Entry-Level Dispatcher Opportunity - Join the City of Fountain Valley Police Department Team!

Welcome to the City of Fountain Valley: A Great Place to Live and Work!

Nestled in the heart of Orange County, the City of Fountain Valley is a wonderful community with approximately 60,000 residents. Our Police Department is a mid-sized, full-service organization that proudly serves the community with courage, duty, and commitment. With City events like Summerfest and National Night Out, we actively engage with community members to build a safe and vibrant City. Located just 7 miles from the beach, with Disneyland and numerous entertainment venues within a 15-mile radius, Fountain Valley offers a great work-life balance.

Fountain Valley Police Department: Protecting Life and Property

The Fountain Valley Police Department's mission is to protect life and property, provide high-quality service, and take a leadership role in public safety. Our dedicated team includes the Chief of Police, Captains, Lieutenants, Sergeants, Corporals, Police Officers, Dispatchers, Crime Analyst, Identification Technician, Record Clerks, Community Services Officers, and administrative staff.

Dispatcher - Entry Level: Join Our Team!

We are seeking a highly motivated individual to join our team as an Entry-Level Dispatcher. As a Dispatcher, you will play a critical role in receiving and transmitting police radio and telephone calls, dispatching personnel and equipment, and maintaining detailed records of activities. This is an excellent opportunity to start a rewarding career in public safety.

Key Responsibilities:

• Receive and process emergency calls for police and fire protection services or information; promptly and efficiently dispatch personnel and equipment to accident, rescue, and emergency scenes.
• Analyze requests for police service; determine priority ranking of each request and the kind and level of service to be dispatched in initial response; and determine available units to dispatch.
• Listen to each radio transmission from police personnel in the field; acknowledge and comply with requests for action or information.
• Maintain awareness of the position of each police unit and activities in which personnel are engaged; check periodically with personnel to verify position and activity; supply back-up personnel; and take other appropriate steps to provide for the safety of field personnel.
• Maintain detailed records of each service request, each action taken, and the time each action was taken.
• Operate dispatch equipment and computer equipment; input and retrieve a variety of public safety information using a computer.
• Notify ambulance personnel, alarm company, traffic and signal maintenance, and other related personnel concerning emergencies.
• Maintain knowledge of the geography, street locations, and landmarks in the City and a general knowledge of the geography and landmarks of surrounding cities.
• Assist in training new personnel in the operations of the Dispatch Center.
• Perform a variety of record-keeping, filing, and other general clerical duties.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Essential Qualifications:

• Graduation from high school or GED equivalent.
• One year of clerical or other related experience involving contact with the public and some use of independent judgment. Public Safety experience is highly desirable.
• Or one year of heavy telephone, public contact, or dispatch experience.
• Knowledge of the proper operation of telephone, voice radio, and burglar alarm reception equipment.
• Knowledge of the proper operation of computer, speed dialer, dictaphone/tape recorder, and teletype machines.
• Knowledge of the geography of the City and location of streets and important buildings.
• State-mandated data bases including driver's license, vehicle registration, warrants, and restraining orders.
• Correct English usage, spelling, punctuation, and grammar.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Public Safety experience.
• Previous dispatch experience.
• Knowledge of police procedures and protocols.

Skills and Competencies:

• Analyze situations and adopt quick, effective courses of action in emergency situations, in accordance with established rules and regulations.
• Speak clearly, in a well-modulated voice, and use proper diction.
• Effectively communicate with and elicit information from upset and irate citizens.
• Follow oral and written instructions and carry out assignments with minimal supervision.
• Type at a speed necessary for successful job performance.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, City officials, and the public.
• Maintain the security of criminal offender and other confidential information.
• Prepare and maintain a variety of records and reports.

Career Growth Opportunities and Learning Benefits:

As a Dispatcher with the Fountain Valley Police Department, you will have opportunities for career growth and professional development. You will receive comprehensive training and have the chance to work with experienced professionals in a dynamic and supportive environment.

Work Environment and Company Culture:

Our Police Department is committed to a culture of excellence, integrity, and respect. We value our employees and strive to provide a positive and supportive work environment. As a Dispatcher, you will work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and be part of a close-knit team.

Compensation and Benefits:

We offer a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package. Our benefits include opportunities for career growth and professional development, a dynamic work environment, and a chance to make a difference in the community.

Selection Process:

The selection process will include a written exam and an oral interview. Candidates who meet the position qualifications must have completed the ECOMM (Emergency Communications) written exam through the National Testing Network (NTN) within the last 12 months. The oral interview will evaluate the candidate's experience, training, and personal qualifications that are essential for successful performance on the job.

Important Recruitment Information:

• All employment offers made by the City are contingent upon establishing proof of a prospective candidate's legal authorization to work in the United States and successfully completing all components of the pre-employment process.
• The City of Fountain Valley is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
• In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.

Ready to Apply?

If you are a motivated individual ready to contribute to a thriving team, we encourage you to apply now! We are excited to review your application.

Don't miss this opportunity to join our team and start a rewarding career in public safety. Apply today!