Police Communications Dispatcher (Lateral)

Police Communications Dispatcher (Lateral)

Salary

$29.02 - $43.53 Hourly

Location

Avondale, AZ

Job Type

Full Time

Department

Police

Opening Date

08/18/2026

Closing Date

8/31/2026 11:59 PM Arizona

FLSA

Non-Exempt

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Description

Bring your dispatch experience to Avondale-now hiring Police Communications Dispatchers (Lateral)

Important: To be considered a Lateral applicant, you must have been working in a public safety communications (Police, Fire, Medical) position within the last twelve (12) months and have a minimum of 2 consecutive years within a dispatch center.

Recruitment Process

1. Apply Online

Submit your application between August 18 and August 31, 2026.

2. Panel Interview

Successful candidates will be invited to a panel interview.

3. Background Process

Finalists will undergo a comprehensive background investigation, fingerprinting, and psychological evaluation.

Offers of employment are conditional upon successfully completing all phases of the selection process.

Essential Functions

Answers 9-1-1 and non-emergency calls for the Avondale Police Department and facilitates fire and medical assistance, as appropriate. Obtains accurate, essential information to process each call according to established protocols and inputs all relevant details into the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system for timely dispatch.

Additional functions of the position include:

• Provides excellent customer service at all times. Dispatches responders by communicating information to police officers as well as facilitating needed medical and fire emergency services to people in distress.

• Monitors assigned radio channels; dispatches calls and information to police units via CAD and the radio system; maintains accurate status and location of police units; and maintains a computerized log of calls for service and units dispatched.

• Multitasks at a high level while utilizing the radio and phone system, while simultaneously entering information into the computer-aided dispatch system. Must maintain accurate and up-to-date information on every call for service.

• Supports officers by looking up information in several computer systems, searching for data including vehicle information and warrants; monitors radio traffic, city alarm systems, security cameras, and dispatches emergency responders as appropriate to ensure officers safety.

• Maintains critical records by entering, clearing, and verifying all warrants, missing persons, stolen articles, and stolen vehicles; enters property into computer systems and completes all necessary paperwork.

• Performs tactical dispatch for SWAT team responding to incidents, as assigned.

• Operates and maintains various office equipment, including multiple computers, printers, copy/fax machines, and phone systems at a high level.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

To view the full job description and learn more about the responsibilities and qualifications, please click to view the Class Specification here.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED equivalency is required.

• Knowledge of basic operational, technical, or office processes.

• Applicants must have at least two (2) consecutive years of dispatch center experience and must have worked in a public safety communications role (Police, Fire, or Medical) within the last twelve (12) months.

• Must be able to obtain a Terminal Operator Certification (TOC) within six months of hire. Certification must be renewed every two years and maintained for the duration of employment.

• Must be able to successfully pass a comprehensive background check and a psychological exam.

Supplemental Information

Hiring Process

Employment offers are conditional upon the successful completion and passing of:

• NeoGov Application

• Panel Interview

• Comprehensive Background Investigation and Fingerprinting

• Psychological Evaluation

Automatic Disqualifiers

To view the list of automatic disqualifications, click here.

Contact Information

Human Resources Department

City of Avondale

(623) 333-2200

hr-recruitment@avondaleaz.gov

The City of Avondale offers a comprehensive benefits package with outstanding health and wellness benefits, financial perks, work-life balance, and more. Explore our Benefits Guide for full details!

For additional information, visit our website.

01

Select from the options below your highest level of completed education.

• Not completed High School
• High school or GED
• Associates or Vocational Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree or higher

02

Do you have at least two (2) consecutive years of dispatch experience?

• Yes
• No

03

Have you worked in public safety communications within the last twelve (12) months?

• Yes
• No

04

This position requires the ability to obtain a Terminal Operator Certification (TOC) within six months of hire. The certification must be renewed every two years and maintained throughout employment. Are you able and willing to meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

05

The Communication Center operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Are you available to work all shifts including days, nights, weekends, and holidays?

• Yes
• No

06

I understand that any offer of employment is conditional upon successfully completing and passing a comprehensive background check and a psychological exam.

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Avondale

Address 11465 Civic Center Dr.

Human Resources Department

Avondale, Arizona, 85323

Phone 623-333-2200

Website http://www.avondaleaz.gov/careers