Public Safety Dispatcher- Entry-Level

Job Description:

Public Safety Dispatcher- Entry-Level

Description

Description

A 5% Cost of Living Increase is scheduled for 01/01/2025.

Make a difference in your community by joining the City of Laguna Beach Police Department as a Public Safety Dispatcher. In this essential role, you will connect Police, Fire, and Marine Safety personnel to those in need, responding to emergency calls and coordinating critical actions using telephone, computer, and radio systems. Working under the supervision of a Senior Dispatcher you will handle various tasks requiring independent judgment and quick decision-making in high-pressure situations.

In addition to dispatching, you will perform support duties such as recordkeeping, monitoring alarms, and managing teletype communications. If you are adaptable, detail-oriented, and committed to teamwork and integrity, we invite you to apply and help us keep Laguna Beach safe.

Schedule: The schedule is a 3/12 schedule with an 8-hour payback shift every other week. The Communications Center is a 24/7 operation which includes holidays and weekends.

APPLICATION PROCESS: Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis. Interested candidates must submit a completed online application to be considered.

TESTING PROCESS:

Written Examination : Submit test results from one of the two test options below. Scores dated within one (1) year of the application date that meet the minimum passing score will be accepted.
National Testing Network (NTN) Emergency Communications-ECOMM Written Exam

• To schedule a test: visit the website www.nationaltestingnetwork.com , select "Exams," "Emergency Communications-ECOMM," and sign up for the "City of Laguna Beach Police Department." A test fee applies.
• NTN will submit scores directly to Laguna Beach Human Resources for review.
• Passing scores: Call Taker - 53 or higher; Recording (Notes) - 64 or higher; Dispatch - 43 or higher.

- OR -

P.O.S.T. Entry-Level Public Safety Dispatcher Test Battery

• Passing score: Total T-Score - 50 or higher

• Applicants who have taken the P.O.S.T. Dispatcher test with another agency within the last year may attach their test results to their application to meet the written exam requirement.

Certification Exemption:

Applicants with a valid P.O.S.T. Public Safety Dispatcher training certification may be exempt from the exam. To be considered for this exemption, attach your certification to your application.

PANEL INTERVIEW EVALUATIONS: Candidates who successfully pass the Dispatcher test will be invited to the interview evaluation.

ELIGIBILITY LIST: Candidates must pass all steps listed above to be placed on the City's Eligibility List. Eligibility lists are valid for one (1) year from the date they are established unless the list is exhausted sooner or extended for an additional period of time.

Examples of Duties

The normal duties for this position can be found in the job description for Public Safety Dispatcher . They are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Qualifications

Any combination of education and experience demonstrating the ability to effectively and successfully perform the duties of the position is considered qualifying. A typical combination is as follows:

Education: Graduation from high school or equivalent.

Experience: Two (2) years of experience in clerical and public contact work is required. Typing speed of at least 30 wpm is required (Note: typing certifications are not required to apply but will be required at a later date.)

License/Certificate: Possession of any certification and/or license relevant to the position of public safety dispatcher is preferred.

Supplemental Information

Re-application: Candidates who fail the interview or background process during the selection process for this position will not be eligible to reapply for twelve (12) months from the date of disqualification.

Why work for Laguna Beach: Laguna Beach is a beautiful coastal city located in Orange County, California, with a vibrant art scene and cultural events. We offer competitive compensation and benefits packages, including City paid health insurance for employees, alternative work schedules, wellness programs and more! The City has a strong commitment to its employees, providing opportunities for professional growth and development through training and education programs.

Additional resource: Commission on POST > Home (ca.gov)

The Department: The Police Department is organized into two divisions and provides general law enforcement services, including animal control and oversight and management of our local animal shelter. There are 104 full-time positions, of which 60 of the positions are sworn personnel. The department augments its services with the assistance of Reserve Police Officers, Community Volunteers, Animal Shelter Volunteers, Parking Services, Police Explorers, Police Cadets, and Traffic Control Aides.

Click here: PD Common Disqualifiers

Pre-Placement Process: All prospective candidates must successfully pass a background security investigation, polygraph examination, pre-employment physical examination including a drug test, and a psychological examination.

Benefits for Laguna Beach Police Employees' Association (PEA)

Retirement: The City offers membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). The retirement formula is based on appointment date and membership status with CalPERS. 2.7% at 57 for PEPRA CalPERS Safety members; 3% at 50 for tier I Classic CalPERS Safety members; 3% at 55 for tier II Classic CalPERS Safety members.

Health Coverage: The City currently offers medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage for employees and their dependents. In addition, the City provides life insurance and a long-term disability plan for employees.

Vacation: Vacation leave accrues at a rate of 96 hours per year. This increases to 136 hours per year after five years of service, and to 176 hours per year after nine years of service. A cash-out option exists for accrued vacation time.

Holiday: The City provides 90 hours for 11 paid holidays per year.

Sick Leave: Sick leave accrues at a rate of 80 hours per year. Unused sick leave may be accumulated without limit.

Special Assignment Pay
Canine Handler - 14 hours per month at two thirds of their regular rate of pay, then paid at time and a half for the off-duty caring, grooming, feeding, training, and otherwise maintaining of their department-issued canine or Support Services dog/equipment

Community Outreach Officer and Field Training Officer - 10% of base pay

School Resource Officer, Motorcycle, and Detective - 5% of base pay

Educational Incentive Pay
Educational Degree: Sworn employees in the position of Police Officer, Police Corporal and Police Sergeant are eligible for a bonus of 2.5% of base salary for an AA Degree, or 5% of base salary for a BA or BS Degree.

POST Certifications:
Sworn police department employees are eligible for the following:
1. 4% of base salary for an Intermediate POST Certificate.

2. 9% of base salary for an Advanced POST Certificate. The two POST certificates are not cumulative. An employee with Advanced POST will receive 9% and not any additional compensation for first having an Intermediate POST Certificate.

Public Safety Dispatchers, Senior Public Safety Dispatchers, and the Support Services Supervisor, are eligible for the following:
1. 5% of base salary for a Dispatcher Advanced POST Certificate.

When an employee receives either an Intermediate or Advanced POST Certificate they shall provide the City with a copy of the Certificate and will then be paid by the City retroactively to the effective date of the Certificate.

Other Benefits
The City offers a Flexible Spending Account, Educational Reimbursement Program, Employee Assistance Program, Exceptional Performance Pay Program, and Bilingual Pay Program.

Salary:

$5,781.00 - $8,120.00 Monthly