Year's Eve
SPECIAL PAY INCENTIVES
Bilingual Pay
Training Incentive Pay
Shift Differential Pay
This recruitment is subject to close without advance notice.
P.O.S.T. Entry-Level Test Battery Exam: Tentatively March 10-11
Interview Dates: Tentatively April 8-9
Competitive Wages
4% COLA increase effective July 1, 2026
The San Marino Police Department is looking for an effective communicator and a motivated individual to join our team of professionals in handling emergency and non-emergency calls for the city of San Marino. The ideal candidate will have strong multi-tasking skills and the ability to remain calm during stressful situations. The successful candidate will provide excellent customer service to both external and internal customers. Police Dispatchers currently work a 3/12 schedule that includes nights, weekends and holidays. If you are interested in joining a team that is motivated by public service and committed to delivering the highest level of public safety, apply today!
The San Marino Police Department is comprised of 32 sworn officers and 11.5 civilian staff. San Marino Police Department is led by a Chief of Police, two Bureau Commanders and a Civilian Administrative Manager.
Situated 12 miles from the majestic foothill mountains, the beautiful City of San Marino, California, with a population of approximately 13,000 is located northeast of Los Angeles in the San Gabriel Valley. Incorporated in 1913, San Marino is primarily a residential community known for expansive properties surrounded by beautiful gardens, wide streets, well- maintained parkways, and top- performing schools. A city of 3.75 square miles, the City is home to numerous recreational and cultural opportunities that complement all interests. Residents and visitors enjoy hiking in the foothill mountains, exhibits at The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, historical culture and art galleries at the Old Mill (El Molino Viejo), and recreational activities at the historic Lacy Park. Other recreational activities include shopping and dining in the delightful business districts along Mission Street and Huntington Drive. With a focus on resident services and community engagement, the City of San Marino is recognized for its police and fire services, library, parks and community amenities, and planning and zoning that maintain the community’s high-quality residential character.
General Description
Under supervision, the Police Dispatcher/Clerk performs general duties related to the operation of a communications center that receives incoming calls for emergency and non-emergency police and fire assistance; dispatches required equipment and personnel; receives and transmits teletypes for related computer systems; operates a variety of communications equipment including radio, telephone, and computer systems; completes and maintains a variety of police records.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is a civilian employee in the Police Department and is distinguished from a Police Officer position because it is without peace officer powers. The Police Dispatcher/Clerk reports to the Police Records Manager and is functionally under the supervision of the Watch Commander.
Essential Functions
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The duties, skills, and demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an incumbent to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with a disability to perform the essential duties, skills, and demands.
Duties
- Receive emergency and non-emergency calls for service, determine nature and location of call; determine priority of calls, and dispatch units accordingly; keep track of police unit locations and status.
- Obtain and record all necessary information to transmit to the appropriate safety personnel; use radio equipment or other means of communication to dispatch appropriate personnel and equipment.
- Receives and transfers, if necessary, 911 system emergency calls for service.
- Receives and transfers text to 911 calls for service.
- Monitors building video surveillance cameras.
- Maintains communication with field units, watch commanders, staff and support personnel; monitors voice radio and teletype system communication involving surrounding agencies.
- Transmit messages over radio using law enforcement radio codes.
- Record messages or relay requests to appropriate persons/agencies.
- Maintain a variety of police records including, but not limited to, radio logs, daily activity bulletins and case logs of sequentially numbered crime and incident reports occurring during a given time period.
- Transmit and receive teletype information.
- Enters, maintains, retrieves and interprets data in police department computer systems (e.g. Computer Aided Dispatch and Records Management System).
- Transmits and inquires via CLETS, DOJ, National Crime Information Center, and FBI databases.
- Data entry of citations.
- Receive payment for police services.
- Performs fingerprinting for the general public.
- Creates invoices for house watch requests.
- Prepares monthly transmittal of cash and credit card receipts.
- Distributes documents to employees and /or agencies.
- Assist members of the public at the Police Department reception desk.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND DEMANDS
Knowledge Of
- The organization, functions, and responsibilities of the Police Department.
- Operations, services, and activities of a public safety telecommunications and dispatch center.
- Operational characteristics of public safety communications equipment including computer aided dispatch systems and multi-channel radio systems.
- Law enforcement and emergency service procedures for responding to and handling reported incidents.
- Techniques of questioning for both emergency and non-emergency calls.
- Methods and techniques of receiving, prioritizing, and dispatching emergency and non-emergency calls for service.
- Radio codes currently used by the Police Department.
- Functions of the Police Department and other City departments.
- Geographic features and locations within the area served.
- Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
- Methods and techniques of telephone etiquette and conflict resolution.
- Principles and procedures of police recordkeeping, security and dissemination.
- Police Department forms and procedures, particularly those used for crime reports.
- Correct English usage, spelling, grammar, punctuation and basic mathematics.
- Familiarity with standard office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software.
- Communicate clearly and distinctly using proper English pronunciation and grammar.
- Learn and retain the geographic deployment of the police patrol units; analyze and interpret maps.
- Analyze problems and rationally and calmly take appropriate action according to policies and procedures of the police department.
- Establish priorities during emergency situations; react calmly and effectively to emergency situations.
- Operate a variety of office equipment including a computer, teletype, portable radio, calculator, telephone and copy machine, type accurately at a speed necessary for successful job performance.
- Respond to the public's and staff's requests for assistance on the phone and in person.
- Set priorities, organize workflow and maintain organization of work and records; multi-task and be responsive to time-sensitive matters; Understand and follow instructions.
- Use time effectively and efficiently to maximize work assignments.
- Exercise good judgment and uphold confidentiality in maintaining critical and sensitive information, records, and reports; understand, interpret, and apply general administrative and departmental policies and procedures.
- Show interest and understand the needs, expectations, and circumstances of internal and external customers.
- Develop and maintain working relationships.
- Fully comprehend spoken communication by picking up on nuances in tone and meaning and being attentive to non-verbal cues and body language.
- Maintain emotional stability and self-control under pressure, challenge, or adversity.
- Ability to pass a police background check
- Work nights, weekends and holidays.
- Willing to work extra hours.
Any combination equivalent to the education and experience likely to provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to gain such knowledge and abilities would be:
Education
- Graduation from high school or equivalent is required.
- One (1) year in an administrative support position or previous dispatching experience.
- Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license with a satisfactory driving record.
- Must obtain a P.O.S.T. Dispatcher Certificate within one (1) year of appointment.
The City Maintains a Strong Culture Of Integrity, Collaboration, And Diversity And Inclusion In The Workplace And The Community At Large. To That End, The Incumbent Is Expected To
- Maintain a strong sense of honesty and integrity by committing to ethical behaviors and taking personal accountability for actions and takes initiative to intervene upon observing unethical behavior.
- Support and appreciate the diverse backgrounds and cultures of the City’s workforce and residents by demonstrating respect to everyone, providing excellent service to all individuals, and fostering a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
- Demonstrate an ability to respond positively and adapt to changes in the workplace.
- Ability to work as a team-player by collaborating with co-workers to make sound decisions when necessary and demonstrating empathy towards co-workers and the community.
- Adhere to all safety practices and procedures as required by City policies and the law and encourage others to do the same.
The physical demands and work environment described are representative of those that must be met by an incumbent to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Demands
Employee is regularly required to sit at a desk for long periods of time; talk or listen, in person, in meetings and by telephone; use hands and fingers to handle, feel or operate standard office equipment; and reach with hands and arms. Vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction. Lift up to 15 pounds intermittently, twist to reach equipment; walk to observe department activities; periodically bend and squat; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; use telephone and communicate through written means; Interact with employees and the public in possible challenging situations. Occasionally walk up and down stairs; work closely with others; work long periods of time and irregular hours.
Work Environment
Employee generally works 100% indoors. While performing the duties of this job indoors, the work environment is generally in a temperature-controlled office. Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but the employee may occasionally be exposed to loud talking and interruptions from telephones, office equipment and/or members of the public and emergency vehicle sirens.
Employee is exposed to unusual fatigue factors, emergencies and stressful situations and electrical energy. Due to the unpredictable nature of emergency work, an employee will be assigned to work various shifts, including evenings, weekend, and graveyard shifts and holidays. Employee is required to wear a uniform.
This information is available in an alternative format by request to (626) 300-0780.
The City of San Marino is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value and seek diversity in our workforce. San Marino is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
RETIREMENT – PERS
CalPERS 2% @ 60 (Classic Members) or CalPERS 2% @ 62 (New members). The employee pays the full employee portion of the retirement contribution, and the City does not participate in Social Security.
SOCIAL SECURITY
No contributions are paid by the City or employee into Social Security
MEDICARE
1.45% of salary paid by the City and 1.45% by the employee
VACATION LEAVE
The City provides full time and probationary employees with 90 hours of annual vacation accrual, increasing up to 180 hours based on years of service. Please refer to the San Marino CEA Memorandum of Understanding for vacation accrual formula.
SICK LEAVE
Employees receive 96 hours of sick leave per year, maximum accrual of up to 240 hours.
HEALTH COVERAGE
Effective July 1, 2024- June 30, 2027, the costs for all medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance, short-term and long-term disability plans shall be fully funded by the City for the Los Angeles County region of medical coverage.
In the event that the "FFBP" fails to cover the actual costs, the individual employee shall pay the difference.
MEDICAL INSURANCE
The City participates in the CalPERS health benefit program for medical plans: Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Health Net, Kaiser, PERS Gold, PERS Plantinum, UnitedHealthcare.
DENTAL INSURANCE
Delta Dental PPO or DeltaCare HMO coverage
VISION INSURANCE
Ameritas/VSP
LONG TERM DISABILITY & SHORT TERM DISABILITY
Benefits equal 60% of employee's base salary for qualified periods
LIFE INSURANCE
$50,000 Basic Life Insurance - Lincoln Financial Group
Up to $500,0000 Voluntary Life Insurance with Humana
457b TAX-DEFERRED COMPENSATION
Income may be deferred on a pre-tax and/or post-tax basis through TIAA based on IRS Regulations. The City will match up to $100 per month towards the employer-sponsored tax-savings retirement plan.
FLEX-SPENDING, DEPENDENT CARE REIMBURSEMENT, & SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE PROGRAMS
The City provides access to supplemental insurance programs currently administered through American Fidelity
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
EAP services designed to help manage life's challenges are available. Free counseling sessions, legal and financial consultation, discounts, and referrals.
FLOATING HOLIDAY - Two floating holidays per fiscal year.
Dispatcher/Clerk employees in the Police Department shall have the following six (6) paidholidays per calendar year:
New Year's Day
Memorial Day
Fourth of July
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day
In Addition, The Dispatcher/Clerk Employees In The Police Department Shall Have Five (5) Days Which Shall Be Used As Vacation Days. These Five (5) Days Shall Be Credited To The Employee On The Following Dates
President's Day
Veterans Day
Friday after Thanksgiving
Christmas Eve
New Year's Eve
SPECIAL PAY INCENTIVES
Bilingual Pay
Training Incentive Pay
Shift Differential Pay
Salary : $100