LEAD EMERGENCY DISPATCHER

Classification Definition

To perform a variety of dispatching duties in a lead support of public safety emergency services; to receive and route emergency and non-emergency telephone and radio calls; to dispatch police officers to calls for service; to operate a variety of communication equipment including radio, telephone, and computer systems; and to perform a variety of duties relative to assigned areas of responsibility; to assist in the supervision, assignment, and review of work performed by dispatch staff.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the advanced journey level class in the Emergency Dispatcher series. Positions at this level are distinguished from other classes within the series by the level of responsibility assumed and the complexity of duties assigned. Employees perform the most difficult and responsible types of duties assigned to classes within this series including providing lead direction and training to lower level technical staff. Employees at this level are required to be fully trained in all procedures related to assigned area of responsibility.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from Emergency Dispatch Supervisor or assigned supervisory staff.

Exercises functional and technical supervision over lower level technical staff.

Essential Duties and Responsiblities

ESSENTIAL AND MARGINAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS-Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Essential Functions:

1. Receive emergency and non-emergency calls for service; dispatch field units to emergency situations; determine nature and location of call; determine priority of calls and dispatch units accordingly; provide assistance, information and directions to non-emergency callers.

2. Maintain awareness of field units activity within the computer aided dispatch (CAD) system; communicate with field units through radio in accordance with mandated regulations; maintain status and location of units on patrol.

3. Perform warrant checks as directed by police officers on the scene; relay results to officers.

4. Respond to field personnel resource requests; dispatch necessary resources.

5.Operate a variety of specialized communication equipment in the performance of all job duties including computer terminal with computer aided dispatch software, radio console, scanner and related electronic systems and devices.

6. Maintain logs and record of all calls.

7. Provide technical assistance for staff in resolving difficult phone or dispatch problems; perform the more complex or difficult telecommunications and dispatch activities on both a regular and emergency relief basis as required.

8. Monitor and act as a lead person during critical and serious events.

9. Act as a resource in the Emergency Dispatch Supervisor's absence.

10.Responds to public and employee inquiries in a courteous manner; provides information within the area of assignment; investigates citizen complaints to ensure quality service and accountability of employees; resolves complaints in an efficient and timely manner.

11. Receives and handles after hours calls not directly related to police services; contacts other City departments as needed in order to obtain proper response to citizen concerns and issues.

12. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:

Principles, methods and techniques of radio, paging, dispatching and telephone communications.

Procedures and terminology used in 9-1-1 police and emergency radio and telephone communications.

Basic law enforcement principles, practices and terminology.

Business computer applications, particularly as related to the input and retrieval of data.

Basic record keeping principles and practices.

Recent developments, current literature and information related to emergency dispatch management.

Modern office equipment including computers and supporting word processing and spreadsheet applications.

Proper English usage, grammar, punctuation and spelling.

Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and ordinances.

Ability to:

Coordinate and direct emergency dispatch programs and activities.

Develop and administer program goals, objectives and procedures.

Interpret and apply Federal, State and local policies, laws and regulations.

Operate telecommunications center equipment including radios, pagers, computers and related systems.

Analyze emergency response and operations problems.

Remain calm and exercise sound independent judgment and decision making in daily work activities and emergency situations.

Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public.

Assist in developing sound alternatives and make recommendations and decisions under emergency circumstances.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities.

Experience and Training Guidelines:Minimum requirements as a condition of hire:

Experience:

Three years of increasingly responsible dispatch experience, including one year at a lead level is desirable.

Training:

High School diploma or equivalent.

Licenses and Certifications:

Possession of a State of California driver license.

CA POST emergency dispatcher certification.

CLETS certification.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Environmental Conditions:

Office environment; exposure to computer screens.

Physical Conditions:

Essential functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting for prolonged periods of time.

Supplemental Information

Application Procedure:

A City application form and supplemental questionnaire (if applicable) MUST be submitted and received by the closing date. Please apply online at www.yourrialto.com. All other employment inquiries can be directed to The City of Rialto, Human Resources Department. 246 S. Willow, Rialto, CA 92376. Telephone: (909) 820-2540.

Selection Process:

Candidates must clearly demonstrate through their application material that they meet the employment standards outlined above. All properly completed applications will be reviewed, and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. Examinations for the positions may consist of any combination of written, performance, and oral exams to evaluate the applicant's skills, training, and experience for the position. Successful applicants will be placed on an eligibility list. The City may also merge lists. The selected candidate(s) must successfully complete pre-employment clearances which may include a physical, drug screen, and fingerprinting.

Veterans Preference Credit Eligibility:

Veterans of the armed forces, who have been discharged or released from active duty under conditions other than dishonorable (Government Code: 18540.4), shall receive an additional five (5) points to their final examination score for ranking purposes only. This preference will apply only to the first appointment to any regular full-time City appointment. A copy of your valid DD214 must be submitted on or before the final filing date in order to be eligible for Veterans Preference Credit.

E-Verify:

The City of Rialto is an E-Verify employer. E-Verify is an internet based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that allows participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of newly hired employees in the United States.

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