| Location | Long Beach, CA |
| Salary | $30.21–$51.47 Per Hour |
PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER I-IV - 9-1-1 Dispatcher (ENTRY LEVEL - NTN EXAM)
Salary
$30.21 - $51.47 Hourly
Location
City of Long Beach, CA
Job Type
Classified - Full-Time, Permanent
Job Number
J45AN-27A
Department
Disaster Preparedness & Emerg Communications - (CL)
Opening Date
11/06/2026
Closing Date
Continuous
DESCRIPTION
Applications are available online beginning November 6, 2026. Filing will remain open until vacancies are filled. Filing may close without further notice.
SALARY INFORMATION:
Grade I - $30.216 - $41.034 Hourly
Grade II - $32.565 - $44.278 Hourly
Grade III - $35.120 - $47.693 Hourly
Grade IV - $37.881 - $51.476 Hourly
VACANCY INFORMATION:
This is an entry-level position. Candidates electing to take the National Testing Network (NTN) Emergency Communications exam can apply to this posting.
Additional information can be found below.
If you have a POST Dispatcher T-Score of 50.8 within the last 12 months, apply to the PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER I-IV - 9-1-1 DISPATCHER (ENTRY LEVEL - POST EXAM) HERE
Some positions in this classification qualify for a Recruitment Incentive of up to $5,000. For more information on the City of Long Beachs Recruitment Incentive Program, please click here.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Under general supervision, receives and dispatches emergency (911) calls for police or fire and emergency medical service; enters data into personal computer while questioning callers for information; determines nature, validity and disposition of calls; may provide post-dispatch medical instructions; utilizes computer-generated messages and priorities to dispatch field units to emergency situations; operates a variety of communications equipment including radio transmitters, accessories and telephones; performs call reception and dispatch activities utilizing computer-assisted dispatch system; answers or refers inquiries and complaints regarding a wide variety of public safety and related matters; accesses, retrieves, and transmits vehicular or personal information to field units; relays relevant situational information to non-city enforcement or public safety agencies; may provide training for dispatchers and participate in evaluation of their performance; may act in a variety of dispatch supervisory positions; performs other related duties as required.
REQUIREMENTS TO FILE
Effective April 1, 2020, the Human Resources Department will continue to accept and receive keyboarding skills certificate from an approved government, employment or training agency recognized by the Human Resources Department and obtained during the past 12 months; this will also include an online keyboarding skills certificate for the position of Public Safety Dispatcher. (via a 5-minute typing test).
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:
Bilingual skills in English/Spanish or English/Southeast Asian languages, experience or training as an emergency communications operator, dispatcher, or similar position requiring knowledge of emergency medical or public safety operations, experience dealing with the public in a service-related capacity, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Emergency Medical Dispatching (EMD), or California Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Public Safety Dispatcher Basic (or above) certificate.
SELECTION PROCEDURE
EXAMINATION WEIGHTS:
Application Packet………………………...Qualifying
Performance Examination (Video-Based)…….Qualifying
The Public Safety Dispatcher performance examination consists of the National Testing Network (NTN) Emergency Communications Test titled ECOMM. Applicants must schedule a testing date through nationaltestingnetwork.com. In order to complete the application process, candidates must take the NTN exam and complete the online application.
A minimum rating of 70 must be attained in order to pass the performance examination.
PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER - POST WAIVER APPLICANTS: The National Testing Network (NTN) performance examination will be waived for candidates who have taken the POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery (POST Dispatcher Test) examination with an approved agency and achieved a T-score of 50.8 or above within one year of the time of filing (proof required)*. Applicants submitting the POST Dispatcher Test examination score must complete the application for Public Safety Dispatcher-POST WAIVER.
This is a continuous examination. All applicants meeting the minimum requirements to file will be placed on the eligible list, with those receiving Veterans Credit and Local Hiring Preference first, and then in the order in which applications were filed. Eligible lists may be established periodically.
In accordance with Civil Service Procedure 3.38, all eligible veterans who successfully qualify on any or all open-competitive examinations shall receive an additional credit of ten (10) points that will be added to their original passing score. Disabled veterans passing the examination shall receive a credit of fifteen (15) points that will be added to their original passing score. (A copy of the veterans DD-214, Member 4 form indicating honorable discharge must be attached to the application at the time of filing.)
This position is eligible for Local Hiring Preferences and Veterans Preference Points. Learn more about available preferences and eligibility criteria here: www.longbeach.gov/jobs/working-for-the-city/hiring-preferences.
If you have not received notification within two weeks of filing, please contact the Human Resources Department at (562) 570-7008.
EQUITY AND INCLUSION
The City of Long Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as an individual with a disability, or other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We value diversity in our workforce and are committed to creating a workplace where every employee is respected and included. We strive to reflect the diversity of our community at all levels of the organization, promote fair and equitable employment practices, advance equity, and inclusion through our work with staff and community partners, and promote transparency by publishing workforce demographic information, including diversity and pay data by race and gender.
The City of Long Beach will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You are not required to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until you receive a conditional job offer. If the City of Long Beach has concerns about a conviction that is directly related to the job after making a conditional job offer and conducting a background check, you will have the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide evidence to mitigate concerns, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act
In support of the Citys Language Access Policy, bilingual skills (Spanish, Khmer, and/or Tagalog) are desirable for positions interacting with the public.
This information is available in an alternative format by request at (562) 570-7008. If special accommodation is desired, please contact the Human Resources Department two (2) business days prior to the test at (562) 570-7008. For the hearing impaired, call (562) 570-7008.
An Equal Opportunity Employer.
J.O.B. J45AN-27A CL:LB HR APPROVAL 10/26/2026
Employee Benefits
The City of Long Beach offers its employees opportunities to grow personally and professionally. As a permanent employee, you are eligible to receive fringe benefits that include:
01
INSTRUCTIONS The purpose of the supplemental questions is to derive more specific information about your qualifications for this position. Applicants must clearly demonstrate their qualifying experience on the job application. It is to the candidates advantage to read each question carefully, clearly answer all questions and document all job-related education, training and experience as required.
Do you understand the information stated in the "INSTRUCTIONS" section above?
02
NATIONAL TESTING NETWORK Have you completed the Emergency Communications Test titled ECOMM examination? NOTE: Completion of the Emergency Communications Test titled ECOMM examination is required. Applicants are encouraged to visit the website nationaltestingnetwork.com for more information and to schedule a testing date as soon as possible.
03
If you answered NO to question #2, you must make sure that your NTN results are sent to the City of Long Beach through the NTN website as soon as possible. Do you understand the information above?
04
Applicants who have taken the POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery (POST Dispatcher Test) examination with an approved agency and achieved a T-Score of 50.8 or above within one year of this application (proof required), may waive the NTN written examination. Are you requesting to waive the performance examination because you have taken the POST Dispatcher Test examination with an approve agency and achieved a T-Score of 50.8 or above within one year of the time of this application?
05
If you answered "YES" to the question above, STOP FILLING OUT THIS APPLICATION and complete the application for PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER - POST WAIVER. Do you understand the information above?
06
REQUIREMENTS TO FILE Are you willing to work any shift assignment in the Police or Fire Departments and work mandatory holidays, weekends and overtime?
07
Are you able to handle a high volume of emergency calls with tact, good judgment, initiative and speed?
08
Are you able to question callers while simultaneously typing information into a computer terminal?
09
Are you able to speak English clearly and understandably?
10
Are you able to comprehend, interpret, and retain written and orally presented information effectively? (i.e., read, memorize, interpret, and apply policies and procedures, State Penal Codes, FCC regulations, charts, and maps)
11
Are you able to demonstrate keyboarding skills at 35 WPM? Applicants must have a Keyboarding Skill Certificate from an approved government, employment, or training agency recognized by the Civil Service Department and obtained within the last 12 months (proof required)*.
12
To the best of your knowledge are you able to pass a thorough background investigation, polygraph examination, and psychological evaluation conducted by the Long Beach Police Department.
(The investigation will include information regarding relatives, references, acquaintances, educational background, residential history, employment history, military service records, financial status, legal history, drug use and related areas).
13
BODY MODIFICATION INFORMATION Be advised that any intentional tattoos, branding, scarification, body modification, temporary tattoos, or piercing (including gauges) shall not be visible on the head, neck, mouth or hands while on duty or representing the department in any official capacity. The following exceptions are permitted: natural looking makeup tattoos (eyebrow, lips, eye liner); wedding band on left ring finger; invisible or flesh-colored piercing/gauge blanks worn to maintain the piercing opening; 20 gauge or less standard ear piercing(s); 2 mm or less single nostril piercing with a visible stud; and tattoos on the nape of the neck. Furthermore, any intentional tattoo, branding scarification, body modification, or temporary tattoo that displays an unprofessional or offensive image, phrase, or expression are not permitted. Do you understand the information above?
14
Are you willing to comply with the body modification information stated above?
15
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS Do you possess any of the following? (Check all that apply)
16
JOB RELATED EXPERIENCE Are you able to work in a stressful environment which requires the ability to operate a computer communications console which rapidly responding to numerous calls, keeping track of numerous safety units, and making frequent radio dispatches?
17
Briefly describe your telephone experience. Be sure to indicate the type of equipment used (e.g., single line, multiple line, switchboard, etc.), the length of time of the experience (i.e., weeks, months, or years of employment or instruction), the volume of telephone calls handled and the type of work performed (e.g., provided information, performed referral duties, etc).
18
Briefly describe your keyboarding experience. Be sure to indicate the type of equipment used, the length of time of the experience (i.e., weeks, months, or years of employment or instruction) and the end products of your effort (e.g., forms, letters, memos, reports, etc.).
19
Briefly describe your experience in public contact positions. Be sure to include the type of experience (e.g., telephone, reception, group presentations, complaint investigations, etc.), where you obtained the experience (i.e., name of employers or school), the length of time of the experience (i.e., weeks, months, or years of employment or instruction) and the volume of public contact your handled.
20
Briefly describe your work experience dealing with people in stressful situations (e.g., angry customers or clients, emergency situations, etc.).
21
GENERAL QUESTIONS I understand that proof of required education and/or certificate must be submitted as attachments at the time of filing in order to be considered for the position. I also understand that failure to submit all required proofs at the time of filing will result in disqualification of my application. Proofs may include certificates, DD-214S, etc.
22
Are you claiming Veterans Preference? Note: If you answer "YES", a copy of your DD-214 Member 4 Form (or other appropriate documentation) must be attached with your application at time of filing.
23
The City of Long Beach offers local hiring preference points to applicants who meet certain criteria, including residency, higher education, internal non-career employment, and completion of internships or apprenticeships. If you would like to be considered for these points for CLASSIFICATION SPECIFICATION NAME, NeoGov Job Number: J45AN-27A, please complete the Local Hiring Preferences Questionnaire using the following link: Local Hiring Preferences
and upload any required verification documents in PDF format. Note: You will need to reference NeoGov Job Number: J45AN-27A. Incomplete questionnaires or missing documents will result in your application being reviewed without the application of local hiring preference points. For any questions or for more information, please call the Talent Acquisition help desk at (562) 570-7008 or visit Hiring Preferences
. Please select one of the following options to confirm your status regarding the local hiring preference points:
24
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Do you have any relatives employed by the City of Long Beach?
25
If you have any relatives that work for the City of Long Beach, please indicate their name, department, position title and relationship.
26
I certify that I have personally completed the information provided and that it is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any falsification may cancel any terms, conditions, or privileges of employment. Do you understand the information above?
Required Question
Employer City of Long Beach
Department Disaster Preparedness & Emerg Communications - (CL) Address Human Resources Department
411 W. Ocean Blvd., 4th Fl
Long Beach, California, 90802
Phone (562) 570-6202