Communications Dispatcher III (#RP0103)
$31.45-$38.22 Hourly / $5,450.53-$6,625.15 Monthly / $65,406.42-$79,501.91 Yearly

Under general supervision, receives and transmits message over a radio communications system; screens incoming calls to identify problems and determine urgency and seriousness; dispatches either fire or law vehicles; and does related or other work as required in accordance with Rule 3, Section 3 of the Civil Service Rules.

This is the advanced journey level class in the Communications Dispatcher series. An employee in this class is responsible for performing communications dispatch work on a full-time basis and will be assigned either to fire or law dispatch positions. Coordination of dispatcher training and clerical duties are performed as needed.

• Dispatches law or fire units in response to requests; identifies the most available unit or units which can be contacted; contacts mobile units and directs them to location and person.
• Receives and processes requests for information from units; obtains information using data entry equipment, communications equipment or card files; relays information back to units.
• Receives and acknowledges calls on radio equipment and phones' screens incoming calls to elicit information necessary to identify problem, to evaluate the urgency and seriousness of the problem and to determine the appropriate action.
• Contacts ambulances, fire departments and other agencies to dispatch vehicles in emergency situations.
• Monitors and logs in status and location of each mobile unit.
• Operates CRT terminal to maintain communication log and transmit information to local, state and national law enforcement communications system.
• Writes procedures for dispatchers; updates fire dispatch run card files; does general clerical work.
• May act as leadworker; may train or coordinate training of other Communications Dispatchers.

Experience:  Two years performing duties equivalent to those of a Communications Dispatcher II in San Joaquin County.

Techniques, procedures and method used in the operation of public safety communications center; proper operation and care of electronic communications equipment; main geographical reference points in San Joaquin County; telephone etiquette and procedures; language mechanics, spelling and punctuation; office practices and procedures, recordkeeping principles and procedures; basic filing systems.

Speak clearly and distinctly; take concise and accurate messages; give clear and specific directions; elicit necessary information; work effectively under pressure; deal effectively with the public; react quickly and calmly in placing and receiving calls of an emergency nature; remember numbers and names while dealing with other variables; follow oral and written instructions; and procedures; learn geography of the County; evaluate urgency and seriousness of calls; read maps; type accurately at a reasonable rate of speed.