Public Safety Dispatcher I

Public Safety Dispatcher Positions

The Butte County Sheriff's Office is now accepting applications for Public Safety Dispatcher positions. We're looking for dedicated, detail-oriented individuals who can stay calm under pressure and are committed to serving the public.

This recruitment requires a valid Typing Certification with a minimum of 40 words per minute. Typing Certification must indicate results from a five (5) minute test within the last 12 months. Typing certificates completed online may be accepted.

Applicants who meet the minimum requirements and have attached a valid Typing Certification with a minimum of 40 words per minute, will be invited to participate in a written exam that is tentatively scheduled for Monday, October 5, 2026 at 8:30 a.m.

Applicants who have taken the POST Entry Level Public Safety Dispatcher Test Battery within the last twelve months and received a 42.0 T-Score or higher may use their score for this recruitment.

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Under immediate or general supervision, receives 911 system emergency and non-emergency calls; dispatches assignments according to established emergency and County procedures; performs a variety of technical tasks relative to the assigned functional area; and performs related duties as assigned.

Receives immediate (Public Safety Dispatcher I) or general (Public Safety Dispatcher II) supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

Public Safety Dispatcher I: This is the trainee-level classification in the Dispatcher series. Trainees work in the communications center and receive on the job training, specific day-to-day direction and are closely supervised. Incumbents at this level are not expected to function with the same amount of knowledge or skills as positions allocated to the II and Senior levels of the series. Initially under immediate supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine duties in support of public safety communications. Duties include frequent interaction with the public via telephone in both emergency and non-emergency situations. The position requires incumbents to receive, relay and provide accurate information, forms and reports to others within established legal guidelines. Once a Public Safety Dispatcher I completes training, and as incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently, general supervision and frequent review of work lessen. Positions at this level develop the skills to perform most of the duties required of positions at the II level, but are not expected to function at the same skill level and exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.

Public Safety Dispatcher II: This is the journey level classification in the Public Safety Dispatcher Series. Positions at this level have completed training and are fully competent to perform the full range of assigned duties. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. This class is distinguished from the Senior Public Safety Dispatcher in that the latter performs the complex work assigned to the series and is responsible for providing lead direction and training to lower-level staff in the series.

Positions in the Public Safety Dispatcher class series are flexibly staffed; positions at the II-level may be filled by advancement from the I-level; progression to the II-level is dependent on (i) management affirmation that the position is performing the full range of duties assigned to the classification; (ii) satisfactory work performance; (iii) the incumbent meeting the minimum qualifications for the classification including any licenses and certifications; and (iv) management approval for progression to the II-level.

Essential Job Functions

• Receives, analyzes, and evaluates 911, Sheriff's emergency and business calls, inquiries and complaints, roads, animal control, and maintenance; transfers calls to appropriate parties or creates a call for dispatch.
• Dispatches sheriff units or other staff and equipment to emergency or non-emergency locations; determines proper jurisdiction and staff to be dispatched.
• Monitors status of public safety units to ensure officer safety and availability for services.
• Operates multiple communications devices and computers concurrently to insure swift and appropriate response to calls; continuously updates suspect information and deputy locations.
• Maintains efficient records of radio calls and information logs; maintains and accesses business and premise history and index files for emergency and other necessary contacts.
• Accesses local, state, and federal criminal justice information systems; operates systems to transmit and receive information.
• Maintains radio contact with allied agencies, including mobile and portable units; recognizes units from other agencies and assists them with County units or provides requested information.
• Monitors alarms and security systems for businesses, relevant histories, and files for emergency contacts.
• Responds to Deputy radio traffic and requests and disseminates suspect information from roll call boards, prior calls, and bulletins; responds to in-house, radio paging, and after-hours phone lines.
• Performs basic equipment adjustments and maintenance; may perform associated office support duties.
• Assist the Coroner's Office daily by using investigative tools to locate family members of decedents to make required notifications.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, procedures, and terminology used in law enforcement and related emergency radio and telephone communications.
• Basic functions of law enforcement agencies.
• The topography and communities of Butte County.
• Proper and effective methods of deploying law enforcement personnel.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• Principles and procedures of recordkeeping.
• Techniques for dealing with people of all socio-economic level under hostile and emergency situations.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability To:

• Read and interpret maps and other pertinent documentation.
• Observe and accurately recall places, names, descriptive characteristics, and facts of incidents.
• Memorize codes, names, locations, and other detailed information.
• Work under stressful conditions to assess difficult or emergency circumstances.
• Independently make quick, sound decisions based on facts and implement appropriate response strategies.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, legal, and procedural guidelines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade; and

Public Safety Dispatcher I: One (1) year of general office and computer experience.

Public Safety Dispatcher II: One (1) year of public safety dispatch experience at a level equivalent to Public Safety Dispatcher I.

Certifications and Licenses:

• Possess valid Typing Certification with minimum of 40 words per minute. Typing Certification must indicate results from a five (5) minute test within the last 12 months.
• Possess and maintain a valid C.L.E.T.S. Operator certificate by the end of the probationary period.
• Possess and maintain a Basic Dispatcher Course certificate issued by the California State Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T). by the end of the probationary period.
• A position assigned to this class may require possession of a valid California Driver's License.

Environmental Factors and Conditions/Physical Requirements

Physical Demands