Search Dispatch And Telecommunications jobs

72 Dispatch And Telecommunications Jobs

72 jobs found Jobs found Email me jobs like this
Load More

  • Dispatcher-Lateral

    Elk Grove, California United States CITY OF ELK GROVE, CA Full Time $68,855.00 - $92,272.00 Annually Jun 12, 2025
    City of Elk Grove Employer:

    CITY OF ELK GROVE, CA

    Elk Grove is a young, modern city on the move. With a growing population of 168,000, Elk Grove is the second largest city in the Greater Sacramento region, California’s fifth largest metro area. The City’s business climate, existing and planned projects, customer base, amenities, and overall quality of life make Elk Grove THE place to put your business on the map. According to a recent survey conducted by WalletHub, Elk Grove has been ranked as the fastest growing city in California and the 11th fastest growing city in the country. At the City of Elk Grove, our top priority is your business success. Our dedicated staff of professionals is committed to providing you personalized business retention, expansion, and attraction services so your business can realize its startup, scaleup, or relocation goals. From site selection to certificate of occupancy, and everything in between, we’re ready to help, because when you succeed, we succeed. To encourage the development of new businesses and the expansion of existing businesses, the City of Elk Grove provides several incentive programs. We established these programs to enhance the City’s competitiveness in attracting and facilitating the growth of businesses, in order to help put Elk Grove on the map as a location of choice in Northern California. Our economic development team can provide you with tools and resources to put your business on the map here in Elk Grove.

    Apply Now View job Employer Profile

    Job Description

    Description/Special Instructions

    The City of Elk Grove is now accepting applications for the position of

    PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER - LATERAL

    $10,000 SIGNING BONUS*!

    *50% paid upon hire, with the remainder paid at the completion of the probationary period

    Earn up to $107,035.00 annually depending on years of service, POST and educational incentives, and special assignment pays.

    Looking for something new? Want to join an awesome team and positive culture? Well, we have just the job for you. The City of Elk Grove Police Department is seeking experienced Public Safety Dispatchers to join our 911 Communications Center! The ideal candidate values our diverse community and provides quality, efficient services in both routine and emergency situations.

    Why wait? Join Team Elk Grove Today!


    Tentative Recruitment Timeline (subject to change)
    Fi ling Deadline: July 20, 2025, by 11:59pm

    Selection Interviews: July 29, 2025 (in person)
    The City offers a competitive salary and generous benefit package including CalPERS retirement benefits, on-site wellness classes, a deferred compensation match and more.

    Why work for the City of Elk Grove? Proud Heritage. Bright Future.

    COMMUNITY PROFILE

    Elk Grove is a vibrant, family-friendly community of approximately 174,775 people in the Sacramento, California region, located 14 miles south of the State Capital and 60 miles east of the Bay Area. Elk Grove is a young, ethnically diverse, modern city that was incorporated in 2000. Elk Grove has low crime, excellent schools, over 100 community parks and 28 miles of trails, plentiful dining and shopping options, numerous annual events and festivals, and over 270 sunny days per year.

    Representative Duties

    DESCRIPTION:
    Under general supervision, performs a variety of duties involved in receiving, evaluating, prioritizing, and relaying 9-1-1, emergency, and non-emergency calls for service; inputs calls into computer system; dispatches appropriate units and coordinates response of emergency personnel; operates a variety of telecommunications equipment including radio, telephone, and computer aided dispatch systems; and performs a wide variety of specialized clerical duties involved in the preparation, maintenance, and release of materials related to law enforcement activities.

    DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
    Incumbents in the lateral position are experienced law enforcement dispatchers having at least two (2) years of recent experience in a primary Public Safety Answering Point, (PSAP) answering 9-1-1 calls, having used Computer Aided Dispatch system(CAD), and having experience dispatching law enforcement personnel using a multi-channel radio system. The expectation is that the Lateral candidate will complete a training program teaching the use of agency specific computer systems, and policies & procedures in significantly less time than an entry level candidate. Lateral Dispatchers shall serve a 12-month probationary period.

    The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

    Receives, classifies, and prioritizes all incoming calls and texts to the dispatch center including 9-1-1 calls, emergency, and non-emergency calls received from citizens and allied agencies requesting service or information; operates a variety of public safety communications equipment including 9-1-1 emergency telephone equipment, computer aided dispatch systems, and multi-channel radio system.Evaluates response necessary as dictated by a given request for service; determines nature, location, and priority of calls; operates computer aided dispatch system to create calls for service within response criteria guidelines; assigns and dispatches personnel in accordance with policies and procedures; transfers calls to other appropriate agency in accordance with established procedures; obtains and dispatches other support services as necessary.Maintains contact with all units on assignment; maintains status and location of field units; monitors multiple radio frequencies; relays emergency and non-emergency information to public safety personnel in the field.Retrieves and interprets information from local, state, and national computer networks regarding wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, stolen vehicles, restraining orders, criminal histories, parolees, and other related information; relays information to officers in the field.Operates computer terminals to enter, modify, and retrieve data such as stolen and recovered property, towed and stolen vehicles, missing and unidentified persons, citations, driver license and vehicle registration information, and warrants on wanted persons; composes and transmits messages to other agencies.Enters and removes data and information from various local, statewide, and national law enforcement computer systems including the Records Management System (RMS), Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS), and National Crime Information Center (NCIC); provides support to officers by gathering information from various computer systems including DMV, CLETS, and the County’s KPF system.Monitors public security cameras and alarms for City facilities, parking lots, and related facilities.Performs related duties as required.

    Qualifications

    The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

    Knowledge of:
    • Operations, services, and activities of a public safety telecommunications and dispatch center.
    • Operational characteristics of modern public safety telecommunications equipment including computer aided dispatch systems and multi-channel radio systems.
    • Law enforcement and emergency service procedures for responding to and handling reported incidents.
    • Techniques of questioning for both emergency and non-emergency calls.
    • Methods and techniques of receiving, prioritizing, and dispatching emergency and non-emergency calls for service.
    • Radio codes currently used by the Elk Grove Police Department.
    • Functions of the Police Department and other City departments.
    • Geographic features and locations within the area served.
    • English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
    • Modern office procedures, methods, and computer equipment.
    • Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
    • Methods and techniques of telephone etiquette.
    • Methods and techniques of conflict resolution.
    • Principles and procedures of record keeping.
    Ability to:
    • Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
    • Effectively communicate and elicit information from upset and irate callers.
    • Speak clearly and concisely in an understandable voice via radio and telephone and in person.
    • Hear and distinguish radio voice traffic within normal levels and over background noise.
    • Make independent decisions that affect the safety of public safety personnel, citizens, and property such as those involved in determining the urgency of requests received and the appropriate action to take.
    • Dispatch police units quickly and effectively.
    • Think quickly, calmly, and clearly in emergency situations.
    • Perform multiple tasks simultaneously.
    • Operate a variety of telecommunications receiving and transmitting equipment including radio transmitting communication equipment, teletype equipment, and computer equipment.
    • Operate specialized public safety computer systems and applications.
    • Read and interpret maps and other navigational resources and give directions.
    • Type and enter data accurately at a speed necessary for successful job performance.
    • Work under pressure, exercise good judgment, and make sound decisions in emergency situations.
    • Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
    • Interpret, apply, and explain applicable federal, state and local policies, procedures, laws, codes and regulations including police records retention and dissemination policies and procedures.
    • Maintain composure, alertness and concentration while working for extended periods of time.
    • Compile, maintain, process, and prepare a variety of records and reports.
    • Deal tactfully and courteously with the public reporting emergencies and seeking information or filing a report.
    • Maintain confidentiality.
    • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
    • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

    Education/Training : Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

    Experience : Two (2) years of employment as a public safety dispatcher in a primary Public Safety Answering Point, (PSAP). Must be currently working as a dispatcher or have worked within 12 months immediately preceding the date of application filed with the City of Elk Grove.

    License or Certificate :
    Must obtain a Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Public Safety Dispatchers’ Basic certificate within 12 months of hire.

    Other Requirements :
    • Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of hire.
    • Incumbent will need to pass a background investigation which may include a polygraph, psychological and medical evaluation
    • Lateral Dispatchers must serve a 12-month probationary period.


    Physical Demands and Work Environment

    The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

    Environment : Work is performed in an emergency services dispatch center setting with extensive public contact; incumbents are required to work evening, night, weekend, and holiday shifts; incumbents may be called back or held over to maintain staffing levels.

    Physical : Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an emergency dispatch center setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; and to verbally communicate to exchange information.

    Vision : See in the normal visual range with or without correction.

    Hearing : Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

    The City of Elk Grove is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and professionalism. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, should special accommodations be necessary at any stage of the selection process, please contact the Human Resources Department at (916) 478- 2230.

    CITY OF ELK GROVE

    EMPLOYEE BENEFIT SUMMARY
    Elk Grove Police Officers Association (EGPOA) - Non Sworn

    Annual Leave (vacation/sick)
    0-4 years of service 176 hours 6.77 hours per pay period
    5-9 years of service 216 hours 8.31 hours per pay period
    10-14 years of service 232 hours 8.92 per pay period
    15-19 years of service 256 hours 9.85 hours per pay period
    20+ years of service 272 hours 10.46 hours per pay period

    Deferred Compensation

    Employee may participate in a 457 deferred compensation plan up to maximum allowed by law.

    Deferred Compensation - City Match
    The City will match up to 2% or 4% of employee's salary depending on the membership status with CalPERS.

    Employee Assistance Program

    Available to employees and immediate family.

    Flexible Spending Account
    Covers IRS approved medical and/or approved dependent care expenses to be paid on a pre-tax basis.
    • Medical spending up to $3,300.00 annually.
    • Dependent care up to $5,000 annually.
    • Adoption Assistance FSA up to $16,810 annually.


    Health (Medical) Insurance

    The City participates in the CalPERS Health Plan (PEMHCA) and offers a "cafeteria plan," which includes a monthly City contribution that an employee may apply toward premiums for medical insurance.

    The City's Contribution rates for the 2025 plan year are as follows:

    Single: up to $1,001.61 per month
    2-Party: up to $2,003.22 per month
    Family: up to $2,604.19 per month

    Employees who show evidence of other group health insurance coverage and waive enrollment in a CalPERS health plan shall receive a taxable in lieu cash fringe allowance of $300 per month.

    Dental Insurance
    100% City paid for employee and eligible dependents if enrolled in the City's medical plan.

    Vision Insurance
    100% City paid for employee and eligible dependents if enrolled in the City's medical plan.

    Pet Insurance
    City employees are eligible to purchase pet insurance at a discounted premium rate through MetLife.

    Retirement Health Savings Account

    City provided defined contribution program for IRS-eligible medical expenses upon retirement,

    Holidays
    Employees who are not assigned by the Police Chief to work shifts shall receive eleven (11) paid holidays per year and sixteen (16) hours of floating holiday every fiscal year.

    Employees assigned by the Police Chief to work shifts shall receive a 5% holiday pay differential in lieu of paid holidays and eight (8) hours of floating holiday every fiscal year.

    Life Insurance

    City provides Life insurance at 1X base salary with a minimum of $50,000 and maximum of $300,000. Additional life insurance may be purchased by employee up to a maximum of $500,000.

    Military Leave

    The City will pay qualified employees any difference between his/her base salary and the amount received in military reserve pay for regularly scheduled annual training that requires the employee to take military leave from his/her regular work week.

    Retirement (CalPERS)

    Your CalPERS Pension formula will be dependent upon your hire date with the City of Elk Grove and/or your status with any Public Retirement System.
    • 2.7% at 55 if hired before 8/12/12.
    • 2% at 55 if hired after 8/12/12 and a current Classic member of CalPERS.
    • 2% at 62 if hired after 1/1/13 and not a Classic member of CalPERS.
    Internal applicants will remain in their current retirement formula unless they are moving from a safety to miscellaneous classification.

    Short Term/Long Term Disability
    • The City provides Short-Term Disability coverage @ 66.67% of income, up to a maximum benefit of $2,300 per week and Long-Term Disability coverage @ 66.67% of income, up to a maximum benefit of $15,000 per month.
    • The City also provides Paid Family Leave coverage @ 60-70% of weekly earnings up to a maximum of $,1623 per week.
    City employees DO NOT contribute to the California State Disability Insurance (SDI) program.

    Social Security

    City employees do not currently participate in the Social Security program. City offers an IRS qualifying retirement plan.

    Tuition Reimbursement

    80% up to $2,500/year for undergraduate studies
    80% up to $3,500/year for graduate studies

    Wellness Program
    Amazing on-site Wellness Coordinator and multiple fitness and wellness classes such as yoga and pilates available throughout the week!

    Closing Date/Time: 7/20/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
    Apply Now View job Employer Profile

    Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.

LATEST JOBS

Public Dispatchers and Government Telecommunications Jobs: What You Need to Know Before Applying

Public Dispatchers and Government Telecommunications Jobs: What You Need to Know Before Applying

In the vast landscape of government telecommunications, public dispatch jobs stand out as some of the most critical and impactful roles.

These positions serve as the vital link between the public and emergency services, forming the backbone of our community's safety net.

Public dispatch jobs, often referred to as 911 dispatcher or emergency communications specialist positions, are at the forefront of public safety.

These professionals are the first point of contact in emergencies, responsible for receiving calls, assessing situations, and coordinating appropriate responses. They are the calm in the storm, the steady voice guiding both callers and responders through critical situations.

When ensuring that emergency services can communicate effectively during a crisis, your job will have a tangible impact on the nation's well-being.
 

Essential Skills for a Successful Public Dispatcher Career

Becoming a public dispatcher requires a unique blend of technical proficiency, interpersonal skills, and personal qualities.

This challenging role demands individuals who can thrive under pressure while maintaining accuracy and empathy. Let's explore the key skills that are crucial for success in this field.

Communication Skills

  • Clear and concise verbal communication
  • Active listening to extract critical information quickly
  • Ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations
  • Skill in conveying complex information simply and calmly

Multitasking Abilities

  • Capacity to manage multiple incidents simultaneously
  • Skill in prioritizing tasks based on urgency and available resources
  • Ability to switch focus rapidly between different situations

Technical Proficiency

  • Familiarity with Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems
  • Typing speed and accuracy (often 35-40 words per minute minimum)
  • Basic troubleshooting skills for communication equipment
  • Adaptability to learn new technologies and software

Decision-Making and Problem-Solving

  • Quick and accurate decision-making under pressure
  • Ability to assess situations rapidly and determine appropriate responses
  • Critical thinking skills to navigate complex or unusual scenarios

Emotional Intelligence and Stress Management

  • Empathy and compassion for callers in distress
  • Emotional resilience to handle traumatic situations
  • Stress management techniques to maintain composure
  • Ability to remain calm and focused in high-pressure situations

Attention to Detail

  • Precision in recording and relaying information
  • Ability to catch and correct errors quickly
  • Skill in maintaining accurate logs and records

Teamwork and Collaboration

  • Skill in coordinating with various emergency services
  • Ability to work effectively as part of a dispatch team
  • Capacity to collaborate with other agencies during large-scale incidents
  • Knowledge of police and fire department policies

Cultural Competence

  • Sensitivity to cultural differences
  • Ability to communicate effectively with non-native English speakers
  • Understanding of diverse community needs and concerns

Adaptability and Continuous Learning

  • Willingness to adapt to new protocols and procedures
  • Commitment to ongoing training and skill development
  • Ability to learn from experiences and improve performance

In this career, your ability to stay calm, think clearly, and communicate effectively could be the difference between life and death.

Remember, while some of these skills can be taught, others—like the ability to remain calm under pressure or the capacity for empathy—are often innate qualities. Successful public dispatchers typically possess a natural inclination towards these traits, which are then refined and strengthened through training and experience.

Careers In Government
 

Begin Your Career Journey

Launch your career with Careers in Government! Explore exciting opportunities, connect with passionate professionals, and shape your legacy.

JOIN NOW
 

Public Safety Dispatchers: The Lifeline of Emergency Communications

In the realm of government telecommunications, public safety dispatchers stand out as critical frontline workers.

These professionals serve as the vital link between the public and emergency services, playing a crucial role in coordinating responses to crises and saving lives.

Imagine being the first point of contact in someone's worst moment, the calm voice guiding them through chaos, and the invisible hand coordinating a lifesaving response. This is the world of a public safety dispatcher.

category021-image-001-careers-in-government

What Public Safety Dispatchers Do:

1. Emergency Call Handling

  • Answer 911 and non-emergency calls

  • Quickly assess situations and determine appropriate responses

  • Provide pre-arrival instructions (e.g., CPR guidance) when necessary

2. Resource Dispatching
  • Coordinate and dispatch police, fire, and emergency medical services
  • Manage multiple incidents simultaneously
  • Prioritize calls based on urgency and available resources
3. Information Management

  • Operate Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems

  • Access and relay critical information to first responders

  • Maintain accurate records of all communications and actions

4. Inter-agency Coordination

  • Facilitate communication between different emergency services

  • Coordinate with neighboring jurisdictions during large-scale incidents

As a public safety dispatcher, you're not just answering phones – you're the first responder to the first responders, the unseen hero behind countless rescues and interventions.

Key Qualifications:

  • Proficiency with telecommunications equipment and computer systems
  • Clear speaking voice and active listening skills
  • Typing speed and accuracy
  • High school education

Certifications and Training:

  • Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) certification
  • CPR and basic first aid certification
  • Critical Incident Stress Management training
  • Ongoing training in new technologies and procedures

Challenges of the Job:

  • High-stress environment with life-or-death consequences
  • Shift work, including nights, weekends, and holidays
  • Emotional toll of handling traumatic situations
  • Constant vigilance and attention to detail required

Benefits of the Career:

  • Direct impact on public safety and saving lives
  • Dynamic work environment with no two days alike
  • Opportunity to serve the community
  • Develops valuable, transferable skills

Career Advancement:

Public safety dispatchers can advance to:

  • Dispatch supervisors or managers
  • Training coordinators
  • Emergency communications center directors
  • Emergency management specialists

Every call you take as a public safety dispatcher could be the most important moment in someone's life. Are you ready for a career where your voice can make the difference between life and death?

The role of public safety dispatchers is evolving with technology. Next-generation 911 systems are introducing capabilities like video calling and improved location services, requiring dispatchers to adapt and learn new skills continuously.

Public safety dispatching offers a unique entry point into government telecommunications careers.

It combines the satisfaction of public service with the excitement of working with advanced communication technologies. For those who thrive under pressure and want to make a tangible difference in their communities, few careers offer the same level of impact and importance.

Are you calm under pressure, tech-savvy, and driven by a desire to help others? A career as a public safety dispatcher could be your calling in the world of government telecommunications.

When you apply, remember to tailor your resume to the job description. Whether disabilities can be accommodated is determined on a case-by-case basis. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should know that while it's illegal to discriminate against people with disabilities, they can ask you about your ability to do the work. (It's also illegal to discriminate based on marital status, gender identity, and sexual orientation.)

 

Answering the Call to Serve

As we've explored throughout this article, government telecommunication jobs, particularly in the realm of public safety dispatching, offer a unique and rewarding employment for those who are up to the challenge. These roles combine cutting-edge technology with the opportunity to make a real difference in people's lives and contribute to national security.

category021-image-002-careers-in-government

From California to Washington D.C., public safety dispatchers stand at the forefront of emergency response, serving as the critical link between those in need and the resources that can help them.

It's a role that demands a special set of skills - from technical proficiency to emotional resilience in the name of public relations - and offers rewards that few other careers can match.

In a world where technology is constantly evolving, imagine being part of a field where your adaptability and quick thinking can literally save lives. That's the reality of a public dispatcher career in government telecommunications.

Unlock Government Opportunities with Careers in Government

Elevate your career or find the ideal government talent on Careers in Government! Explore and shape the future with us.

JOIN NOW
 
SHOW MORE