Public Safety Dispatcher I/II

Description

Public Safety Dispatchers, under immediate supervision (I), or general supervision (II), are the first Fire Department personnel to receive requests for assistance for fire and medical 911 emergencies. They must evaluate the type of assistance needed, and dispatch appropriate public safety personnel by utilizing computerized 9-1-1 telephone system, computer-aided dispatch system, computerized radio system, and related database and computerized equipment; and perform related duties as assigned. Public Safety Dispatchers are required to work mandatory overtime to fill unexpected or planned vacancies, and return to work when ordered during heightened or peak emergency activity.

The ideal candidate will have a calm and focused demeanor, be able to multitask and manage high stress situations in a fast-paced emergency environment, and have the ability to communicate calmly, clearly and effectively with a diverse county population.

The Dispatcher II is distinguished from Public Safety Dispatcher I by a broader range of responsibility, due to a higher level of experience, technical skill and training.

EMERGENCY MEDICAL DISPATCH (E.M.D.) PREMIUM PAY: All Public Safety Dispatchers who possess an Emergency Medical Dispatcher qualification shall be eligible to receive an Emergency Medical Dispatch premium payment of $85.24 bi-weekly.

NIGHT SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL PREMIUM PAY: Night shift differential is calculated at the rate of five percent (5%) of the base pay for the eligible hours.

EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVE: Employees may be eligible for an educational incentive of 2.5%, 3.5%, or 5% based on completion of an Associate's, Bachelor's, or Master's degree that is not required for the classification.

BILINGUAL INCENTIVE: Incumbents may also be eligible for bilingual incentive pay depending upon operational needs and certification skills.

PAYROLL TITLES AND APPROXIMATE SALARIES
Public Safety Dispatcher I: $35.23 - $49.33 per hour
Public Safety Dispatcher II: $36.95 - $51.74 per hour

AGENCY/DEPARTMENT: Fire Protection District

Public Safety Dispatchers are represented by the Service Employees International Union and are eligible for overtime compensation.

The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill present and future regular, temporary, fixed-term, intermittent, and extra-help vacancies. There are currently multiple vacancies.

NOTE: If appointed at the lower level, incumbent may be promoted to the higher level without further exam upon meeting the minimum requirements, demonstrating satisfactory performance, and in accordance with the business needs of the department.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE:
OPENING DATE: March 18 , 2026
CLOSING DATE: Continuous
FIRST REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS: Week of April 20, 2026 and subsequent reviews are contingent on vacancies since t his is a continuous recruitment and may close at any time.

Examples Of Duties

• Receives 9-1-1 and other emergency telephone calls for fire and medical emergencies. Determines the nature and location of the emergency; determines priority and enters information into the Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system. Answers non-emergency calls for service, determines type of assistance required, and provides appropriate assistance as needed;
• Provides pre-arrival instructions to callers utilizing established Emergency Medical and Fire Dispatch protocols and follows established protocols for Priority Medical and Fire Dispatch program;
• Simultaneously receives, keyboards, and transmits information to dispatch fire and emergency medical resources, including aircraft. Provides dispatching services for multiple agencies, following multiple agency dispatching protocols; determines appropriate personnel, apparatus and equipment to be dispatched using radio and/or computer systems; enters and updates information on computerized systems;
• Coordinates communications between multiple units, agencies and jurisdictions, including aircraft, responding to fire and emergency medical incidents. Simultaneously monitors and transmits on multiple radio channels and multiple transmitters; maintains contact with and monitors status of field units;
• Utilizes System Status Management protocols and technologies to ensure optimum geographic coverage through deployment of resources by type and availability; following multiple agency protocols: monitors diversion status of all hospitals and specialized units within each hospital;
• Operates specialized computer systems to prepare, input, and obtain state/regional fire or emergency medical services activity, resource deployments, and daily fire weather information through WIMS and IROC computer systems. Gathers information and completes forms for incident cost analysis and recovery;
• Performs specialized dispatch functions related to the responsibilities of a Cal OES Mutual Aid Operational Area Coordinator Dispatch Center, and specialized functions of a CAL FIRE Contract County Dispatch Center;
• Public Safety Dispatcher II's may be required to provide training for entry-level dispatch staff.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Typical Qualifications

Education/Experience

Public Safety Dispatcher I: Any combination of experience, education and/or training, which demonstrates possession of the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities to work in a fast-paced emergency environment.

Public Safety Dispatcher II: One year of experience comparable to a Public Safety Dispatcher I. Experience must include operation of a Computer-Aided Dispatch System (CAD), 9-1-1 telephone system, and radio dispatching. Experience with Emergency Medical/Fire Dispatch is highly desirable.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• All applicants are required to attend a pre-test mandatory informational session.
• Must be willing and able to work 12.5-hours rotating shifts, weekends, evenings, holidays, and rotating days off; and work in a professional and challenging emergency communications environment.
• Must be willing and able to work in Camarillo, CA, Moorpark, CA and/or Thousand Oaks, CA, depending on assignment.
• Must be willing to work mandatory overtime, potentially significant amounts of overtime often with very little notice, to ensure operational stability of the communication center.
• Must be willing to submit to pre-employment background/psychological assessments.
• Must obtain an Emergency Medical Dispatcher and Emergency Fire Dispatcher certification from the Ventura County Emergency Medical Services division within three (3) months of hire. Certification must be maintained throughout employment.
• Work is performed in a dispatch center and requires sitting for long periods of time, extensive keyboarding and operation of mouse and foot controls, wearing of a headset, and wearing of uniforms.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Ability to:

• Learn emergency dispatching methods and operation of various communications and computer equipment;
• Learn Fire and Emergency Medical Services equipment and resource capabilities, and develop strategies for various types of Fire and Emergency Medical Services emergencies;
• Hear multiple conversations simultaneously, distinguishing between voices and sources to obtain relevant information quickly and accurately;
• Speak clearly, distinctly, concisely and correctly over the radio and telephone;
• Type on computer keyboards, operate mouse and foot controls while conversing on the radio and/or telephone;
• Prioritize tasks and perform multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced, high stress emergency work environment;
• Make immediate decisions and react in a quick, calm, controlled and effective manner in emergency situations;
• Read, understand and interpret complex maps;
• Develop working knowledge of Ventura County geography including cities, jurisdictional boundaries, freeways, roadways, and landmarks;
• Interpret and apply rules, regulations, policies and procedures utilized in emergency services dispatching;
• Learn to assess conditions of patients with medical emergencies and provide emergency medical pre-arrival instructions to callers following specific emergency medical dispatch protocols;
• Establish and maintain positive relationships with co-workers, supervisors, and others.

Recruitment Process

FINAL FILING DATE: This is a continuous recruitment and may close at any time; therefore, apply as soon as possible if you are interested in it.

To apply online refer to website: https://hr.venturacounty.gov/ . If you prefer to fill out a paper application form, please call (805) 388-4234 for application materials. We do not accept resumes in lieu of our application form, nor do we accept any application materials via email.

INFORMATION FOR TRANSFER CANDIDATES: If presently permanently employed in another "merit" or "civil service" public agency/entity in the same or substantively similar position as advertised, and if appointed to that position by successful performance in a "merit" or "civil service" style examination, then appointment by "Lateral Transfer" may be possible. If interested, please click here (Download PDF reader) for additional information.

Note to Applicants: Applicants should provide sufficient information under the Education/Work Experience portion of the application and Supplemental Questionnaire, if applicable, in order to determine eligibility. A resume may be attached to supplement your responses in the above sections; however, it may not be substituted in lieu of the application.

APPLICATION EVALUATION - qualifying: All applications will be reviewed to determine whether or not the stated requirements are met. Those individuals meeting the stated requirements will be invited to continue to the next step in the recruitment process.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE - qualifying: All applicants are required to complete and submit the questionnaire for this exam AT THE TIME OF FILING. The supplemental questionnaire may be used throughout the exam process to assist in determining qualifications for the position. Failure to complete and submit the questionnaire will result in removal of the application from further consideration.

MANDATORY INFORMATIONAL SESSION: All applicants meeting the stated requirements will be invited to the information session. Applicants must attend one of the informational sessions to receive a test link.

PRACTICAL EXAMINATION - 100%: Candidates will be required to complete a job-related practical exam and successfully demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other work behaviors essential to performing the job. Candidates must earn a score of 70% or higher on the computer-based CritiCall practical examination to be placed on the eligible list.

Candidates successfully completing the examination process may be placed on an eligible list for a period of one (1) year.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: A thorough pre-employment, post offer background investigation, which may include inquiry into past employment, education, criminal background information, and driving record is required for this position.

PHYSICAL/PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAMINATIONS: Applicants who receive a conditional job offer will undergo a physical exam and job-related psychological evaluation.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The County of Ventura is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

For further information about this recruitment, please contact Jeff Weaver by email at Jeff.Weaver@venturacounty.gov .

YOUR BENEFITS AS A COUNTY OF VENTURA EMPLOYEE

Service Employees International Union (LOCAL 721)

(SEIU)

To learn more about Benefits, Retirement, and the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), see links below.

• Benefits website or you may call (805) 654-2570.
• Retirement FAQ's
• Memorandum of Agreement

Union Codes: UPA, UPC, UPE, UPH, UPI, UPJ,UPT, UWS

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

• 

• County of Ventura

Show more