Police Dispatcher III

Police Dispatcher III

Posting Number
req24846

Department
University Police Department

Department Website Link
University Police Department

Location
Main Campus

Address
Tucson, AZ USA

Position Highlights
The University of Arizona is seeking a dynamic Police Radio Dispatcher for the University Police Department. Dispatchers are skilled emergency service workers. The role of the police dispatcher involves receiving emergency 911 and non-emergency calls for police assistance, taking and entering information from callers, determining the nature/urgency of calls, initiating police or other emergency personnel action, and maintaining close contact with field units to monitor response and needed support requirements.

The position of Police Radio Dispatcher requires a considerable degree of initiative and independent judgment within procedural boundaries in responding to a variety of situations. Work may be done separately or in conjunction with other police dispatchers. This position requires shift assignments and overtime. Dispatchers must be able to work a flexible schedule to accommodate weekend, evening, and holiday shifts in accordance with maintaining a fully operational 24-hour facility.

The UAPD has a Step Compensation plan for Dispatchers, the step plan begins at $21.635.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Receives and transmits routine and emergency telephone and radio traffic. Dispatches and coordinates police, fire, animal control, and other services. Monitors alarm panels, cameras.
• May store records and/or check warrants.
• Receives and responds to emergency and non-emergency calls including enhanced 911, and non-emergency calls from the public.
• Processes and evaluates information received, prioritizes calls and dispatches appropriate units.
• Relays pertinent information in a factual and concise manner; relays instructions or inquiries from remote units.
• Monitors and coordinates public safety personnel activity and assignments via police radio.
• Monitors and enters statuses, locations, and activity of public safety personnel on a computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system.
• Monitors security cameras, fire and intrusion alarms and dispatches accordingly.
• Operates computer terminal to make inquiries into computerized databases to retrieve motor vehicle information and other criminal record files, as requested, following prescribed policies and procedures.
• Enters data from officer reports into criminal information system on computer.
• Accesses, enters, and maintains sensitive data in local/state/national databases as necessary for investigative purposes.
• Monitors teletype messages and relays important information to officers.
• Utilizes technology such as computers, radio systems, telephones, fax machines and other communication equipment to complete job tasks.
• Maintains appropriate security and confidentiality of information created or encountered in the performance of assigned duties.
• Obtains complete and accurate information and quickly disseminates information, both in typewritten and verbal form; copies down long sequences of numbers or addresses; may be required to keep handwritten detailed logs of work at a quick pace.
• Keeps informed of departmental regulations, policies, and procedures.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of applicable State and Federal statutes, rules, ordinances, codes, regulations, governing dispatching.
• Knowledge of Department policies and procedures.
• Skill in determining priorities and handling high-pressure situations.
• Skill in observing situations analytically and objectively and recording them clearly and completely.
• Skill in communicating clearly and concisely and relaying details accurately.
• Skill in written communication.
• Skill in handling a high volume of telephone calls.
• Skill in typing with high accuracy.
• Skill in quick decision-making during emergency situations.
• Skill in assessing, analyzing, identifying, and implementing solutions to complex problems.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
• Skill in handling situations firmly, courteously, tactfully, and impartially.
• Skill in recalling numerous details and essential information.
• Skill in operating radio, telephone, keyboard, computer terminal, and related communications equipment.
• Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergencies.
• Ability to create and maintain manual and automated logs and other records of public safety communications activities.
• Ability to read and interpret maps to determine locations.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or high school diploma equivalency is required.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Candidates must pass a computerized and oral examination for consideration, followed by an in-depth background investigation, to include passing a psychological examination, polygraph, and hearing test.
• This position requires shift assignments and overtime. Dispatchers must be able to work a flexible schedule to accommodate weekend, evening, and holiday shifts in accordance with maintaining a fully operational 24-hour facility.

Preferred Qualifications

• Department will review applicant's work history as relevant to the position and may accept less than 5 years experience.

FLSA
Non-Exempt

Full Time/Part Time
Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week
40

Job FTE
1.0

Work Calendar
Fiscal

Job Category
Protection and Safety

Benefits Eligible
Yes - Full Benefits

Rate of Pay
$18.15 - $22.69

Compensation Type
hourly rate

Grade
4

Compensation Guidance
The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.

The Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.

Career Stream and Level
OC3

Job Family
Police & Security

Job Function
Protection & Safety

Type of criminal background check required:
Fingerprint criminal background check (security sensitive due to title or department)

Number of Vacancies
1

Target Hire Date

Expected End Date

Contact Information for Candidates
Lisa Lujano

llujano@arizona.edu

Open Date
1/9/2026

Open Until Filled
Yes

Documents Needed to Apply
Resume

Special Instructions to Applicant
Once your application is received, instructions for accessing and completing the Personal History Questionnaire will be emailed to you. It is strongly encouraged to complete and submit the personal history questionnaire as soon as possible.

Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University's campuses. These reports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.

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