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  • Sheriff's 9-1-1 Dispatcher

    Santa Rosa, California United States Sonoma County, CA Full Time $76,618.18 - $93,148.17 Annually Oct 15, 2025
    County of Sonoma Employer:

    Sonoma County, CA

    Room to Move. Room to Grow. Diverse services. Various options. Build your career with the County of Sonoma. Our County's mission is to provide superior and courteous services to support, preserve, and enhance the health, safety and quality of life for the people of Sonoma County. Explore Your Career: As the region’s largest employer, the County of Sonoma offers you a level of career diversity that is as expansive as the county itself. From nursing to engineering, information technology to land management and everything in-between, we’ve got over 800 different opportunities waiting for you. But even more than just opportunity, we give you flexibility. Follow your dreams of working at the top. Or follow your interests and work where you want. Either way, you can have it all here. Explore Your Life: With over 1,600 square miles of rolling hills and staggering coastline, you could spend a lifetime exploring everything that Sonoma County has to offer. Whether you explore wineries and epicurean delights, or our uncharted expanses of backcountry wilderness, our 300 plus days of sunshine will provide the perfect setting for the lifestyle you’ve always wanted.      

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    Job Description

    Position Information

    Serve your community by joining the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office family as a 9-1-1 Dispatcher.

    No experience required and multiple positions available!

    Starting salary up to $44.63/hour ($ 93,148 /year), and a competitive total compensation package!*

    The Sonoma County Sheriff's Office is currently recruiting to fill multiple Dispatcher positions at either the I or II levels. If you are interested in being considered at the different levels of this opportunity, you must apply to the separate concurrent recruitments being conducted for each level. If you are an experienced Dispatcher, please view our Communications Dispatcher II recruitment.

    Become a 9-1-1 Sheriff's Office Dispatcher

    Supporting safety and emergency situations is an exciting and challenging opportunity for people who thrive in a fast-paced work environment and enjoy using complex communication systems. Although being a Dispatcher can be demanding, those with the determination and passion for supporting public safety will be rewarded with the ability to help others when they need it most and the camaraderie of the Sheriff's Office team.
    In this entry-level Dispatcher position, you will receive significant training on how to effectively handle a variety of emergency situations. Once on-the-job training is complete, Dispatchers take emergency calls, dispatch, track, and monitor situations happening in the community, and assist Deputies in the field in a wide variety of situations ranging from looking for a missing person to responding to a robbery in progress. The most successful Dispatchers will possess excellent judgment as well as many of the following:

      ◦ The ability to remain calm, clear, and in control during times of stress
      ◦ Experience working swiftly in stressful circumstances to manage multiple, simultaneous situations
      ◦ Compassion, empathy, and excellent communication while utilizing problem-solving skills
      ◦ Experience working with the public and people in distress
      ◦ The ability to direct distressed callers through emergencies, read maps, and provide clear directions
      ◦ Proficiency in basic computer programs, including Microsoft Office applications Word and Excel, and demonstrate the ability to type quickly and accurately

    In our 24/7 environment, overtime is required and Dispatchers must have the flexibility to work all shifts (nights, swings, weekends, holidays, and mandatory overtime/holdovers). As you gain experience and seniority, there is more flexibility in selecting shifts.

    Please note that skills and abilities testing will be conducted by the Sheriff's Office for referred applicants using CritiCall . https://criticall911.com/dispatcher-testing/applicants Top scoring applicants will be contacted for department selection interviews by the Sheriff's Office. This is not a P.O.S.T. test. A T-Score or pass/fail letter will not be provided by the County of Sonoma Human Resources or the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office.

    What We Offer

    Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing you're working to better our communities. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits* including:
      ◦ Salary Advancement - A salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
      ◦ Career Advancement - With time and good performance, the opportunity for advancement to Communications Dispatcher II ( 41.52 - $50.47 /hour)
      ◦ Paid Time Off - Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, and 12 paid holidays per year
      ◦ County Paid Health Premium Contributions - 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options
      ◦ Staff Development/Wellness - Annual benefit allowances of up to $850
      ◦ Post-Retirement Health Reimbursement Arrangement - County contributions to help fund post-retirement health insurance/benefits
      ◦ Retirement - A pension fully integrated with Social Security
      ◦ Paid Parental Leave - May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County employment
      ◦ Student Loan Debt Relief - County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education

    The Sheriff's Office is currently recruiting to fill multiple 9-1-1 Sheriff's Office Dispatcher positions at both the I and II levels. This 9-1-1 Sheriff's Office Dispatcher employment list may also be used to fill future full-time, part-time, or extra-help (temporary) positions as they occur during the active status of the list. Qualified County employees who wish to be considered for future positions should consider applying to this recruitment. The Civil Service title of the position is Communications Dispatcher I.
    *Salary is negotiable within the established range. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can be found in the Sonoma County Law Enforcement Association Memorandum Of Understanding (SCLEA MOU) and our Employee Benefits Directory .

    Application submissions require the Supplemental Questionnaire to be completed.

    Minimum Qualifications

    Experience and Education: Any combination of experience, training, and education which would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities. Normally, this would include graduation from high school or possession of a G.E.D. Some experience receiving information over the phone, radio, or communications system, and simultaneously entering data into a computer is desirable.

    Special requirement: Within one year of employment, and as a condition of probation, employees in this classification shall complete a P.O.S.T. certified Public Safety Dispatcher’s Basic Course.

    Special skill requirement: This classification requires the ability to type at a corrected speed of 45 words per minute.

    License: Possession of a valid driver’s license at the appropriate level including special endorsements, as required by the State of California, may be required depending upon assignment to perform the essential job functions of the position. The position advertised on this announcement does not require possession of a valid California Driver’s License.

    Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

    Some knowledge of: streets, roads, major buildings and geography of Sonoma County; the functions of the Sheriff’s Office and other public safety agencies; communications equipment; data entry techniques and computer operations; techniques for effectively working with members of various ages, ethnicities and socio-economic groups; standard office practices and procedures, including filing and the operation of standard office equipment.

    Ability to: speak clearly and concisely in English; react quickly, efficiently and calmly in an emergency situation, and adopt an effective course of action; handle inquiries from the public in a courteous and effective manner; learn rules and regulations, including applicable Federal Communications Regulations and their application; understand and follow complex written and oral instructions; learn to operate communications equipment; keep records; type on a keyboard; and work a shift schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

    Selection Procedure & Some Helpful Tips When Applying

      ◦ Your application information and your responses to the supplemental questions are evaluated and taken into consideration throughout the entire selection process.
      ◦ You should list all employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of your application. Be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions.
      ◦ You may include history beyond ten years if related to the position for which you are applying. If you held multiple positions with one employer, list out each position separately.
      ◦ Failure to follow these instructions may impact your competitiveness in this process or may result in disqualification.

    Please visit Getting a Job with the County of Sonoma to review more detailed information about the hiring process, including the application process, examination steps, and department selection process.

    Application submissions require the Supplemental Questionnaire be completed.

    Responses to supplemental questions will be used in assessing minimum qualifications. Please provide specific and detailed responses of a reasonable length to allow for thorough assessment of your qualifications. Responses which state "See Resume" or "See Application" may be considered insufficient.

    The selection procedure will consist of the following examination:

    An Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination (Weight 100%) will be conducted to evaluate each applicant's application and supplemental questionnaire for satisfaction of minimum qualifications (pass/not pass); and for educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities which relate to this position.
    Personally identifiable information (PII) is removed from the standard application fields and applicable attachments. This PII blind screening practice redacts a candidate’s personal information that could potentially influence or bias the scoring process. Personal information includes the applicant’s name, former last name, address, phone number, email, driver's license number, school name, education start and end dates, age, date of birth, gender, and race. This PII blind screening practice helps contribute to a fair and equitable examination process.

    Each applicant will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
      ◦ Relevance of work history, related experience, and achieved level of education and/or training as described in the application and responses to the supplemental questions.

    Candidates demonstrating possession of the minimum qualifications will be placed on an employment list and referred to the department for invitation by the Sheriff's Office for online skills based testing using CritiCall .

    Please Note: Skills and abilities testing will be conducted by the Sheriff's Office for referred applicants using CritiCall . Top scoring applicants will be contacted for department selection interviews by the Sheriff's Office. As this is not a P.O.S.T. test, a T-Score or pass/fail letter will not be provided by the County of Sonoma Human Resources or the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office. https://criticall911.com/dispatcher-testing/applicants/

    Additional Information

    Being part of the Sheriff's Office and being expected to keep the public safe requires a thorough background investigation process. This process includes an assessment of prior work history, verifying educational experiences, court reports, public records searches, and understanding past patterns relating to drug usage, financial patterns, etc. This entails gathering a significant amount of information from job candidates and speaking to former employers, friends, family members, etc. Polygraphs, drug tests, and medical and physical examinations are also part of this process. Candidates must be honest and forthcoming about information that may arise during the background process. Deception during any portion of this process is grounds for disqualification, even after employment. This process can take anywhere from 3-5 months. Many factors are taken into consideration and one should not assume a credit issue or prior drug use is automatically disqualifying. Candidates will be given the opportunity to present mitigating information they feel should be considered. You are encouraged to be as responsive as possible while this process is taking place to help expedite the timeline, and we encourage you to stay patient and interested in this great career opportunity while this process is taking place.

    You may also review the Job Classification Screening Schedule to determine the requirements for this position.

    Please read the Sheriff's Office Pre-Employment Drug Use Guidelines for further information.
    How to Apply
    Applications are accepted online at www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org . Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax (707-565-3770), email, or through the mail. All applications and appropriate supplemental information as outlined in the job bulletin must be received by the time and date specified on the first page of this job announcement. Continuous recruitments may close without notice at any time that a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted.

    The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.

    HR Analyst: JL
    HR Technician: RR

    Important Note: Benefits described herein do not apply to Extra Help positions.

    County of Sonoma Benefits:*

    These are some of the excellent benefits the County offers:

    Paid Time Off: Competitive vacation accrual and sick leave accruals; additional management leave annually; 12 paid holidays; and may be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment.

    Health Plan: Choose from nine health plans (three HMOs, three deductible HMOs, and three HSA-qualifying plans) with a generous County contribution to the premium (the contribution amount varies by bargaining unit). For more information, please see the appropriate MOU.

    Retirement: Fully integrated with Social Security. For more information regarding eligibility, retirement contributions, and reciprocity with prior public service, please visit https://scretire.org/active-/-deferred/when-you-are-hired .

    IRS 457 Plan: Pre-tax employee contribution up to the IRS annual maximum.

    Retiree Medical: County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits.

    Student Loan Debt Relief: County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education.

    Plus, excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, professional development, and more.

    For answers to specific questions regarding the employment process and more details about benefits or retirement, please contact Human Resources at (707) 565-2331. Additional details about benefit and compensation packages can be found in the MOUs located at Labor Agreements & Salary Resolution . For specific information about health and welfare benefits, including plan options, coverage, and premium amounts, go to Human Resources or contact the Human Resources' Risk Management-Benefits Office at benefits@sonomacounty.gov or (707) 565-2900.

    *Important Notes: Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice.

    Closing Date/Time: Continuous
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    Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.

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Public Dispatchers and Government Telecommunications Jobs: What You Need to Know Before Applying

Public Dispatchers and Government Telecommunications Jobs: What You Need to Know Before Applying

In the vast landscape of government telecommunications, public dispatch jobs stand out as some of the most critical and impactful roles.

These positions serve as the vital link between the public and emergency services, forming the backbone of our community's safety net.

Public dispatch jobs, often referred to as 911 dispatcher or emergency communications specialist positions, are at the forefront of public safety.

These professionals are the first point of contact in emergencies, responsible for receiving calls, assessing situations, and coordinating appropriate responses. They are the calm in the storm, the steady voice guiding both callers and responders through critical situations.

When ensuring that emergency services can communicate effectively during a crisis, your job will have a tangible impact on the nation's well-being.
 

Essential Skills for a Successful Public Dispatcher Career

Becoming a public dispatcher requires a unique blend of technical proficiency, interpersonal skills, and personal qualities.

This challenging role demands individuals who can thrive under pressure while maintaining accuracy and empathy. Let's explore the key skills that are crucial for success in this field.

Communication Skills

  • Clear and concise verbal communication
  • Active listening to extract critical information quickly
  • Ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations
  • Skill in conveying complex information simply and calmly

Multitasking Abilities

  • Capacity to manage multiple incidents simultaneously
  • Skill in prioritizing tasks based on urgency and available resources
  • Ability to switch focus rapidly between different situations

Technical Proficiency

  • Familiarity with Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems
  • Typing speed and accuracy (often 35-40 words per minute minimum)
  • Basic troubleshooting skills for communication equipment
  • Adaptability to learn new technologies and software

Decision-Making and Problem-Solving

  • Quick and accurate decision-making under pressure
  • Ability to assess situations rapidly and determine appropriate responses
  • Critical thinking skills to navigate complex or unusual scenarios

Emotional Intelligence and Stress Management

  • Empathy and compassion for callers in distress
  • Emotional resilience to handle traumatic situations
  • Stress management techniques to maintain composure
  • Ability to remain calm and focused in high-pressure situations

Attention to Detail

  • Precision in recording and relaying information
  • Ability to catch and correct errors quickly
  • Skill in maintaining accurate logs and records

Teamwork and Collaboration

  • Skill in coordinating with various emergency services
  • Ability to work effectively as part of a dispatch team
  • Capacity to collaborate with other agencies during large-scale incidents
  • Knowledge of police and fire department policies

Cultural Competence

  • Sensitivity to cultural differences
  • Ability to communicate effectively with non-native English speakers
  • Understanding of diverse community needs and concerns

Adaptability and Continuous Learning

  • Willingness to adapt to new protocols and procedures
  • Commitment to ongoing training and skill development
  • Ability to learn from experiences and improve performance

In this career, your ability to stay calm, think clearly, and communicate effectively could be the difference between life and death.

Remember, while some of these skills can be taught, others—like the ability to remain calm under pressure or the capacity for empathy—are often innate qualities. Successful public dispatchers typically possess a natural inclination towards these traits, which are then refined and strengthened through training and experience.

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Public Safety Dispatchers: The Lifeline of Emergency Communications

In the realm of government telecommunications, public safety dispatchers stand out as critical frontline workers.

These professionals serve as the vital link between the public and emergency services, playing a crucial role in coordinating responses to crises and saving lives.

Imagine being the first point of contact in someone's worst moment, the calm voice guiding them through chaos, and the invisible hand coordinating a lifesaving response. This is the world of a public safety dispatcher.

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What Public Safety Dispatchers Do:

1. Emergency Call Handling

  • Answer 911 and non-emergency calls

  • Quickly assess situations and determine appropriate responses

  • Provide pre-arrival instructions (e.g., CPR guidance) when necessary

2. Resource Dispatching
  • Coordinate and dispatch police, fire, and emergency medical services
  • Manage multiple incidents simultaneously
  • Prioritize calls based on urgency and available resources
3. Information Management

  • Operate Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems

  • Access and relay critical information to first responders

  • Maintain accurate records of all communications and actions

4. Inter-agency Coordination

  • Facilitate communication between different emergency services

  • Coordinate with neighboring jurisdictions during large-scale incidents

As a public safety dispatcher, you're not just answering phones – you're the first responder to the first responders, the unseen hero behind countless rescues and interventions.

Key Qualifications:

  • Proficiency with telecommunications equipment and computer systems
  • Clear speaking voice and active listening skills
  • Typing speed and accuracy
  • High school education

Certifications and Training:

  • Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) certification
  • CPR and basic first aid certification
  • Critical Incident Stress Management training
  • Ongoing training in new technologies and procedures

Challenges of the Job:

  • High-stress environment with life-or-death consequences
  • Shift work, including nights, weekends, and holidays
  • Emotional toll of handling traumatic situations
  • Constant vigilance and attention to detail required

Benefits of the Career:

  • Direct impact on public safety and saving lives
  • Dynamic work environment with no two days alike
  • Opportunity to serve the community
  • Develops valuable, transferable skills

Career Advancement:

Public safety dispatchers can advance to:

  • Dispatch supervisors or managers
  • Training coordinators
  • Emergency communications center directors
  • Emergency management specialists

Every call you take as a public safety dispatcher could be the most important moment in someone's life. Are you ready for a career where your voice can make the difference between life and death?

The role of public safety dispatchers is evolving with technology. Next-generation 911 systems are introducing capabilities like video calling and improved location services, requiring dispatchers to adapt and learn new skills continuously.

Public safety dispatching offers a unique entry point into government telecommunications careers.

It combines the satisfaction of public service with the excitement of working with advanced communication technologies. For those who thrive under pressure and want to make a tangible difference in their communities, few careers offer the same level of impact and importance.

Are you calm under pressure, tech-savvy, and driven by a desire to help others? A career as a public safety dispatcher could be your calling in the world of government telecommunications.

When you apply, remember to tailor your resume to the job description. Whether disabilities can be accommodated is determined on a case-by-case basis. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should know that while it's illegal to discriminate against people with disabilities, they can ask you about your ability to do the work. (It's also illegal to discriminate based on marital status, gender identity, and sexual orientation.)

 

Answering the Call to Serve

As we've explored throughout this article, government telecommunication jobs, particularly in the realm of public safety dispatching, offer a unique and rewarding employment for those who are up to the challenge. These roles combine cutting-edge technology with the opportunity to make a real difference in people's lives and contribute to national security.

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From California to Washington D.C., public safety dispatchers stand at the forefront of emergency response, serving as the critical link between those in need and the resources that can help them.

It's a role that demands a special set of skills - from technical proficiency to emotional resilience in the name of public relations - and offers rewards that few other careers can match.

In a world where technology is constantly evolving, imagine being part of a field where your adaptability and quick thinking can literally save lives. That's the reality of a public dispatcher career in government telecommunications.

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