Communications Operator II

Description



THE POSITION

This recruitment is being conducted to fill five full-time vacancies, and is open to applicants who currently possess a Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Public Safety Dispatchers' Basic certificate, a CLETS certificate verifying full access, AND at least one year of public safety dispatching experience, or three years of experience as a police officer. The list established by this recruitment may be used to fill future full-time, part-time, limited term, and temporary vacancies for up to one year.

The City of Vallejo Police Department is seeking Communications Operator II candidates to perform a variety of complex duties in direct support of public safety personnel including receipt, interpretation, and dispatching of calls for law enforcement, fire, ambulance and other emergency assistance; direct fire and medical emergencies to the proper agency for response; accurately utilize a computer-aided dispatch system to initiate a response to effectively handle emergencies; utilize a two-way radio system to communicate with field units; accurately maintain the status of all field units; and provide information and assistance to the public.
The ideal candidate will be capable of assertively taking command of situations in a sensitive yet straightforward manner, while showing consideration and respect to others. They will have the ability to deal with stressful and pressured situations in an efficient and controlled manner. Candidates must demonstrate good decision-making skills under pressure, work with minimum supervision, and be a collaborative team member with a positive attitude. Additionally, candidates should have the ability to work all shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays.

THE DEPARTMENT
As an integral part of the community, the Vallejo Police Department is committed to providing a highly professional, ethical, and quality Police service. The Communications Section is an essential part of the Police Department team. It provides Public Safety Communications for the Police and Fire Departments. With a staff of 15 Communications Operators, we answer 9-1-1 and other telephone calls, dispatch Police, Fire and Medical responses in the greater Vallejo area. Communications Operators use modern computer and radio equipment to record information and dispatch units to calls for service. Communications Operators also work in the field with our SWAT and Hostage Negotiation Teams during critical incidents. The Vallejo service area includes 53.58 square miles of incorporated City Limits, and the East Vallejo Fire District. We also provide Fire and Medical service for the unincorporated areas in Vallejo's sphere of influence. Vallejo Communications Operators serve a population of over 121,000 residents and provides support services for surrounding communities. For more information about the Vallejo Police Department, please visit their website.

THE CITY OF VALLEJO
The City of Vallejo is located in Solano County and has a population of approximately 121,000 residents. Vallejo is a rapidly changing, highly diverse community located midway between the cities of San Francisco and Sacramento. It is a friendly, active waterfront community that attracts innovative, hardworking people and takes great pride in its 148-year history and maritime heritage. Residents of Vallejo are situated to take advantage of the best of what the area has to offer. Golf, museums, performing arts, boutique shopping, brewpubs and a wide selection of restaurants are all available in Vallejo. Residents and visitors alike enjoy Vallejo's delightful historical downtown area, weekly downtown farmer's market, and beautifully restored Victorian homes and business facades. Vallejo is also home to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, one of America's only combination wildlife, oceanarium and theme parks (driving distance to Napa Valley).

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the full journey level class within the Communications Operator series. Employees within this class are distinguished from the Communications Operator I by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned in the Communications Section and/or the Patrol Division. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the Communications Operator I level, or when filled from the outside, have prior public safety dispatch or police officer experience. Newly hired employees are expected to satisfactorily complete an eighteen month probationary period. Incumbents from within the Vallejo Police Department who were formerly classified as Communications Operator I employees must satisfactorily complete a six month probationary period following promotion to Communications Operator II.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from a Communications Supervisor in the Communications Center and Patrol Supervisors, to include the On-Duty Watch Commander.

EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

Important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

When Functioning in the Communications Center :

• Receives, interprets, classifies, prioritizes and responds to calls of a routine and emergency nature, including those calls involving life-threatening situations. Enters relevant information by computer keyboard and accurately transits messages for dispatching as necessary and in accordance with established procedures operating a computer aided dispatch system.
• Assigns calls to police units for necessary action, determining the appropriate units required for response. Coordinates when necessary with patrol supervisors regarding deployment of personnel. Visually monitors video display terminals and actively listens to police radio frequencies to ensure correct status of officers and emergency personnel. Maintains contact with all units on assignment; maintains daily log of all field calls and units dispatched.
• Dispatches law enforcement or other emergency personnel and equipment. Operates a variety of communications equipment, including computer-aided dispatch terminals, radio transmitters and receivers, dispatch consoles, electronic data terminals, telephone and lease line teletype. Monitors multiple computer screens simultaneously. Enters, updates and retrieves information from computerized databases relating to wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, stolen vehicles and other information.
• Use telecommunications systems to coordinate emergency calls and relay information and assistance requests involving other law enforcement and public safety agencies. Determines appropriate communications or research channels selected from emergency telephone lines, radio room telephone lines, business telephone lines, police radio channels, other agency radio channels, and manual computerized information systems.
• Provides information to officers and field personnel expeditiously, including but not limited to, warrants, vehicles, driver's licenses, parole, and criminal history information. Interprets or clarifies coded responses from various systems for law enforcement, public safety, or other relevant parties. Confirms warrants with responsible agencies, receives and files warrants and updates status of warrants. Receives, responds to and documents requests for Division of Motor Vehicle print-outs; documents vehicle impound information.
• Accurately processes information received in the communications center and accurately disseminates that information to the appropriate concerned parties, including but not limited to, relatives of those involved; employers; hospitals; sworn and non-sworn public safety personnel at other agencies; other City departments; ambulance services; detoxification centers; tow companies; attorneys; state parole; county probation; animal control; commercial establishments; alarm companies and schools.
• When appropriate, monitors other public safety and emergency preparedness radio traffic; security monitors; and takes necessary action.
• Maintains a variety of automated and manual logs, records and files related to communications center activities.
• Make court appearances as required related to assigned activities.
• Perform a variety of record keeping, filing, indexing and other general clerical work; maintain a variety of logs relating to public safety activities.
• Respond to public inquiries in a courteous manner; provide information; resolve complaints in an efficient and timely manner.
• Perform other work as assigned.

When Functioning in the Field :

• Operate a motor vehicle in the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities.
• Perform communications center activities in a mobile vehicle or mobile setting.
• Perform other work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES / MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Customer service and professional telephone answering techniques.
• Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.
• Correct English usage, spelling, punctuation and grammar.
• Procedures used in operating Computer Aided Dispatch and 9-1-1 systems for a large agency.
• Policies and procedures of receiving and processing emergency calls and requests for service.
• Basic communications rules and regulations governing the operation of radio transmitting and receiving systems.
• Standard radio broadcasting and dispatch procedures and rules.
• Geographic features and streets within the area served.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping including the main-tenance and security of fire and police communications reports.
• Basic principles of report preparation.
• Techniques for dealing with the public in a tactful but firm manner.

Ability to :

• Act appropriately and decisively under stressful and/or emergency situations.
• Learn, apply and maintain knowledge of departmental rules, regulations, policies and procedures and information pertaining to law enforcement dispatch.
• Learn policies and procedures of receiving and processing emergency calls.
• Read, understand and apply a variety of call-taking information and materials.
• Learn call interview and law enforcement dispatch techniques and procedures.
• Learn basic communications rules and regulations governing the operation of radio transmitting and receiving systems.
• Utilize a two-way radio system to communicate with field units; and accurately maintain the status of all field units.
• Read and effectively interpret small-scale maps, have general knowledge of surrounding geographical area and information generated from a computer screen.
• Learn general law enforcement codes, practices and methods.
• Act promptly and appropriately in emergencies.
• Speak clearly and concisely in a well-modulated voice pattern.
• Effectively communicate with and elicit information from upset and irate citizens.
• Maintain confidentiality of information.
• Understand and follow both oral and written instructions promptly and accurately.
• Communicate effectively in the English language in both oral and written forms.
• Wear a telephone headset and be able to hear, distinguish and understand voices with background noises present.
• Type accurately at a speed necessary for successful job perfor-mance. Must type a minimum of 35 words per minute.
• Establish and maintain courteous and effective work relationships with subordinates, peers, supervisors and the general public.
• Effectively multi-task.
• Provide courteous and effective customer service.
• Maintain professional composure and take responsible and effective action during stressful situations.
• Operate radio transmitting equipment.
• Maintain familiarity with City districts and boundaries, streets, landmarks, and police jurisdictions.
• Maintain confidentiality of information.
• Learn the organization and functions of a municipal law enforcement agency.
• Learn pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations.
• Apply the laws, codes, policies and procedures related to the gathering of legal evidence.
• Apply Federal, State, City and departmental laws, policies and procedures.
• Deal with the public firmly, courteously and tactfully.
• May perform training duties for Communications Operator I level employees and other in-house training.
• Operate various office equipment including computer terminals.
• Work various shifts as assigned.
• Work flexible hours.
• Sit or stand for long periods of time.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Experience :
One year of public safety dispatching experience or three years of experience as a police officer and the POST Entry-level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery as required under POST guidelines.

Training :
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade. Specialized training in law enforcement practices, rules, procedures, codes and regulations is desirable.

License or Certificate:

• Possession of a valid, appropriate California driver's license at the time of employment.
• Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) Public Safety Dispatchers' certificate is required.
• California Law Enforcement Telephone System (CLETS) Certificate with full access (current certification preferred, but proof of past certificate acceptable) is required.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
The Recruitment and Selection Process
1. Applicants must submit a completed City of Vallejo online application, including all responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire (Resume/Cover Letter Optional), a copy of Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) Public Safety Dispatchers' Basic certificate, and a copy of a California Law Enforcement Telephone Systems (CLETS) certificate with full access (current certificate preferred, but will accept expired certificate) in order to be considered. Applications submitted without all required materials will not be considered .

NOTE: If you have problems creating a user account, obtaining your already created account information, or submitting your online application, please contact governmentjobs.com applicant support directly at 855-524-5627. City of Vallejo staff are unable to assist with these issues.

2. Application packets containing all required materials will receive an overall screening assessment. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and are found to be the best qualified will move forward in the process.

3. The examination process will consist of an oral panel interview. Oral Panel interviews are weighted at 100% of the candidate's score. Candidates must achieve a minimum passing score of 70%. Those achieving 70% or higher will be placed on the Register of Eligibles (eligible list) and may be considered to fill positions for up to one year.

The City reserves the right to limit the number of candidates to those determined to be best qualified based upon all requested application materials, including training and experience, and responses to supplemental questions.

4. Candidates placed on the Register of Eligibles (eligible list) will be referred to the department for further consideration. The number of candidates referred for a hiring interview is at the discretion of the hiring department.

PRIOR TO HIRE
The selected candidate(s) will be required to successfully complete and pass the following to advance in the hiring process:

• Oral Board
• Department Level Interview
• Completed Personal History Statement (PHS)
• LiveScan - fingerprint check for criminal history information
• Polygraph
• POST Dispatcher Background Investigation
• Psychological Assessment
• Medical Assessment, including drug screening

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS
The City of Vallejo is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Qualified individuals with disabilities who need reasonable accommodation during the application, assessment or selection process may contact the Human Resources Department to request an accommodation. Please contact Marie Cruz at (707) 554-5914 or by email to: marie.cruz@cityofvallejo.net before their scheduled test/interview date.

Disaster Service Workers - All City of Vallejo ("City") employees are designated Disaster Service Workers ("DSW") by state law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all DSW-related training as assigned and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

Veteran's Preference - Veteran's preference points will be applied in accordance with Civil Service Rule 24. A copy of the DD 214 form must be filed at time of application.

Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) - The City of Vallejo is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the City of Vallejo to provide equal employment opportunity for all qualified persons. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, or denial of medical and family care leave, or any other non-job-related factors.

Note: The provisions in this bulletin do not constitute a contract, expressed or implied, and any provisions contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.
Closing Date/Time: 12/30/2024 5:00 PM Pacific

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