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Dispatcher Trainee Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Overview SwiftX is seeking highly motivated and ambitious Management Trainees to join our ... dispatch coordination, and transportation activities * Take ownership of assigned operational ...

Overview SwiftX is seeking highly motivated and ambitious Management Trainees to join our ... dispatch coordination, and transportation activities * Take ownership of assigned operational ...

Overview SwiftX is seeking highly motivated and ambitious Management Trainees to join our ... dispatch coordination, and transportation activities * Take ownership of assigned operational ...

Driver Helper

City Of Industry, CA · On-site

$20.62 - $21.37/hr

Our Trainees must also be able to communicate professionally with customers, dispatch, and supervisors. The Trainee role is the first step towards a fulfilling career in commercial driving. This role ...

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Dispatcher Trainee information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$12

$23

$36

How much do dispatcher trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for dispatcher trainee in Riverside, CA is $23.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.46 and $25.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Dispatcher Trainee?

A Dispatcher Trainee is an entry-level position for individuals learning to coordinate and manage communications for emergency or non-emergency services, such as police, fire, ambulance, or transportation. Trainees receive on-the-job training to understand protocols, use communication equipment, and handle stress in fast-paced environments. Their role is to support senior dispatchers while becoming proficient in processing calls, dispatching appropriate units, and maintaining detailed records. As they gain experience and pass required assessments, they may advance to full dispatcher roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Dispatcher Trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Dispatcher Trainee, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with dispatch software, two-way radio systems, and basic computer applications is typically required. Excellent communication, stress management, and problem-solving abilities help you handle high-pressure situations and interact effectively with callers and team members. These skills are essential for ensuring accurate, timely information flow and maintaining safety and efficiency in emergency or logistics operations.

What are some common challenges faced by Dispatcher Trainees during their initial training period?

Dispatcher Trainees often encounter challenges such as managing high-pressure situations, quickly adapting to rapidly changing information, and efficiently using specialized communication systems. Learning to prioritize multiple incoming requests and maintaining clear communication with both field personnel and the public can be demanding. However, structured training programs, mentorship from experienced dispatchers, and ongoing feedback help trainees build confidence and proficiency over time.

What is the difference between Dispatcher Trainee vs Dispatcher?

AspectDispatcher TraineeDispatcher
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent; experience preferred
Work EnvironmentTraining period, supervised, entry-levelFull responsibilities, independent decision-making
Job ResponsibilitiesLearning dispatch procedures, shadowingScheduling, routing, communication with drivers

The Dispatcher Trainee is an entry-level position focused on learning and shadowing experienced dispatchers, while the Dispatcher is a fully responsible role managing daily operations. The trainee is in a learning phase, whereas the dispatcher handles independent decision-making and client interactions.

What are the most commonly searched types of Dispatcher jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Dispatcher jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Dispatcher Trainee jobs in Riverside, CA? For Dispatcher Trainee jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Dispatcher Trainee jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Dispatcher Trainee jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Dispatcher Trainee jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Dispatcher Trainee job openings:
Infographic showing various Dispatcher Trainee job openings in Riverside, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,590 per year, or $23.8 per hour.
Public Safety Dispatcher Trainee

Public Safety Dispatcher Trainee

City of Riverside

Riverside, CA

$62K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


City Of Riverside (California) rating

9.4

Company rating: 9.4 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 646 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

The Position The City of Riverside is accepting applications for the position of Public Safety Dispatcher Trainee. The eligibility list established may be used to fill the current and/or upcoming vacancies within this classification for up to twelve (12) months. Become a valuable part of your community as a Public Safety Dispatcher and join a top-tier department that values integrity, exceptional service, accountability, and respect.

Public Safety Dispatcher Trainees serve as the crucial connection between the public and law enforcement. Public Safety Dispatcher Trainees under close supervision, perform entry level work in operating a 911 phone system and a computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system on an assigned shift; enter calls for service for emergency and non-emergency calls for Police and Fire; dispatch required fire and medical services personnel and equipment; and perform related work as required. All candidates must pass a thorough background investigation prior to appointment.

Schedule information: 3/12 split weekend schedule 6-month shift rotations by seniority Availability required for days, nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime A 12-18-month on-the-job training program Requires schedule rotations every 6-8 weeks for exposure to different training styles, shifts, and hours. Additional pay incentives: 5% Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) Pay 5% Communications Training Officer (CTO) Pay 5% Lead Dispatcher Pay Swing shift and Graveyard Differential Pay Double time overtime during graveyard hours Holiday premium pay $2,500 retention bonus every 2-years Work Performed Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Receive incoming telephone calls on an assigned shift; input and retrieve information in a computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system. Obtain and record information using a telephone system or mobile data computer (MDC) to enter emergency necessary law enforcement, fire medical and other emergency services such as ambulances and tow trucks.

Run inquiries on DOJ, National Crime Information Service, FBI, Stolen Vehicle System. Compile data and maintain records of emergency recorded, equipment and personnel dispatched, and/or disposition of emergencies. Send, receive and decode teletype information.

Provide a variety of public information relating to law enforcement or fire activities as permitted. Operate a variety of equipment such as a computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system, 9-1-1 telephone system and alarm monitoring system. Calms distressed citizens on the phone.

Coordinate emergency calls and relay information and assistance requests involving other law enforcement and firefighting agencies. Qualifications Recruitment Guidelines: Education: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade. Experience: None Necessary Special Requirements: Must be willing to work weekends, holidays, as well as days, swing and graveyard shifts.

Must be able to pass an extensive police background investigation. Must be able to sit for long periods in a confined area and wear a headset. Possession of, or ability to obtain within twelve months of employment, a POST Basic Dispatcher Certificate or equivalent certificate.

Knowledge of: Modern office methods, equipment, and procedures. Correct English usage, spelling, punctuation, and grammar. Telephone and radio courtesy.

Radio and/or mobile data computer (MDC) system. Computer aided dispatch (CAD) system. Police department standards, policies, and procedures.

City policies and procedures. Skill in: Using standard broadcasting procedures and rules associated with the operation of an emergency services communication network. Hearing and comprehending telephone communication, fire radio traffic and routine interpersonal communications with supervisors and adjacent dispatchers.

Reacting quickly, efficiently and calmly in an emergency situation and adopting an effective course of action. Using manual dexterity in operating a computer terminal, telecommunications devices, data cards, time stamp, and multi-functional radio operating console. Operating computer terminals including use of the computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system.

Operating radio channels and/or mobile data computer (MDC) system. Performing a variety of clerical tasks such as filing, record keeping, and typing. Organizing work within a constantly changing set of priorities.

Exercising independent judgment and working with a minimum of supervision Understanding and carrying out oral and written directions. Learning and interpreting maps. Establishing and maintaining effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Working rotating shifts (days, swings and graves), weekends, holidays and overtime as required. Communicating effectively both verbally and in writing. Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.

Selection Process The selection process will begin with an employment application package screening, with the best qualified candidates being invited to participate further in the assessment process. This process may include any combination of written, performance, and oral assessments to evaluate job-related education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. Those who successfully complete the selection process will be placed on the eligibility list for this classification.

It is the responsibility of candidates with a disability requiring accommodation in the assessment process to contact the Human Resources Department in writing to request such accommodation prior to the closing date of this recruitment. IMPORTANT: Appointment is subject to successful completion of an in-depth pre-employment background investigation, medical/physical examination, and drug and alcohol test; and will be subject to polygraph examination, and/or psychological examination. As part of the background investigation, all claims of education and experience made in the employment application process, as well as other information submitted, will be verified.

NOTE: The City reserves the right to modify selection devices and test instruments in accordance with accepted legal, ethical, and professional standards. Candidates may reapply when there is a posting to establish an eligibility list. Some candidates may be disqualified indefinitely due to the results of their background investigation.

All applicants will be notified via e-mail or telephone of their application status and the assessment dates/times/locations after the closing date of this announcement. THE PROVISIONS OF THIS JOB ANNOUNCEMENT DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT.