Job Description

Police Dispatcher

The City of Lompoc is seeking candidates for the Police Dispatcher position. This role provides customer service to community members and clerical support to the Lompoc Police Department, enabling the department to achieve its main goal of keeping the community safe.

Salary: $5,501.36 - $7,021.35 Monthly

Location: Police Department, 107 Civic Center Plaza, Lompoc, CA

Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Job Number: 545 FY/26-27

Department: Police

Opening Date: 08/14/2026

Closing Date: Continuous

Definition/Selection Process

This recruitment is to establish an eligibility list for a future vacancy. Certified eligible applicants may be considered for full-time or part-time vacancies when they occur. Interested applicants must submit an online City application. No paper applications will be accepted. The City reserves the right to stop accepting applications prior to the posted deadline, if sufficient numbers of qualified applications are received. Therefore, applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible. The recruitment is officially closed once it has been removed from the City's website. If you forget your password, have application login problems, or get an error message during the application process, please call the NeoGov helpline at 1-855-524-5627 for assistance. A typing certificate is required. Minimum of 35 net words per minute must be submitted at the time of application submission. Certificate must be dated within the last 24 months. Online typing certificates will be accepted (must include name and date of typing certification).

Essential Functions/Examples of Duties

The following duties are typical of this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Receives incoming telephone and radio requests for emergency service;
• Takes critical information by the telephone and radio from the public and from field personnel, including names, addresses, telephone numbers, complaints and location of crimes, accidents and service requests;
• Screens telephone calls for urgency; Enters into computer calls received from the public and from field personnel
• Responds to routine telephone requests from the public for information;
• Ranks all requests for service received by telephone, radio or over the counter; Ranks radio dispatches in priority order; Maintains constant awareness of locations of field personnel
• Dispatches calls for service to patrol and fire personnel and other emergency services, if necessary, follow-up units; Secures information and relays to field personnel as requested;
• Coordinates the activities of police personnel and equipment during both routine and emergency situations; dispatches calls for other public agencies in situations of emergency;
• When required, requests emergency assistance from other agencies or services, such as ambulances, utilities, coroner's office and towing companies; conducts record and warrant checks through use of automated services and by telephone to other public agencies;
• Monitors alarm systems; notifies responsible parties when alarms are set off; issues case numbers;
• Secures voids or transmits a variety of information utilizing teletype system; inputs information into computer terminal;
• Throughout current shift, briefs self by reading activity log of previous shift; at end of current shift, briefs oncoming dispatcher of that shift's activity
• Maintains and periodically updates handbooks
• Orders office supplies
• Assists in training personnel in dispatching procedures, as requested
• Operates a radio, recorders, computer terminal console, alarm systems, and California law enforcement communications equipment;
• May assist in booking and take custody of prisoners, accepting custody of storing, arrestee property, escorting prisoners to cell, seeing to the physical well-being of arrestees; and performs related work as required.

Peripheral functions include taking telephone messages for department personnel; issuing case numbers; contacting owners of abandoned vehicles; and ordering office supplies.

Typical Qualifications

Include any combination of training, education and experience that demonstrates an ability to perform the duties of the position. The typical qualifying entrance background is:

• Education/Experience: Previous responsible experience involving extensive personal or telephone contacts and/or experience which involve the exercise of judgment in the application of standards and procedures.
• License Required: Possession of a valid and appropriate California Driver's License.
• Knowledge Of: Basic recordkeeping, filing and arithmetic; word processing and computer functions; and basic English.
• Ability To: React quickly and calmly and to exercise good judgment in following procedures and directions in emergency situation; work and control arrestees who may be offensive; speak English in a clear and concise manner; read and understand standard broadcasting procedures and rules of the FCC regarding law enforcement radio transmission and department procedures, rules and regulations regarding dispatching and general public safety; type accurately at a minimum speed of 35 words per minute; follow complex verbal and written instructions; maintain confidentiality with information obtained through employment; obtain P.O.S.T. dispatch certification; and establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Supplemental Information

Physical and mental/psychological demands 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. Physical: Strength: Light - Exert force to 20 lbs. occasionally or 10 lbs. frequently, or negligible force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or move objects. May involve significant standing, walking, pushing, and/or pulling. Constantly fingering, typing. Frequently stand or sit, extend neck upwards, downwards or side to side. Occasionally walk, bend, stoop, push/pull, twist at the waist, handle, grip, grasp, reach below shoulder level. Vision: Visual acuity sufficient to perform the essential functions of the position; average depth perception needed. Hearing: Hearing ability to effectively hear and comprehend oral instructions and communication, particularly via telephonic devices. Mental/Psychological: Work cooperatively and interact appropriately with those contacted in the course of work, including the general public, without exhibiting extreme responses; respond appropriately to criticism from a supervisor; use of complex reading skills to read and understand technical instructions (FCC); perform simple mathematics calculations; use of simple writing skills; react quickly and calmly and to exercise good judgment in following procedures and directions in emergency situations; respond quickly to changing situations under emergency pressures; interact effectively with the general public who may be hostile, emotional, unstable, or physically or mentally distraught; communicate effectively orally; ability to work under pressure; work within deadlines; and train other workers. Environmental conditions: Constantly work indoors, use a computer, and work either with others or alone. Occasional exposure to excessive noises. Rarely work outdoors. Rare exposure to extreme temperatures, dust, fumes, smoke, gases, odors, solvents, grease, oil, slippery or uneven walking surfaces, flames and smoke. Work rotating shifts, including night and early morning hours, weekends and holidays. Special requirements: Employees in this classification may be required to utilize respirators in the course of their job duties or under emergency circumstance and thus must be in compliance with General Industry Safety Order 5144. Employees shall not wear beards, mustaches, sideburns, facial hair or other conditions in such a manner that may prevent or interfere with establishing and maintaining a proper seal of the respirator facemask. This requirement is implemented in order to ensure the safety and health of the employee.

Job Tags

Permanent employment, Full time, Part time, Work at office, Shift work, Night shift, Rotating shift, Weekend work, Early shift

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