Location
Description
The City of San Mateo is currently taking applications for the position of dispatcher (entry & experienced). Being a police dispatcher is an exciting career opportunity for those who thrive in fast-paced and dynamic environments. As the critical link between the public and law enforcement, dispatchers play a vital role in ensuring community safety by coordinating emergency responses and providing essential support to officers in the field. This position offers the chance to make a real difference in people's lives every day while developing valuable skills in communication, multitasking, and problem-solving. If you are looking for a rewarding career that challenges you to stay calm under pressure and be a part of a dedicated team, consider becoming a police dispatcher.
This is a continuous recruitment. Applicants are added to the employment list if they meet the minimum qualifications.
Ideal Candidate
Experience and Education Guidelines:
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience
Some telephone or dispatch experience is highly desirable.
Education
Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade.
License or Certificate
Entry level applicants are required to attach to their employment application verification of successful completion of the P.O.S.T. Entry-Level Dispatcher Examination or verification of successful completion of a CritiCall Examination.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a P.O.S.T. Dispatcher Certificate is required. For entry level applicants, this can be accomplished during the course of employment with the City of San Mateo and is not required to submit an application.
Ideal Candidate
Knowledge of:
English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Standard radio or telephone communications receiving and transmitting equipment. Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.
Lateral Candidates
Experience using computer aided dispatch system, standard radio broadcasting procedures and rules.
Experience with policy and procedure pertaining to the dispatching of emergency equipment, public safety classification codes, and computer commands.
Ability to:
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Learn standard broadcasting procedures and rules.
Effectively elicit information from callers.
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Learn department procedures and policies pertaining to the dispatching of City emergency equipment and those of other user agencies.
Learn geographic features and streets within the area served and other user agencies.
Learn public safety classification codes and computer commands. Spell accurately.
Learn to operate a computerized dispatch teletype and other office equipment.
Learn to operate a sophisticated computer aided dispatch system quickly and accurately. Learn the uses and capabilities of the City's computer aided dispatch system.
Operate a computerized dispatch teletype and other office equipment quickly, accurately and, at times, concurrently.
Operate a sophisticated computer aided dispatch system quickly and accurately.
Pass a background investigation, medical evaluation, polygraph examination, and psychological evaluation.
Type at a speed necessary for adequate job performance. Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Work under pressure, exercise good judgment, and make sound decisions in emergency situations with a minimum amount of supervision.
Work various shifts as assigned. Dispatchers currently work on one of the following two teams:
- Team 1: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and every other Wednesday.
- Team 2: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and every other Wednesday.
Current Shifts
- Day Shift: 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Swing Shift: 12:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
- Night Shift: 6:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m.
Benefits
For information about MOU and compensation resolutions, please refer to the links below:
Police Unit: Memorandum of Understanding
Police Unit: Non-Safety Benefits
Dispatcher Careers Frequently Asked Questions
Special Instructions
Special Instructions
Required Documents
All entry level applicants are required to attach to their employment application verification of successful completion of the P.O.S.T. Entry-Level Dispatcher Examination or verification of successful completion of a CritiCall Examination.
All lateral or experienced applicants are required to attach to the employment application their basic dispatcher certificate from the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST).
The Examination and Selection Process
Based upon a review of the applications, responses to the supplemental questionnaires, applicants meeting the minimum qualifications will be placed on the employment list. The employment list is updated continuously as applicants become eligible. Current and future vacancies may be filled from this list. Your name will remain in effect for one year from the date that you are notified. Once placed on the employment list and when a position needs to be filled, the San Mateo Police Department representative will contact candidates selected to move onto the next step in the hiring process.
After a conditional employment offer is made, candidates must successfully complete a medical examination, drug screening, polygraph examination, and psychological evaluation. All applicants are required to successfully pass a thorough background investigation and must be able to furnish proof of legal right to work in the United States. The process will end with the Chief of Police or their designee’s interview. The City’s standards must be met before the final appointment is made.
ADA Special Requirement:
Essential duties require the following physical abilities and work environment:
Ability to work in a standard office environment with some ability to sit for long periods of time, twist, and reach.
Note: The City of San Mateo reserves the right, at its discretion, to limit the number of qualified candidates invited to the selection process. All responses will be conducted via the email address provided in your online application. Therefore, it is imperative that you provide an email address to which you have access, and it is recommended that you frequently check your email for notices from: sanmateo@CalOpps.org
Fine Print
Prior to hire, candidates will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment process, including a driving record review, reference check, and Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) background checks. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment. The policy of the City of San Mateo is to grant equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, ancestry, physical or mental disability, sexual preference, marital status, or national origin. It is the intent and desire of the City of San Mateo that equal employment opportunity will be provided in recruiting, hiring, training, promoting, wages, benefits, and all other privileges, terms and conditions of employment. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, applicants requiring accommodations for any part of the testing or recruitment process must notify lcoles@cityofsanmateo.org or (650) 522-7264 seven (7) days in advance of the deadline for the part of the process requiring accommodations. Do not upload any documents related to your request for accommodation in CalOpps. The City of San Mateo complies with employment provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Recruitment Contact
Contact phone: (650) 522-7626
Contact email: joinsmpd@cityofsanmateo.org