The City of Turlock is accepting applications for the position of Emergency Services Dispatcher I/II. Under general supervision, receives ‘911’ calls and performs dispatch duties for the City of Turlock Police and Fire Departments; receives and dispatches incoming calls from external and internal customers, to operate the Department of Justice automated files to include national inquiries and input, to triage and prioritize the calls for service from the public in order to dispatch appropriate personnel; to perform clerical duties assigned to Communications.

This classification is assigned to the Turlock Associated Police Officers bargaining unit for labor relations purposes and is subject to overtime assignments.

An eligibility list will be established from this recruitment that will be valid for six (6) months. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Emergency Services Dispatcher I ($5,993-$7,285) – This is an entry level class with twelve (12) months prior police or fire dispatcher experience who serves an eighteen (18) month probationary period and is expected to promote to Emergency Services Dispatcher II.

The Emergency Services Dispatcher II ($6,144-$7,469) –This is an advanced level class with eighteen (18) months experience as an Emergency Services Dispatcher I with the Turlock Police Department and has a POST Basic Dispatch Certificate.

Lateral Emergency Services Dispatcher Applicants – In order to be considered as a lateral POST Emergency Services Dispatcher for the Turlock Police Department, the applicant must have a California POST Basic Public Safety Dispatcher Certificate, be currently employed and working in a non-probationary status at a law enforcement agency in a communication center with a California POST agency for a minimum of eighteen (18) months.  Lateral applicants may serve a twelve (12) month probationary period.  Appointment may be made anywhere within the salary range of Emergency Services Dispatcher I/II.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

General supervision is provided by the Public Safety Communications Supervisor.

• Respond to and screen incoming telephone calls on 9-1-1 and miscellaneous phone lines in Communications 
• Dispatch appropriate personnel on calls received for police and fire 
• Operate the computer aided dispatch system (CAD) keeping track of all related events and times 
• Supply information to the public as needed 
• Operate the touch screen city wide radio system 
• Patch radio channels on multi agency/department involved incidents
• Inquire and input data into the California Department of Justice CLETS System 
• Maintain confidentiality of information obtained 
• Compile DVD reports for court on calls for service as subpoenaed 
• Testify in court on calls received and handled while on duty 
• Perform a variety of related clerical work in the Communications Center 
• Process criminal warrants for service 
• Abstract and maintain records on warrants served
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Telephone operation techniques 
• Police and Fire emergency procedures 
• Operation of emergency radio systems 

Ability to:

• Read, write, speak, and understand English fluently
• Maintain typing proficiency at the job required level 
• Think clearly and quickly in emergency situations
• Read computer screens and monitor visual changes 
• Multitask
• Recall information given both verbal and written
• Follow oral and written directions Compile information and maintain reports in CAD 
• Reference manuals for accurate input of data into CLETS and NCIC
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted during the course of work               
• Locate major streets, public places, and landmarks in the city limits
• Be able to receive and remember specific information received and dispatch emergency service calls expeditiously and correctly.
• Successfully complete the Department of Justice CLETS required workbook (new employees must meet this requirement within six (6) months from date of appointment). 

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:

Emergency Services Dispatcher I

Twelve (12) months experience as a dispatcher for a law enforcement or fire agency.

Emergency Services Dispatcher II

Thirty-six (36) months experience as a dispatcher or Eighteen (18) months as a City of Turlock Emergency Services Dispatcher I.

Training:

Be a high school graduate from a United States public or private high school.

Or

Pass the General Education Development Test indicating high school graduation level

Or

Pass the California High School Proficiency Examination.

SELECTION PROCESS

1.  All applicants must complete a standard City of Turlock application for employment form, supplemental questionnaire and submit the following documentation:

• Attach a typing certificate with a typing speed of thirty-five (35) words per minute net corrected obtained through an agency that can validate the certificate, such as a temporary employment agency, employment center, and school/college.  Note: A self-administered test will not be accepted.

2.   You may submit your required Documentation using the following options:

• Attach a scanned copy in the “Add Attachment” option (of the Neo Gov online application) or
• Fax a copy to (209) 668-5529 or
• Email a copy to jvue@turlock.ca.us or
• Hand deliver copies of your attachment to 156 S. Broadway, Suite 235, Turlock, CA 

Applications will be rejected if they are incomplete or required documentation is not attached. 

3.  Applications will be reviewed for possession of the minimum qualifications. In the event that a large number of applicants possess the minimum qualifications, applicants who appear to be the most qualified based on their breadth and recency of experience and will be invited to compete in the testing process.

4.  Candidates invited to compete in the testing process may be required to take a written examination, which is graded on a pass/fail basis.  Only those applicants who pass the written examination will advance to the oral examination.

5.  Candidates invited to compete in an oral examination that receives a score of 70% or more will be placed on an eligibility list. Ranking on the eligibility list is based solely on the results of the oral exam.

6.  Completion of a practical exercise may be conducted in order to further evaluate skills relating to essential job functions.

7.  Top candidates on the eligibility list will be referred to the Turlock Police Department for a Command Staff interview to determine which applicant(s) are referred for a background investigation.

8.  Final appointment to the position of Emergency Services Dispatcher I and II will be contingent upon passing the following:

1. Background Investigation
2. Interview with Chief
3. Medical examination (including drug/alcohol screening, hearing and vision examinations)

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE SYSTEM

The City of Turlock has adopted a veteran's preference system (effective January 1, 2002). The percentage score achieved through entrance (non-promotional) examination which ranks applicants on an eligibility list shall be adjusted to provide: (a) one (1) percentage point added to the final test score for each six (6) months of active service during a time of armed conflict, up to a maximum of five (5) points, and (b) five (5) percentage points added to the final test score for veterans who are disabled as a result of active military service during a time of armed conflict, regardless of length of service. To receive preference points, applicants must provide supporting documentation and proof of honorable discharge. In no event shall an applicant receive more than a five (5) point adjustment. This request should be made in section #12 of the employment application form. A copy of your DD214 must be attached for this request to be considered.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The City of Turlock is an equal Opportunity Employer. We are sincerely interested in receiving applications from qualified minorities, women, and disabled candidates. Qualified applicants receive equal consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, political affiliation, or belief except where indicated by requirements of the job. The City of Turlock will make every effort to accommodate applicants who have disabilities that do not allow them to compete in the selection process. Applicants are asked to indicate their request for accommodation in the application form.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION AND DRUG/ALCOHOL SCREENING 

The incumbent will be required to take a medical examination including a drug/alcohol screening and be fingerprinted.

CUSTOMER SERVICE POLICY

The City of Turlock is committed to quality service to our customers. Our goal is to create a positive, productive and courteous atmosphere for our employees and customers. Employees are evaluated on the quality of customer service they provide.

BENEFITS

• Effective January 1, 2013, all new employees, as defined by AB 340, will participate in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) 2% @ 62 defined benefit formula for non-safety members. All new employees, as defined by AB 340, who are safety members will participate in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) Safety Option Plan Two, 2.7% @ 57. New employees shall have an initial contribution rate of at least fifty percent (50%) of the total normal cost rate for the defined benefit plan or the current contribution rate of similarly situated employees, which is currently a 9% PERS contribution, whichever is greater. All employees shall be subject to the mandatory provisions of AB 340.
• Generous employer contribution to health plan for employee and family
• Term Life Insurance at 1-1/2 times annual salary
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Liberal vacation plan
• Fourteen paid holidays per calendar year
• Annual Review of performance tied to a five-step merit increase plan
• Sick leave accrual of one day (8 hrs) for each month worked
• Continuous Service Pay
• Associate's Degree or Equivalent - 2.5% of base pay
• Bachelor's Degree - Additional 2.5% of base pay
• Master's Degree - Additional 2.5% of base pay
• Bilingual Pay - 5% of base pay
• Liberal annual uniform allowance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Interest free computer loan
• The City does not participate in Social Security; however, there will be a 1.45% tax in salary for Medicare

NOTES:

Information contained herein does not constitute an expressed or implied contract as it is subject to change.

WHERE TO APPLY:

City of Turlock
Human Relations Department
156 S. Broadway, Suite 235
Turlock, CA 95380-5454
(209) 668-5540

OR

Visit our website at www.cityofturlock.org to apply.

Applications will be accepted until this position is filled. 

Cell phones are typically incompatible with online application format or browsers. we recommend using a desktop or laptop Computer. If your are still having technical difficulties, please call NEOGOV at 1-855-524-5627.