Police Dispatcher - Galt, United States - City of Galt, CA

Description

Salary: $ $33.95 Hourly

Location : Galt, CA

Job Type: Regular Full Time

Job Number:

Department: Police Department

Division: P.D. Dispatch

Opening Date: 12/12/2023

Closing Date: Continuous

Description

ABOUT GALT

Incorporated in 1946, Galt is a growing community with approximately 25,000 residents located approximately 20 miles south of Sacramento along Highway 99. The City is led by five elected council members, the Mayor being appointed.

Galt offers affordable housing with a small town atmosphere, perfect for raising young families as well as a great opportunity for new businesses.

The City is known for its annual Independence Day Celebration with fireworks and the Winter Bird Festival. We also offer the Galt Market, an open air market held every Tuesday and Wednesday offering great deals on fresh fruits and vegetables, clothing, home furnishings and much more.

Sports and Recreation are key to Galt's quality of life. Enhanced by its mild seasonal climate and numerous parks, Galt features a variety of activities for youth and adults such as t-ball, baseball, football, soccer, swimming and swim lessons, karate, exercise classes and many more choices to meet the needs of the community.

The City of Galt is located in the heart of the Delta Recreation Area in Northern, California. Thirty minutes away are the Sierra Foothills and the Sacramento Delta. Reno, Lake Tahoe, San Francisco and the CA coast are all within a two hour drive making Galt a recreational haven for boat lovers and outdoorsman alike.

ABOUT THE POSITION:

The City of Galt Police Department is currently accepting applications

for the position of Police Dispatcher.

***This is a continuous recruitment and may be closed at any time. Testing will take on a rolling basis once a sufficient number of applications has been received; as deemed by the City of Galt.

ADDITIONAL PAY (UPON ASSIGNMENT AND ELIGIBILITY):

• Overtime - Paid at time and one-half (1-1/2).
• Bilingual Pay - $50 per month.
• P.O.S.T. Certificate and Education Incentive Pay - 5% - 15%
  
• Longevity Pay- Beginning at 15 years of service - 5%; 20 years of service - 7.5%.
• Medical-in-lieu - Employees who waive medical coverage shall receive $200 per month for employee only, $350 per month for employee plus one, and $500 per month for family.

BENEFITS:

• Tuition Reimbursement - Up to $4,000 per fiscal year.
• Holiday Pay - Employees receive thirteen (13) paid holidays and one (1) floating holiday.
• Vacation Leave - 80 hours per year; after 4 years- 120 hours.
• Vacation Credit - Those with 4+ years of prior public agency experience may request to accrue at rate of 120 hours.
• Vacation Cash Out - Cash out up to forty (40) hours vacation per year.
• Sick Leave - 96 hours per year.
• Heath Insurance - City pays a generous portion of the CalPERS medical premium (10 options), City pays 100% for dental and vision premiums.
• Life Insurance - City paid $50,000 policy and $1,500 policy for dependents.
• Long Term Disability - City paid policy-benefit is up to 60% of base salary.
• EAP - Confidential employee assistance plan.

GPDCA/REPRESENTED POSITION

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt/Hourly

Please Note: a candidate must successfully pass a thorough background investigation, including a criminal history check for job-related convictions, fingerprinting, polygraph test, psychological test, credit check, and a drug use history to be considered for this position.

Under general supervision, receives 911 police, fire, and medical emergency calls and dispatches Police units following prescribed procedures; answers non-emergency calls for public safety and other City departments; performs a variety of general administrative support duties including record keeping, typing, and filing; and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general supervision from Police Dispatch and Records Supervisor. Exercises no supervision of staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This class performs emergency dispatch duties that may involve multiple City departments. Dispatch responsibilities require extensive contact with the public over the telephone, in both emergency and non-emergency situations to receive, transmit and provide factual information. Dispatching activities must be performed within specified legal guidelines.

This class is distinguished from the Lead Dispatcher in that the latter is responsible for more complex and higher-level Dispatch work, exercises a higher level of discretion and independent decision-making, and provides technical and functional direction to lower-level dispatch staff.
Example of Duties

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Receives and evaluates police and emergency calls, and related business calls for the City during an assigned portion of the 24-hours-per-day/7-days-per-week Police Department operations; provides information and/or transfers calls to the appropriate department, agency, or response organization; takes messages for Police Department personnel.
• Dispatches public safety emergency units in accordance with established procedures and policies using a computerized dispatch system, including determining priority of emergency and contacting and sending appropriate response unit.
• Maintains contact with field units, including accounting for location and status of units and maintaining records of field calls; sends back-up units as necessary, ensuring the safety of field units.
• Operates computer, telephone, and radio console and telecommunication equipment simultaneously while performing dispatching activities; tests and inspects equipment as assigned.
• Logs call data in a written or automated format; monitors calls after initial dispatch to provide additional coordination, support, or information.
• Enters, updates, and retrieves a variety of records including stolen vehicles and property, vehicle registration information, guns and property, and warranted or missing persons.
• Accesses federal, state, and local law enforcement information databases to obtain information regarding outstanding warrants, criminal history, records information, and vehicle data; relays such information to sworn staff.
• Attends necessary training, shift briefing sessions, participates in drills, and test scenarios to prepare for unexpected emergencies.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:

• Functions, principles, and practices of law enforcement agencies.
• Terminology and procedures used in public safety dispatching.
• Operation of computer-aided communications equipment, including multiple telephone lines and radio systems.
• Principles and practices of data collection and report preparation.
• City and county geography, maps, streets, landmarks, and driving directions.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications.
• English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation.
• Techniques to effectively interact with individuals of various ages, socio-economic, and ethnic groups.

Ability to:

• Assess and prioritize emergency situations while remaining calm and using sound, independent judgment.
• Memorize codes, names, street locations, and other information.
• Read and interpret maps and other pertinent documentation.
• Attend to multiple activities simultaneously often in a stressful environment.
• Obtain necessary information from individuals in stressful or emergency situations.
• Compile and summarize information to prepare accurate, clear, and concise reports.
• Organize, maintain, and update office database and records systems.
• Make accurate arithmetic and statistical computations.
• Enter and retrieve data from a computer with sufficient speed and accuracy.
• Maintain attention to detail and work on a computer for an extended period of time.
• Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical deadlines.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software application programs.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Supplemental Information

Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to graduation from high school and one (1) year of general clerical experience involving frequent public contact.

Licenses and Certifications:

• May require the possession of a valid Class C California driver's license and have a satisfactory driving record.
• Possession of a P.O.S.T. Basic Dispatcher certificate within a timeframe specified by the City.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to read printed material and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter keyboard, or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. The principal duties of this class are performed in a police station environment with exposure to criminal offenders, mentally ill individuals, and persons potentially infected with communicable diseases.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Must be able to pass a pre-employment physical, drug screen, and background investigation, including fingerprinting. May be required to work holidays, weekends, and off-hours shifts.
SELECTION PROCESS
Please note, the City of Galt's preferred method of communication with applicants is via e-mail. As such, please ensure you verify the e-mail address on your application, and check your e-mail frequently, including your spam and junk folders. All e-mail notifications can also be accessed through the applicant inbox.

1. Application: (Pass/Fail) - All applicants must complete and submit an online City of Galt employment application by the final filing deadline;

• Employment applications must be submitted online; paper applications will not be accepted.
• Employment applications will be considered incomplete and will be disqualified:
  • If applicants do not list current and past job-related experience in the duties area of the "Work Experience" section.
  • If "see resume" is noted in the "Work Experience" section; a resume will not substitute for the information required in the "Work Experience" section.

Position/job titles will not be considered in determining eligibility for meeting the minimum qualifications for this position.

Supplemental documents such as resume, cover letter, and proof of education are recommended at the time of application submission. Documents should be submitted to the City of Galt as attachment(s) via online with the employment application.

2. Supplemental Questionnaire: (Pass/Fail) - In addition to the City of Galt employment application, all applicants must complete and submit online responses to the supplemental questionnaire by the final filing deadline;

• Responses to the supplemental questionnaire must be submitted online; paper questionnaire will not be accepted.
• Incomplete supplemental questionnaire will not pass the review process; omitted information cannot be considered or assumed.
• A resume will not substitute for the information required in the supplemental questionnaire.

3. Screening Committee : (Pass/Fail)- Human Resources will evaluate employment applications for the minimum qualifications stated on the job announcement.

4. Criticall Test: (Pass/Fail) - Qualified candidates will receive a notification via email when the Criticall examination is available. Candidates will have approximately 7 calendar days from the date of notification to self-schedule for the Criticall. The CritiCall examination tests your ability to:

• Follow rules and directions.
• Make decisions quickly and accurately based on rules you are provided.
• Enter data or information (such as names, telephone numbers, license plate sequences, etc.) into a computer using a keyboard.
• Hear, comprehend, summarize, and/or answer questions about information provided verbally in short story form.
• Use written information provided on lists (such as an alphabetically-sequenced telephone book).
• Recognize if bits of information, such as addresses or names, are similar or different.
• Quickly learn and later recognize information that is shown in writing, such as descriptions (e.g., red car, blue boat, green shirt).
• Perform basic arithmetic (such as addition, subtraction, percentages) without a calculator or other tools.
• Hear and remember pieces of information, such as telephone numbers or license plate numbers, for a short period of time.
• Evaluate information provided in order to prioritize or categorize incidents.
• Evaluate information and identify the most correct solution based upon that information.
• Determine routes and/or locations using very basic maps. (No prior map-reading training or experience is required to correctly respond to these questions.)
• Correctly spell commonly-used words which sound alike that might delay emergency assistance if misspelled (e.g., patience instead of patients).
• Communicate using sentences or phrases that clearly express the intended meaning.
• Read and comprehend written passages.

5. Oral Examination: The oral exam interview will consist of job-related questions. The Oral Interview is administered by the Galt Police Department.

6. Eligible List: Candidates who pass the online CritiCall test will be placed in the Police Dispatcher candidate pool for one (1) year. You are not required to re-apply for this position if you have successfully passed the CritiCall test and your name is in the current Police Dispatcher candidate pool.

7. Background Process: If considered for appointment, candidates must pass a background investigation, which includes a criminal history check, fingerprinting, polygraph test, psychological test, credit check, and drug use history.

GALT POLICE DEPARTMENT CIVILIANS ASSOCIATION (GPDCA)

MEDICAL The City of Galt participates in the CalPERS Health Program. Employees have a wide variety of choices of HMOs and PPOs. GPDCA employees receive a set dollar amount for benefits (cafeteria plan) in accordance with the MOU.

2024 City Contribution Amount per Month
Employee Only $
Employee + One $1,635.00
EE + Family $2,125.00

CASH IN-LIEU OF GROUP INSURANCE Employees who choose to waive coverage under the City's medical insurance program shall be compensated $200 per month for waiving employee only coverage, $350 per month for waiving employee plus one and $500 per month for waiving employee plus family coverage.

DENTAL City pays the total cost of the premium for employee and dependents.

VISION PLAN City pays the total cost of the premium for employee and dependents.

LIFE INSURANCE City pays the total cost of premiums for $50,000 coverage.

LONG-TERM DISABILITY (LTD) City pays total cost of premium.

SOCIAL SECURITY AND MEDICARE The employee and City both contribute to Social Security/Medicare.

EDUCATION/INCENTIVE PAY*

• Eligible employees earn 5.0% of their base pay for possession of their P.O.S.T. Intermediate Certificate.
• Eligible employees earn an additional 5.0% of their base pay for possession of their P.O.S.T. Advanced Certificate.
• Police Dispatchers assigned as the Communications Training Officer (CTO) shall receive an additional 5% of their base salary for any full hour(s) worked as the CTO.

*Incentive pay is capped at 15%

BI-LINGUAL PAY Eligible employees may receive fifty dollars ($50) per month for bilingual skills if meet the criteria and pass an oral and or written examination.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING: The City supports continous improvement and career development. Includes:

• Management and leadership training
• Professional certifications
• Technical skills training
• Teamwork and interpersonal skills training

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT Up to $4,000 per fiscal year for approved reimbursements.
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is administered by Guidance Resources. Confidential, employer-paid benefit program designed to assist employees in solving personal problems and managing everyday issues. 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 $3,050 annually
• Dependent care up to $5,000 annually

RETIREMENT SYSTEM (CalPERS) Classic CalPERS full time employees are covered under the 2 % @ 55 PERS retirement program, single highest year. The City pays 100% of the employer contribution for this program. Employees contribute a 7% employee contribution amount.

PEPRA CalPERS full time employees (hired after 1/1/13) are covered under the 2% @ 62 retirement program. The employee and the City share in the normal cost. The current employee contribution is 8.25%.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plan through TIAA-CREF.

HOLIDAYS Thirteen (13) paid fixed/observed holidays per year plus one (1) florating holiday will be granted to employees within this association other than those on patrol and dispatchers. Dispatchers and those on patrol shall be given credit for fourteen (14) days per calendar year in lieu of holidays. The value of one (1) holiday shall be (8) hours and shift employees will receive a total value of 9.33 hours of pay each month for holiday in lieu (112 holiday hours divided by 12 months).

VACATION LEAVE

Yrs of Service Hrs/mo Hrs/yr Max Accumulation

Less than 4 years

After 4 years

After 10 years

After 15 years
After 22 years

VACATION CREDIT Employees with 4+ years of prior public agency experience may request to accrue at rate of 120 hours.

VACATION CASH OUT Employees are eligible to cash out up to eighty (80) hours vacation per year.

SICK LEAVE Employees accumulate eight (8) hours per month. Remaining balances rollover each year with no cap.

LONGEVITY Regular full time employees, who have been employed by the City for 15 years, shall be paid 5% above their regular base pay. Regular full time employees, who have been employed by the City for 20 years, shall be paid 7.5% above their regular base pay.

This summary is subject to change without notice, and does not constitute either an expressed or an implied contract.

If conflicts between this summary and basic policy statements occur, the basic policy will prevail.

01

The supplemental questionnaire is used to further evaluate your experience and education to determine your eligibility for this position. Please answer each question accurately and thoroughly. To be considered for this position, the experience you indicate in your responses to the supplemental questions must also be described, in detail, on the Work History/Experience section of your Employment Application. Failure to complete the "Work History/Experience" section of the employment application will result in your application not being considered. Please do not refer your response to your resume. A resume will not be considered in determining your qualifications.I have read and acknowledge the instructions stated above.

• Yes
• No

02

What is your highest level of education?

• High School or Equivalent
• Some College
• AA Degree or Equivalent
• Bachelor's Degree or Higher

03

Do you have one (1) year of general clerical experience involving routine day-to-day administrative tasks, (such as answering phones, scheduling appointments, sending faxes, filing documents and other office tasks) in support of managerial staff; responsible for internal and external communication, record-keeping and retrieving information, and other paperwork required in an office?

• Yes
• No

04

Describe your applicable experience. Please be specific regarding your actual duties, employer, and dates of employment. Do not state "see application" or "see resume".

05

Do you have one (1) year of paid customer service experience involving frequent public contact?

• Yes
• No

06

Describe your applicable experience. Please be specific regarding your actual duties, employer, and dates of employment. Do not state "see application" or "see resume".

07

Do you possess a P.O.S.T Basic Dispatcher certificate?

• Yes
• No

08

Are you able to work a variety of shifts as assigned, including days, nights, weekends and holidays?

• Yes
• No

09

Do you possess a valid California Class C Driver's License and have a satisfactory driving record?

• Yes
• No

10

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to read printed material and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter keyboard, or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds. Are you physically fit to perform these functions?

• Yes
• No

Required Question