Education: Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent (GED or High School Proficiency Examination).
Experience: Two (2) years of experience in a public contact position providing information and/or a service, or in a position where the primary responsibility is interacting with people.
Substitution: Completion of thirty (30) semester units or forty-five (45) quarter units of coursework from an accredited college or university may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience as described above.
Selection Procedures
Supplemental Questionnaire (Qualifying)
Applicants are required to complete a questionnaire as part of the online application process that is designed to obtain specific information regarding an applicant's experience in relation to the minimum qualifications for this position.
Performance Examination (Weight: Pass/Fail)
Exam Preparation :
Candidates are strongly encouraged to review the following resources thoroughly:
Test Preparation Guide
CritiCall Frequently Asked Questions
Candidates are strongly encouraged to take these sample tests:
Keyboarding
Spelling
Continuous Eligible List:
Score Report:
Benefits
Vision insurance
Additional Information
Under general supervision, a Public Safety Communications Dispatcher ("Dispatcher") receives incoming emergency (911) and non-emergency telephone calls from the public and public safety agencies. This position dispatches police, fire, and emergency medical services (EMS) field units to respond to emergency and non-emergency calls for service over a 2-way radio system utilizing a computer-aided dispatch system.
The Department of Emergency Management's (DEM) Division of Emergency Communications operates 24/7/365. Dispatchers may be assigned to work various schedules including day, swing, and night shift, weekends, holidays, and overtime. Dispatchers work 8 or 10-hour shifts (or longer) and must be willing and able to respond, report, and mobilize as necessary.
Essential duties can be reviewed in detail here and include:
Receives emergency and non-emergency calls and efficiently gathers, evaluates, prioritizes, and documents information from callers.
Dispatches police, fire, and EMS field units to specific locations using a computer-aided dispatch system, multiple video display terminals, 2-way radio dispatch console, and related equipment.
Evaluates incoming reports of police, fire, and medical emergencies; immediately transmits complete and accurate information to appropriate field personnel.
Monitors, coordinates, and accurately maintains the status of incidents and records of dispatched emergency service personnel and apparatus.
Working Conditions: Dispatchers work in a fast-paced, highly stressful, and confined environment.
Cityandcountyofsanfrancisco1 · San Francisco, CA