The Organization

Why work for the City of Coronado?
You can have a meaningful career with a public agency that values its employees and provides amazing benefits and various training opportunities to further enhance your skills. Police dispatchers receive incoming calls for assistance and perform radio dispatching activities for municipal police and other emergency services. The selected candidate would have the opportunity to work as part of an experienced team of dispatchers that make a difference in our community.

The job of a police dispatcher is one of the most challenging and rewarding career paths available. Our mission is to provide the highest quality of service to the officers and residents of Coronado. We contribute to the safety and security of officers and the public by providing a well-trained staff that meets the officer’s and residents’ expectations of professionalism, sensitivity, and effectiveness.

The Position

Positions in this class use radio equipment, varied computer programs, and printers in situations requiring incumbents to establish priorities and handle several emergencies simultaneously, and to work with a high level of accuracy. Incumbents work under the general supervision of the Dispatch Supervisor and receive line supervision from the assigned watch commander. Incumbents receive thorough instructions when tasks are initially assigned and after training are expected to perform duties without constant supervision. Incumbents are expected to use established guidelines, precedent, and judgment in resolving dispatch problems and service requests, requesting direction from a supervisor in situations requiring the establishment of or departure from standard operations. Incumbents must use judgment in advising the watch commander of pertinent field problems and service requests.

The ideal candidate will be a dynamic customer service-minded individual with strong interpersonal and communication skills. Good judgement, high attention to detail, and the ability to elicit crucial information from distressed callers in a timely manner is essential in the police dispatcher role. Success in this role requires excellent multi-tasking abilities in order to effectively interview callers on emergency 9-1-1 and non-emergency lines while operating the Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system to monitor numerous frequencies and format requests for police, fire, and emergency medical services to the appropriate agencies and departments. Previous experience in emergency services dispatching is highly desirable.

Minimum Requirements

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities if qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education, Training, and Experience:

• Any combination of training, education, and experience which demonstrates an ability to perform the duties of the position.
• A typical way to qualify would be completion of the twelfth grade, supplemented by specialized training in communications, public safety dispatch, or a related field.
• Public safety telecommunications or dispatch experience is desirable.

Certifications:

• A typing certificate with a net corrected speed of 40 words per minute dated within one year of the time of application. (Certificates with just the WPM and an accuracy percentage do not meet this requirement - It must say Net WPM or Corrected WPM.) A valid typing certificate must be attached to the application.
• CLETS Certificate from the Department of Justice (DOJ) is required within six (6) months of employment.
• P.O.S.T. Dispatch Certificate required within one year of appointment.

Examination & Selection Process:
Application Review:
Applications will be reviewed on an as needed basis for relevant education, training, and experience. A valid typing certificate must be attached to your application for consideration. If you qualify under the POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery, you must provide documentation with your application.

Examination Process:
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and include copies of all required certifications will be emailed an invitation to participate in the first phase of the examination process, which will consist of an online performance exam (Pass/Fail); applicants will only receive one test period to attempt the exam. Invitations to participate in the testing process will be sent to qualified candidates on an as-needed basis. Candidates must obtain a minimum of 70% in the online examination to pass and move on to the qualification review.

Successful candidates will be invited to participate in a qualification review (Pass/Fail), which involves submission of a Personal History Statement and other prerequisite forms.

Those considered most qualified will be invited to an oral interview panel (100%).

Eligibility List:
Candidates who have successfully completed the examination process steps and are invited to the Oral Board must obtain 100% in order to pass the interview process and be placed on the eligibility list. Candidates who successfully complete the examination process will be placed on the eligibility list for a period of at least six (6) months.

Candidate Selection Process:
Select candidates will be subject to successful completion of a polygraph examination and a thorough law enforcement background check conducted by a licensed background investigator prior to the final interview.

Final Interview:
The final candidates will be invited to a final interview with the Chief of Police and if successful, will be issued a conditional offer subject to the successful completion of a psychological examination and a medical exam, including a drug screen.

Additional Information:
The City of Coronado participates in E-Verify, all new employees are required to submit verification of legal right to work in the United States. The City of Coronado is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). Individuals with disabilities who will require reasonable accommodation in order to participate in any portion of the examination process may voluntarily request the accommodation from the City five working days prior to the requested accommodation. Documentation of the need for the accommodation may be required upon receipt of the request.

The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in the City’s Child Abuse and Neglect Training and Reporting policy as a condition of employment. A copy of the policy is provided upon request and at the time of pre-employment.

Supplemental Information

THE CORONADO COMMUNITY:

Rich in history, natural beauty, and a charming ocean village atmosphere, Coronado is most deserving of its royal "nickname" - The Crown City.

Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, Glorietta Bay, and San Diego Bay, this picturesque seaside resort destination is linked to the Southern California coastline and the city of San Diego by the graceful and stately San Diego - Coronado Bridge, and to the south by a narrow strip of land known as the Silver Strand.

This uniquely enchanting city which measures 13.5 square miles, is home to some of the world's most pristine beaches, 18 public parks, an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, a public pool, and recreation facilities, as well as dedicated bicycle paths.

This vibrant, thriving community welcomes more than 2 million visitors annually to soak up the sun and the sand while enjoying the lush surroundings and village appeal of Coronado. With 15 hotels, including amongst them three world-class resorts, 1,900 hotel rooms, and many highly acclaimed restaurants, this island community has a resident and Navy population of approximately 23,000 as well as a flourishing tourist population. Coronado is also home to Naval Air Station North Island, Coronado (NASNI) Naval Amphibious Base Coronado (NAB), and Silver Strand Training Complex, Coronado, supported by nearly 20,000 military and civilian personnel.

WHAT CORONADO HAS TO OFFER:

• 
  A rich benefits package contributes to the total compensation value. Benefits include a monthly cafeteria allotment of $1,682, voluntary retirement savings/deferred compensation, tuition reimbursement, group term life and short-term and long-term disability coverage, an employee assistance program, and more.
• The Retirement Benefit Formula for Classic CalPERS hired prior to January 1, 2013, is Members is 3% at 50. The current employee contribution rate is 10.5%.
• The Retirement Benefit Formula for PEPRA CalPERS Members, hired after January 1, 2013, is 2.7% at 57. The current employee contribution rate is 13%.
• The City provides Term Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance in an amount equal to a one-time annual salary or $50,000, whichever is greater, at no cost to the employee.
• The City provides short- and long-term disability insurance equal to 66 2/3% of income. Employees that earn over the maximum benefit of $5,000/month available under the long-term disability plan, have the option to purchase enhanced long-term disability insurance.
• Valuable experience and engaged leadership in a supportive community environment.
• Access to community pool and gym.

TO VIEW AN AERIAL TOUR OF OUR CROWN CITY CLICK HERE