Entry Level Public Safety Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $64,682.28 - $95,559.84 Annually
Location : City of Escondido, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 03767
Department: Police
Opening Date: 06/01/2026
Closing Date: 7/6/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
Summary
Criticall Exam: Exam is administered via an emailed link once the recruitment closes. Dates to be determined
Pre-Investigative Questionnaire (PIQ): Date to be determined
Oral Interviews: Date to be determined
Failure to attach a valid typing certificate, issued within the past 6 months verifying your ability to type 40 net words per minute, will result in automatic disqualification. Internet typing certificate will be accepted, at this time. Online verifiable typing certificates will be accepted from one of the following websites: Ratatype.com; Typing.com; or Freetypinggame.net. Please note that we reserve the right to ask for an additional test to be completed in person, as part of the testing process.
Public Safety Dispatcher I: $5,390 - $7,222 per month
Public Safety Dispatcher II: $5,941 - $7,963 per month
If you want to join a hardworking team that shares a commitment to provide top-quality municipal services in a prime North County location, consider a career with the City of Escondido. We have an opening for the position of Public Safety Dispatcher I/II in our Police Department. For a complete listing of job duties and qualifications, please refer to the corresponding job description, which can be obtained from the Human Resources Department or downloaded from the City's website.
Under regular supervision (Public Safety Dispatcher I) or general supervision (Public Safety Dispatcher II), performs communications dispatch and status monitoring for the Police Department in a computer-aided environment; receives and transmits telephone and voice radio messages; dispatches emergency police equipment and personnel; processes and maintains a variety of reports, records and files.
Distinguishing Characteristics
Public Safety Dispatcher I - This is the entry level class in the Public Safety Dispatcher series. Positions in this class have prior experience in public safety or public contact work. This level is not expected to function with the same amount of work knowledge or skill level as positions allocated to the Public Safety Dispatcher II level. Public Safety Dispatcher I's exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Incumbents in this class are expected to learn the office and field operations of the department under the direction of a Public Safety Shift Supervisor. Incumbents initially appointed to Public Safety Dispatcher I level may progress to Public Safety Dispatcher II after successfully completing one year (12 months) as a Public Safety Dispatcher I with the City of Escondido, and achieving the qualifications and department requirements established for progression.
Public Safety Dispatcher II - This is the journey level class in the Public Safety Dispatcher series. Positions at this level require demonstrated ability to perform responsible communications dispatch and status monitoring. Positions in this class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the Public Safety Dispatcher II level are normally filled by advancement from the Public Safety Dispatcher I level. Positions at this level require one year of experience comparable to a Public Safety Dispatcher I with the City of Escondido.
Key Responsibilities
The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.
Answers incoming fire and police emergency 911 and routine calls from the public requesting police, fire, medical, or other emergency services.
Maintains, receives, and records pertinent information from two-way radio communications with emergency or field units; determines priorities, nature and location of calls for service
Monitors and maintains status of public safety personnel and equipment, to ensure the safety of emergency personnel; monitors radio receiver with several complex public safety radio frequencies and multiple lines for all communications; operate a variety of communications equipment, including radios, telephones and computer systems.
Dispatches police personnel and equipment utilizing a Computer Assisted Dispatch (CAD) System according to standard operational procedure established by department, instructions from a superior, or by individual judgment if required by the situation.
Notifies superior regarding emergency situations and general activities.
Answers questions from the public pertaining to departmental policies and procedures or community services.
Records phone messages for off-duty and on-duty personnel and advises Watch Commander of pertinent incoming information.
Receives and transmits requests for information using the City and ARJIS computer and teletype systems.
Uses computer terminal to access various confidential law enforcement systems, including ARJIS, CLETS, SUN, and NCIC; interprets, verifies, receives and disseminates information and data.
Assists in training new Public Safety Dispatchers as assigned.
Responds to citizen requests for information or non emergency service.
May serve as lead worker in the absence of the Public Safety Shift Supervisor.
May be required to perform bilingual skills as a condition of employment.
Performs related duties as required.
Provides vacation and temporary relief as needed.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Fire and Police departmental policies and procedures and office practices, or ability to gain such knowledge.
City government organization, functions, and policies.
Federal Communications Commission regulations governing voice, radio and telephone communications, or ability to gain such knowledge.
City boundaries and major buildings.
Computer equipment and software applications.
Principles of customer service.
English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Principles and practices of customer service.
Ability to:
Learn, interpret and apply departmental policies and procedures and Federal Communications Commission voice-radio regulations.
Read maps rapidly and accurately.
Operate or learn to operate radio telephone equipment.
Type at a rate of 40 net wpm and operate a computer terminal.
Operate and use modern office equipment including a computer and various software packages.
Write clearly and concisely.
Speak and understand English clearly and distinctly over communications equipment.
Remain calm under pressure, exercise good judgment and make sound decisions in emergency situations.
Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
Work cooperatively with other departments, City officials, and outside agencies.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Performs related duties as required.
Provides vacation and temporary relief as needed.
Minimum Requirements
Public Safety Dispatcher I/II
Education/Training:
Graduation from high school or equivalent.
Public Safety Dispatcher I
Experience:
One year (full-time equivalent) of experience in clerical or public contact work. Excellent computer skills is highly desirable.
License and Other Requirements:
Per P.O.S.T. requirements and as a condition of successful probation, must obtain California P.O.S.T Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Certification or complete P.O.S.T. certified Basic Dispatcher's Course (120 hours) within 12 months of appointment.
Must be willing to work any of three shifts, on a rotating basis. Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License. Works hours and schedules are flexible and include holidays and weekends. Must be willing to work overtime if required.
Public Safety Dispatcher II
Experience:
One year (full-time equivalent) of experience comparable to a Public Safety Dispatcher I with the City of Escondido. Prior experience using a computer aided dispatch (CAD) system is highly desirable.
License and Other Requirements:
California P.O.S.T. Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Certification or completion of a P.O.S.T. certified Basic Dispatcher's Course (120 hours).
Must be willing to work any of three shifts, on a rotating basis. Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License. Works hours and schedules are flexible and include holidays and weekends. Must be willing to work overtime if required.
Supplemental Information
Criticall Exam: Exam is administered via an emailed link once the recruitment closes. Dates to be determined
Pre-Investigative Questionnaire (PIQ): Date to be determined
Oral Interviews: Date to be determined
NOTE: For a complete listing of job duties and qualifications, please refer to the corresponding job description, which can be obtained from the Human Resources Department or downloaded from the City's web site. The City of Escondido is committed to a drug and alcohol free workplace. All applicants will be subject to fingerprint investigation before a conditional offer of employment is extended. A pre-employment medical examination will be conducted following a conditional offer of employment for all positions. Safety sensitive positions will include a pre-employment drug screen. Positions subject to the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations will be subject to DOT pre-employment drug testing and random drug and alcohol testing.
SELECTION PROCEDURE
Applications will be screened and the most qualified candidates will be invited to appear for testing. All positions require the ability to read, write and speak English. Types of tests may include written and/or oral examination, physical agility, practical exam or other appropriate job-related selection process. When testing is completed, candidates will be ranked on an eligibility list in the order of their test score. Selection for appointments is made from names certified on the eligibility list.
All appointments are subject to the successful completion of background investigation including LIVESCAN fingerprinting, and will be required to submit verification of the legal right to work in the United States. Qualification by a medical examination will be required at the time of appointment. After appointment, classified employees must satisfactorily complete a probationary period to be eligible for regular status. In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, all new employees must produce proof of eligibility to work in the United States within the first three days of their employment. The City of Escondido participates in E-Verify®.
The Loyalty Oath will be administered to all new employees on their first day of hire. New employees hired into positions that require a driver's license must provide proof of a valid California Driver's License of the appropriate class level on their first day of employment.
Additional information regarding the essential functions and physical, environmental and communication demands of the position may be obtained from the Human Resources Department. If you require reasonable accommodation in the testing process, such as an alternate means of testing, you must contact the Human Resources Department by the final filing date to complete a Request for Reasonable Accommodation form. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.
Note: Pursuant to California Civil Code section 1786.53, the City of Escondido shall provide to all job candidates a copy of any records of arrest, indictment, conviction, civil judicial action, tax lien or outstanding judgment which was obtained in the course of conducting an evaluation for employment, assignment, and/or promotion. A copy of this information, if received by the City, will be given to candidates within seven days of the City's receipt.
VETERANS' PREFERENCE
Eligible individuals are those who meet the following criteria:

• Served in the U.S. armed forces
• Received an honorable discharge
• Did not retire from military service
• Seeking employment with the City of Escondido for the first time.

Guard and Reserve active duty for training purposes does not qualify for veterans' preference. Proof of eligibility (copy of DD-214) must be submitted at time of application, or later if the promulgation of the eligibility list will not be delayed. Veterans' preference credit will only be applied to eligible applicants who attained a passing grade (total score exclusive of credit) on the final open examination.
ABOUT OUR CITY
The is a prominent agricultural, commercial hub and residential center of North San Diego County. Located a short 30-minute drive from the beach, the mountains or downtown San Diego, Escondido residents enjoy the pleasure of a rural lifestyle with all the benefits of suburban living. Escondido is a diverse, vibrant community with many amenities. The city offers attractive homes in a wide range of prices, two lakes, several parks, a sports center, golf courses, restaurants, wineries, shopping centers, a variety of art galleries, entertainment venues, and a state of the art hospital. Established in 1888, the city's rich past brings charm and stability to the community; yet integrated with Escondido's treasured heritage is a progressive future, bright and brimming with promise.
EOE The City of Escondido does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, disability, sex, age, national origin, or sexu...