Communications Dispatcher I/II - Fire & Sheriff

Communications Dispatcher I/II - Fire & Sheriff

Salary

See Position Description

Location

Santa Barbara, CA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-1803-02 (O)

Department

Sheriffs Office and Fire Department

Opening Date

10/09/2026

Closing Date

10/26/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

The Sheriffs Office and the Fire Department are accepting applications to fill multiple vacancies in Santa Barbara.

Both the Sheriffs Office and the Fire Department are looking for committed, compassionate individuals to join our team as Communications Dispatchers (911 Dispatchers). In this vital role, you will be the first point of contact during emergencies-providing clear guidance, critical support, and reassurance to people in their most urgent moments.

If you are driven by a desire to serve your community and want a stable, meaningful career where every call can make a difference, we invite you to join the team that helps protect lives and keeps our community safe.

The Sheriffs Office and the Fire Department will use this recruitment to fill current and future full-time, part-time and extra-help (temporary) vacancies. The work schedule for this position depends upon the needs of the department.

LATERAL TRANSFER: For dispatchers working within a California public agency operating in a personnel merit system in the State of California, who want to be considered as a Lateral Transfer, please submit an online application, CLICK HERE .

Communications Dispatcher I

$37.08 - $44.65 Hourly

$77,118.08 - $92,878.24 Annually

Communications Dispatcher II

$40.68 - $49.04 Hourly

$84,606.08 - $102,009.44 Annually

Other allowance incentive, per the Memorandum of Understanding:

• Bilingual
• Education Incentive
• Specialty Certifications

Employees may be promoted from level I to level II after completing the required training, obtaining required certifications, demonstrating required job competencies, and meeting performance standards. This typically takes 1-2 years. Candidates who meet the level II employment standards with the required certifications and experience may be appointed at level II upon hire.

Benefits & Compensation:

To learn more about County benefits, please visit these links:

Health Benefits and Wellness: CLICK HERE

Compensation Summary: CLICK HERE

Retirement: CLICK HERE

Memorandum of Understanding: CLICK HERE

General Role Description

As a Dispatcher, your primary responsibility is to respond to emergency calls and provide critical assistance to individuals in distress. Your key job duties include swiftly and accurately answering emergency calls, gathering essential information from callers, and determining the nature and severity of the situation. You will dispatch the appropriate emergency services, such as law enforcement, fire, or medical personnel, while maintaining clear and reassuring communication with callers to provide vital instructions or support until help arrives. In addition to handling emergency calls, you will operate communication equipment and maintain detailed records of incidents.

The ideal candidate for this position should excel in high-stress communication scenarios, demonstrating effective and reassuring communication skills. They must uphold a strong reputation for honesty, trustworthiness, and good moral character, earning the trust and credibility of both colleagues and the public. Dependability, integrity, and sound judgment under pressure are also crucial qualities we seek in our ideal candidate, as they play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and well-being of our community during emergencies.

Hiring Department Information

Please visit the following pages to learn more about the specific roles and requirements in the hiring departments:

Fire Department: Click here to visit the website to learn more about the position and the department.

Sheriff's Office: Click here to visit the website to learn more about the position and the department.

Examples of Duties

• Receives non-emergency and emergency requests (including 911 calls) for sheriff/fire protection, medical, or emergency services; and obtains relevant information and inputs data, evaluates and prioritizes calls for service and dispatches appropriate personnel and equipment.
• Using a computer aided dispatch (CAD) system, monitors and updates fire, ambulance, and sheriff unit location and status in order to coordinate emergency field operations; provides backup support and information as necessary by operating a two-way radio; requests additional assistance from other agencies as necessary; and obtains computerized law enforcement information from local, state, and federal data banks through a telecommunications terminal.
• Maintains reference cards, logs, reports, procedure manuals, reference manuals, files, and other documents; and performs other clerical duties.
• 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; and maintains contact with and monitors status of field units.
• Could be expected to testify in court.
• Utilizes CLETS to determine and confirm information and enters and removes information. (Sheriff's Office Only)
• Utilizes established Emergency Dispatch protocols to provide pre-arrival medical and fire instructions to callers and follows established protocols for Priority Medical/Fire Dispatch program.
• Utilizes System Status Management protocols to ensure optimum geographic coverage through deployment of resources by type; monitors diversion status of area hospitals and specialized units within each hospital.
• Performs specialized dispatch functions related to the responsibilities of a CAL-EMS Mutual Aid Operations Area Coordinator Dispatch Center, and specialized functions of a CAL-Fire Contract County Dispatch Center. (Fire Department Only)
• 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 the Weather Information Management System (WIMS) and the Interagency Resource Ordering Capability (IROC). (Fire Department Only)
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Employment Standards

• Possession of a High School Diploma or GED AND any combination of experience, education and/or training, which demonstrates possession of the required knowledge and abilities listed below.

Additional Requirements:

• Incumbents must be able to type 35 wpm.
• Work rotating shifts including nights and weekends.
• Work overtime as required to ensure operational stability of the communications center.
• Must be able to pass a work-simulated, computer-based performance test, a background investigation (including a polygraph examination and credit check for the Sheriff's Office), psychological evaluation and medical exam.
• Work is performed in a dispatch center and requires sitting for long periods of time, extensive keyboarding, operation of a mouse, wearing of a headset, and working in a fast-paced and demanding environment.

Desirable Qualifications: Multilingual in languages spoken in the County such as Spanish, Mixtec, Hmong or others relevant languages. IROC and Aircraft training, EMD & EFD certification through Priority Dispatch, and Communications Training Officer.

Additional Requirements for Fire Department: Successful completion of an Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) and Emergency Fire Dispatcher (EFD) certification during the training period and maintained throughout employment.

Additional Requirements Sheriff's Office: Successful completion of a California Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Certified Basic Complaint/Dispatch course during the one-year probationary period.

Knowledge of: English language; basic customer service practices; and basic office computer applications such as Microsoft Office applications

Ability to: Learn to retain and relay information received under stressful conditions; hear, understand, and speak the English language; respond to calls and radio transmissions quickly and calmly and make sound decisions under pressure; learn to observe, receive, and otherwise obtain information from all relevant sources; learn to analyze information, evaluate results, and choose the best solution; solve problems; learn Federal, State, and local laws, and also local agency policies and procedures, terminology, jurisdictional boundaries, and available types of emergency services; to read maps and provide directions; clearly speak and communicate effectively over the telephone and radio; remain calm in stressful situations; perform multiple tasks simultaneously; learn use of multiple computer and telephone systems; communicate with people of diverse social and cultural backgrounds; follow written and oral instructions; establish and maintain working relationships with other agencies; and operate a telephone, computer, mouse, and keyboard.

Supplemental Information

Please read the SELECTION PROCESS below. Be sure to frequently check your email throughout this entire process, as this is the only way we will be notifying applicants regarding their status and to provide all of the important information throughout the recruitment process.

SELECTION & EXAMINATION PROCESS

1. Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards.

2. Online Skill Keyboarding Assessment: Qualified candidates will be notified by email with instructions to complete the online Keyboarding assessment. The deadline to complete the assessment will be clearly stated in the invitation. Candidates must complete and pass the keyboarding assessment to advance in the recruitment process.

3. CritiCall Computerized Exam (Online): Candidates who pass the keyboarding assessment will be invited by email to the online CritiCall exam. The CritiCall exam is a computerized software testing program that tests job-related skills and multi-tasking abilities required in the complex dispatching environment. Candidates are required to pass the exam to be placed on the employment list.

Candidates must receive a percentage score of at least 70% on the CritiCall exam to be placed on an employment list. An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule VI. Those candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months. At the time the employment list is established, all candidates will receive written notice of their score on the exam(s), rank on the employment list, and exact duration of the employment list.

Incumbents must successfully complete a one-year probationary period.

HIRING PROCESS

The background check process is different for each hiring department. To learn more about the background and hiring process for each department, please review the following information:

Sheriff's Office (only) Background Investigation Includes:

Personal History Questionnaire: The Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ) is a pre-screen background questionnaire. Candidates must pass to advance in the selection process.

Polygraph Examination: Measures the accuracy of information disclosed on the PHQ and during the background investigation.

Fire Department and Sheriff's Office: Upon accepting a conditional offer of employment candidates must successfully complete the following:

• Live Scan: A Live Scan is electronic fingerprint scanning that is certified by the State Department of Justice. Further instructions about when and how to complete the Live Scan will be included in the conditional offer letter.
• Background Process includes an interview and in-depth background investigation of police records, personal and virtual character check, military, and employment histories; inquiry of persons who know you and evaluate whether you respect the law and rights of others; are dependable and responsible; have demonstrated mature judgment in areas such as the use of drugs and intoxicants; are honest; and is a safe driver.
• Psychological Examination is administrated by a licensed psychologist. You will be evaluated on the psychological factors related to successful performance to determine if you are presently suited for the difficult and stressful job of a dispatcher and to otherwise ensure that the candidate is capable of withstanding the psychological demands of the position.
• Medical Examination. The medical evaluation or examination shall commence once you accept a conditional offer of employment. You will be evaluated on the physical factors related to successful performance to determine if you are presently suited for the physically demanding job of a dispatcher.

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE POINTS: Veterans preference credit is applicable for this recruitment (5 points for veterans, 10 points for disabled veterans). To be eligible for this credit, you must be applying for this position within five years from your most recent date of: (1) honorable discharge from active military service; or, (2) discharge from a military or veterans hospital where treatment and confinement were for a disability incurred during active military service; or, (3) completion of education or training funded by a Federal Educational Assistance Act. No time limit exists for veterans with 30% or more disability.

To receive veterans preference points, you must: (1) check the Veterans Preference Points box on the employment application form, (2) submit a copy of your Form DD-214 to the Human Resources Department on or before the closing date, (3) submit a copy of your Veterans Preference letter (if applicable), and (4) pass all phases of the examination process. The preference points will be added to your final test score.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider or a learning institution.

Disaster Service Worker: Pursuant to Government Code Section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

The County of Santa Barbara provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any type with regard to any characteristic or status protected by any federal law, state law, or Santa Barbara County ordinance. The County continues to be committed to a merit-based selection process and to eliminating barriers to attracting and retaining top qualified candidates. The County has a long-standing practice of providing a work environment that respects the dignity of individual employees and values their contributions to our organization.

APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: Monday, October 26, 2026, 4:59 PST: Postmarks are not accepted. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sbcounty.

If you have any recruitment questions, please email Fire HR at FireDGHR@sbcfire.com; Sheriff HR Analyst Ms. Ryan at cbr4686@sbsheriff.org

Retirement Plans

• Generous County Defined Benefit Plan
• Eligible to participate in 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan
• Retirement Reciprocity with CalPERS, CalSTRS, and 1937 Act plans
• For more information on our retirement plans, please visit: https://www.sbcers.org/ and http://www.santabarbara457.com

Health Benefits

• Choice of dental, vision and medical plans. In addition to the Benefit Allowance noted above, the County contributes toward medical premiums and dental premiums
• On-Site Employee Health Clinics in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria which provide ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their eligible dependents
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers free, confidential assistance with personal and workplace problems to employees and their immediate family members
• Healthcare Advocacy Program to help employees navigate the complexities of health plan benefits
• Available Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Account (HSA), Supplemental Term or Whole Life Insurance, Personal Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance and more!
• For more information on our health benefits, please visit: https://www.countyofsb.org/4012/Health-Benefits

Paid Time Off

• Vacation Leave 12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment
• Sick Leave 12 days annually with unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement
• Paid Holidays based on bargaining unit (view the compensation summary for this bargaining unit, link below)
• Alternative Transportation Benefit (TDM) up to 2 days of additional vacation for using alternative methods of commuting
• For more information on Paid Time Off please view the Compensation Summary for this bargaining unit (available below)

Miscellaneous Benefits

• County Paid Term Life Insurance
• County Paid Long Term Disability Insurance
• Childcare and Employee Discounts
• Relocation Assistance may apply
• Flexible work schedule may apply
• For more information on all of these benefits, please visit: https://www.countyofsb.org/4013/24636/WorkLife-Benefits

Compensation Summary

• To view the Compensation Summary specific to the bargaining unit for this position (link to full Memorandum of Understanding also available at bottom of the summary), please visit: https://www.countyofsb.org/3865/Deputy-sheriff-Association-DSA
• This benefits list is for convenience only; please refer to the Memorandum of Understanding for complete details of terms and conditions. Amounts are generally prorated for part-time employment.

01

The employment list established for this recruitment will be used to fill the current and future vacancies in Santa Barbara County Fire Department and the Sheriffs Office. Which department(s) are you interested in for employment? Please select all that apply.

• Fire Department
• Sheriffs Office

02

Do you possess a high school diploma OR a General Education Development (GED) certificate from an accredited or approved institution? NOTE: This is an employment standard to qualify for the position.

• Yes
• No

03

Your responses on Supplemental Questions #4-12 are to assist you with determining whether or not you are willing and able to perform the requirements of the job. If you answer "NO" to any of the questions, this position may not be a good fit for you.

• Yes, I understand

04

Are you willing to work rotating shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays?

• Yes
• No

05

Are you willing to work overtime as required to ensure operational stability of the communications center?

• Yes
• No

06

Are you willing to process phone calls requiring the ability to retain and relay information received under stressful conditions?

• Yes
• No

07

Are you willing to learn how to use a specialized computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system?

• Yes
• No

08

Are you willing to perform work in a dispatch center which requires sitting for long periods of time, extensive keyboarding, operation of a mouse, wearing of a headset. and working in a fast-paced and demanding environment?

• Yes
• No

09

Do you have the ability to respond calmly and professionally to callers who may be upset, angry, hysterical, or suicidal (with the proper training)?

• Yes
• No

10

Do you have the ability to keep callers on the phone line to obtain information such as physical descriptions of people, vehicles, and weapons, in order to assist personnel in the field?

• Yes
• No

11

Do you have the ability to perform work amid multiple interruptions?

• Yes
• No

12

Do you have the ability to remain calm while instructing panicked callers on how to perform emergency procedures such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and delivering babies upon receiving the necessary training?

• Yes
• No

13

FIRE DEPARTMENT BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: I acknowledge as part of the hiring process for the position, I must successfully pass all phases of a background investigation. Once I have been given a conditional job offer and accepted, I will undergo a thorough background investigation, psychological and physical examination in which I must pass both of these examinations before I can begin employment. Any falsification of information or failure to meet the standards listed above will result in my disqualification.

• Yes, I understand and agree with the statement above

14

SHERIFF'S OFFICE BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: I acknowledge as part of the hiring process for a position with the Sheriff's Office, I must successfully pass all phases of a background investigation, including a polygraph exam. Once I have been given a conditional job offer and accept, I will undergo a thorough background investigation, psychological exam and medical evaluation, in which I must pass all phases of the background process before I can begin employment. Any falsification of information or failure to meet the standards listed above will result in my disqualification.

• Yes, I understand and agree with the statement above.

15

ACKNOWLEDGMENT: During my probationary period, I must satisfactorily complete and pass each phase of the Dispatcher Training Program and earn the required certification(s). If during my probationary period, I fail to pass any particular phase of my required training or earn required certifications, I may be dismissed from employment with Santa Barbara County.

• Yes, I understand and agree with the statement above

Required Question

Employer County of Santa Barbara

Address 1226 Anacapa Street

Santa Barbara, California, 93101

Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sbcounty