Public Safety Dispatcher

Join the Trojan Family: USC Department of Public Safety (DPS)

Title: Public Safety Dispatcher

Mission: To create a safe, secure, crime free environment for the Trojan Family through exemplary and professional service.

About The Department

• Team: DPS, one of the largest campus public safety departments in the United States, is a team of over 300 dedicated full-time employees.
• What we do: We share in the university’s ONE USC Safety Vision of ensuring an environment where everyone feels safe, respected, and protected from being a crime victim and where the experiences and needs of all USC students, faculty, staff, and neighbors throughout USC’s spheres of influence are addressed.
• Learn more : Visit our DPS Website to explore our mission in depth.
  
  
  

Role Overview: The Public Safety Dispatcher performs multiple functions in the Communications Center in support of various department personnel at the University Park Campus, Health Sciences Campus, and University Parking Center. Receives calls for service from faculty, staff, students and guests, and dispatches the appropriate department personnel via radio communications equipment. Serves as a vital link between the service community, Public Safety personnel, and all other emergency and nonemergency services available at the university and in the surrounding community. The ideal candidate will have excellent verbal and written communication skills, listening skills and the ability to make instantaneous decisions based on minimal information. In addition, skilled in controlling emotions and ability to work under pressure. Step into a role where your duties will include but are not limited to :

• Receives emergency calls requesting police, fire, and rescue assistance.
• Determines appropriate response in accordance with established procedures and assessment of the situation. Dispatches Public Safety units in response to calls for service.
• Maintains a record of all calls and radio messages. Monitors status of public safety, parking transportation, campus cruiser, residential protection, assets protection, and other special duty units. Prepares appropriate management reports of calls.
• Receives calls and complaints regarding service and assistance and refers them to the appropriate unit. Operates telephone switching equipment.
• Requests back-up or follow-up assistance from the Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles Fire Department, and other agencies.
• Operates Computer Aided Dispatch system and maintains manual and automated records systems. Conducts information searches as needed.
  
  
  

Please note: Shifts include holidays, weekends, and overtime; must have availability to work certain special events and emergencies.

Selection Process

• Evaluation: Your application will be evaluated based on your relevant experience and education.
• In-depth Screening: After interview, successful candidates will undergo background, psychological, and medical evaluations.
  
  
  

How To Apply

Application: Showcase your readiness to join the Trojan family by submitting a detailed application, resume, and thoughtful responses to our supplemental questions.

Current USC Employees: Please apply through the dedicated channel in Workday.

Benefits

USC’s Commitment to You: We offer an excellent package of benefits and programs including, but not limited to:

• Tuition assistance for you and your family
• Comprehensive health, dental and vision insurance options
• 403b retirement account with matching 5% contribution by USC
• 50% subsidy off Metro, LADOT, and Metrolink passes
• Explore more on the USC Employee Gateway
  
  
  

Minimum Requirements

• Education : High school diploma or equivalent
• Experience : 6-12 months
• Valid driver's license for 2 years
  
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Related Undergraduate Study and previous switchboard or radio communications experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of two-way radio communications procedures.
• General knowledge of campus and surrounding area geography.
• Experience in an emergency dispatch communications center, law enforcement dispatch, high volume call center, or related environment.
• Ability to effectively use a phonetic alphabet, speak clearly and concisely, follow oral and written instructions, transfer information accurately, handle a wide range of interpersonal interactions effectively and learn to use applicable automated dispatch and law enforcement systems and databases.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  
  
  

Valid CA driver's license required. Position will participate in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Pull Notice System. A copy of DMV record will be required as a final condition of employment. For more information please visit the policy website .

Hourly Range

The hourly rate for this position is $28.31. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer alignment, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

Minimum Education: High school or equivalent Minimum Experience: 6 - 12 months Minimum Field of Expertise: Experience in related field. Ability to type 30 net words per minute. Working knowledge of computer input and retrieval functions.

Job ID REQ20173591 Posted Date 04/03/2026

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