What are the responsibilities and job description for the FIRE TELECOMMUNICATOR II position at City of Stockton?
DEFINITION
OPEN/PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITY
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt
TENTATIVE EXAM DATE: Week of April 6, 2026 (Tentative)
TYPING CERTIFICATE SUBMISSION DEADLINE: March 30, 2026
The City of Stockton Fire Department is currently seeking to establish an eligible list to fill vacancies for the Fire Telecommunicator II position. The vision of the Stockton Fire Department is "community service with excellence." The Stockton Regional Fire and Emergency Medical Dispatch Center provides fire dispatch services to the cities of Stockton, Lodi, Manteca, the South San Joaquin County Fire Authority, and the Lathrop-Manteca Fire District. The Center dispatches to a population exceeding 600,000 people in the San Joaquin Valley of Central California. The Stockton Fire Emergency Communication Dispatch Center is an accredited Center of Excellence as recognized by the International Academy of Emergency Medical Dispatch.
Prior to appointment, eligible candidates will be required to submit to and successfully pass a medical examination which includes a back evaluation, drug screen, and background investigation which includes fingerprinting.
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)
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)
This is NOT an entry-level dispatch position. It requires public safety dispatch experience, appropriate certificates, and a typing certificate.
Under general supervision, receives telephone calls for emergency and non-emergency fire, medical and related services and dispatches fire department resources, private ambulance units, and personnel; and performs related work as assigned.
Under general supervision, receives telephone calls for emergency and non-emergency fire, medical and related services and dispatches fire department resources, private ambulance units, and personnel; and performs related work as assigned.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
Fire Telecommunicator II is the experienced class in this series, competent to perform varied emergency and non-emergency telephone and radio communications and dispatching duties assigned. Assists the Telecommunications Supervisor with management-related projects as assigned and performs as the primary trainer for new employees. May act as the Telecommunications Supervisor on a relief basis. This class is distinguished from the Telecommunications Supervisor which is responsible for the continuous functioning of the Emergency Communication Center during a shift.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES (Illustrative Only)
PRINCIPAL DUTIES (Illustrative Only)
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:- Receives and evaluates incoming calls from the public as well as public agencies for routine and emergency medical and fire incidents.
- Enters information received in the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, logs incident information and completed required forms.
- Dispatches fire suppression apparatus and personnel to fire and medical emergencies; maintains radio communications and assists with further dispatches or supplies requested information.
- Operates multi-channel radio systems, monitors multiple radio channels simultaneously.
- Assists callers in methods of handling medical emergencies prior to the arrival of dispatched emergency personnel using established Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) protocols.
- Receives incoming calls for public works and utilities after normal business hours and on weekends; notifies appropriate public works and utilities personnel of calls for service.
- Prepares and/or types reports and records.
- Assists with related projects as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:- Basic terminology used in fire and related emergency radio and telephone communications;
- Basic medical terminology;
- Operation of communications equipment, including telephone, radio, computer and related systems;
- Basic record keeping principles and practices; and
- The geography and major arteries within the cities of San Joaquin County.
- 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 computer keyboards and related equipment and typing at a 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 accurate comprehension; and
- Multi-tasking competing priorities.
- Learn City and Fire Department dispatching codes, policies, and procedures;
- Effectively work under emergency conditions;
- Make quick and appropriate determinations;
- Maintain accurate records;
- Handle simultaneous calls; and
- Remain courteous and calm while interacting with the public.
Education/Experience:
Possession of a high school diploma or GED.
Fire Telecommunicator II: In addition to the above, two years of recent (within the last five years) experience in fire or public safety dispatching.
Other Requirements:
All levels
- Must successfully complete a background investigation and 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.
- Must obtain and maintain a valid CPR card (American Heart Association BLS-C or equivalent) within 6 months of appointment.
- Must obtain and maintain a valid International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) EMD certification within 6 months of appointment.
- Must obtain and maintain a valid Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Dispatcher Accreditation from San Joaquin County Emergency Medical Services Agency within six (6) months of appointment. Continuous accreditation is required as a condition of continued employment with the City of Stockton. Failure to comply with San Joaquin County Emergency Medical Services Agency regulations pertaining to EMS Dispatcher Accreditation may result in termination of employment.
- Must possess and maintain a valid CPR card (American Heart Association BLS-C or equivalent).
- Must obtain and maintain a valid IAED EMD certification within six (6) months of appointment.
- Must obtain and maintain a valid EMS Dispatcher Accreditation from San Joaquin County Emergency Medical Services Agency within six (6) months of appointment. Continuous accreditation is required as a condition of continued employment with the City of Stockton. Failure to comply with San Joaquin County Emergency Medical Services Agency regulations pertaining to EMS Dispatcher Accreditation may result in termination of employment.
Note: The level and scope of knowledge and skills listed below are related to job duties as defined under Class Characteristics.
Physical/Mental Abilities:
- Mobility- constant use of keyboard; constant sitting for long periods of time; 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 twelve-hour fire service shifts and work mandatory overtime shifts when necessary. Shift schedule will include nights, weekends and holidays.
The Examination:
Qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the examination process, which may include a rating of training and experience, weighted 100%. To achieve a place on the eligible list, candidates must receive a minimum passing score of 70%. The City reserves the right to utilize alternative testing methods if deemed necessary. In the event of identical ratings, names will be arranged in the order of application date and time, and, if the same, then arranged alphabetically.
NOTE:
- After on-line submittal, immediate notification will appear on your screen indicating your application has been received. Please print this notice as proof of filing.
- Notices 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 e-mails in the spam/junk folder. Please check your email folders or accept e-mails ending with neogov.com.
In accordance with California Government Code section 3100, et seq., all City of Stockton employees are considered disaster service workers who may be required to report for duty, or remain on duty to address disaster service activities in the event of an emergency or disaster and are required to undertake an applicable loyalty oath.