What are the responsibilities and job description for the COMMUNICATIONS OPERATOR position at Department of Parks & Recreation?
COMMUNICATIONS OPERATOR / LAW ENFORCEMENT & EMERGENCY SERVICES DIVISION / TELECOMMUNICATIONS / NORTHERN COMMUNICATIONS CENTER
The reporting location for this position is the Northern Communication Center (NORCOM), located in Rancho Cordova, CA. This position will work under the general supervision of the NORCOM Communications Supervisor.
NORCOM is a 24-hour public safety dispatch and communications center with a service area covering Northern California. The incumbent will dispatch State Park Peace Officers (Rangers and Lifeguards), National Park Service Rangers, Department of Fish and Wildlife Wardens, and other emergency services personnel in the NORCOM service area to emergency and non-emergency events. Duties will include operation of a radio console system, VESTA telephone system, CLETS and computer aided dispatch (CAD). Other duties will include dispatching Fish and Wildlife CalTIP calls, and receiving and processing Office of Emergency Service Hazmat report.
Multiple positions are available.
To be eligible for this position, you must additionally apply to the Communications Operator Exam found here: Click here
A passing score must be met for eligibility.
This recruitment until filled and applications will be reviewed on a montly basis. The cutoff date(s) will be:
June 1, 2026
July 1, 2026
August 1, 2026
September 1, 2026
October 1, 2026
State housing is not required. For further information regarding this position, please contact Mary Garza at (916) 268-1870 or Mary.Garza@parks.ca.gov
This recruitment may be used to fill identical vacancies which may occur within 180 days of the Final Filing Date of this job posting.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
- COMMUNICATIONS OPERATOR
- Job Application Package Checklist
- Duty Statement
The mission of California State Parks is to provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state's extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation.
All employees are responsible for contributing to an inclusive, safe, and secure work environment that values diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences, and is free from discrimination.
- The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.
- The position(s) require(s) Medical Clearance prior to being hired.
Existing law requires that a thorough background investigation shall be conducted to verify the absence of past behavior indicative of unsuitability to perform public safety dispatcher duties. The background investigation shall include a check of Department of Motor Vehicles' records, and a search of local, State, and national criminal history files to disclose any criminal record. Persons unsuccessful in the investigation cannot be appointed to the Communications Operator series.
Existing law requires that a medical examination shall be conducted to verify the absence of any medical condition which would preclude the safe and efficient performance of dispatcher duties. Persons unsuccessful in the medical exam cannot be appointed to the Communications Operator series.
Penal Code Section 13510(c) requires that State agencies participating in the P.O.S.T. program shall evaluate oral communication skills to ensure skill levels commensurate with the satisfactory performance of dispatch duties.
Penal Code Section 13510(c) requires that State agencies participating in the P.O.S.T. program shall require that the P.O.S.T. Public Safety Dispatcher's Basic Course be the minimum basic training for all public safety dispatchers in the program. The course shall be completed within 12 months of hire or assignment to dispatcher duties. Failure to successfully complete the course shall be cause for termination based on failure to meet the required conditions of employment.
DO NOT include any confidential information to your application or supporting documents (i.e., Social Security Number, birthdate, marital status, medical information, examination results, method of eligibility, etc.) SROA/SURPLUS Applicants: You must check the SROA/Surplus as your claimed method of eligibility and attach your SROA/Surplus letter as an additional document.
Employment History on the STD 678 must be complete and include dates, accurate hours per week, total time worked, duties and responsibilities, and contact names and phone numbers of supervisors. Failure to submit a completed STD 678 may result in you being screened out. Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to an interview.