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Temporary 911 Dispatcher Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Essential Job Duties Receive requests for Police and emergency services over the phone; answer 911 ... Provide temporary and vacation relief for other staff as necessary. Provide general information to ...

Temporary 911 Dispatcher information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$11

$22

$35

How much do temporary 911 dispatcher jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for temporary 911 dispatcher in Riverside, CA is $22.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $24.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a temporary 911 dispatcher?

Temporary 911 Dispatchers are professionals hired on a short-term or seasonal basis to answer emergency calls and dispatch police, fire, or medical services. They play a critical role in ensuring public safety by quickly assessing situations, gathering information, and coordinating emergency response teams. Temporary dispatchers often fill in during staffing shortages, special events, or peak demand periods. While their positions may not be permanent, they receive specialized training and must remain calm under pressure to provide accurate and efficient assistance to callers in crisis.

Can you work a temporary 911 dispatcher part time?

Yes, it is possible to work as a temporary 911 dispatcher part time, depending on the employer’s staffing needs and scheduling policies. Part-time positions may require specific certifications such as Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) or Emergency Telecommunicator Certification and often involve shift work, including nights and weekends.

What are some common challenges faced by temporary 911 dispatchers, and how can they best prepare for them?

Temporary 911 Dispatchers often encounter challenges such as quickly adapting to fast-paced environments, handling high-stress situations, and becoming familiar with local protocols in a short period. Since they may be covering for permanent staff or supporting during peak times, it’s important to be flexible and proactive in learning the systems and geography of the area. Building strong communication skills and practicing self-care are key to managing stress and maintaining focus during long or intense shifts. Collaboration with experienced team members and actively seeking feedback can help temporary dispatchers quickly integrate and perform effectively.

How easy is it to get hired as a temporary 911 dispatcher?

Getting hired as a temporary 911 dispatcher typically requires completing a hiring process that includes background checks, a written exam, and sometimes a skills assessment. Prior experience in emergency communication or related fields can improve chances, but many agencies also provide on-the-job training for new hires.

What disqualifies you from being a temporary 911 dispatcher?

Disqualifications for a temporary 911 dispatcher typically include a criminal background that involves serious offenses, a lack of required certifications such as CPR or emergency communication training, or failing background checks and drug screenings. Additionally, inability to handle high-stress situations or poor communication skills can also be grounds for disqualification.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a temporary 911 dispatcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Temporary 911 Dispatcher, you need excellent communication skills, quick decision-making abilities, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, with specialized training in emergency call handling. Familiarity with Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems, radio equipment, and sometimes CPR or emergency medical dispatch certification is important. Strong multitasking, emotional resilience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are vital soft skills. These skills ensure accurate information gathering, efficient emergency response coordination, and support for both callers and first responders in crisis situations.
What are the most commonly searched types of 911 Dispatcher jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of 911 Dispatcher jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Temporary 911 Dispatcher jobs in Riverside, CA? For Temporary 911 Dispatcher jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Temporary 911 Dispatcher jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Temporary 911 Dispatcher jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Temporary 911 Dispatcher jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Temporary 911 Dispatcher job openings:

$64K - $78K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

The contents of the job bulletin should not be construed as an implied contract. All information is subject to change and the City is not bound to any information or errors contained in the bulletin. This posting may close earlier than the indicated closing date if an excessive number of applications is received.

The closing date may also be extended, or the job may be re-posted if an insufficient number of applications is received during the initial posting period. Job Description Under general supervision, receives emergency and non-emergency calls for police, fire and emergency medical services; transmits information via computer aided dispatch (CAD), multi-frequency radio transmitter/receiver, telephone, alarm or other communications equipment; dispatches public safety personnel and equipment according to prescribed procedures; and performs related duties as assigned. The Senior Police Dispatcher is the full journey-level class in this series.

This class differs from the Police Dispatcher class in that employees are expected to perform independently, based on knowledge of the City's equipment, systems, standards and procedures. Police Dispatchers will advance to the higher level after gaining experience and demonstrating proficiency in performing the full range of assignments independently. Essential Job Duties Receive requests for Police and emergency services over the phone; answer 911 calls; screen incoming calls to determine necessity, priority, and type of response required; monitor other radio frequencies to be aware of incidents elsewhere that may affect operations.

Dispatch, as necessary, Police and other emergency units in response to calls for service or requests from Officers in the field; use appropriate terminology and cite Code sections by number; call public and private agencies, such as allied law enforcement, hospitals, towing services and utilities, and request mutual assistance when necessary. Keep track of Police unit locations and status; maintain constant radio communication with personnel in the field; run warrant checks on subjects, registration checks on vehicles, and property checks; relay information and instructions to personnel in the field. Maintain accurate log of incoming service requests and actions taken; prepare other reports and records as directed; maintain files necessary for dispatch as assigned; enter, update, and retrieve information from the computer and teletype networks.

Operate a variety of public safety telecommunications equipment; test and inspect equipment as needed. Have the ability to train, supervise and advise Police Dispatch personnel as assigned. Assist the Police Dispatch Supervisor with collateral duties of the supervisor, as assigned, such as completing subpoena and PRA requests, and any other supervisory duty as assigned.

Provide temporary and vacation relief for other staff as necessary. Provide general information to the public; as necessary, refer callers to appropriate agencies; calm callers; maintain professionalism in radio transmissions during hectic, tense, and dangerous situations. Interact with co-workers at all levels in the organization in a collaborative and customer service-oriented manner.

Maintain prompt and regular attendance. Interact with various federal, state, and local databases to support field units with investigations. Work varied shift assignments including dayshift, swingshift and graveyard shift (including holidays, weekends and overtime).

Able to be reached at all times by either cell or landline should the need for mandatory call-in be necessary. ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES This class reports to the Police Lieutenant in the Patrol Division. Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of: Basic terminology used in police, fire and other emergency radio and telephone communications; operation of communication equipment, including telephone, radio, pager, computer and related systems; geography of the City; modern office practices and procedures; relevant state and federal regulations; micro-computer applications related to the work; codes, ordinances and regulations pertaining to the work.

Skills/Abilities to: Learn City dispatching codes, policies and procedures; memorize codes, names, locations and other detailed information; attend to multiple activities and sources of input simultaneously during stressful situations; obtain complete and accurate information from individuals in emergency situations, including those who are emotionally distraught, angry or difficult to understand; remain calm and make rapid and sound independent judgments in stressful emergency situations; communicate tactfully and effectively with the public, public safety personnel and others; operate complex communications equipment; operate keyboards and computer terminals at a typing speed of 40 words per minute; train and instruct others in the work of the class; follow oral and written instructions; read and interpret street maps; perform routine clerical and record keeping duties; exercise independent judgment and initiative within established guidelines; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those encountered in the course of the work; coordinate work assignments with other sections, divisions or departments. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Graduation from High School or G.E.D. required

Completion of the Police Officers' Standards of Training (P.O.S.T.) Dispatcher Course. Certificate must be uploaded with the application. One year of current full-time experience operating a public safety Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system; or have been employed as a full-time, non-probationary Public Safety Dispatcher with eligibility for re-hire within one year of the application

LICENSE Possession of a valid California driver's license and proof of insurability required. The City of Montclair is an Equal Opportunity Employer.