FIRE TELECOMMUNICATOR CALL TAKER

DEFINITION

OPEN/PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITY

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

EXAMINATION DATE: Week of April 26, 2026

TYPING CERTIFICATE SUBMISSION DEADLINE: April 17, 2026 @ 5:30 PM

The City of Stockton is seeking to fill a vacancy for a Fire Telecommunicator Call Taker in the Emergency Communications Division (ECD) of the Stockton Fire Department. Under immediate supervision, the Fire Telecommunicator Call Taker (Call Taker) receives 911 system and non-emergency calls in the Emergency Communications Division (ECD), determines the nature of the call and routes it to the appropriate Fire Telecommunicator or provides the appropriate assistance; operates various telecommunications center equipment; performs related duties as required.

Incumbents in this position are included in the Civil Service system, in a "for-cause" employment status, and are represented by the Stockton City Employees' Association. (Classified/Represented)

Prior to appointment, eligible candidates will be required to submit to and successfully pass a background investigation, which will include fingerprinting and a medical examination which includes a back evaluation.

Veteran's Preference

This position is eligible to receive five (5) Veteran's Preference Points for entrance into the Civil Service. Veteran's Preference will not be granted on the promotional list. If you believe you qualify for Veteran's Preference, a DD-214 Member 4 copy indicating at least 181 consecutive days of service must be received in the Human Resources Department by Friday, April 16, 2026 @ 5:30 PM. (see supplemental questionnaire for details in submitting DD-214 copy).

Under immediate supervision, the Fire Telecommunicator Call Taker (Call Taker) receives 911 system and non-emergency calls in the Emergency Communications Division (ECD), determines the nature of the call and routes it to the appropriate Fire Telecommunicator or provides the appropriate assistance; operates various telecommunications center equipment; performs related duties as required.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is the pre-entry/trainee level class. Under immediate supervision, incumbents learn Fire Department and City Policies and Procedures related to receipt and processing of incoming emergency and non-emergency calls. This position is distinguished from the Fire Telecommunicator I job class in that the Call Taker does not routinely dispatch emergency personnel or equipment via radio or other electronic communications equipment. This class is alternately staffed with the Fire Telecommunicator I. Based on the needs of the Fire Department, incumbents may advance to the higher level after successfully completing a one-year probationary period and gaining one additional year of experience and demonstrating proficiencies which meet the qualifications of the higher-level class.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES (Illustrative Only)

PRINCIPAL DUTIES (Illustrative Only)

• Receives and evaluates incoming 911, fire emergency, and business calls received by ECD.
• Collects pertinent information from the caller and accurately records details of calls, dispatches, and messages.
• Provides Emergency Medical Dispatching (EMD) as defined by the EMD protocol level to which they are trained.
• Routes calls to appropriate Telecommunicator or other agency.
• Operates computer and phone console equipment for call input.
• Enters call information in the CAD system.
• Handles inquiries and complaints regarding services from the public.
• May provide court testimony related to calls as required.
• Prepares and/or types reports and records.
• Assists with related projects as assigned.
  
  

Qualifications

Education/Experience:

Possession of a High School Diploma or GED.

Other Requirements

• Must obtain and maintain a valid CPR card (American Heart Association BLS-C or equivalent) within six months of appointment.
• Must obtain and maintain a valid EMD certification from the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) and San Joaquin County Emergency Medical Services Agency and within six months of appointment.
• Must successfully complete a background investigation and obtain a California Department of Justice fingerprint clearance.
• Must possess a valid (two years old or less) typing certificate for at least 35 net words per minute from a recognized organization.
  
  

Knowledge Of

• Basic terminology used in fire and related emergency radio and telephone communications;
• Basic medical terminology;
• Operation of communication and standard office equipment including telephone, radio, paging, computer, and related systems; and
• Basic record-keeping principles and practices.
  
  

Skill In

• Memorizing codes, names, locations, and other detailed information;
• Assessing and prioritizing emergency situations;
• Attending to multiple activities and sources of input simultaneously;
• Obtaining information from individuals in emergency situations, including those who are emotionally distraught, angry, or difficult to understand;
• Remaining calm and making rapid and sound independent judgments in stressful emergency situations;
• Communicating tactfully and effectively with public, public safety personnel, and others;
• Operating complex radio and telephone systems;
• Operating standard office equipment, including a personal computer and a typing speed of 35 net words per minute;
• Following oral and written instructions;
• Reading and interpreting geographic information;
• Performing routine clerical and record-keeping duties;
• Active listening on the telephone and radio with excellent comprehension and spelling; and
• Balancing and managing competing priorities.
  
  

Ability To

• Learn City and Fire Department policies and procedures;
• Effectively work under emergency conditions;
• Make quick and appropriate determinations;
• Adjust quickly to changing situations and priorities:
• Maintain accurate records;
• Handle simultaneous calls;
• Remain courteous and calm while interacting with the public; and
• Learn geography and major arteries within the cities of San Joaquin County.
  
  

Mental/Physical Requirements

• Mobility- constant use of keyboard; constant sitting for long periods; occasional bending, squatting, and kneeling;
• Lifting- occasionally up to 25 pounds;
• Vision- constant use of overall vision; frequent reading and close-up work; occasional color and depth vision;
• Dexterity- constant repetitive motion; frequent use of computer keyboard; frequent writing; frequent grasping, holding, and reaching;
• Hearing/Talking- constant hearing and talking, in person and on the phone or other communication devices; ability to understand what people are saying in normal conversation and over noise;
• Emotional/Psychological- frequent decision making and concentration often in stressful situations; frequent public and/or coworker contact; occasional working alone;
• Environmental- primarily performed in an office environment; frequent exposure to noise; and
• Special Requirements – must be willing to work day, evening, and night shifts on a rotation basis, work mandatory overtime shifts when necessary, and be willing to be called back or held over to maintain minimum staffing levels. The shift schedule will include weekends and holidays.
  
  

This class specification should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of this job. Incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Any essential function or requirement of this class will be evaluated as necessary should an incumbent/applicant be unable to perform the function or requirement due to a disability as defined by the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). Reasonable accommodation for the specific disability will be made for the incumbent/applicant when possible.

The Examination

Applicants who qualify in terms of relevant work experience and education, that best meet the needs of the City, will be invited to participate in the examination process, which may include a written and/or practical examination weighted at 100%. However, the City reserves the right to utilize alternative testing methods if deemed necessary. Candidates must receive a minimum passing score of 70%, as determined by the relative performance of all candidates in all portions of the examination. In the event or identical ratings, candidates' names will be arranged in order of application date/time, and, if the same, then arranged alphabetically.

Note

• After online submittal, immediate notification will appear on your screen indicating your application has been received. Please print this notice as proof of filing.
• Notification and correspondence will be sent via email only. No paper notices will be mailed to applicants. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure a correct email address is provided and that correspondence is being received.
• NeoGov.com: You will receive correspondence via the email address you placed on your application. Some email accounts have been known to place these emails in the spam/junk file. Please check your email folders or accept emails ending with neogov.com
  
  

BARGAINING UNIT: SCEA - ADMINISTRATIVE, CLERICAL AND SERVICES

NOTE: Employee Benefits are subject to change through the collective bargaining process and are not guaranteed. For a detailed explanation of benefits currently in effect, click here to view a link to the "Stockton City Employees' Association (SCEA)" contract.

01

The Supplemental Questionnaire is part of the examination process; accordingly, it should be completed carefully. It must be submitted with your official employment application. Do not indicate "see resume" as an answer to any of these questions.

• I certify that the information provided is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any falsification may cancel any terms, conditions, or privileges of employment.
  
  

02

Questions #3-#8 require a 'Yes' or 'No' response. A 'No' response may result in the rejection of your application. Do you understand this statement?

• Yes
• No
  
  

03

Do you possess a high school diploma or GED?

• Yes
• No
  
  

04

Incumbents must obtain and maintain a valid CPR card (American Heart Association BLS-C or equivalent) within 6 months of appointment.

Do you understand and agree to this requirement?

• Yes
• No
  
  

05

Incumbents must obtain and maintain a valid Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) certification from the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch within 6 months of appointment.

Do you understand and agree to this requirement?

• Yes
• No
  
  

06

Incumbents must obtain and maintain a valid EMD certification from San Joaquin County Emergency Medical Services Agency within 6 months of appointment.

Do you understand and agree to this requirement?

• Yes
• No
  
  

07

Do you possess a valid California driver's license?

• Yes
• No
  
  

08

To verify that you meet the typing requirement, you must submit a typing certificate by Friday, April 17, 2026 @ 5:30pm.

Please indicate below which method you will use to submit a copy of your typing certificate.

Failure to submit the required typing certificate will result in the rejection of your application.

• Scan/attach to the online application
• Email to recruitment@stocktonca.gov
  
  

09

TYPING CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENT Applicants must submit a valid Typing Proficiency Certificate, two years old or less, for at least 35 net words per minute by April 17, 2026 @ 5:30pm The City will accept trying certificates from an agency or online testing site.

To be accepted, the typing certificate must specify the following:

• Applicant's full name printed on certificate
• 5-minute timed evaluation (only 5-minute tests will be accepted)
• Minimum of 35 net words per minute
• Date of exam
• Number of typing errors or accuracy rate
• Name of online testing agency/website Do you understand and agree to this requirement?
• Yes
• No
  
  

10

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE POINTS Applicants who have served on active duty in any branch of the United States Armed Forces, including the National Guard and United States Coast Guard, for at least 181 consecutive days and have received an honorable discharge, may receive Veteran's Preference Points.

To be considered for Veteran's Preference Points, you must provide a copy of your DD-214, member 4 form, indicating the duration and character of service.

This document must be submitted by Friday, April 17, 2026 at 5:30pm.

Do you wish to apply for Veteran's Preference Points?

• Yes
• No
  
  

11

If you wish to apply for Veteran's Preference points, a Member 4 copy of your DD-214 must be received in Human Resources by Friday, April 17, 2026 at 5:30pm.

• I understand and will submit my DD 214 by the stated deadline
• I do not wish to apply for Veteran's Preference points
  
  

12

If You Are Applying For Veteran's Preference, Please Indicate The Method By Which You Are Submitting a Copy Of Your DD-214, Member 4 Form

• Scan/attach to my online application (preferred method); or
• Email to andrelyn.petate@stocktonca.gov, Type "Fire Call Taker" in the subject line of your email.
• I am not applying for Veteran's Preference Points
• Required Question