Police Communications Dispatcher (Continuous)

ABOUT THE ROLE The City of Oakland Police Department is seeking a Police Communications Dispatcher for its Communications Division. This full-time civil service role involves receiving approximately one year of on-the-job training and attending a POST-certified basic dispatcher course. Dispatchers work rotating shifts in a 24-hour period, including weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed. The position requires acting promptly, communicating clearly, multi-tasking, and maintaining a calm, professional demeanor under stressful conditions. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Receive and screen telephone calls and record data. - Analyze calls for priority level. - Use computer-aided keyboard and data entry equipment to relay emergency information to appropriate units. - Receive, transmit, and record data. - Run queries in automated warrant information systems. - Answer questions from the public. - Dispatch from a mobile command center as requested. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Education equivalent to graduation from high school. - Two years of recent full-time equivalent responsible work experience (college education may substitute for experience on a year-for-year basis). - Minimum typing speed of 35 words per minute. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Must be 18 years of age or older. - Must pass a thorough background investigation, including a polygraph, criminal, drug, and credit history checks, and a driving record check. - Must pass the POST Public Safety Dispatchers' Basic Course within one year of appointment. - Must pass post-offer medical and psychological assessments, including a drug screening. - Select positions may require bilingual skills in Cantonese, Mandarin, or Spanish, which will be tested prior to a final offer. SELECTION PROCESS 1. Application filing and review against minimum qualifications. 2. Virtual typing assessment (three 5-minute tests, average 35 WPM required). 3. In-person CritiCall Performance Assessment (measures data entry, call summarization, memory recall, map reading, etc.). 4. Placement on an eligible list (active for up to 2 years). 5. Completion of a Personal History Statement and background investigation. 6. Post-offer medical and psychological evaluation. HOW TO APPLY - Apply online only at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/oaklandca. - Allow 2-3 hours to submit the application. - Computer stations are available at any City of Oakland Public Library or the Human Resources Management Department (150 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, 2nd Floor, Oakland, CA 94612). - For recruitment-specific questions, contact Sherry Chhom at SChhom@oaklandca.gov. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Location: Oakland, CA - Department: Police Department - Job Type: Full Time Civil Service, Non-Exempt - Bargaining Unit: SC1 - Closing Date: Continuous (candidates may apply once every 3 months) - Benefits: CalPERS retirement, full premium health, dental, and vision coverage, 12 days sick leave per year, deferred compensation (457(b) and Roth 401(k)), flexible spending account, wellness program, employee assistance program, tuition reimbursement, and life insurance up to $200,000.