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Police Communications Dispatcher

City of Scottsdale Police Department
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Introduction


The Police Communications Dispatcher  serves as the vial communications link between the public needing help and emergency response.  A dispatcher receives and dispatches calls from emergency (911) and non-emergency telephone lines and other electronic devices.  They  must be able to work independently, and as a team member, in a high-stress environment.  Dispatchers receive and evaluate incoming emergency and administrative requests for service and coordinate appropriate responses to high-risk operations.

Anticipated starting salary may be up to mid-point depending on candidate's experience and internal equity.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Experience

  • High school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) equivalent.
  • Two years' customer service or public contact experience.
  • Equivalency Statement: 
    • Any equivalent combination of education and/or job-related experience that meets the minimum qualifications may be substituted.

Licensing, Certifications and Other Requirement

  • Obtain and maintain an Arizona Criminal Justice Information System (ACJIS) certification. Training is provided on duty and certification testing is completed within first six months of hire.
  • Pass a one-year probationary period.
  • Every person employed by the City of Scottsdale shall reside in the State of Arizona during his or her active employment by the City, regardless of whether the employee is approved to remote work.

Other pertinent licenses and/or certifications may be required of some positions depending on division/department/service assignment.

Essential Functions:

Performs duties and responsibilities commensurate with assigned functional area which may include, but are not limited to, any combination of the following:

  • Answers incoming lines from citizens on emergency 911, or administrative telephone lines.
  • Dispatches available units to handle crimes or issues. Operates radio and computer aided dispatch terminals to interact with and direct operation of field personnel. Monitors and maintains up to the moment computerized status screen of all police field personnel.
  • Takes complete and accurate information and quickly disseminates information, both in typewritten and verbal form; copies down long sequences of numbers or addresses; may be required to keep handwritten detailed logs of work at a quick pace.
  • Makes inquiries into computerized driver's license and motor vehicle information files as requested, following prescribed procedures and policies.
  • Inputs vehicular data into ACIC and NCIC; queries ACIC and NCIC for wanted persons, vehicles and property.
  • Participates in the training of new dispatchers. Reviews and checks the trainee's work to ensure conformance to established standards. Keeps detailed daily records of trainee's progress.

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position or that an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Work is performed in a Police Communications Center environment.
  • Sit for extended periods of time.
  • Wear headset.
  • Operate foot pedals or other adaptable controls on radio console.
  • Carry light objects for short distances.
  • Visual and muscular dexterity to operate communications equipment (computer-aided dispatch equipment, telephones and radios).
  • Operate a variety of standard office equipment including a computer, telephone, calculator, copy and fax machine requiring continuous and repetitive arm, hand, and eye movement.
  • Work overtime as required.
  • Shift work including days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays to maintain 24-hour coverage of the emergency dispatch system.

Benefits Highlights:
The City of Scottsdale offers a comprehensive benefits package including:
 

  • 12 Paid Holidays, which includes 1 Floating Holiday
  • Vacation Accrual; starts at 10.3 hours/month
  • Sick Leave Accrual; 8 hours/month
  • Medical (which includes behavioral health coverage), Dental and Vision Benefits
  • City Paid Basic Life Insurance (equal to one times employee annual salary); option of Supplemental Life Insurance
  • Tuition Reimbursement; $2,500/year
  • Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) Defined benefit plan with mandatory employer and employee contributions currently at 12.27% which includes a Long-Term Disability benefit
  • Supplemental Retirement Plans through Nationwide; 457
  • Pet Insurance
  • Bilingual pay compensation

Please visit the Human Resources and Benefits Information page for more information.

Selection Process:
The application and supplemental questions are an integral part of the selection process and must be completed in full in order for you to be considered as a candidate. Please complete each section and answer all questions as thoroughly as possible. DO NOT state “See Resume” in lieu of answering. Unanswered questions, incomplete responses, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process.  
 
Applicants whose education, training and experience most closely meet the needs of the position may be invited to participate in a selection process that may include a panel interview. Successful candidates will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening that may include:

  • Fingerprinting search of the national FBI Database
  • Drug Screen 
  • 39-Month Motor Vehicle Department Records Check
  • Psychological Testing

The timeframe for reapplication with the Police Department varies based on the position and the needs of the organization.
 
The City of Scottsdale reserves the right to change this process at any time, potentially without advance notice.
 
PLEASE NOTE: Years of experience are based on a work schedule of 2,080 hours per year for full-time positions and 1,040 hours per year for part-time positions, and while work experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis, depending upon the job classification, education may not be substituted for work experience.
 

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: It is the policy of the city to provide employment opportunities to all persons based solely on ability, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.

When advised, reasonable accommodations will be made in order for an "otherwise qualified applicant" with a disability to participate in any phase of the recruitment process. Please contact Human Resources to request an accommodation.  Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation by contacting HR at (480) 312-2491. Requests should be made 24 hours in advance or as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation. For TTY users, the Arizona Relay Service (1-800-367-8939) may contact HR at (480) 312-2491.

This position description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the position change.