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City of Los Altos
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Communications Officer

$107,060.49 - $130,132.69 Annually

EXCITING OPPORTUNITY! The Police Communications Center is a fast-paced environment serving first responders and the community during emergency and non-emergency events. Communications Officers interact daily with the public and law enforcement personnel through phone calls, 9-1-1 events, in person and over the police radio system. We are looking for highly skilled professionals who can multi-task and react calmly during emergency situations, while making quick decisions and determining the nature and severity of service calls. If you are looking to make a difference in the City of Los Altos while working in the Communications Center, this position is for you!

ABOUT THE POSITION

Under general supervision, the Communications Officer, as a member of the Police Department, transmits and receives information over the police and public works radio system; dispatches routine and emergency calls for service; types, records, and files information; handles emergency and non-emergency telephone calls utilizing complex technical aids, such as computer aided dispatch systems (CAD), and performs related work as assigned.

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Receives emergency and non-emergency telephone calls from the public for police, fire, or other emergency services; determines the nature of the call and the resources necessary to respond.
• Monitors police radio communications; maintains contact with police units to track officer status and respond to need for additional resources; monitors various radio channels to keep abreast of county-wide police activities affecting the City and assist other county agencies with mutual aid.
• Prioritizes requests for police and other public safety services; determines availability and location of patrol units; transmits information and dispatches police personnel and equipment in response to calls; routes calls for fire and emergency medical assistance to the Santa Clara County Fire Department.
• Assists police personnel in the field by quickly and accurately researching and relaying criminal history information and other requested data.
• Receives and coordinates requests for emergency Public Works assistance outside of the City’s normal business hours (pertaining to full municipal services in Los Altos, and sewer maintenance requests in Los Altos Hills and the surrounding unincorporated areas).

Click here to view the full job description and duties.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

Is highly professional, patient, respectful, and ethical; possesses excellent problem-solving skills; ability to multi-task in stressful situations. Communicates effectively and proactively both verbally and in writing. Enjoys working in a small-town atmosphere with an engaged public, including merchants, property owners and residents.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

KNOWLEDGE OF: Standard office methods, procedures, software and equipment; Geography of the local area; General public safety communications practices; Principles of customer service.

SKILL AND ABILITY TO: Multi-task and prioritize; Efficiently use radio and other communications equipment; Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; Analyze situations quickly and accurately; Maintain composure and work effectively under pressure; Understand and follow oral and written direction; Demonstrate initiative and exercise good judgment in the performance of duties; Establish, maintain, and promote positive working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public.

EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, & CERTIFICATES:

Any combination of the listed experience and education requirements may lead to a qualifying application. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

• A minimum of one year of public safety radio dispatching and/or basic clerical experience is required

Education:

• Possession of a High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent is required.
• Proof of successful completion of either the Criticall Dispatcher test with a passing score or the P.O.S.T. Entry-level Dispatcher Test with a T-score of 50 or above. (Lateral applicants that are currently employed as a Public Safety Dispatcher (non-probationary) do not need to submit proof of test scores, however a California POST Dispatcher Academy Certificate is required.)
• Completion of college-level coursework is highly desirable

Certificates:

• Possession of a typing certificate with a minimum of 50 wpm dated within one year of the application date must be included as an attachment.
• Possession of Basic P.O.S.T. Dispatch Certificate is highly desirable and may be substituted for work experience.

This position will require the ability to work rotating shifts on an on-going basis, including irregular hours on short notice. This position will also be assigned a uniform to wear during work hours.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The City of Los Altos is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of a person’s race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, mental or physical disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age or sexual orientation. Candidates with a disability, which may require special assistance in any phase of the application or testing process, should advise City of Los Altos upon submittal of application. Documentation of the need for accommodation must accompany the request.

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.

• Upon successful completion of the Public Safety Officer Academy Attendee/Graduate requirements, incumbents promote to Public Safety Officer I ($117,913 - $136,499).
• Upon successful completion of all phases of training, members of the Public Safety Officer I classification promote to Public Safety Officer II ($124,775 - $155,457 annually).
• This position has an excellent benefit package, including 2.7% at 57 retirement plan.

Under immediate supervision of a Public Safety Lieutenant or Captain, either currently attends the California POST Basic Academy and is learning to perform a wide range of public safety work involving the protection of life and property including law enforcement, crime prevention, fire suppression, rescue, and basic life support activities; or has graduated from the California POST Basic Academy within the last 12 months; and performs related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS 

The position of Public Safety Officer Academy Attendee/Graduate is the training level classification for general police and fire work for those incumbents not affiliated with an agency and currently enrolled in a police academy. Incumbents are not sworn personnel and are generally in this classification until successful completion of the police academy. Assignment to this classification is temporary. If incumbents do not successfully complete a police academy, they will be terminated.  Incumbents hired after the graduation from the California POST Basic Academy are not sworn personnel and are generally in this classification until they are promoted to Public Safety Officer I.

Public Safety Officer Academy Attendee/Graduate is distinguished from the higher-level Public Safety Officer I in that the latter is a sworn position where incumbents continue training for both police and fire duties. Incumbents must successfully complete the police academy prior to being promoted to the classification of Public Safety Officer I.

Lateral Hiring Incentive Bonus up to $20,000!

Are you interested in working for a department that receives strong support from the Community, Local Government and Administration? Do you want to work where you are appreciated internally and externally and where your work will make a difference?  We are recruiting lateral officers who understand and are committed to community service and teamwork. We offer a very strong package of incentives. We value our officers and their contributions, strive to create a family environment, and require excellent service.  If this is what you are looking for in an agency, please consider applying with us.

Contact Sgt. Kevin Tillman at (925) 288-4644 or ktillman@pleasanthillpd.org for more information.

Applications are only accepted online at calopps.org and will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.  Recruitment may close at any time. The most qualified applicants based on background and experience as evidenced by their application will be invited for an oral board interview, which is weighted 100%.  To be placed on an eligibility list, an applicant must receive a passing score of 70 or more from each panel member.

A thorough background check, as well as a physical, including a drug screen, psychological evaluation, and polygraph exam will be conducted on the top candidates prior to appointment consideration.  Failure to achieve a qualifying score on any portion of the examination process will eliminate a candidate from further consideration.

IMMIGRATION REFORM AND CONTROL ACT

To comply with the Immigration Reform and Control Act, all new employees are required to provide proof of U.S. citizenship or authorization to work in the United States on their first day of employment.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The City of Pleasant Hill is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), requests for special accommodations during any stage of the examination process should be made in advance to the Human Resources Department.

The City of San Leandro is hiring Police Officers at all levels!

Minimum Requirement Guidelines:  Any combination equivalent to experience and education that would most likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Police Recruit Trainee:  High school diploma or legal equivalent (GED) and completion of sixty (semester) college units or ninety (quarter) college units; must be eligible to attend a State of California POST-certified Basic Police Academy; PELLETB T-score of 48 points or higher (dated within one year of application) OR an NTN score for the written exam requirement; AND a WSTB score of 384 points or higher plus 1.5 mile run under 14 minutes.  WSTB results MUST be attached to application for consideration.   NTN scores can be submitted through their website and select the City of San Leandro as the recipient OR attach PELLETB results to application.

For information on how to take the NTN written exam, please visit https://nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/index.cfm.

For information on how to take the California POST PELLETB and/or WSTB, please visit https://theacademy.ca.gov/tests.

Police Academy Attendee: High school diploma or legal equivalent (GED) and completion of sixty (semester) college units or ninety (quarter) college units; must be eligible and currently enrolled in a State of California POST-certified Basic Police Academy.  Your State of California POST Academy Verification Letter of Enrollment MUST be attached to application for consideration.

Salary Range for Police Recruit Trainees and Police Academy Attendees:  $6,863 - $8,342/month plus generous benefits

Police Academy Graduate: High school diploma or legal equivalent (GED) and completion of sixty (semester) college units or ninety (quarter) college units; and a valid State of California POST Basic Law Enforcement Academy Certificate dated within 24 months of application submission.  Your State of California POST Academy Certificate MUST be attached to application for consideration.

Police Officer – Lateral:  High school diploma or legal equivalent (GED) and completion of sixty (semester) college units or ninety (quarter) college units; and either a valid State of California POST Basic Certificate and currently work as a Police Officer in a California POST agency OR have worked in the job classification within one (1) year of application, and can show proof of successful completion of the California POST agency-specific field training program.  Qualifying documentation MUST be attached to application for consideration.

Salary Range for Police Academy Graduates and Police Officer – Laterals:  $9,180 - $12,302/month

Police Academy Graduate and Police Officer – Lateral benefits include but are not limited to:

• Shift Differentials of 3% - 5%
• Specialty Assignments 5% (K-9, Traffic, Criminal Investigations, and Professional Standards)
• Educational Incentives (4% for AA or Intermediate POST; up to 8% for BA or Advanced POST)
• Additional Differentials for Bilingual, FTOs, Crime Scene Technician, Drone Operator, Field Technician, Crisis Intervention Training, and Longevity
• Holiday-in-Lieu Pay of 7%
• 1.75% matching contribution of base pay to pretax 457 account

To read complete recruitment bulletins and apply for these exciting opportunities, please visit:
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cityofsanleandro.

EOE
 

POSITION SUMMARY:
Under general supervision, the Police Officer performs a variety of law enforcement, crime prevention, and public service duties; controls traffic flow, enforces State and local traffic regulations; and performs additional related tasks as assigned. This position will serve the public in traffic enforcement, patrol operations, and community-oriented policing assignments. Specialty assignments include Investigative Services, Auto Theft, School Resource Officer, Motorcycle Officer, SWAT, Hostage Negotiations, Tactical Response, and K-9 Officer positions. 

The Police Officer position may be filled by an entry-level applicant. Entry Level applicants will be sent to a POST-approved academy upon appointment and enter into the field training program immediately upon graduation from a POST-approved academy.  

 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• KNOWLEDGE OF:
  The City of Los Altos geographical area, demographic make-up, government structure, and current challenges faced by the community. The candidate should have an understanding of the local community’s expectations with regard to public safety services and current challenges facing the city. The candidate should understand modern police methods and procedures, as well as community oriented policing and problem solving, and have an overall understanding of current events and issues surrounding the law enforcement profession as a whole.
   
• SKILL & ABILITY TO:
  Observe and accurately remember names, faces, numbers, incidents and places; learn and interpret laws, regulations, policies and procedures; carry out oral and written directions; analyze situations and make quick decisions requiring sound judgment; communicate situations; operate a variety of specialized police department equipment including computerized telecommunications and dispatch equipment; become proficient in self-defense techniques and in the care and use of firearms; maintain level of knowledge and physical condition required for satisfactory job performance; establish and maintain accurate records; prepare concise, comprehensive reports; communicate effectively; act with resourcefulness, courtesy and initiative; exercise independent judgment; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and the general public.
   
• EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION:
  • Must be at least 21 years of age 
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien who is eligible and has applied for citizenship 
  • Possession of a high school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent is required 
  • An Associate Degree or completion of sixty (60) semester units of college level courses is highly desirable 
  • Must possess a valid California driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record 
  • Must provide verification of the following test results (Verification must be provided on agency letterhead where test was administered, must include test results, and tests must have been completed within 1 year of application date):  
    • Must have completed the California POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB)
      • Must have successfully completed the California POST physical agility test (known as the Work Sample Test Battery (WSTB)
    • Must be able to successfully complete a 1.5 mile run in 14 minutes or fewer
       

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE POSSESSES THE FOLLOWING CHARACTERISTICS:
Is highly professional, patient, respectful, and ethical; possesses excellent problem-solving skills, ability to multi-task, and a can-do attitude; communicates effectively and proactively, both verbally and in writing; enjoys working in a small town atmosphere with an engaged public, including merchants, property owners and residents. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / GENERAL WORKING CONDITIONS:
Requires work, which may be strenuous and hazardous; includes working rotating shifts, as well as weekends and holidays.
 
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:
The salary range for this position ranges from $109,308.45 up to $132,865.10 annually. Placement within the range will be DOE. This is a full-time, non-exempt position represented by the Los Altos Peace Officer’s Association.

The benefits package offered by the City includes: 

• Retirement: 
  • CalPERS retirement plan for Classic I members is 3% @ 50 with employee paying a contribution of 9%
  • CalPERS retirement plan for Classic II members is 3% @ 55 with employee paying a contribution of 9%
  • For new CalPERS members, retirement benefits are pursuant to the California Public Employee’s Retirement Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA), employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 will have a retirement formula of 2.7% @ 57 with employee paying a contribution of 13%
• Health Plans: Choice of HMO or PPO plans through CalPERS Health with most family plans covered at 100%.
• Dental/Vision: City also offers a dental and vision reimbursement plan.
• City-paid life insurance of $50,000; additional life insurance purchase option
• Quality of Life Wellness Benefit $1,300 Annually
• Flexible Spending Plan: Dependent care and health care reimbursement plan available 
• Deferred Compensation: Voluntary participation in either Nationwide or ICMA-RC 
• Holidays: 13 annual holidays, plus 2 float days OR holiday compensation
• Vacation: Starting at 10 days annually 
• Sick Leave: Allowance of 12 days annually
• Employment Assistance Program
    

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
A complete City application, Cover Letter, and Resume must be received. The recruitment will remain open until filled.
 
SELECTION PROCESS:
The applicants most closely matching the City's desired qualifications and organizational needs will be invited to participate in the oral board interview process. Following the initial oral board interview, a following departmental interview may be scheduled. Prior to hire, candidates will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment process, including a polygraph examination, pre-employment physical and mental health evaluation. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:
The City of Los Altos is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of a person’s race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, mental or physical disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age or sexual orientation. Candidates with a disability, which may require special assistance in any phase of the application or testing process, should advise City of Los Altos upon submittal of application. Documentation of the need for accommodation must accompany the request.

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER:
The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.

Calling all recent Police Academy graduates! Join our team as an officer and contribute to the City of Los Altos Police Department's commitment to excellence.  Apply now to be a part of our dynamic and dedicated department. 

 

Police Officers play a dynamic role in law enforcement, combining crime prevention and public service. This position involves engaging in diverse assignments such as traffic enforcement, community-oriented policing, and specialized roles like Investigative Services, SWAT, and K-9 Officer positions. Entry-level applicants will undergo training at a POST-approved academy and transition into a field training program upon graduation, ensuring a comprehensive and impactful start to their law enforcement career.

 

Academy Graduate applicants will enter into the field training program immediately upon appointment.

 

About the Los Altos Police Department:

The Los Altos Police Department is a progressive organization consisting of 32 sworn officers and 15 non- sworn personnel dedicated to providing a high level of service to the community. The department is committed to the concept of community-oriented policing and continually strives for excellence, taking pride in themselves, the community they serve and their dedication to making a positive contribution to the field of law enforcement.

 

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

1. Patrols the City in a radio car and on foot
2. Answers calls for protection of life and private property and the enforcement of City, County, and State laws
3. Participates in criminal investigations
4. Interviews victims, complainants and witnesses
5. Conducts physical arrests of criminal suspects

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

EXPERIENCE:

• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien who is eligible and has applied for citizenship
• Must be able to successfully complete a 1.5 mile run in 14 minutes or fewer

EDUCATION:

• Possession of a high school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent is required
• An Associate Degree or completion of sixty (60) semester units of college level courses is highly desirable 

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS:

• Must possess a valid California driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record
• Must possess certificate of completion or diploma from a POST-approved Police Academy
• Must provide verification of the following test results: (Verification must be provided on agency letterhead where test was administered, must include test results, and tests must have been completed within 1 year of application date):
  1. Must have successfully completed the California POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) with a T-score of 50 or higher
  2. Must have successfully completed the California POST physical agility test (known as the Work Sample Test Battery (WSTB)) with a score of 320 or higher

RECRUITMENT PROCESS:
The recruitment will remain open until the position is filled. Prior to hire, candidates will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment process, including a Live Scan background investigation. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment; however, failure to disclose a conviction will result in disqualification or termination.   

IDEAL CANDIDATE

Is highly professional, patient, respectful, and ethical; possesses excellent problem-solving skills, ability to multi-task, and a can-do attitude; communicates effectively and proactively, both verbally and in writing; enjoys working in a small town atmosphere with an engaged public, including merchants, property owners and residents.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Requires work, which may be strenuous and hazardous; includes working rotating shifts, as well as weekends and holidays.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The City of Los Altos is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of a person’s race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, mental or physical disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age or sexual orientation. Candidates with a disability, which may require special assistance in any phase of the application or testing process, should advise City of Los Altos upon submittal of application. Documentation of the need for accommodation must accompany the request.

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.

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POLICE RECRUIT

$6,775 - $8,647 per month

Plus excellent benefits

Additional Pay Incentives:

            Shift Differential (3%-5%)

            Bilingual Pay (Conversational-2.5%; Full-5%; Fluent-10%)

            Uniform Allowance - $325.00 (June/December)

APPLICATION DEADLINE:   Continuous Recruitment

THE CITY is focused on enhancing our community members’ quality of life through well-designed services and a positive workplace culture.  San Rafael is the economic and cultural heart of Marin County, and its high quality of life is centered on its commercial districts, engaged neighborhoods, active lifestyle, and natural environment.  San Rafael (population 59,000) is a full-service city with a city council/city manager form of government with 12 departments, more than 400 employees, and an annual budget of $100 million.  The City’s vision is to be a vibrant economic and cultural center reflective of its diversity.  The City Council is engaged and seeks to strengthen the urban and commercial areas as well as sustain the beautiful natural environment.

San Rafael’s Organizational culture framework is an initiative called “Together San Rafael.”  City employees are our greatest asset, and we seek talented individuals with diverse backgrounds who are creative, curious, and excited about a challenge.  We are a results-driven team focused on the needs of community members.  The Together San Rafael initiative is focused on modernizing City services and increasing the engagement of employees.  This initiative recognizes the interconnectedness of the customer and employee experienc

This is a non-sworn, civilian training classification to be used while incumbent is attending a certified P.O.S.T. Basic Police Academy.  Incumbent in this classification receives the same employee benefits as Police Officers, with the exception of being placed in the “Miscellaneous” retirement category until successful completion of a designated police academy, and as a civilian employee, will not be covered by government code sections 4850 and 3300 through 3311.  Upon successful completion of an academy, incumbent shall be sworn as a Police Officer, placed in the safety retirement category and begin an 18-month probationary period as a Police Officer on the date of swearing in. 

Education: 

• High school graduate or its equivalent. 
• Completion of 30 semester (or equivalent quarter) units from an accredited college or university preferred. 

Physical Capabilities/Vision:

• Must be capable of performing the full range of work assigned to a Police Officer free from physical, mental or emotional restrictions, which would adversely impact job performance. 
• All vision must be corrected to 20/20.
• Must be free from color blindness and have a normal field of vision.

Hearing:

• Normal hearing acuity.

Height/Weight: 

• Weight in proportion to height, age and frame.

Age: 

• Applicant must be 21 years of age minimum by completion of Police Academy.

Citizenship: 

• California Government Code Section 1031(a) requires that Police Officers be citizens of the United States.  California Government Code Section 1031.5 requires that permanent resident aliens who desire to be employed as Police Officers be eligible for and have applied for citizenship.

License:

• Possession of a valid California driver’s license issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles.

City of San Rafael application is required.  Resumes do not substitute for the City application.  Candidates must detail related education and experience on the online application since the application will be used to select candidates for testing.  The examination for this recruitment will consist of any or all of the following:  application appraisal and oral board interview examination.  NOTE:  Prior to appointment, the selected candidate must submit to and pass a P.O.S.T. approved background investigation and polygraph/CVSA examination.  On a conditional job offer, the candidate must complete and pass a pre-placement psychological and medical examination, including drug screening prior to appointment. To file an application, go to:  www.calopps.org. Select “Member Agencies”.  Select “San Rafael”. Or, to apply, follow this link:  https://www.calopps.org/san-rafael/job-20143389 

Reasonable Accommodation:  The City of San Rafael will make reasonable accommodations in the exam process to accommodate disabled applicants.  If you have a disability for which you require an accommodation, please contact us at (415) 485-3474 before the oral board date.

To access the full Police Recruit Job Description, please follow this link:  https://storage.googleapis.com/proudcity/devsanrafaelca/uploads/2016/11/Police_Recruit.pdf