Police Dispatcher Entry Level Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $72,551.16 - $88,430.64 Annually
Location : Police Department 238 Center Street, Healdsburg, CA 95448
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2026014
Department: Police Department
Opening Date: 05/21/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
The City of Healdsburg is currently recruiting for the opportunity of Police Dispatcher I!
The ideal candidate will be self-motivated, possess strong written and verbal communication skills, and have the ability to make sound decisions under pressure. We encourage individuals of all skill levels to apply. Typing speed of 40-45 WPM is highly desired. Prior experience is not required, and training will be provided to the hired incumbent.
The first 18 - 24 weeks following hire will consist of one-on-one, on-the-job training. Training will encompass all aspects of the position, including computer aided dispatching, using the police radio, and communicating with members of the public on the phone and in person while they may be experiencing an emergency or crisis. On top of the extensive training provided, the City of Healdsburg will enroll the hired incumbent in a 4-week POST Dispatch Course within one year of employment!
We hope you will consider this rewarding career with the City of Healdsburg!
Applications will be reviewed on a weekly basis. Interviews may be scheduled at any time until the position has been filled. Prompt application is encouraged!
About the Police Dispatcher I position:The Police Dispatcher will perform communications between Police and Fire personnel, the general public and other law enforcement and fire agencies in emergency and non-emergency situations; to receive and relay information by a variety of communication methods; and to provide technical support to an assigned supervisor.
This is the entry level class in the Police Dispatcher series. Positions in this class typically have little or no directly related work experience and work under immediate supervision while learning job tasks. The Police Dispatcher I class is distinguished from the II level by the performance of less than the full range of duties assigned to the II level.
Incumbents work under immediate supervision while learning job tasks, progressing to general supervision as procedures and processes of assigned area of responsibility are learned.
Examples of Duties
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Maintain communications between Police and Fire personnel, the general public and other law enforcement and fire agencies; receive and relay information by radio, telephone, at the counter or by other communication means as appropriate; receive incoming 911 emergency and non-emergency calls from the public, for Police and Fire services.
Answer phones and 911 calls; assess need, nature of the call and reason for requesting assistance; collect pertinent data; dispatch to appropriate field personnel; monitor and coordinate progress, location and needs of field personnel during specific activities in accordance with established procedures; enter information into system and maintain radio and activity log; research and provide accurate information requested by officers and citizens.
Contact and coordinate with county sheriff's department and other mutual aid agencies when applicable.
Provide accurate information to the public and assist walk-in citizens with requests at the front counter; receive complaints and reports from the public by telephone and over the counter.
Operate a Computer Aided Dispatch System; maintain department communications equipment and request repairs when needed.
Perform a variety of general support work to assist and maintain Police records, reports and files; accurately process and file arrest reports, warrants, subpoenas, citations and other miscellaneous departmental paperwork as required; maintain reference materials.
Assist with searching, booking and fingerprinting prisoners; arrange for tow trucks and contacts other appropriate agencies as needed.
Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
Foster an environment that embraces diversity, integrity, trust, and respect.
Be an integral team player, which involves flexibility, cooperation, and communication.
Perform related duties as assigned.
Typical Qualifications
Knowledge of:
Principles and practices of active listening and clear, effective communication.
Principles and practices of record keeping principles and practices.
Ability to:Learn principles and practices of dispatch equipment including two-way radios, computer assisted dispatch and telecommunications.
Learn standard broadcasting rules and procedures.
On a continuous basis, sit at desk/console for long periods of time; intermittently, twist and reach office equipment; write or use keyboard to communicate through written means; verbally give instructions to officers in the field; monitor and hear officer's responses over the radio; and lift and carry weight of 10 pounds or less.
Intermittently review documents related to dispatching operations; observe, identify, and problem solve incidents while dispatching, remember, understand, interpret and explain operational policies and procedures to the public and staff.
Learn to project a calm and reasoning demeanor while dealing with irate or emotionally distraught people.
Learn the location of major streets, public places and landmarks within the City limits.
Learn to maintain accurate records and prepare clear and concise reports and documentation.
Exercise good judgment in emergency situations.
Speak clearly and precisely.
Maintain attention to detail despite frequent interruptions.
Use sound judgment in recognizing scope of authority.
Operate and use modern office equipment including computers and applicable software.
Maintain regular attendance and adhere to prescribed work schedule to conduct job responsibilities.
Learn relevant local, State, and Federal laws, rules and regulations related to area of assignment.
Utilize appropriate safety procedures and practices for assigned duties.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Experience and Training - Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience:
Some clerical or dispatch experience is desirable.
Training:
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.
License and CertificateFailure to obtain or maintain such required license(s) may be cause for disciplinary action.
Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License may be required at the time of appointment. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a physical disability will be considered for accommodation on a case-by-case basis.
Possession of a Public Safety Dispatcher P.O.S.T. Certificate within one year of appointment.
Supplemental Information
Prior to employment as a Police Dispatcher I, candidates will be required to successfully complete the following: pass a CritiCall pre-employment exam; Chief's interview and evaluation; pass a thorough background investigation; complete a psychological evaluation, and physical examination prior to actual hire
HOW TO APPLY:
Applicants must submit a clear, concise, completed online City Application along with any required supplemental application materials with the Human Resources Department by the filing deadline. If you do not submit your online application by the filing deadline, you will not be considered for this position. Please note, applications may be rejected if incomplete. All applicants will be reviewed and only those candidates determined to be most qualified on the basis of experience, training and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process. Resumes, CVs and cover letters may not be reviewed as part of the application screening process, unless the application specifically requests supporting materials.
HELPFUL TIPS WHEN APPLYING:

• Your application information and your responses to the supplemental questions are evaluated and taken into consideration throughout the entire selection process.
• List all employers and positions held within the last ten (10) years in the work history section of your application. Be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions.
• You may include history beyond ten (10) years if related to the position for which you are applying. If you held multiple positions with one (1) employer, list out each position separately.
• Failure to follow these instructions may impact your competitiveness in this process or may result in disqualification.

BACKGROUND SCREENING:
Candidates who have successfully completed all prior phases of the selection process will be subject to fingerprinting and a background investigation prior to employment. Failure to comply with the background will result in the candidate not being considered further for that vacancy. Additional requirements, such as successful completion of a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply, depending on the duties and responsibilities of the position. If you receive a conditional job offer for the position, the requirements upon which the offer are contingent will be outlined in the conditional job letter.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:
The City of Healdsburg values diversity and is dedicated to creating an inclusive workplace environment that is representative of the community. The City is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and strives to build balanced teams without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create a workplace that celebrates and embraces and diversity of our employees where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.
The City does not discriminate on the basis of disability in employment. Requests for reasonable accommodations needed to participate in the recruitment process may be made by contacting Human Resources within five (5) business days of being noticed that an event requiring accommodation is occurring. You may also contact the Human Resources Department at (707) 431-3376.
The City of Healdsburg has a comprehensive set of benefits. Read more about these here
01
The purpose of the supplemental questions is to provide applicants the opportunity to elaborate on their experience, education, and training for the Police Dispatcher I position and to assist the Human Resources Department in assessing each applicant's qualifications. Your responses to the questions will be used to better understand your relevant experience, education, and training to determine which applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the recruitment process.

• I understand

02
In a two-week, 80-hour payroll period, Police Dispatchers work three 12-hour shifts during the first week, and three 12-hour shifts and one 8-hour shift the following. Are you able to work these shifts?

• Yes
• No

03
How many years of responsible Police Dispatcher experience do you possess?

• 0-1 Years
• 1-2 years
• 2-3 years
• 3 or more years

04
Do you currently possess a Public Safety Dispatcher P.O.S.T. Certificate?

• Yes
• No

05
Are you bilingual in English and Spanish?

• Yes
• No

Required Question