Public Safety Dispatcher - Entry Level

Public Safety Dispatcher - Entry Level

Salary

$68,736.00 - $87,720.00 Annually

Location

Hemet, CA

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

25/26-046

Department

Police Department

Opening Date

04/14/2026

Closing Date

5/29/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

THE CITY

THE CITY OF HEMET IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Join Our Team as a Public Safety Dispatcher - Entry Level

Are you calm under pressure, quick-thinking, and passionate about helping others? The City of Hemet invites dedicated and community-minded individuals to apply for the position of Public Safety Dispatcher - Entry Level.

This is your opportunity to be the vital link between the public and emergency services. As a Public Safety Dispatcher, you will receive, evaluate, and prioritize emergency and non-emergency calls for assistance-making critical decisions that help save lives and protect the community.

The City of Hemet offers a supportive and team-oriented environment, where you will receive comprehensive training, competitive pay and benefits, and the satisfaction of serving on the front line of public safety. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy problem-solving, and want to make a difference every day, this is the career for you!

Join us in serving the residents of Hemet with professionalism, integrity, and compassion-apply today to start your career in public safety communications!

The position is full time, located in the Police Department, and assigned to work rotating day, evening, and night shifts, including weekends and holidays.

Summary Description

To learn more about on-the-job duties for this position please click on the video link below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=csx7u9aWYBM

THE POSITION:

Public Safety Dispatchers are the unsung heroes and a lifeline for police officers. Its not a job for everyone, but the hundreds of people who call for help, depend on your voice, your directions, and your knowledge to get through an emergency. If you are a highly motivated public safety professional ready to be part of a strong, cohesive team, then join the City of Hemet Police Department where our dispatchers are considered the backbone of the department. With state-of-the-art equipment and training opportunities, youll provide the excellent service and security people have come to expect from the City of Hemet Police Department.

Receives requests for fire and police service over the phone; dispatches as necessary police and/or fire units in response to call for service or requests from officers in the field; keeps track of fire and police unit locations and status; maintains constant radio communication with personnel in the field; operates radio receivers and transmitters in various frequency bands, telephone key modules, teletypewriters, computer terminal stations, alarm signal equipment, and other communications equipment; receives incoming telephone calls and evaluates requests for emergency services; elicits and records essential incident information from callers such as name, address, phone number, and a brief description of the incident; determines the priority and dispatches personnel and equipment for emergency service in accordance with department procedures; answers routine inquiries and refers calls not requiring dispatches to appropriate departments and agencies; maintains radio contact with field mobile units to coordinate emergency services, receives and transmits information; keeps command personnel informed of status of emergency situations; maintains records of communications activities; updates special files, street lists, and maps; tests communications equipment and reports malfunctions; prepares paperwork for field personnel; assumes supervisory duties in the absence of the Communications Supervisor; may perform matron duties; performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

KNOWLEDGE:

• Principles, practices, and procedures involved in public safety communications work;
• Geography of the City and the location of streets and important buildings;
• Operation of radio/telephone receiving and transmitting equipment; and
• Computer terminal and Teletype operations. Rules, policies, and regulations regarding dispatching services
• Police and Fire dispatching procedures and the laws and regulations;
• Report writing; and
• Record keeping principles;
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes and procedures relevant to the assigned area of responsibility;
• Knowledge of call screening procedures, call priority rules, radio codes and identifiers, basic elements of a crime;
• Principles of functional supervision, training and dispatching operations.

ABILITY:

• Understand English and speak it clearly in a well-modulated voice using good diction and appropriate grammar;
• Oral and written comprehension, oral and written expression; memorization, deductive and inductive reasoning, selective attention, hearing ability, auditory attention;
• Learn and apply Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations governing voice, radio and teletype communications;
• Effectively work under conditions of emergency;
• Obtain vital information from individuals in stressful or emergency situations;
• Make quick and appropriate determinations in all situations;
• Adjust quickly to changing situations and priorities;
• Use tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgement within general policy and legal guidelines;
• Maintain accurate records;
• Type accurately at a moderate speed;
• Accurately read and interpret maps;
• Remain courteous and calm while interacting with the public;
• Handle simultaneous calls;
• Listen and comprehend radio calls while talking on the phone; and
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships;
• Identify and implement efficient work practices and procedures;
• Maintain mental capacity which allows the capability of making sound decisions and demonstrating intellectual capabilities;
• Train others in the use of communications equipment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• One year experience in typing and general clerical work. Some experience providing information and assistance to the public is desirable.
• High school or GED
• College level coursework in radio communications or law enforcement is desirable.

CERTIFICATE/LICENSE

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, prior to appointment, an appropriate Class C, valid Drivers License;

The Public Safety Dispatcher - Entry Level written examination consists of the National Testing Network (NTN) Emergency Communications Test titled ECOMM and typing test. After the posting has closed, applicants passing the minimum qualifications screening will be invited to schedule a testing date through nationaltestingnetwork.com.

A minimum rating of 70 must be attained in order to pass the performance examination. Applicant must also achieve a typing speed of 40 net WPM.

Supplemental Information

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Pass a background investigation including polygraph and psychological exam and a medical exam which may include drug testing, an audio test and vision exam; work rotating shifts including weekends and holidays. Employees must be able to work a varying schedule including weekends, weekdays, evenings, and holidays (hours and days are adjusted as needed by the department).

WORKING CONDITIONS

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Working Conditions: Essentially all of the employees time is spent in the Communications Center of the Police Department. The working environment may range from periods of high volume emergency and life-threatening calls for service to periods of little activity. Employees work on a rotating shift schedule that requires the availability to work nights, weekends and holidays.

Environmental Conditions: Office environment. CONTINUOUS working indoors, dust from paperwork. Work environment is both formal and informal, team orientated, having variable tasks, pace, and pressure. Work is performed indoors in the office and in meeting rooms.

Physical: Shall possess the physical, mental and emotional ability to perform the essential duties of the position without the threat of hazard to self or others. Employees require sufficient mobility to work in an office setting; stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; operate office equipment including use of a computer keyboard; ability to communicate verbally to exchange information; work long hours from work station. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds.

Vision: See in normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens, printed documents, and overhead presentations, and to operate assigned equipment.

Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction and wear headsets for prolonged periods of time.

Selection Process

All properly completed applications will be reviewed and the most appropriately qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the selection process. Failure to provide all required application materials will result in disqualification. 302

+he selection process may include any combination of a written exercise, oral interview, and/or skills assessment to further evaluate job related experience and skills. Candidates who successfully complete the selection process will be placed on an eligibility list and will remain eligible for employment consideration for a one-year period.

RESUMES ARE NOT ACCEPTED IN LIEU OF COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS, BUT MAY BE ATTACHED.

CANDIDATES WHO REQUIRE A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION IN THE SELECTION PROCESS SHOULD STATE THEIR NEEDS IN WRITING WHEN SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION PACKAGE.

The City of Hemet promotes a smoke, drug, and alcohol free working environment for their employees.

The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.

The City reserves the right to rate applicants based on a review of the application materials and to invite only the most qualified applicants to participate in the selection process.

Hemet Non-Sworn Police Employees Association

Benefits Summary

(Updated January 2026)

The following is a summary of the provided benefits to full-time employees in the Hemet Non-Sworn Police Employees unit. For further information, please refer to the Hemet Non-Sworn Police Employees Association MOU.

Retirement: The City contracts with the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS).

• Classic Members: 2.5% at 55 Formula; 1959 survivor benefit; final compensation based on single highest year; employee contributes 8% (no Social Security deduction).
• PEPRA (New) Members: 2% at 62 Formula; 1959 survivor benefit; final compensation based on a three-year average; employee contributes 50% of total normal cost, currently 8% (no Social Security deduction).

Medical Coverage:

• The City contributes 100% of premium for employee only coverage on the Citys Kaiser plans.

Plan Year 2025/2026

(September 2025- August 2026)

Dental & Vision Coverage:

• The City pays 100% of the premium for dental & vision coverage for employees and their dependents.

Life & Long-Term Disability Insurance:

• The City pays 100% of the premium for a term-life insurance policy of $50,000.
• The City pays 100% of the premium for long-term disability insurance.

Deferred Compensation:

• The City will match voluntary employee contributions up to $125 per month.
• The City contributes $75 per month in lieu of retiree medical benefits.

Educational Reimbursement:

• The City will provide up to $2,500 per calendar year, subject to terms set forth in the Confidential Personnel Resolution.

Leave Accruals:

• Employees earn up to the following amounts of leave:
• 120 hours annual Vacation Leave
• 8 hours per month Sick Leave
• 10 paid Holidays & 1 floating holiday per year

Bilingual Pay:

• The City will provide $150 per month for eligible assignments based on the City's needs for bilingual skill and successful completion of a test.

Uniform Allowance:

• The City will provide a uniform allowance up to $1,500.00 per year based on eligible positions.

Special Compensation:

• Field Training Pay: Community Service Officers will receive an additional 10% base salary increase for actual time worked training other personnel.
• Stand-by Pay: Crime Scene Technicians will receive an additional $150 per month when assigned to stand-by.
• On-Call Pay: Public Safety Dispatchers will receive an additional $250 per month when designated as on-call.
• Dispatcher Training Duty: Public Safety Dispatchers will receive an additional 10% base salary increase for actual time worked training probationary personnel.
• Lead Dispatcher Duty: Public Safety Dispatchers will receive an additional 5% base salary increase for actual time worked as Lead Dispatcher.

Work Schedule:

• The City participates in flexible work scheduling based on providing appropriate coverage and adequate service to the public.

Note: The provisions of this summary do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this summary may be modified or revoked without notice. The types and levels of employee benefits provided, including City contributions toward benefit costs, are subject to change as a result of periodic contract negotiations between the recognized employee association and the City of Hemet.

01

Please be sure to answer the supplemental questions thoroughly and accurately. Applicants are responsible for clearly, completely, and accurately identifying their qualifications. Please do not indicate "see resume." The rating of the supplemental questions may determine your application status and/or rank on the eligibility list. I have read and understand the statement above concerning submission of supplemental questionnaire responses.

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have one year of experience with typing and general office work?

• Yes
• No

03

What is the highest level of education you have completed?

• High School / GED
• Associate Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree
• Doctorate/Doctoral Degree

04

Do you possess, or have the ability to obtain, prior to appointment, a Class C valid California Drivers License.

• Yes
• No

05

AS A PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER, WOULD YOU BE WILLING AND ABLE TO: (Please answer the following statements) Work a three-twelve (3/12) hour shift schedule one week , followed by a three-twelve (3/12) hour shift plus a one eight (8) hour shift the following week? Assigned eight (8) hour shift start times: Day shift (10 AM to 6 PM); Night shift (6 PM to 2 AM).

• Yes
• No

06

Change to a different work shift, depending on departmental staffing needs, approximately every six weeks during training and every four months thereafter?

• Yes
• No

07

Work weekends and holidays depending on your assigned work schedule? (If you are assigned to work on a holiday you will receive either holiday time or appropriate pay.)

• Yes
• No

08

Stay physically at your work site except for two 10-minute breaks and one lunch break?

• Yes
• No

09

Have your lunch and rest breaks scheduled for you as opposed to being able to schedule your own?

• Yes
• No

10

Work in an organization that is structured on a "paramilitary" model, where you are required to wear a uniform and where everyone maintains a structured "chain-of-command"?

• Yes
• No

11

Have limited opportunities to socialize with co-workers during your shift due to the heavy workload?

• Yes
• No

12

Receive rigorous training to ensure your work contains minimal errors because accuracy is a must?

• Yes
• No

13

Work at a rapid pace for extended periods of time performing repetitious tasks that require very careful attention to detail?

• Yes
• No

14

Receive daily ratings of your job performance during your training, which includes both positive feedback, and discussion of those area where your performance needs improvement?

• Yes
• No

15

Work at a computer terminal for extended periods of time while maintaining intense concentration?

• Yes
• No

16

Learn complex computer and phone systems?

• Yes
• No

17

Respond pleasantly and quickly to multiple interruptions and requests where urgency is a factor?

• Yes
• No

18

Strictly maintain the confidentiality of all the information to which you are exposed?

• Yes
• No

19

Provide courteous customer service to all people you come into contact with, whether in person or by telephone, including police department and court personnel, those who may have difficulty communicating in English, those who are upset or irrational, or people who may not observe the same courtesy level with you?

• Yes
• No

20

Answer and respond to calls where a violent crime is in progress and make quick decisions on which one or more persons safety is at state?

• Yes
• No

21

Diffuse problem situations effectively even when confronted with abusive language or angry behavior?

• Yes
• No

22

If you checked NO to any of the above questions, please provide a detailed explanation below:

23

I understand that I must pass a background investigation including polygraph and psychological exam and a medical exam which may include drug testing, an audio test and vision exam; work rotating shifts including weekends and holiday. Employees must be able to work a varying schedule including weekends, weekdays, evening, and holiday (hours and days are adjusted as needed by the department).

• Yes
• No

24

CERTIFICATE OF APPLICANT: I certify that all statements and information provided in this application and any attachments are true, and I understand that any false or misleading statements or omissions of material facts may forfeit right to employment considerations by the City of Hemet.

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Hemet

Address 445 E. Florida Ave

Hemet, California, 92543

Phone 951.765.2315

Website http://www.hemetca.gov