Location
Description
Join our team!
Join our fast-paced Police Department as a 9-1-1 Dispatcher Trainee and become an essential part of our community's safety network. We're seeking self-motivated, community-focused individuals ready to take on a rewarding challenge.
As a Dispatcher, you'll provide life-saving services, connect those in need with critical assistance, and support the safety and well-being of our community. This is more than just a job-it's an opportunity to make a lasting impact every single day.
**Paid training provided!**
We'll provide you with thorough training and the tools to master responding to emergency and non-emergency calls. You'll also learn how to dispatch police officers and operate advanced communication equipment like radios, telephones, and computer systems.
This role offers a dynamic 10-hour shift schedule, working 4 days a week, with rotations every four months. Shifts may include nights, weekends, and holidays.
Trainee's start with an annual salary of $53,545 ($25.74/hour), complemented by excellent benefits.
**Opportunity for Growth Advancement!**
Your journey doesn't end with training! After successfully completing your program, you'll be promoted to Police Dispatcher, with a salary increase to $60,507/year ($29.09/hour). As you gain experience, your earnings can grow up to $77,209/year ($37.12/hour), including additional night shift pay and outstanding benefits.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade. Additional specialized training in communications or a related field is desirable.
Experience: Some emergency or non-emergency dispatch experience is desirable.
License/Certificates: Possession of, or ability to obtain, a Terminal Operator Certificate within one year of employment.
Special Requirements: Must be 18 years of age as of the date of hire; a United States citizen or meet citizenship requirements; and be of good moral character with no felony convictions.
Recruitment Process:
- Computerized test - Pass or Fail*
- Oral Interview
- Background Investigation includes a medical exam, psychological evaluation, polygraph, and drug/alcohol screening.
*Computerized Testing Process: Testing is administered by the National Testing Network (NTN), which will share your test results with the City to progress your application to the next steps.
To register and schedule your test:
- Visit www.nationaltestingnetwork.com
- Select "Find Jobs," then "Emergency Communication Jobs."
- Sign up for the Simi Valley Police Department.
During your visit to the NTN website, complete the registration process, schedule your test, and review detailed information, including the testing process and FAQ's. Testing is available virtually or in person at designated facilities.
Testing Fee Waiver: A fee is required for the written exam. Candidates facing financial hardship may request a fee waiver before registering for the test. For more details, see Candidate FAQ #26 at NTN FAQ's.
Ideal Candidate
We are looking for a passionate and dedicated individual eager to gain the knowledge, skills, and proficiencies essential to the functions of a Police Communications Center. The following skills are vital for success in this role:
- A strong desire to help others while remaining calm and composed in high-pressure situations.
- The ability to manage interactions with diverse personalities while maintaining control over one's own emotions.
- Strong listening and effective interviewing abilities.
- The capability to multi-task efficiently and work independently with minimal supervision.
- Proficient computer literacy and the ability to operate office equipment effectively.
- A collaborative spirit to work in a team environment, paired with the ability to think critically, react swiftly, and make decisions independently.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey information clearly and concisely in person, over the phone, and via radio.
Benefits
We are proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package. Most medical plans, including family coverage, are fully paid for as outlined in the current employee group contract. Additionally, we provide a full calendar of employee appreciation events and activities, along with many other valuable benefits, including:
Retirement/Pension:
- 2% @ 55 CalPERS formula for Classic members (includes Individuals who were active members of a reciprocal public retirement system within the last six months, or were previously employed with the City of Simi Valley and enrolled in CalPERS prior to January 1, 2013)
- 4th Level Survivor Benefit
- Single-highest year final compensation.
- 2% @ 62 CalPERS formula for New members
- 4th Level Survivor Benefit
- Three-year average highest final compensation.
- 457(b) plan with a Roth option
- City contribution of $20.00 per paycheck and match up to $50 per paycheck.
- The City does not participate in the Social Security system; therefore, there is no FICA deduction from wages except for Medicare hospital insurance protection.
Health Insurance:
- Medical Premiums are covered at 100% for most plans, even family coverage.
- Coverage available as early as 1st of the month following start date.
- A variety of PPO and HMO plans are available through the CalPERS Health Program.
- The City contributes $158.00 per month and up to $2,387.04 per month in “Simiflex Dollars,” towards the cost of medical.
- “Simiflex Dollars” can be used to offset the cost of medical, dental, and/or vision insurance, or other optional benefits.
Paid Leave:
- Work/Life balance with 5.2 weeks of AL (Annual Leave) per year to start (AL combines vacation and sick time).
- Accruals increase at 5 years and 10 years of service.
- Cash out option available after one year of service.
- 11 paid holidays per year and one floating holiday per year.
Prescription Drug Plan:
- Major retail options and mail order program.
Paid Dental Insurance:
- HMO and PPO options available from Delta Dental and fully covered by the City for family coverage.
Vision Insurance:
- Vision insurance from VSP costs the employee $1.46 per month for family coverage.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA):
- An FSA account allows employees to set aside pre-tax dollars for out-of-pocket health and dependent care expenses.
- Eliminate paying federal or state taxes with an FSA account.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP):
- Confidential counseling and referral service to help employees and their household members resolve personal problems.
- Up to 8 free consultations for employees and all members of their household.
Optional Insurance from AFLAC:
- Available plans include accident, cancer, hospital and critical care.
Employee & Dependent Life Insurance Plans:
- $101,000 employee coverage provided at the City's expense.
- $5,000 dependent coverage provided at the City's expense.
Tuition Reimbursement:
- Up to $1,600 per year.
Alternative Work Schedules:
- Many positions offer a 9/80 schedule with alternative Monday or Friday off.
This information is intended to give an overview of the benefits available to City employees. It is not intended to be a contract (expressed or implied), nor is it intended to otherwise create any legally enforceable obligations on the part of the City, its agents or its employees.
Special Instructions
This recruitment is continuous with application review occurring on a regular basis. The most qualified candidates will be invited to the next steps in our hiring process. An invitation is not guaranteed.
Resumes are not accepted in lieu of the City’s Application form. Employment applications must be complete, contain a minimum of ten years of experience (appropriately), and list gaps in employment.
Selection Process:
- Applications will be evaluated based on education, training, and experience as it relates to the position.
- Testing may include written, oral panel interviews, and department-level interviews.
All offers of employment are contingent upon the following:
If selected for this position, you agree to undergo the following before your official appointment:
- Polygraph Examination
- Comprehensive Background Investigation
- Psychological Evaluation
- Drug Screening before your official appointment
- Providing copies of degree(s), training certifications/licenses listed on application/resume
- Verification of Employment for entire job history
Applicants seeking Veteran’s Preference must submit form DD214 with the application.
Reasonable Accommodation: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance in the selection process, please notify the Human Resources Division, in writing.
CITY OF SIMI VALLEY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER ENCOURAGING WORKFORCE DIVERSITY