Entry Level Dispatch Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $66,422.12 - $84,774.39 Annually
Location : Police Department - 2745 Walnut Avenue, Signal Hill, CA
Job Type: Full-Time (Non-Exempt)
Job Number: 2025-0047
Department: Police Department
Opening Date: 05/28/2026
Position Description
PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE JOB BULLETIN, MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, AND THE POLICE DEPARTMENT HIRING STANDARDS BEFORE SUBMITTING YOUR EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION.
FIRST REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS WILL TAKE PLACE JULY 9, 2026
The City of Signal Hill is not only a small 2.2-square-mile city. It is also a tight-knit and peaceful community that recognizes and appreciates the value of its Police Department. The Signal Hill Police Department has a state-of-the-art facility, technology, equipment, and a great relationship with the community, making us THE PLACE TO WORK in Los Angeles County.
The Position
Under general supervision, the Dispatcher/Jailer receives incoming calls for emergency and non-emergency assistance and dispatches necessary units; maintains custody, control and safekeeping of all inmates detained in the City jail; and performs a variety of general support duties related to communication and records activities.
Application and Selection Process
Applications, written exam scores and typing certificates must be received by July 9, 2026 to be considered for the oral interviews tentatively scheduled for July 23, 2026.
Applications are being accepted on a continuous basis in order to meet the needs of the City.
STEP #1: SUBMIT APPLICATION
Applications must be completed and submitted online. Candidates are required to provide specific information on their education and experience as it relates to the position by completing all fields of the application. Applications may be rejected if incomplete (resumes are not accepted in lieu of application). Candidate notifications are sent via email. Please make sure your email address is correct and check your email periodically during the application process. Candidates who pass an initial application screening and submit a qualifying written exam score will be invited to continue in the selection process.
STEP #2: WRITTEN EXAMINATION
Required Written Examination
Submit test results from one of the two test options below. Scores that are dated within one (1) year of the application date and meet the minimum passing score will be accepted.
National Testing Network (NTN) Emergency Communications Written Exam

• This exam is administered directly by the National Testing Network (NTN) and candidates pay a test fee for the service.
• To schedule a test, visit the National Testing Network website by clicking here. Select the City of Signal Hill Police Department and the specific position you are applying to.
  • IMPORTANT: Tests are offered remotely and multiple sessions are available daily for scheduling convenience. This exam includes the required 5-minute typing test.

-OR-
P.O.S.T. Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery

• Passing score: T-Score 40 or higher
• The City of Signal Hill does not have any future test dates; however, if you have taken the P.O.S.T. Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery test with another agency within the last 12 months, you may submit a copy of your test results to meet the written exam requirement. Results must be on the testing agency's letterhead.
• Candidates must submit a typing certificate of 35 WPM or more to this online application.
• Scores and typing certificate must be attached to online application.

Waiver From Written Examination: Candidates who are currently employed as a police dispatcher with a California P.O.S.T. agency and possess a current P.O.S.T. Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Certificate (or higher) will be waived from the written exam requirement. Certificates MUST be attached to your application.
STEP #3: ORAL INTERVIEW
Tentatively scheduled for July 23, 2026. Please note the exam dates are tentative and subject to change. Please regularly monitor your email for communication regarding exam dates.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The Police Dispatcher/Jailer is responsible for organizing and completing tasks in priority order to meet statutory and non-statutory work deadlines, and maintain custody, control and safekeeping of all inmates detained in the City jail.
Example of Duties
Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act may include, but are not limited to the following characteristic duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Receives emergency calls from the public requesting police and other emergency service; determines nature and location of emergency; prioritizes calls and dispatches police or other emergency units as necessary according to established procedures.
• Maintains contact with all units on assignment; maintains status and location of police field units.
• Simultaneously receive, respond and document information from multiple sources while maintaining accuracy in order to relay information with accuracy to responding personnel.
• Coordinates emergency calls and relays information and assistance requests involving other public safety agencies.
• Operates a computer aided dispatch (CAD) system to send units in response to emergency calls and other public service needs.
• Enters, updates and retrieves information from computer networks relating to wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration and other information.
• Performs a variety of record keeping, filing, indexing and other general clerical duties related to communication and records activities; responds to requests for assistance and general questions at the counter.
• Maintains custody, control and safekeeping of inmates detained in City jail, including booking of arrested persons, performing searches, taking inventory of prisoner's property, fingerprinting and administering breath tests, where applicable; monitors the activities of prisoners in City detention facilities and transports inmates; provides daily care of prisoners.
• Maintains and enforces custodial facility regulations of the jail.
• Learns and develops an understanding of applicable policies, procedures, and work methods associated with assigned duties; uses law enforcement terminology and cites Code sections by number.
• Assists officers in program functions assigned, including but limited to community events such as Neighborhood Watch, Too Good For Drugs, and similar activities.

Minimum Qualifications
Any combination of education, training, and work experience to demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform in the position is qualifying. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess:
EDUCATION:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.

EXPERIENCE:

• One (1) year of public contact experience with clerical/administrative support experience.

CERTIFICATE/LICENSE:

• Valid Class C California driver's license, acceptable driving record, and evidence of insurance.
• Typing certificate - 5-minute timed noting a net typing speed (after errors) of 35 WPM or more.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• No felony convictions.
• Successfully complete CA P.O.S.T. certified dispatch training, the Core Correctional Officers Course (jail school), and CPR certification during the initial 12 months; and pass the 18-month probation period.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATION:

• One (1) year recent, paid, full-time experience or equivalent part-time experience performing Dispatcher and/or Jailer duties for a law enforcement agency.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of:

• Civil, criminal, and municipal provisions relating to the various activities of the City of Signal Hill Police Department.
• Law enforcement, fire, and other operating procedures and functions as they relate to the dispatch function; geography of the City of Signal Hill and the surrounding environment.
• Methods and techniques of supervision and training.
• Methods and techniques of scheduling work assignments.
• Legal and procedural techniques and regulations regarding transmission and reception of police radio traffic.
• Basic radio and related equipment maintenance.
• Modern office administrative practices and procedures.
• Methods of providing services and information.
• Ability to learn alphanumeric and other coding protocol.
• Basic principles of mathematics.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Standard office procedures, practices, and equipment; modern office practices, methods and equipment, including a computer and applicable software.
• Methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation and writing.
• Proper English, spelling, and grammar.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.

Ability to:
Perform a variety of complex work with speed and accuracy; remain calm under emergency situations; learn to operate specialized law enforcement automated information, communication and dispatch systems; work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, overtime, and rotating shifts; wear a department uniform; perform mathematical calculations quickly and accurately; interpret, explain, and apply applicable laws, codes, and regulations; read, interpret, and record data accurately; organize, prioritize, and follow up on work assignments; work independently and as part of a team; make sound decisions within established guidelines; analyze a complex issue and develop and implement an appropriate response; follow written and oral directions; observe safety principles and work in a safe manner; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; and establish and maintain effective working relationships.
PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS
Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, and stooping in the performance of daily office activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement, and fine coordination in retrieving and entering data using a computer keyboard. Additionally, the position requires near and far vision in reading work related documents and using the computer, and acute hearing is required when providing phone, dispatch and personal service. The need to lift, drag, and push files, paper, and documents weighing up to 25 pounds also is required.
Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.
Regular exposure to persons in custody who may present intoxication, infection, disease and/or combative or unpredictable behavior. Infrequently may drag 165 pounds during jail emergency evacuation.
Shift Assignment
Must be available to work all assigned shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Medical/Psychological Standards
All candidates must pass a pre-placement medical examination and submit to a drug test.
Background Investigation
A comprehensive background investigation will be conducted on all finalists, which will review and verify personal history including, but not limited to financial responsibility, criminal history, drug use history, driving record, and verification of application materials. Significant issues or omissions in the above-stated areas may be grounds for disqualification. Background investigation will include a polygraph and Livescan fingerprinting.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS- AVAILABLE TO FULL-TIME CITY EMPLOYEES

• 96 hours of vacation leave annually
• 96 hours of sick leave annually with buy-back program
• 10 paid holidays per year (80 hours)
• 36 hours personal holiday leave per year
• 2% @ 60 retirement formula - Employees contribute 7% of the required employee contribution. Average of final three years retirement calculation. This retirement formula is available to those candidates who currently work for a PERS agency or a PERS reciprocal agency or have worked for a PERS agency or a PERS reciprocal agency within the last six (6) months.
• 2% @ 62 PERS retirement formula - Employees contribute 7.75% of the normal cost of the benefit . There will be no Employer Paid Member Contribution. Average of final three years retirement calculation. This formula is provided for all new PERS members and those who have been separated from a PERS agency or a PERS reciprocal agency for more than six (6) months.
• Medical insurance - The City participates in the CalPERS health benefit program and contributes up to $1,200 per month toward medical premiums. An additional $800 is available for individuals with health, dental and/or vision premiums not fully covered with the $1,200. 75% of any monies remaining (of the $1,200) after medical premiums are paid may be applied toward optional benefits including: vision, dental, or deferred compensation plan. No cash pay-out in lieu of benefits
• Longevity Pay - Employees in the position of Dispatcher / Jailer who have completed full-time service with the City shall be eligible for Longevity Pay as follows: 5 years = $100 per month 10 years = $200 per month 15 years = $300 per month 20 years = $400 per month
• Dental - City contribution of $70 per month
• Vision insurance - Employee premium paid by City
• Based on years of City service, qualified retirees may be eligible for City contribution to retiree health premium. Employees contribute 1% of their salary towards their future retiree health benefit.
• $50,000 Life Insurance Policy
• Shor...