Address
Form of workSalary : $57,198.84 - $71,908.20 Annually
Location : Visalia, CA
Job Type: Regular Full-Time
Job Number: 31160
Department: Police
Opening Date: 04/11/2012
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
The Police Department is recruiting for the position of Communications Operator. We are establishing an eligible list for future vacancies.
The ideal candidate will be capable of assertively taking command of situations in a sensitive yet straightforward manner, while showing consideration and respect to others, and will have the ability to deal with stressful and pressured situations in an efficient and controlled manner. Candidates must demonstrate good decision making skills under pressure, work with minimum direct supervision, and be a team player with a positive attitude. Additionally, candidates should have the ability to work all shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays.
TITLE: Communications Operator
SALARY: Depending on qualifications
DEPARTMENT: Police
BASIC FUNCTION: Under general supervision, receives and transmits routine and emergency telephone and radio traffic; dispatches and coordinates police, fire, animal control and other municipal equipment; maintains and processes a variety of communications paperwork, records, and logs. Performs related responsibilities as required.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
This is the journey level of the Communications Operator series. Positions in this class may be filled by advancement from the lower grade of Assistant Communications Operator, or when filled from the outside, require prior dispatching experience. Positions in this class may be distinguished from the class of Assistant Communications Operator by the frequent use of independent judgment in making decisions in accordance with established rules and procedures and the responsibility of training personnel. While a variety of tasks may be assigned, each step usually follows a pattern which has been established and explained before work is started.
Incumbents in this classification are expected to work shifts which include nights, weekends, and holidays.
Examples of Duties
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Receives, interprets, classifies, prioritizes and responds to calls of a routine and emergency nature, including those calls involving life threatening situation, expeditiously and accurately.
• Assigns calls to police, fire, or animal control units for necessary action, including determining necessary units required for response; coordinates with patrol supervisors regarding deployment of personnel.
• Visually monitors status display terminals while simultaneously monitoring radio frequencies aurally.
• Ensures correct status of pending and dispatched calls, location of units, and makes "on-line" changes as appropriate.
• Dispatches medical emergencies and provides pre-arrival instructions.
• Provides information to units in areas such as warrants, vehicles, driver's licenses, and criminal history.
• Enters relevant information and retrieves information on multiple computerized systems, including a computer-aided dispatch system.
• Operates a multiple computer system utilizing various programs simultaneously.
• Monitors security entrances to public buildings and closed circuit TV to holding cells.
• Trains new employees in the dispatch function and evaluates and reports progress of trainees to supervisor.
• Testifies in court as required.
• Performs matron duties as needed.
• Performs related duties as required.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:
This position reports to Communications Supervisor, Lead Communications Operator or Senior Communications Operator, and does not supervise.
Qualifications / Requirements
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:
Knowledge/Skills/Ability:
• Public safety radio codes, Penal and Vehicle codes, and terminology.
• Receiving, evaluating, prioritizing and relaying emergency and non-emergency calls for assistance.
• Policies, procedures, and operations of the communications center, police department, fire department and S.P.C.A.
• CAD (computer-aided dispatch system) operations.
• Modern office methods and procedures.
• CLETS and records paperwork.
• Exercise tact, courtesy, and patience in all contacts with public and co-workers.
• Evaluating situations quickly and take actions according to procedures.
• Communicate effectively in writing; report preparation; record information quickly and accurately with legible handwriting.
• Communicating verbally over the phone and radio with an understandable and clear voice quality.
• Understanding of the general geography of the City of Visalia; quickly interpreting computerized and physical maps, including identifying major landmarks and streets.
• Work effectively and calmly in stressful and pressured emergency situations, while prioritizing workload and adopting effective courses of action.
• Alternate attention among a variety of tasks simultaneously, while retaining information gathered and exercising sound judgment in situations with a high consequence of error.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Obtain relevant information in emergency situations to make critical decisions quickly and effectively.
• Deal effectively with the public in hostile, hysterical, and other emotional states over the phone.
• Enter information received over phone or radio and accurately in an abbreviated form in a computer.
• Operate a keyboard accurately at 40 corrected words per minute.
• Follow oral and written directions quickly and accurately.
• Follow safe work practices, including workplace safety policies and procedures.
• Prioritize workload.
• Develop and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with co-workers and the public; work effectively in a confined area with other employees.
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:
Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge, skill and ability is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skill and abilities would be:
• Possession of high school diploma or GED.
• One year of 911 emergency dispatching experience with a law enforcement agency, within the last three years.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Possession of a California P.O.S.T. Dispatcher Basic Certificate
• Keyboarding speed of 40 CWPM (correct words per minute) TYPING CERTIFICATE DATED WITHIN ONE YEAR OF THE FILING DEADLINE AND DISPATCHER BASIC CERTIFICATE MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH APPLICATION
• Possession of a valid California Driver's License by time of appointment.
Additional Information
PHYSICAL STANDARDS:
Positions in this class are typically situated in a standard office environment resulting in little exposure to the weather and requiring no unusual physical abilities.
SELECTION PROCESS:
Application and supplemental materials will be evaluated and applicants who appear to be qualified will be invited to participate in a job related interview process. Prior to appointment, candidates must pass a thorough Background Investigation, polygraph test, psychological examination and post-offer medical exam.
The City of Visalia is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in the announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.
Bargaining Unit: Employees in this class are represented by the Northern California Carpenters Regional Council (Group M bargaining unit). This bargaining unit may establish and collect dues for their members' independent from the City of Visalia. Those that elect to join may be required to pay dues per the provisions in the MOU.
Salary Policies: The salary range for the job is stated on the job announcement. Candidates are normally hired at the minimum of the salary range. Salary increases are given based upon employee work performance, up to a maximum of 5% per fiscal year.
Bilingual pay of $900 per year, pro-rated on a pay period basis, is available to those who are eligible and qualify.
A uniform allowance of $800 annually is provided for maintenance and care of department required uniforms or attire. Employees working in the following areas of the Police Department that are required to wear a uniform are eligible for uniform allowance: Dispatch, Records, CSO personnel, Property and Evidence, Crime Lab, Duty Officer personnel, and Parking Enforcement.
Holidays: Regular non-shift full-time City employees receive 11 paid holidays and one (1) floating holiday per year. In lieu of holidays, Police shift employees receive 4 hours of compensatory time off and 4 hours of regular pay in the pay period the holiday falls.In addition, shift employees receive one floating holiday in the pay period that includes January 1.
Vacation: Regular full-time employees earn 10 days per year. After 2 years, employees are eligible for 11 days; after 4 years, 14 days; after 9 years, 17 days; and after 16 years, 20 days of vacation per year. Employees are eligible for vacation usage after six (6) months of service. Employees hired from another governmental agency may be entitled to receive years-of service credit for their vacation accrual rate for such previous employment and applies only to the government agency the employee was employed with immediately prior to employment with the City of Visalia.
Sick Leave: Regular full-time employees earn 96 hours of sick leave per year, accrued per pay period. Employees are eligible for sick leave usage after three (3) months of service.
Annual Sick Leave Buy Back: After accumulating 480 hours, the City will automatically cash out all sick leave hours over 480 hours at 40% of the employee's pay rate.
Administrative Leave: Employees classified as FLSA exempt (not eligible for overtime pay) currently receive 56 hours of administrative leave per calendar year. Any unused administrative leave hours are automatically paid out on the first paycheck in December.
Compensatory Time Off: Regular full-time employees classified as FLSA non-exempt (eligible for overtime pay) currently receive eight (8) hours compensatory time off per calendar year.
Health Insurance: The City provides employee health insurance which includes medical, dental, and vision care. Employee contribution rates are determined by employee's bargaining unit and plan selected. Health benefits are also available for an employee's dependents for an additional contribution rate. Eligibility for health insurance benefits begins on the first of the month after the date of hire. Contribution rates are reviewed for adjustment annually.
Life Insurance: The City pays the premium for a life insurance and accidental death or dismemberment policy of $30,000. A supplemental life insurance policy may be purchased and paid through payroll deduction. Eligibility for life insurance benefits begins on the first of the month after the date of hire.
Retirement: The City of Visalia is a member of the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). New employees are covered under the 2% at 62 plan. (Employees with previous PERS qualifying service (Classic employees) may fall under the 2% at 60 plan.) Each pay period, the employee pays an employee contribution at the CalPERS established rate. The City pays an employer contribution towards the retirement benefit and employees are responsible for contributing 4% of the employer contribution in addition to the required employee contribution.
Social Security/FICA: City employees are not subject to regular Social Security (FICA) deductions. However, Federal law requires that the Medicare portion of the FICA is deducted.
Section 125: The City offers a voluntary Section 125 program whereby tax free contributions are put into a trust account and are available for withdrawal with documentation of an unreimbursed healthcare or dependent care expense (i.e. premium, dependent care, medical care).
Long Term Disability: Regular full-time City employees are eligible for disability insurance (up to 2/3 of their salary) in the event they are disabled for more than ninety (90) days. LTD premium cost is paid by the employee.
Worker's Compensation: Full-time and hourly employees who sustain an occupational injury or contract occupational illnesses receive standard Worker's Compensation benefits as prescribed by law.
Other Benefits: The City also offers additional benefits such as an employee assistance program (EAP), a pre-tax deferred compensation plan, and education assistance up to $1,500 per fiscal year.
As a potential applicant, you are about to participate in a series of events collectively called the employment process. Because the goal of the employment process is to obtain the most qualified candidates to fill City positions, examinations are administered to qualified applicants. These examinations are conducted in a variety of ways (written, oral, practical, and/or performance), yet they share a common purpose - to test applicants based upon the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the duties and responsibilities of the job.
The employment process occurs in several stages which are described below:
Application: Perspective employees must submit a City of Visalia application and other documents required as outlined in the announcement by the closing time specified on the final filing date. Final filing dates and times are listed on the front of each announcement. Separate original applications must be submitted for each recruitment/position applied for.
Examination: Applicants will be evaluated and applicants who clearly appear to be more qualified in terms of knowledge, skills, and abilities will be invited to take an examination or combination of examinations. Written, practical, oral, and/or performance examination scores, or a pre-determined combined examination score, will determine standing on the eligible list.
Exam Accommodations: If you are most qualified for the job, but need reasonable accommodations to take the exam, contact the Human Resources Division at least five (5) days prior to the exam. We want to work with you to design a fair and effective means by which you can demonstrate your ability to perform the essential functions of this job. Be prepared to furnish proof of the need for accommodation. Su...
Location : Visalia, CA
Job Type: Regular Full-Time
Job Number: 31160
Department: Police
Opening Date: 04/11/2012
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
The Police Department is recruiting for the position of Communications Operator. We are establishing an eligible list for future vacancies.
The ideal candidate will be capable of assertively taking command of situations in a sensitive yet straightforward manner, while showing consideration and respect to others, and will have the ability to deal with stressful and pressured situations in an efficient and controlled manner. Candidates must demonstrate good decision making skills under pressure, work with minimum direct supervision, and be a team player with a positive attitude. Additionally, candidates should have the ability to work all shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays.
TITLE: Communications Operator
SALARY: Depending on qualifications
DEPARTMENT: Police
BASIC FUNCTION: Under general supervision, receives and transmits routine and emergency telephone and radio traffic; dispatches and coordinates police, fire, animal control and other municipal equipment; maintains and processes a variety of communications paperwork, records, and logs. Performs related responsibilities as required.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
This is the journey level of the Communications Operator series. Positions in this class may be filled by advancement from the lower grade of Assistant Communications Operator, or when filled from the outside, require prior dispatching experience. Positions in this class may be distinguished from the class of Assistant Communications Operator by the frequent use of independent judgment in making decisions in accordance with established rules and procedures and the responsibility of training personnel. While a variety of tasks may be assigned, each step usually follows a pattern which has been established and explained before work is started.
Incumbents in this classification are expected to work shifts which include nights, weekends, and holidays.
Examples of Duties
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Receives, interprets, classifies, prioritizes and responds to calls of a routine and emergency nature, including those calls involving life threatening situation, expeditiously and accurately.
• Assigns calls to police, fire, or animal control units for necessary action, including determining necessary units required for response; coordinates with patrol supervisors regarding deployment of personnel.
• Visually monitors status display terminals while simultaneously monitoring radio frequencies aurally.
• Ensures correct status of pending and dispatched calls, location of units, and makes "on-line" changes as appropriate.
• Dispatches medical emergencies and provides pre-arrival instructions.
• Provides information to units in areas such as warrants, vehicles, driver's licenses, and criminal history.
• Enters relevant information and retrieves information on multiple computerized systems, including a computer-aided dispatch system.
• Operates a multiple computer system utilizing various programs simultaneously.
• Monitors security entrances to public buildings and closed circuit TV to holding cells.
• Trains new employees in the dispatch function and evaluates and reports progress of trainees to supervisor.
• Testifies in court as required.
• Performs matron duties as needed.
• Performs related duties as required.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:
This position reports to Communications Supervisor, Lead Communications Operator or Senior Communications Operator, and does not supervise.
Qualifications / Requirements
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:
Knowledge/Skills/Ability:
• Public safety radio codes, Penal and Vehicle codes, and terminology.
• Receiving, evaluating, prioritizing and relaying emergency and non-emergency calls for assistance.
• Policies, procedures, and operations of the communications center, police department, fire department and S.P.C.A.
• CAD (computer-aided dispatch system) operations.
• Modern office methods and procedures.
• CLETS and records paperwork.
• Exercise tact, courtesy, and patience in all contacts with public and co-workers.
• Evaluating situations quickly and take actions according to procedures.
• Communicate effectively in writing; report preparation; record information quickly and accurately with legible handwriting.
• Communicating verbally over the phone and radio with an understandable and clear voice quality.
• Understanding of the general geography of the City of Visalia; quickly interpreting computerized and physical maps, including identifying major landmarks and streets.
• Work effectively and calmly in stressful and pressured emergency situations, while prioritizing workload and adopting effective courses of action.
• Alternate attention among a variety of tasks simultaneously, while retaining information gathered and exercising sound judgment in situations with a high consequence of error.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Obtain relevant information in emergency situations to make critical decisions quickly and effectively.
• Deal effectively with the public in hostile, hysterical, and other emotional states over the phone.
• Enter information received over phone or radio and accurately in an abbreviated form in a computer.
• Operate a keyboard accurately at 40 corrected words per minute.
• Follow oral and written directions quickly and accurately.
• Follow safe work practices, including workplace safety policies and procedures.
• Prioritize workload.
• Develop and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with co-workers and the public; work effectively in a confined area with other employees.
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:
Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge, skill and ability is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skill and abilities would be:
• Possession of high school diploma or GED.
• One year of 911 emergency dispatching experience with a law enforcement agency, within the last three years.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Possession of a California P.O.S.T. Dispatcher Basic Certificate
• Keyboarding speed of 40 CWPM (correct words per minute) TYPING CERTIFICATE DATED WITHIN ONE YEAR OF THE FILING DEADLINE AND DISPATCHER BASIC CERTIFICATE MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH APPLICATION
• Possession of a valid California Driver's License by time of appointment.
Additional Information
PHYSICAL STANDARDS:
Positions in this class are typically situated in a standard office environment resulting in little exposure to the weather and requiring no unusual physical abilities.
SELECTION PROCESS:
Application and supplemental materials will be evaluated and applicants who appear to be qualified will be invited to participate in a job related interview process. Prior to appointment, candidates must pass a thorough Background Investigation, polygraph test, psychological examination and post-offer medical exam.
The City of Visalia is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in the announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.
Bargaining Unit: Employees in this class are represented by the Northern California Carpenters Regional Council (Group M bargaining unit). This bargaining unit may establish and collect dues for their members' independent from the City of Visalia. Those that elect to join may be required to pay dues per the provisions in the MOU.
Salary Policies: The salary range for the job is stated on the job announcement. Candidates are normally hired at the minimum of the salary range. Salary increases are given based upon employee work performance, up to a maximum of 5% per fiscal year.
Bilingual pay of $900 per year, pro-rated on a pay period basis, is available to those who are eligible and qualify.
A uniform allowance of $800 annually is provided for maintenance and care of department required uniforms or attire. Employees working in the following areas of the Police Department that are required to wear a uniform are eligible for uniform allowance: Dispatch, Records, CSO personnel, Property and Evidence, Crime Lab, Duty Officer personnel, and Parking Enforcement.
Holidays: Regular non-shift full-time City employees receive 11 paid holidays and one (1) floating holiday per year. In lieu of holidays, Police shift employees receive 4 hours of compensatory time off and 4 hours of regular pay in the pay period the holiday falls.In addition, shift employees receive one floating holiday in the pay period that includes January 1.
Vacation: Regular full-time employees earn 10 days per year. After 2 years, employees are eligible for 11 days; after 4 years, 14 days; after 9 years, 17 days; and after 16 years, 20 days of vacation per year. Employees are eligible for vacation usage after six (6) months of service. Employees hired from another governmental agency may be entitled to receive years-of service credit for their vacation accrual rate for such previous employment and applies only to the government agency the employee was employed with immediately prior to employment with the City of Visalia.
Sick Leave: Regular full-time employees earn 96 hours of sick leave per year, accrued per pay period. Employees are eligible for sick leave usage after three (3) months of service.
Annual Sick Leave Buy Back: After accumulating 480 hours, the City will automatically cash out all sick leave hours over 480 hours at 40% of the employee's pay rate.
Administrative Leave: Employees classified as FLSA exempt (not eligible for overtime pay) currently receive 56 hours of administrative leave per calendar year. Any unused administrative leave hours are automatically paid out on the first paycheck in December.
Compensatory Time Off: Regular full-time employees classified as FLSA non-exempt (eligible for overtime pay) currently receive eight (8) hours compensatory time off per calendar year.
Health Insurance: The City provides employee health insurance which includes medical, dental, and vision care. Employee contribution rates are determined by employee's bargaining unit and plan selected. Health benefits are also available for an employee's dependents for an additional contribution rate. Eligibility for health insurance benefits begins on the first of the month after the date of hire. Contribution rates are reviewed for adjustment annually.
Life Insurance: The City pays the premium for a life insurance and accidental death or dismemberment policy of $30,000. A supplemental life insurance policy may be purchased and paid through payroll deduction. Eligibility for life insurance benefits begins on the first of the month after the date of hire.
Retirement: The City of Visalia is a member of the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). New employees are covered under the 2% at 62 plan. (Employees with previous PERS qualifying service (Classic employees) may fall under the 2% at 60 plan.) Each pay period, the employee pays an employee contribution at the CalPERS established rate. The City pays an employer contribution towards the retirement benefit and employees are responsible for contributing 4% of the employer contribution in addition to the required employee contribution.
Social Security/FICA: City employees are not subject to regular Social Security (FICA) deductions. However, Federal law requires that the Medicare portion of the FICA is deducted.
Section 125: The City offers a voluntary Section 125 program whereby tax free contributions are put into a trust account and are available for withdrawal with documentation of an unreimbursed healthcare or dependent care expense (i.e. premium, dependent care, medical care).
Long Term Disability: Regular full-time City employees are eligible for disability insurance (up to 2/3 of their salary) in the event they are disabled for more than ninety (90) days. LTD premium cost is paid by the employee.
Worker's Compensation: Full-time and hourly employees who sustain an occupational injury or contract occupational illnesses receive standard Worker's Compensation benefits as prescribed by law.
Other Benefits: The City also offers additional benefits such as an employee assistance program (EAP), a pre-tax deferred compensation plan, and education assistance up to $1,500 per fiscal year.
As a potential applicant, you are about to participate in a series of events collectively called the employment process. Because the goal of the employment process is to obtain the most qualified candidates to fill City positions, examinations are administered to qualified applicants. These examinations are conducted in a variety of ways (written, oral, practical, and/or performance), yet they share a common purpose - to test applicants based upon the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the duties and responsibilities of the job.
The employment process occurs in several stages which are described below:
Application: Perspective employees must submit a City of Visalia application and other documents required as outlined in the announcement by the closing time specified on the final filing date. Final filing dates and times are listed on the front of each announcement. Separate original applications must be submitted for each recruitment/position applied for.
Examination: Applicants will be evaluated and applicants who clearly appear to be more qualified in terms of knowledge, skills, and abilities will be invited to take an examination or combination of examinations. Written, practical, oral, and/or performance examination scores, or a pre-determined combined examination score, will determine standing on the eligible list.
Exam Accommodations: If you are most qualified for the job, but need reasonable accommodations to take the exam, contact the Human Resources Division at least five (5) days prior to the exam. We want to work with you to design a fair and effective means by which you can demonstrate your ability to perform the essential functions of this job. Be prepared to furnish proof of the need for accommodation. Su...
