Communications Dispatcher, Entry-Level

Communications Dispatcher Entry-Level

Applications are being accepted for the position of Communications Dispatcher Entry-Level with the South San Francisco Police Department. Please note : This job posting is for entry-level applicants and NOT for lateral-transfer, academy graduate or academy attendee applicants.

As a continuous recruitment, please ensure timely and complete submission of employment application and supporting documents. This recruitment is to establish an eligible list for current and future vacancies.

The City offers an attractive benefit package, as well as CalPERS retirement plan and social security participation.

The Department : The City of South San Francisco has 83 sworn and 35 civilian positions. The Department's philosophy is one of participative management, with a high degree of emphasis on training and education. It employs team and community-oriented policing and problem-solving concepts and recognizes the importance of staying contemporary with technological advances. The Department acknowledges that the responsibility for public safety and the quality of life in our neighborhood is a responsibility shared with the whole community.

A new state-of-the-art Police Department building and 9-1-1 Communications Center has opened at 1 Chestnut Avenue. The new Police Building includes a large training room for defensive tactics, a dedicated indoor firearms range, and progressive construction incorporating the latest in Police Station design concepts. The 9-1-1 Communications center will have the latest communications and dispatching technologies to provide improved service and response to South San Francisco residents.

The Position : Under general supervision, receives and transmits routine and emergency telephone and radio traffic; dispatches and coordinates police, fire, public works, and other municipal staff and equipment via multifrequency two-way radio; maintains and processes a variety of communications reports, records, and radio logs; and does related work as required.

Ideal Candidate : An ideal candidate has the ability to independently identify and act on issues that affect the communications center; demonstrates good decision-making skills under pressure; works well with a minimum of direct supervision; interprets and executes the organization's philosophy, policies, and procedures; and, is a team-player with a positive and enthusiastic work ethic. Qualifications : Any combination equivalent to experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be :

Experience : One year of work experience requiring maturity and responsibility involving some public contact.

Training : High school graduate or equivalent. Additional education in law enforcement; or communications experience in the military or public safety is desirable.

Licenses or Certificates :

• Possession of a current POST Entry-level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery certificate with a T-score of 48 or higher obtained within the 12 months immediately preceding application submission.

The POST Entry-level Dispatcher Written Test Information : The POST Entry-level Dispatcher Selection Battery Test is administered by South Bay Regional Public Safety Consortium (SBRPSTC) and is designed to meet the Commission of Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) requirements.

Applicants who have not yet taken the exam may register directly with SBRPSTC :

Website :

SBRPSTC requires a non-refundable materials fee from applicants for taking the test. There are a limited number of seats for the examination dates listed at SBRPSTC. Register early before all seats are sold out. SBRPSTC does not accept walk-ins for this test.

The Application Process : To be considered, applicants must submit the following REQUIRED items :

Note : Applications must be completed in full. All work experience, and education or training must be listed directly on the City application. Applications that state "See Resume" or omit required information will be considered incomplete and subject to disqualification. Resumes may be attached separately; however, resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed City application. Only application materials and documents that are specifically required within this job announcement will be reviewed as part of the application process.

Selection Process : The Examination Process will consist of the following independent parts :

To review complete job descriptions which include all special requirements, go to

Special Instructions :

A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment. Determinations are made on a case-by-case basis with consideration given to the nature and recency of the conviction and relationship to job duties. All City standards must be met before the final appointment is made.

Candidates with a disability who may require special assistance in any phase of the recruitment process should advise the Human Resources Department upon submittal of application.

Candidates requesting veteran's preference must provide a copy of U.S. Government DD Form 214 "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty" as an attachment to their CalOpps application.

The policy of the City of South San Francisco is to grant equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons without regard to race, color, sex, gender, age, religion, ancestry, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status or national origin. It is the intent and desire of the City of South San Francisco that equal employment opportunity will be provided in recruiting, hiring, training, promoting, wages, benefits, and all other privileges, terms and conditions of employment. The City of South San Francisco is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).

Disclaimer : This general announcement does not constitute an express or implied contract and is subject to change. Any provisions contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.

Recruitment Contact

Contact phone : (650)877-8522

Contact email : recruitment@