Sheriff's Communications Dispatcher II

• Eligibility for 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
• Premium pay of $1.15/hour for basic bilingual and $1.50/hour for fluent bilingual, in addition to the hourly pay rate, for bilingual assignments
• Differential pay for evening and night shifts
• Additional premium for POST Intermediate and Advanced Certificates, up to 6.75% of base salary
• Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals and 12 paid holidays
• County paid 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options
• An annual Staff Development/Wellness Benefit allowance of up to $850 and ongoing education/training opportunities
• County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits
• Retirement fully integrated with Social Security
• May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment

• Advanced paid vacation and/or sick leave (up to 24 hours per leave type)
• Relocation reimbursement up to $5,000

In the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office, the Communications Dispatcher II supports both the public and law enforcement by receiving requests for information and providing pertinent data over the phone and radio. Responsibilities include:

• Monitoring radio frequencies
• Receiving and dispatching emergency and non-emergency calls from the public
• Setting priorities among competing incoming events and dispatching appropriately
• Utilizing a computer-aided dispatch system

In our 24/7 environment, Dispatchers must have the flexibility to work all shifts including holidays (day, swing, grave), and overtime is required.

This full, working-level position in the Dispatcher job series is for individuals who have completed a year of law enforcement, emergency dispatch experience with a city, county, state, or federal agency. Possession of a California Commission of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Public Safety Dispatcher's Certificate is highly desired.

• Possess significant experience advising callers on how to handle medical and other emergencies
• Work swiftly, in stressful situations, to manage multiple things happening at once
• Remain calm, clear, and in control
• Demonstrate excellent communications skills as well as problem solving skills, empathy, and compassion
• Have the ability to read maps, and provide clear directions
• Be proficient in basic computer programs, including Microsoft Office applications, Word and Excel
• Demonstrate the ability to type quickly and accurately

Education and Experience: Any combination of education, training, and experience which would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities. Normally, this would include graduation from high school or possession of a G.E.D, and one year of dispatch experience in a law enforcement setting comparable to Communications Dispatcher I.

Special requirement: Within one year of employment, and as a condition of probation, employees in this classification must obtain a P.O.S.T. Public Safety Dispatcher's Certificate, as awarded by the State of California, Commission on Police Officers Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.).

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.

Working knowledge of: streets, roads, major buildings, and geography of Sonoma County; functions of the Sheriff's Office and other public safety agencies; applicable rules, regulations, and procedures including those of the Federal Communications Commission and their application; 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: accurately dispatch, coordinate and direct public safety equipment and personnel; speak clearly and concisely in English; operate communications equipment; operate a keyboard; react quickly, efficiently and calmly in an emergency situation, and to adopt an effective course of action; handle inquiries from the public in a courteous and effective manner; interpret rules and regulations to others; understand and follow complex written and oral instructions; keep records; and work shift schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

• 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.