PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER I-IV

Public Safety DispatcherApplications are available online beginning November 6, 2026. Filing will remain open until vacancies are filled. Filing may close without further notice.
Salary Information:Grade I
- $30.216
- $41.034 HourlyGrade II
- $32.565
- $44.278 HourlyGrade III
- $35.120
- $47.693 HourlyGrade IV
- $37.881
- $51.476 HourlyThis is an entry-level position. Candidates electing to take the National Testing Network (NTN) Emergency Communications exam can apply to this posting.
Additional information can be found below.
If you have a POST Dispatcher T-Score of 50.8 within the last 12 months, apply to the PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER I-IV
- 9-1-1 DISPATCHER (ENTRY LEVEL
- POST EXAM) HERESome positions in this classification qualify for a Recruitment Incentive of up to $5,000. For more information on the City of Long Beach's Recruitment Incentive Program, please click here.
Examples of DutiesUnder general supervision, receives and dispatches emergency (911) calls for police or fire and emergency medical service; enters data into personal computer while questioning callers for information; determines nature, validity and disposition of calls; may provide post-dispatch medical instructions; utilizes computer-generated messages and priorities to dispatch field units to emergency situations; operates a variety of communications equipment including radio transmitters, accessories and telephones; performs call reception and dispatch activities utilizing computer-assisted dispatch system; answers or refers inquiries and complaints regarding a wide variety of public safety and related matters; accesses, retrieves, and transmits vehicular or personal information to field units; relays relevant situational information to non-city enforcement or public safety agencies; may provide training for dispatchers and participate in evaluation of their performance; may act in a variety of dispatch supervisory positions; performs other related duties as required.
Requirements to FileMUST BE WILLING TO WORK: Any shift assignment in the Police or Fire Departments and mandatory holidays, weekends, and overtime.
MUST BE ABLE TO: Handle a high volume of emergency calls with tact, good judgment, initiative, and speed; question callers while simultaneously typing information into a computer terminal (multitasking); speak English clearly and understandably; comprehend, interpret, and retain written and orally presented information effectively, i.e., read, memorize, interpret, and apply policies and procedures, State Penal Code, FCC regulations, charts, and maps.
Ability to demonstrate keyboarding skills at 35 wpm. Keyboarding Certificate Information: Applicants must have a Keyboarding Skill Certificate from an approved government, employment or training agency recognized by the Human Resources Department and obtained within the last 12 months (proof required)*.
Effective April 1, 2020, the Human Resources Department will continue to accept and receive keyboarding skills certificate from an approved government, employment or training agency recognized by the Human Resources Department and obtained during the past 12 months; this will also include an online keyboarding skills certificate for the position of Public Safety Dispatcher. (via a 5-minute typing test).
Ability to pass a thorough background investigation and polygraph examination conducted by the Long Beach Police Department. The investigation will cover information about relatives, references, acquaintances, education, residential history, employment history, criminal history, military service records, financial status, legal history, drug use, and related areas. Please click HERE for more information.
Must not have any felony convictions (you must not have been convicted of any crime punishable by imprisonment in a penitentiary).
* Required documents, such as a keyboarding certificate, must be uploaded to the online application at the time of filing. Any proof submitted must contain either the applicant's name or other identifying characteristics on the form.
Selection ProcedureExamination Weights:Application Packet………………………...
QualifyingPerformance Examination (Video-Based)…….
QualifyingThe Public Safety Dispatcher performance examination consists of the National Testing Network (NTN) Emergency Communications Test titled ECOMM. Applicants must schedule a testing date through nationaltestingnetwork.com. In order to complete the application process, candidates must take the NTN exam and complete the online application.
A minimum rating of 70 must be attained in order to pass the performance examination.
PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER
- POST WAIVER APPLICANTS: The National Testing Network (NTN) performance examination will be waived for candidates who have taken the POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery (POST Dispatcher Test) examination with an approved agency and achieved a T-score of 50.8 or above within one year of the time of filing (proof required)*. Applicants submitt