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Dispatcher

City of Paso Robles
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The City of Paso Robles is excited to announce an opportunity to join our team as a Dispatcher. This position is the first point of contact in emergency and non-emergency situations, serving as the critical link between the community and our police and fire personnel in the field.

In this fast-paced and rewarding position, you’ll play a key role in keeping our community safe by remaining calm under pressure, managing multiple priorities, and delivering information with clarity, confidence, and compassion. It’s a role that demands quick thinking, strong decision-making skills, and a steady voice when it matters most.

Whether you’re an experienced dispatcher or someone ready to launch into an exciting new career in public safety, we encourage you to apply. If you're looking for meaningful work where your actions make a real difference every day, this is your chance. Come serve the community, be the calm in the chaos, and make a real impact.

 

Application Deadline: Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at 10:00AM

Tentative Written Exam Dates: Wednesday, August 27, 2025 or Thursday, August 28, 2025

Tentative Interview Date: Thursday, October 2, 2025

 

Typical Duties

 

  • Monitors and receives routine and emergency calls for service
  • Determines the nature and priority of a call, the availability and location of patrol units, and dispatches appropriate equipment and personnel within established policies and procedures
  • Makes accurate entries into the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS) computer terminals and collects and enters pertinent information into local data storage systems
  • Communicates in a clear, easily understood voice with proper diction under stressful conditions
  • Accurately secures and records information of reported emergency or problem and the exact location
  • Provides resource information to field units, stations, other agencies, and the public
  • Receives information over the radio from numerous police, fire, and public works radio frequencies
  • Maintains a variety of confidential records, call and incident logs, and prepares reports as directed
  • Disseminates information to field officers regarding wanted persons, property, and warrants
  • Monitors officers in the field to ensure their physical safety
  • Maintains departmental security by operating intercoms, locks, and gates
  • Performs other related duties as assigned

This position requires rotating shift assignments and is subject to mandatory overtime in accordance with maintaining a fully operational 24-hour/365-day facility. It will be required to work a variety of shifts including weekends, holidays, and/or irregular hours. 

 

Employment Standards & Special Requirements

 

Knowledge of:

  • The organization, operations, and terminology of public safety agencies
  • Modern office equipment, including computers, Microsoft Office, Microsoft 365, and related word processing and spreadsheet software
  • Pertinent federal, state, and local laws and codes
  • Knowledge of the English language, spelling, grammar, and punctuation
  • Proper radio dispatching techniques, including code language
  • Geography of the City, including the location of streets, roads, highways, areas, major buildings, and public facilities
  • Departmental rules, policies, and procedures

Ability to:

  • Operate a California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS), Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, and Records Management System (RMS)
  • Simultaneously take calls, radio dispatch, prioritize calls for service, manage incidents, units and resources, and log incident details in the computer aided dispatching software during normal and high-volume period
  • Calmly and effectively manage emergency situations and assist in directing others in an appropriate course of action during stressful situations
  • Display excellent interpersonal communication and public contact skills
  • Retain and accurately relay information received from a variety of sources
  • Work efficiently and effectively under stress, and exercise sound judgment in emergency situations
  • Adjust quickly to changing situations and perform several tasks at once while adjusting appropriate prioritization of incoming calls
  • Use clear enunciation, tact, and courtesy while handling irate or distraught individuals
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in course of work

Education and Experience
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be equivalent to:

  • Graduation from high school; and of a valid California Class C driver license and a satisfactory driving record
  • Two years of experience working with the public

Special Requirements

  • Possession of a valid California Class C driver license and a satisfactory driving record
  • At least 18 years of age
  • Must successfully complete the 160-hour Public Safety Dispatchers' Basic Course, and obtain CPR and first aid certifications within 12 months of appointment

Spanish language skills are highly desirable.