Police Dispatcher Trainee

Description/Duties

The City of Mesa is pleased to offer a hiring bonus for individuals hired as a Police Dispatcher Trainee, $1,000 will be paid upon successful completion of the Mesa Police Department Public Safety classroom training program and $1,000 will be paid one year after completion of the training. A Police Dispatcher Trainee learns to perform the full scope of duties of a Mesa Police Dispatcher through a structured on-the-job training program tailored to each individual's experience, or lack of, in the areas of answering 911 calls and dispatching police services. Incumbents are trained according to Mesa Police Department policies and operating procedures. Duties include: receiving calls from the public; evaluating the calls for proper action; and initiating Police response by obtaining information required for dispatching field units. An employee in this class learns to dispatch messages and calls by voice and computer to Police units and to maintain radio contact with mobile units. This class performs related duties as required. This is a civilian trainee class that works in the Police Communications Center. Training is provided by a Police Dispatcher on special assignment or a Police Communications Shift Supervisor. Typically, intense training is provided for up to nine months for Police Dispatcher Trainees; however, additional training to reach full performance may be required. As training progresses, employees are expected to demonstrate extensive communication skills and to exercise good judgment under pressure. Employees in this class may progress by noncompetitive promotion to the classification of Police Dispatcher after successful completion of training and satisfactory performance. A Police Dispatcher Trainee may be assigned to a day, swing, or graveyard shift on a regular, rotational basis that includes nights, weekends, and holidays. This class is FLSA nonexempt.

Qualifications & Requirements

Employee Values: All employees of the City of Mesa are expected to uphold and exhibit the City's shared employee values of Knowledge, Respect, and Integrity. Minimum Qualifications Required. Graduation from high school or GED. Any combination of training, education, and experience equivalent to at least one year of work experience handling 911 calls at a Primary Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP), also known as a 911 Center, or a Secondary PSAP; OR completion of the Mesa Police Department Public Safety 911 Operator classroom training program; OR any combination of training, education, or experience equivalent to considerable (3 - 5 years) experience in public contact or customer service experience. Experience with computer data entry and/or in dealing with emergency traffic. A minimum typing speed of 35 net words per minute (nwpm) is also required and will be verified prior to employment or promotion to this class. Special Requirements. Candidates given a conditional job offer will be required to successfully complete a hearing test. Because of the confidential, sensitive nature of information handled, successful completion of a background investigation, polygraph testing, and psychological examination are required. Substance Abuse Testing. Due to the safety and/or security sensitive nature of this classification, individuals shall be subject to pre-employment or pre-placement alcohol, drug and/or controlled substance testing as outlined in City policy and procedures. Preferred/Desirable Qualifications . Bilingual speaking skills (English/Spanish) are desirable. Experience in the operation of multiline phone system or radio communications system is desirable.