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Graveyard Dispatcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Security Dispatcher

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$20.70 - $34.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This role is a Graveyard shift, working 10pm - 6am, Wednesday through Sunday. In this role, you ... The SOC Dispatcher will coordinate with Physical Security Patrol Officers and contracted Guard ...

Security Dispatcher

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$19.75 - $25.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This role is a Graveyard shift, working 10pm - 6am, Wednesday through Sunday. In this role, you ... The SOC Dispatcher will coordinate with Physical Security Patrol Officers and contracted Guard ...

Showing results 41-60

Graveyard Dispatcher information

See salary details

$11

$22

$33

How much do graveyard dispatcher jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for graveyard dispatcher in the United States is $22.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $23.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a graveyard dispatcher?

Graveyard dispatchers are professionals who work overnight shifts, typically from late evening to early morning, coordinating communication and response for emergency services, transportation, security, or other industries that require 24/7 operations. Their primary responsibilities include receiving and prioritizing calls, dispatching appropriate personnel or resources, and maintaining detailed records of all activities during their shift. This role is crucial for ensuring seamless operations and safety during hours when staffing levels are lower and incidents may still occur. Graveyard dispatchers must be able to handle stressful situations, multitask, and make quick decisions while working independently. They often work weekends and holidays to ensure round-the-clock coverage.

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

To thrive as a Graveyard Dispatcher, you need strong multitasking abilities, attention to detail, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Proficiency in dispatch software, radio communication systems, and familiarity with emergency response protocols are crucial. Excellent communication, stress management, and decision-making skills help you handle high-pressure situations and coordinate effectively with teams. These skills ensure timely, accurate responses to incidents during overnight shifts, maintaining safety and operational efficiency.

What are some common challenges faced by graveyard dispatchers, and how can they be managed?

Graveyard dispatchers often face challenges such as staying alert during overnight hours, handling higher-stress situations with limited on-site support, and managing reduced staff availability. Maintaining focus and effective communication is essential, especially when coordinating emergency responses or monitoring critical systems. Many dispatchers find success by following structured routines, taking scheduled breaks, and leveraging technology to streamline information flow during their shifts. Building strong relationships with other night-shift team members also helps ensure smooth operations and mutual support.

What is the difference between Graveyard Dispatcher vs Night Shift Dispatcher?

AspectGraveyard DispatcherNight Shift Dispatcher
CertificationsDispatching certification, CDL (if applicable)Dispatching certification, CDL (if applicable)
Work EnvironmentOvernight shifts, quiet office or dispatch centerOvernight shifts, quiet office or dispatch center
Industry UsageTransportation, logistics, emergency servicesTransportation, logistics, emergency services
Search & ComparisonCommonly compared due to similar shift times and responsibilities

Both Graveyard Dispatchers and Night Shift Dispatchers work overnight, coordinating logistics and emergency responses. The main difference lies in terminology used by different companies or regions, but their roles, certifications, and work environments are very similar, focusing on managing dispatch operations during late-night hours.

Is it hard to get hired as a graveyard dispatcher?

Getting hired as a graveyard dispatcher can be competitive, as it often requires good communication skills, familiarity with dispatch software, and the ability to work overnight shifts. Prior experience in dispatching or related roles can improve chances, but entry-level positions are also available for those with relevant skills and a flexible schedule.
More about Graveyard Dispatcher jobs

What cities are hiring for Graveyard Dispatcher jobs?

Cities with the most Graveyard Dispatcher job openings:

What states have the most Graveyard Dispatcher jobs?

States with the most job openings for Graveyard Dispatcher jobs include:

Infographic showing various Graveyard Dispatcher job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,823 per year, or $22 per hour.

Public Safety Dispatcher (Entry-Level)

City of San Bruno, CA

San Bruno, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Join a department that cares about its Dispatchers and is LOVED by its community

Elevate your public safety career as a Dispatcher. Our mission at the San Bruno Police Department is to Ensure Peace, Provide Safety, and Build Community. We aim to realize this mission by taking good care of the people who work in our organization so that they can take good care of everyone else. We believe that the key to providing exceptional police services is consistently deploying strong, healthy, well-trained, emotionally intelligent human beings as San Bruno Police Dispatchers. As such, we have created a healthy, happy, fun working environment, focused on enabling each member of our team to use their employment to pursue the best possible versions of themselves.


City of San Bruno's Excellent Benefits

  • CalPERS retirement formula
    Non-Safety: 2.7% @ 55 for classic members or 2% @ 62 for PEPRA members
  • Annual accruals of vacation days based on years of service, holidays and sick days
  • Opportunity for bilingual incentive pay up to 2.5%
  • Medical, dental and vision benefits provided with employee contribution
  • Life Insurance equal to one year's annual salary provided at no cost
  • Long-term disability insurance provided at no cost
  • Home loan assistance program
  • Section 125 Flexible Benefit Plan
  • Tuition reimbursement


The Position


The San Bruno Police Department is recruiting for entry-level Public Safety Dispatchers. Public Safety Dispatchers are responsible for public safety dispatch and related records management activities. This position operates on a 24-hour, 365 days per year basis, and may be assigned to either a day, swing, or graveyard shift on a regular, rotational basis that includes nights, weekends, and holidays. Public Safety Dispatchers perform a wide range of duties involving radio, telephone, and computers, applying various procedures and codes. Dispatchers receive and transmit emergency and non-emergency telephone and radio traffic as well as process communication reports, records, and radio logs, while maintaining
a high level of confidentiality. Dispatchers may also support the Police Department by performing clerical tasks, training, assisting with fingerprinting, and being accountable for financial transactions. This position is integral in supporting the goals and objectives of the City and Police Department.

Examples of Duties

Essential Duties

  • Receives and transmits emergency
    and non-emergency
    telephone and radio traffic.
  • Maintains and processes a variety of communications reports, records and radio logs.
  • Operates a dispatch console, uses Computer Aided Dispatch (C.A.D.) System and other computer programs to process information and records.
  • Responsible for various Record Management System (RMS) entries, some of these include but are not limited to citations, warrants, subpoenas.
  • Responsible for accurate and timely entries into the California Law Enforcement Telecommunication System (CLETS), as well as, the National Crime Information Center (NCIC).
  • Maintains a high level of confidentiality.
  • Performs collateral duties including a variety of related clerical tasks:
    records entry, assisting in fingerprinting and jail operations, which may include searching prisoners; and is accountable for handling cash, bond, and check transactions.
  • Performs related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess the ability to record and transmit information with speed and accuracy, "multi-task," make quick and sensible decisions, learn from constructive criticism, possess a high commitment to quality service, and participate in a team approach to law enforcement. In addition, candidates will have a successful track record of the following:

  • Professional skill or knowledge using computer keyboard; skill or knowledge using radio, telephone, and computers.
  • Active listening; conveying information and ideas clearly and concisely to individuals or groups in an engaging manner that helps them understand and retain the message.
  • Placing a high priority on the internal and external customer's perspective when making decisions and taking action;
    Implementing service practices that meet the customers' and own organization's needs.
  • Maintaining effectiveness when experiencing changes in work responsibilities or environment (e.g., people, processes, structure, or culture); adjusting effectively to change by exploring the benefits, trying new approaches, and collaborating with others to make the change successful.
  • Ability to analyze and understand information gathered and follow the best course of action. Identifying and understanding problems and opportunities by gathering, analyzing, and interpreting information; choosing the best course of action by establishing clear decision criteria, generating and evaluating alternatives, and making timely decisions.
  • Establishing and sustaining trusting relationships by accurately perceiving and interpreting own and others' emotions and behavior.
  • Taking prompt action to accomplish work goals; taking action to achieve results beyond what is required; being proactive.
  • Accomplishing tasks by considering all areas involved, no matter how detailed; showing concern for all aspects of the job; accurately checking processes and tasks.
  • Maintaining stable performance while handling stress in a manner that is acceptable to others and to the organization.

Minimum Qualifications

Must be able to pass an extensive background investigation.
Education

  • Possession of a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Additional related college course work or degree preferred.

Experience

  • At least one (1) year of related work experience requiring alertness and independent judgment, but no previous public safety dispatch experience is required.

Certificates and Licenses

  • Must possess and maintain a valid California Driver's License, Class C with a good driving record.
  • Typing certificate issued within the last year verifying minimum typing speed of thirty-five (35) net words per minute with a maximum of nine (9) errors. Typing certificate must be submitted with application to be considered. Online typing certificatepermitted with application; formal test will be administered to final candidate.
  • Completion within the last year of the POST Entry Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery with a preferred minimum
    score of 48 or above;
    or CritiCall Dispatch passing test results within a year of application date.
  • Certificate must be submitted with application to be considered.

Supplemental Information

Thisis a continuous recruitment, and applications will be accepted on a continuous basis. This recruitment may close at any time without notice.For a full, detailed class specification, clickhere.
How to Apply


Applications may be submitted online at the City's BambooHR homepage. The City of San Bruno utilizes a merit-based selection system. Such a system is competitive and based on broad outreach efforts and equal opportunity for qualified applicants to take part in a process designed to determine the qualifications, fitness and ability of competitors to perform duties of the vacant position.


Whensubmitting your application, please "upload" the following:


1)POST Entry Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery (with a score of 48 or above). If you have not yet taken the test, upcoming test dates can be found at: http://theacademy.ca.gov/tests; or, CritiCall Dispatch test results.


2)Typing certificate issued within the last year verifying minimum typing speed of thirty-five (35) net words per minute with a maximum of nine (9) errors. Online typing certificatepermitted with application, formal test will be administered to final candidate.


What happens next?

  • We will review your application and all supplemental materials to select the best qualified applicants to continue in the process. Screening will include a review of minimum qualifications, application appraisal rating of education, training and experience and relevance of background qualifications related to the target job as well as supplemental questions if applicable.
  • Applicants selected to move forward in the process may be asked to participate in any combination of the following (at any phase of the selection process): a written examination, job related exercise, physical test or job simulation, phone interview, in-person or video interview(s), and/or web-based testing.
  • The final phase of the selection process is the probationary period, which in most cases is one year, depending on your classification.

Reasonable Accommodations:


The City of San Bruno is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and provides equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws in its employment actions, decisions, policies and practices.


The City of San Bruno Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the selection process to accommodate disabled applicants. Individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation in the process must inform the Human Resources Department by the final filing date by emailing
hr@sanbruno.ca.gov.
Recruitment Contact
Contact phone:
(650) 616-7055
Contact email:
hr@sanbruno.ca.gov