Dispatcher I in Alturas, California at MODOC COUNTY

Modoc County

CLASS CODE: 7022-007

CLASS TITLE: Dispatcher I

FLSA DESIGNATION: Non-Exempt

RANGE/STEP A-I: 203 (Step-A: $3,181 - Step-I: $4,700)

JOB SUMMARY:

This is a responsible position that serves to dispatch emergency and routine telecommunication messages to and from field personnel and law enforcement agencies, and to perform clerical duties associated with the operations and activities of the Sheriff/ Coroner’s Office. This classification is non-sworn and is non-exempt under the overtime provisions of the FLSA.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS & DUTIES:

Under the general supervision of the Dispatch Supervisor or designee, will receive calls from the public and will dispatch the proper personnel to the emergency situation. Will assist in either emergency 911 calls, non-emergency phone lines, or in person.

Dispatcher I is the entry-level in the classification series. The entry-level position is assigned, which will increase experience and skills by assisting and participating in the activities associated with the dispatch function. Additional duties are assigned as experience is acquired. After successful completion of the required training, additional experience, and meeting requirements, incumbents may be eligible for advancement in the series.

Dispatcher II- Journey level in this series and performs duties and tasks under minimal supervision. Employees who advance to this level must have completed the required training and demonstrated the skills and the ability to adequately fulfill the responsibilities of the position.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. The position may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.

• Receives incoming calls for services from the public, either by emergency 911 calls, nonemergency phone lines, or in person.
• Operates Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) equipment quickly and efficiently to dispatch appropriate law enforcement, fire, and/or medical personnel.
• Operates a variety of telecommunication equipment to receive and transmit information regarding vehicle registration, driving records, warrants, criminal records, and/or other related matters.
• Receives and processes routine business calls, requests for information, and/or referrals to other agencies. Relay information to other agencies as required.
• Analyzes, evaluates, and determines appropriate responses to situations requiring law enforcement intervention, which may include determining proper jurisdiction, personnel, and/or equipment to be dispatched.
• Perform administrative support work related to the Modoc County Sheriff’s Office, including logs, reports, applications, correspondence, preparations for events, or other necessary tasks.
• Maintain the status of units on assignment.
• Informs Department officials of situations and dispatches equipment when so advised.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to satisfactorily perform the job’s essential duties and responsibilities.

Knowledge of:

• English usage and grammar.
• Modern office procedures and practices.
• Operation and functions of the Sheriff’s Department and other public safety agencies.
• Applicable rules, regulations, and procedures of the Sheriff/ Coroner’s Office and the Federal Communications Commission on the receipt and transmission of radio and/or wireless communications.
• Topography and communities of Modoc County.

Ability to:

• Effectively operate telecommunication equipment such as two-way radios and CAD equipment.
• React quickly, efficiently, and calmly in an emergency and adopt an effective course of action.
• Type accurately at a rate sufficient to perform job duties.
• Perform extensive data entry while performing other duties such as answering phones and radio traffic.
• Memorize and recall numeric and alpha codes.
• Ability to maintain and keep accurate records.
• Ability to communicate effectively and tactfully in both oral and written form.
• Ability to maintain concentration and awareness during long periods.
• Work a variety of shifts, including weekends, holidays, and overtime.
• Communicate effectively and professionally.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.

• Support the vision and mission of the county and its elected and appointed officials.
• Provide courteous and timely customer service to the public as the ultimate employer.
• Provide courteous and timely customer service to other county departments and work cooperatively with other county employees.
• Adhere to the Modoc County Code of Safe Practices.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to satisfactorily perform the job’s essential duties and responsibilities.

Education and Experience

Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

Graduation from high school or possession of a General Educational Development Test (G.E.D.).

Applicants for Dispatcher must complete a comprehensive background investigation, including obtaining California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS) clearance through fingerprint submission.

Possession of a valid California Driver’s License

Basic knowledge of the operation of computer equipment and basic software applications. One year of responsible clerical experience is preferred, including frequent public contact.

The physical demands and work environment described here 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 functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, and listen for an extended period. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk.

• The ability to operate a keyboard and similar equipment is required.
• Positions in this classification occasionally bend, carry, stoop, twist, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve file information.
• Ability to move about on foot and lift, carry, reach, push, and pull materials and objects up to 30 pounds, as necessary to perform job functions.

All County of Modoc employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through State law (California Government Code §3100-3109). Employment with Modoc County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Work-related training as assigned and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

FLSA Status is dependent upon meeting the qualifications for the exemption test. All of the following must be met for status to be Exempt. Upon meeting the Exempt status, a certification form will need to be completed to accompany the Personnel Action Notification (PAN) form.

Position reclassified and approved by the Board of Supervisors on January 14, 2020. Effective: January 1, 2020

Range and step updated per approval of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Salary Table on March 13, 2023, to incorporate a 12% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), Effective April 1, 2023