Communications Dispatcher (entry-level)

Salary : $6,981.87 - $9,134.67 Monthly

Location : Castro Valley, CA

Job Type : Full-time (40 hrs)

Job Number : 25-CS-04

Division : Public Safety

Department : COMMUNICATION / RECORDS / EVIDENCE

Opening Date : 03 / 05 / 2025

Closing Date : Continuous

The Position

This job is posted on a continuous basis, and candidates will be reviewed the first week of each month for consideration. Be sure to stay attentive to email communication regarding panel interviews.

• ATTENTION : There are four (4) required parts of the application. You must attach your typing certificate and test results. Information links to sign up for the testing dates are found under the application materials description.

ABOUT US :

The East Bay Regional Park District's Public Safety Department serves over 25 million annual visitors. Our area of patrol includes 73 different parks over a 1,750 square mile area covering all of Alameda and Contra Costa counties.

Our Police Department is a full service POST-recognized law enforcement agency with 71 sworn officers. Our department includes a variety of units and patrol opportunities such as Air Support, Marine, Equestrian, Special Enforcement (including off-road vehicles), Investigations, and a 24-hour per day 911 Communications Center. Our Fire Department provides all typical emergency services, including fire suppression, hazardous materials responses, search and rescue, auto extrication, emergency medical services, prescribed burns for fire hazard reduction and resource management. Working closely with neighboring agencies in Alameda and Contra Costa counties, we provide emergency response services when called upon by CAL FIRE and the Office of Emergency Services. Fire also includes a Lifeguard Services Unit that renders support to 15 different environments including pools, lagoons, lakes, and coastlines. Our LS Unit offers an array of services including public instruction on water safety, rescuing distressed swimmers, and providing first aid.

Looking to start a career in a position that supports emergency services in open spaces? Join an agency that will value your work and professional development and apply to be an entry-level Communications Dispatcher today!

For more information about the District's Public Safety Division, please visit the District's website at :

OUR MISSION :

EBRPD preserves a rich heritage of natural and cultural resources and provides open space, parks, trails, safe and healthful recreation and environmental education. An environmental ethic guides the District in all of its activities.

OUR VALUES :

WHY WORK FOR EBRPD?

THE OPPORTUNITY :

The Park District is currently recruiting for entry-level Communications Dispatchers to work at our Public Safety HQ located in Castro Valley, CA. The hiring pools established from this recruitment will be used to fill the current vacancies and additional vacancies that may occur during the one-year life of the hiring pools.

We're Looking for Individuals Who Are :

What You'll Be Doing as a Communications Dispatcher : Under supervision, you'll perform a wide variety of dispatch and routine, non-hazardous law enforcement functions in a non-sworn capacity within the public safety department, and you'll performs related duties as required.

Application materials for this position consist of four (4) required parts :

1. A current East Bay Regional Park District application submitted online; and

2. Completed supplemental questions; and

3. A valid Typing Speed Certificate

4.Proof of successful completion of ONE of the following :

The links to sign up for the tests can be found below

To enroll in one of the above mentioned required tests, click on the link below :

Dispatch Communications Testing Registration

Tentative Date of Onsite Examinations

Skills Tests (POST or CritiCall) : Results submitted with application

Best Qualified Review (supplemental responses review) and oral panel interviews will take place on a monthly basis. Selection interviews will follow shortly thereafter, typically within two weeks of oral panel interviews.

Essential Functions

Performs tasks necessary to effectively dispatch police, fire and park operations units, as required :

Minimum Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :

Education : Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade; AND

Experience : Two years of recent, responsible work experience. License or Certificate : Possession of a valid California Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record is a condition of initial and continued employment in this classification.

Additional Information

Knowledge of :

Routine clerical operations;

Ability to :

Read maps, both in paper form and digital form and provide directions verbally

Be flexible in your role; understand that not all situations are black & white (use cognitive reasoning to make the best decisions about any / all situations)

Develop and maintain productive and cooperative working relationships with other District staff, other agencies, volunteers and the public.

Conditions of Employment :

Current First Aid and CPR certificates are required as a condition of completion of probation and continued employment in this classification.

Union Affiliation :

POLICE ASSOCIATION : The Park District's Police Association (PA) represents this classification. Wages, hours, and other terms of conditions of employment are covered in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Park District and the PA. The probationary period for this classification is eighteen (18) months.

Application process :

Apply prior to the closing time of the job announcement and allow at least one (1) hour to submit your application if you are a new user to the system. If you have previously applied to a position on GovernmentJobs.com, please allow time to update your existing profile. Applications are accepted online only. Our online application system is provided by NeoGov. If you encounter problems while applying online, please contact NeoGov Help Desk toll-free at (855) 524-5627.

Notification : All applicants will be notified of the disposition of their application via email, generally within two weeks after the closing date. You may also sign into your governmentjobs.com account to view your current application status and notifications.

Selection Process : The application materials for all applicants meeting the minimum qualifications will be reviewed by a screening panel to select the best qualified for interview or testing. The District reserves the right to set up a written test, performance test, and / or other assessment procedures before and after the interview process. Possession of minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview or invitation to test. Pursuant to the Federal Immigration and Reform Act of 1986, all applicants who are hired will be required to provide proof of identity and appropriate work authorization documents prior to commencement of employment.

The selection process for Communications Dispatcher will include the following steps :

1. Minimum Qualifications review & confirm required documents (including Skills Testing)

5. Background Examination : The candidate(s) selected for this position will undergo a background investigation as outlined in the CA Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Public Safety Dispatcher Selection Requirements. Background investigators will contact references, friends, family, former and current employers and other contacts in order to verify information provided by the candidate in a Personal History Statement. In addition, investigators will perform a criminal records check, a credit check and a driving record check. Candidates will have their fingerprints taken to satisfy a CA Department of Justice and FBI official clearance. Candidates will complete a polygraph and psychological examination, as well as undergo a medical examination appropriate to the specific position. Information revealed during the background investigation may be grounds for disqualification during the selection process.

6. Probationary Period : Once hired, the candidate must successfully complete an 18-month probationary period.

Special Testing Arrangements : If you require special arrangements due to a verified disability or medical condition, please contact the Human Resources Department at 510-544-2154.

Equal Opportunity Employer :

The East Bay Regional Park District is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and respects a diverse workforce and community. It is committed to promoting an equitable and inclusive workspace that is welcoming to all. Applicants from all backgrounds and life experiences are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.

For information regarding the District's applicable benefits package, please visit

For temporary and / or on-call assignments, there are no benefits offered.

The purpose of the supplemental questionnaire is to allow you to elaborate your experience. Therefore, please answer the supplemental question(s) thoroughly and accurately. "See Resume," as a response will not be considered sufficient information. Applicants are responsible for clearly, completely, and accurately identifying their qualifications. The supplemental questions may determine your eligibility to continue to the next step. Please indicate whether you have read and understood the statement above concerning submission of supplemental responses.

Select the Skills Tests Results that you have completed and attached to this application. NOTE : EBRPD HR must collect proof of successful passing one of the skills tests in order to be moved forward for further consideration.

Have you completed a typing speed test that meets the following criteria : - Demonstrating that the applicant passed a five (5) minute typing test; - Must be dated within 12 months of the posting closing date; - Must be from an accredited business school or college, adult education center, skills / business center, or a public agency; internet certificates are acceptable. - Must display the following items : candidate name; date and duration of the test; gross words typed per minute; number of errors; name and signature of the examiner administering the test; and name, address, and telephone number of the testing agency.

If you answered "Yes" to the prior question, confirm that you have attached your Typing Certificate to your application. Note : these test results are required to be considered for the position.

I understand that I must be prepared and may be required to work any shift during a 24-hour period, on holidays and weekends, and shifts rotate periodically.

Please select the highest level of education you have completed.

Do you have at least two years of recent, responsible work experience?

Please indicate how many years of dispatching experience (related or unrelated to public safety) you have.

Please indicate how many years of experience you have in deescalating or diffusing high-stress interactions with customers.

Please indicate how many years of experience you have in fast-paced or high-volume customer interactions (via phone or in-person).

Do you possess a valid California Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record?

List your total amount of experience operating a telephone, your employer(s), your level of phone activity (e.g., heavy, light, etc.), the number of telephone lines you were responsible for, and the general nature of your telephone contacts (e.g., informational, referral, emergency, etc.).

Briefly describe any dispatch or radio communications experience. Include the type and amount of your experience, level of the communications activity, type of equipment you used, and identify your employer. (If you do not have experience, write N / A.)

What is the extent of your experience working with computers and / or software systems, including amount and type of data entry, if applicable?

Describe your experience with having to multi-task in the workplace. (Provide necessary details / context to understand the skills you possess.) How would those skills be transferrable to this position should you be hired?

Provide one (1) example from your background which best illustrates your ability to handle an emergency or stressful situation. How would you relate that experience to this position?

Required Question