Communication Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

CITY OF BISHOP
JOB POSTING
FULL-TIME
COMMUNICATIONS OPERATOR
The City of Bishop is accepting applications for the position of Communications Operator. The Communications Operator is a Full-time, entry level position reporting to the Senior Communications Operator. Under general supervision the Communications Operator receives emergency and nonemergency calls; dispatches police, fire and medical emergency units; maintains contact with personnel in the field; operates a variety of transmitting/receiving equipment; performs a variety of general support duties related to dispatch activities; performs related duties as assigned. The salary range for this position is currently $4,536 - $6,221 per month. The City of Bishop offers a generous benefit package that includes health, dental, vision, vacation and retirement benefits.
OPEN UNTIL FILLED
July 27th, 2026 @ 4:00pm
For more information, please contact Jana Currie at 760-873-5863 ext. 122 or jcurrie@cityofbishop.com.
Job Description:
CITY OF BISHOP
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Communications Operator
DEFINITION
Under general supervision, receives emergency and nonemergency calls; dispatches police, fire and medical emergency units; maintains contact with personnel in the field; operates a variety of transmitting/receiving equipment; performs a variety of general support duties related to dispatch activities; performs related duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
• Receives general supervision from a Senior Communications Operator.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
The duties listed below are examples of the work typically performed by employees of this class. An employee may not be assigned all duties listed and may be assigned duties which are not listed below. Marginal duties are those which are least likely essential functions for any single position in this class.
• Receive emergency calls from the public requesting police, fire, EMS or other emergency service and answer non-emergency and maintenance services calls for assistance.
• Monitor other agency radio frequencies to be aware of incidents elsewhere that may affect operations.
• Dispatch, as necessary, Police and other emergency units in response to calls for service or requests from officers in the field.
• Use appropriate terminology and cite code sections by number.
• Call public and private agencies, such as allied law enforcement, hospitals, towing services and utilities, and request mutual assistance when necessary.
• Keep track of police unit locations and status; maintain constant radio communication with personnel in the field.
• Provide general information to the public; as necessary, refer callers to appropriate agencies; calm callers; maintain professionalism in radio transmissions during hectic, tense, and dangerous situations.
• Run Warrant, Registration, and Property checks.
• Monitor police activities by using remote video cameras inside and outside the police facility: including detention facility, parking area and front entrance. Operate remote video cameras in the city park and outside businesses surrounding the city park.
• Perform related duties as required, within the context of the Chief of Police's Mission Statement and Organizational Values.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
• Basic office methods and procedures including but not limited to filing, telephone etiquette and office machine operation.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping.
• Principles of basic report preparation.
• City organization, operations, policies, and procedures.
• Principles, practices and operating characteristics of manual and automated records management and dispatching systems used in municipal law enforcement environments.
• Standard telephones, teletype and radio broadcast procedures and the applicable rules and regulations of the Federal Communications Commission.
• Best practices in dealing with members of the public.
• City and Department policies and procedures.
• Safe driving practices and motor vehicle safety.
• Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations.
• Information technology, personal computer, and related software applications.
• Radio operation.
• Basic investigation methods.
Ability to:
• Speak clearly and precisely.
• Learn and effectively apply standard broadcasting procedures and rules.
• Learn local geography.
• Type accurately at a speed necessary for adequate job performance; approximately 50 wpm or more.
• Operate computer terminal and other office equipment quickly, accurately, and at times, concurrently.
• Compile and maintain records and files.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Spell accurately.
• Dispatch police units quickly and effectively.
• Work under pressure, exercise good judgment, and make sound decisions in emergency situations.
• Effectively communicate with and elicit information from upset and irate citizens.
• Exercise independent judgment and work with a minimum of supervision.
• Must be able to maintain a positive attitude with trainer and co-workers and able to accept criticism and feedback without being argumentative or defensive. Be polite, considerate, avoid spreading gossip; respect and adhere to the chain of command.
Skill to:
• Understand and carry out both oral and written directions.
• On a continuous basis, know and understand operations and observe safety rules.
• On a continuous basis, sit and stand for extended periods of time.
• Normal vision to read handwritten and printed material and a computer screen.
• Learn to interpret and apply rules, regulations, and ordinances relating to police operations.
• Use a computer, calculator, telephone, photocopy machine and camera.
• Analyze situations quickly, calmly, and objectively and to determine proper course of
action.
• Safely and effectively perform duties.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES
Any combination of education, experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience and Training:
• Two years of experience in customer service is preferred or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Experience in related dispatch work is preferred, but not mandatory.
Education:
• High school/G.E.D required.
• Experience in related dispatch work is preferred, but not mandatory.
Special Requirements:
• At least 18 years of age.
• Must possess or obtain by appointment date a valid driver's license issued by the state of California.
• Must successfully complete a pre-employment background investigation, psychological exam, and physical.
• Bilingual Preferred.
• Prompt and regular attendance is required. Must be available to work a varying schedule, including weekdays, weekends, evenings, holidays, and special events as assigned.
PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL REQUIREMENTS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Candidates must meet standards of physical stature, endurance, and agility established by the City and the Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) as follows:
• Vision standard: correctable to 20/20, normal color vision
• Hearing Standard: normal hearing
Position requires standing, walking and/or running or uneven and slippery surfaces, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, grasping, crawling, and making repetitive hand movements above and below shoulder level in the performance of daily duties. The position also requires both near and far vision when performing work and operating assigned equipment as required by POST. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and face-to-face service. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement, fine coordination, and finger dexterity. The need to lift, carry, pull and push tools, supplies and other equipment weighing up to 100 pounds is also required. Additionally, the incumbent may be required to respond to after-hours emergency callouts. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee works in a typical office setting with constant temperatures. The employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.
SELECTION GUIDELINES
Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference checks; job related tests as well as a polygraph examination may be required.
This classification is not intended to be all-inclusive. An employee may be required to perform other reasonable duties as assigned by management. The City reserves the right, with the concurrence of the department head, to revise or change classification duties and responsibilities as the need arises and as consistent with the meet and confer process.
The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
Approved by Council: August 14, 2023