Communications Dispatcher Trainee

The Emergency Communications Department is responsible for the operation of a countywide, consolidated Emergency Communications Center providing 9-1-1 and non-emergency call answering and law enforcement, fire protection and emergency medical dispatch services for over 30 local, Regional, County and State Public Safety agencies.

The Communications Dispatcher Trainee receives on-the-job training in basic 9-1-1 call answering and radio dispatching methods and techniques.  

The Eligible List established by this recruitment process may be used County-wide to fill current and future vacancies on a regular full-time, part-time, or temporary basis. 

• Receives training in answering 9-1-1 and non-emergency calls.  Reception and transmission of radio calls. 
• Receives law, fire and medical calls for service.  Enters information received via keyboard for recording in a Computer Aided Dispatch System.
• Screen information to determine jurisdiction and equipment to be dispatched and transmits appropriate information by telephone or radio.
• Dispatches law enforcement or other personnel and equipment.
• Accurately types of information on a computer keyboard in order to process and/or update information accurately. 
• Records the nature and source of all incoming and outgoing radio messages as required. 
• Monitors public safety frequencies. 
• Learns to employ Standard Operating Procedures and Practices in receiving and dispatching details and messages. 
• Studies and maintains familiarity with the locations and common place names of major roads, streets, industrial plants, county parks, and governmental agencies. 

To view the complete classification description, please visit the County of Monterey website: Communications Dispatcher I 

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE
Will have a proven track record demonstrating the following knowledge, skills and abilities.

Skill and Ability to:

• Remain calm, think clearly and react quickly in emergency and stressful situations.
• Learn the operation of radio and telephone communications equipment.
• Learn the operation of a Computer Aided Dispatch System, radio transmitting and various communication equipment.
• Learn to dispatch public safety personnel and equipment in a quick and efficient manner.
• Learn and remember the policies and procedures of the department and user agencies.
• Retain, recall, and evaluate facts and/or details solely from memory.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with the general public, public safety officials and other governmental and private agency staff persons.
• Obtain and transmit clear and complete directions/information.
• Keep accurate records of messages received, mostly via computer keyboard entry.
• Learn, interpret and apply established rules and procedures.
• View multiple video display monitors for extended periods of time in a low-light conditions.
• Learn to simultaneously type while communicating with others.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Multi-task requiring simultaneous typing (rapid keyboarding), talking on the radio, answering multiple telephone calls and switching between computer screens and applications.
• Thoroughly evaluate situations, organize thoughts and respond quickly and accurately.
• Read, write, spell and speak in English.
• Accurately type 30 wpm (net) on a computer keyboard.
• Perform a variety of tasks simultaneously.

Any combination of training, education, and/or experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the duties listed above is qualifying.  An example of a way these requirements might be acquired is:

Education:
Graduation from High School or possession of a GED certificate and one year of experience involving substantial public contact.Required Condition of Employment
 As a condition of employment, the incumbent will be required to:

• Be willing and available to work all shifts, nights, week-ends, holidays and overtime.
• Possess a valid Class C Drivers' License, or be able to provide suitable transportation that is approved by the hiring authority.
• Successfully complete and pass a background investigation including Psychological and Medical evaluation.
• Ability to remain seated for long periods of time.  Up to twelve hours per day at a console working at a computer terminal.
• Veterans and their widows/ers who within the past five years have served on active duty for 30 or more days in a 1) national or State military emergency or 2) military expedition for which a medal was authorized, may be eligible for Veterans' Preference Points. To apply, veterans must submit an "Application for Veterans' Preference" with their application materials by the priority screen date.

 BENEFITS:
 The County of Monterey offers an excellent benefits package. Please visit our website to view the J-Unit Benefit Summary Sheet. This information is not legally binding, nor does it serve as a contract. The benefits listed in the Monterey County Personnel Policies and Practices Resolution or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) prevail over this listing.
  
  NOTES:

• As a condition of employment, prospective employees may be required to submit to a background review which may include a review of information concerning present and/or prior employment, driving record, and record of any criminal convictions. 
• Employment is contingent upon acceptable documentation verifying identity and authorization for employment in the U.S.; a list of acceptable documents is available on the USCIS Form I-9. 
• If you are hired into this classification in a temporary position, your rate of pay will be hourly, and you will not be eligible for the benefits listed in the summary.

 
 The selection process is tentative, and applicants will be notified if changes are made. To assess applicants' possession of required qualifications, the examination process may include an oral examination, pre-examination exercises, performance examination, and/or written examination. The competitive examination process includes submittal of required application materials. A complete application package will include:
  

• A completed County of Monterey Employment Application
• Responses to the Supplemental Questions

Applicants who fail to provide all required materials by the final filing deadline will not be considered. Resumes, cover letters, letters of interest, and other correspondence will not be accepted as a substitute for required application materials. All required application materials will be competitively evaluated. Those applicants that are determined to be the most appropriately qualified will be invited to participate further in the selection process.
 
 
 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
 Monterey County is a drug-free workplace and an equal opportunity employer. The County seeks candidates who can make contributions in an environment of cultural and ethnic diversity. Monterey County is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact Channelle Ceralde, Senior Personnel Analyst, at (831) 755-5162 or by email: ceraldec@co.monterey.ca.us.

Salary : $5,079 - $6,936