Salary : $74,844.00 - $90,972.00 Annually
Location : Riverside, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 26-2496-01
Department: Police
Opening Date: 01/22/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
The Position
The City of Riverside Police Department is looking for
EXPERIENCED dispatch professionals to join our team!
We are now accepting applications for the position of
Public Safety Dispatcher II (LATERAL). If you are currently employed as a Dispatcher for a law enforcement agency, we encourage you to apply!! The eligibility list established from this recruitment may be used to fill current and future vacancies within this classification in the Communications Division of the Riverside Police Department.
Public Safety Dispatchers II under general supervision, perform journey level work in operating radio-telephone transmitting and receiving equipment and a computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system on an assigned shift; dispatch required law-enforcement, fire, medical or other emergency services, personnel and equipment; and perform related work as required.
Work Performed
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Receive incoming telephone and voice radio calls on an assigned shift; input and retrieve information in a computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system.
- Obtain and record information using voice radio and a computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system to dispatch necessary law enforcement, fire, medical and other emergency services such as ambulances and tow trucks.
- Compile data and maintain records of emergency responses, 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.
- Run inquiries on DOJ, National Crime Information Service, FBI, Stolen Vehicle System.
- Operate a variety of equipment such as a computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system, 9-1-1 telephone system and alarm monitoring system.
- Calm distressed citizens on the phone.
- Keep radio and/or mobile data computer (MDC) contact with police and fire units on assignments.
- Coordinate emergency calls and relay information and assistance requests involving other law enforcement and firefighting agencies.
- Participate in the dispatcher selection process.
- Train Public Safety Dispatcher Trainee and Dispatcher and participate in evaluating their performance.
- May provide lead supervision in the absence of the lead supervisor or Public Safety Communications Supervisor.
- Aid in the development and implementation of training programs for entry and journey level dispatchers.
- Provide periodic input for review of dispatcher training manual and other training materials and updates as necessary.
Qualifications
Education and Experience:
Education: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.
Experience: Six months of non-probationary experience as a Public Safety Dispatcher for a Police or Fire Department.
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 six months of employment, a POST Basic Dispatcher Certificate or equivalent certificate.
Desired Qualifications:
- Successful completion of a POST Dispatcher academy.
- Possession of a POST Basic Dispatcher Certificate or equivalent certificate.
- CURRENT EMPLOYMENT with a POST agency as a dispatcher, or equivalent classification.
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 a pre-employment background investigation, medical/physical examination, and drug and alcohol test; and may 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.
Service Employees International Union (SEIU) - General Unit
The City offers an attractive benefits package, the central provisions of which are as follows:
- Retirement for Classic Members - For employees hired after 1/1/2013 who are CLASSIC MEMBERS of California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) or a reciprocal agency as of 12/31/12 and have not been separated from service from such agency for six months or more, the retirement benefit shall be 2.7 % @ age 55; 3-year final compensation. The required employee contribution is 8%. The City does not participate in Social Security; thus, employees do not bear this additional 6.2% expense.
- Retirement for New Members - For employees hired 1/1/2013 or later and who ARE NOT a member of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) or a reciprocal agency as of 12/31/12, or those who have been separated from a public agency which contracts with CalPERS or a reciprocal agency for six months or more, the retirement benefit shall be 2% at age 62; 3 year final compensation. The required employee contribution is 50% of the normal cost and is subject to change per CalPERS every fiscal year. The City does not participate in Social Security; thus, employees do not bear this additional 6.2% expense.
- Health Insurance - The City offers six health insurance plans and contributes up to $1,687 per month for HMO plans (family coverage).
- Dental Insurance - The City provides three dental insurance plans and contributes up to $85 per month.
- Vision Insurance - The City provides vision coverage through Vision Service Plan (VSP) for employees and their dependents that are enrolled in medical coverage.
- Life Insurance - The City provides and pays for term life insurance equal to $100,000. Additional Life Insurance is available and voluntary for employees and eligible dependents (up to $300k).
- Deferred Compensation - The City contributes $50 a month with a minimum employee contribution of $12.50 per check. Participation in the deferred compensation plan is optional.
- Leave Benefits - Includes vacation leave, sick leave, bereavement leave, and holiday benefits. Please refer to the SEIU MOU for specific details.
- Flexible Spending Account - The City offers a Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Plan for optional participation.
- State Disability Insurance - Automatic coverage administered by the Employee Development Department (EDD) of the State of California
- Vacation Accrual - 0-4 yrs. = 80hrs, 5-9 yrs. = 120hrs, 10+ yrs. = 160 hrs.
For other special compensation, refer to the
For additional benefits information, please visit the following website:
For part-time, benefitted positions the insurance and other benefits (leave accruals, holidays, etc.) are pro-rated based on ½ or ¾ time status.
01
Instructions: The information on the application and your responses to the following supplemental questions will be used to determine whether you meet the minimum and/or highly desirable qualifications for the position in which you are applying. Detailed responses must be provided for each question in order to ensure qualifications are properly considered.
(*Do not refer to a resume in lieu of completing the supplemental questions).
Employers listed on this questionnaire must also be listed and fully detailed in the work experience section of your application.
02
Please indicate the highest level of education you have completed.
- Less than High School Diploma or GED
- High School Diploma or GED
- Some college coursework completed
- Associate's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Master's Degree
- PhD
03
Are you currently employed as a dispatcher for a P.O.S.T. agency?
04
Please indicate the amount of non-probationary experience you have in working as a Public Safety Dispatcher for a Police or Fire Department.
- None
- Less than 6 months
- Six months or more
05
Do you possess a valid P.O.S.T. Basic Dispatcher Certificate or equivalent certificate?
06
Background: The following questions are to assess your suitability for employment with the Riverside Police Department based on your personal background. Please answer each question to the best of your knowledge. This information will be used to determine whether or not you will be invited to continue in the selection process for the current position.
07
Have you been convicted for driving under the influence in the last three (3) years?
08
Have you been at fault in
two (2) or more traffic collisions in the last four (4) years?
09
Have you used methamphetamine or cocaine in the last five (5) years?
10
Have you used hallucinogens to include LSD, PCP, XTC, in the last five (5) years?
11
Have you ever used heroin/opium? (other than doctor prescribed)
12
Are your currently on court probation?
13
Have you ever been convicted of misdemeanor Domestic Violence, including a lesser plea in lieu of, or fall under provisions of 12021.1 PC?
14
I understand that I cannot update my application once I have submitted it. Therefore, I have completed all sections and provided full descriptions of my duties and responsibilities for each employer, and have fully reviewed my answers to all questions on the supplemental questionnaire prior to submitting my application. (Do not refer to a resume or other documentation in lieu of completing the employment history section or responding to the supplemental questions; they will not be reviewed or considered.)
Required Question
