POLICE DISPATCHER

POLICE DISPATCHER

Salary

$6,412.27 - $7,794.15 Monthly

Location

140 E. 12th Street, Suite A, National City, CA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

26-Dispatch3

Department

Police

Opening Date

08/10/2026

Closing Date

11/29/2026 12:00 AM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions
• FULL-TIME POSITIONS AVAILABLE*

Make a difference in our community as a Police Dispatcher and join our TEAM! With a state-of-the-art facility that includes large windows providing natural light, and ergonomic sit-stand dispatcher consoles which makes the work environment satisfying and fitting our organizations values.

This is an exciting and rewarding career option! Our Police Dispatchers are first responders who serve as the primary link between the public and Police Officers receiving 911 emergency and non-emergency calls. If you are team-oriented, have a strong work ethic, and exceptional customer service and communication skills - APPLY TODAY!

THE CITY:

The City of National City is a full-service, state-governed city serving a vibrant and socioeconomically diverse community. Its diverse population, mild climate, and central location make National City a great place to live, work, play, and do business. The City takes great pride in its rich history, strong bi-national relationships, and deep commitment to its residents, schools, neighborhoods, and thriving business districts.

As San Diego County's second-oldest city, National City is truly at the center of it all. Located within a dynamic bi-national region of more than five million consumers, the City's competitive advantage lies in its central location, robust transportation network, and diverse business industry. National City is just minutes from downtown San Diego, local beaches, San Diego International Airport, the U.S.-Mexico border, San Diego State University, and other colleges and universities.

National City is served by Interstates 5 and 805, as well as State Route 54, providing convenient access for residents, businesses, and visitors throughout the region and into Mexico. Public transit options are readily available through the San Diego Trolley and the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS), which serve National City seven days a week.

For more information on the City please visit our website at: www.nationalcityca.gov.

Connect with us on social media: National City Facebook| National City Instagram

ABOUT THE POSITION

Under general supervision, to receive, evaluate, and transmit emergency and routine voice radio messages; dispatches required equipment and personnel in accordance with standard policies and procedures; maintain records; and perform related duties as required.

This position will perform the key responsibilities listed below and/or may perform similar related duties not listed here.

• Monitors radio receiver for all communications concerning police department and mutual aid radio channels.
• Maintains two-way radio communications with emergency cars and other emergency units on assignments.
• Maintains contact with all field personnel.
• Receives emergency and other-type messages, secures and records/logs all information regarding type of emergency or incident, exact location, and other pertinent information.
• Dispatches personnel and equipment according to standard operating procedures.
• Keeps supervisor informed of general activities and emergency calls or situations.
• Maintains accurate records of requests for service and other departmental activities.
• May instruct other personnel in the techniques and use of the departments communication equipment.

IDEAL CANDIDATE & QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Graduation from high school or GED equivalent.

Training and Experience:

One (1) year of public contact or clerical experience which demonstrates the ability to perform multiple tasks at the same time and use short-term recall skills. Previous radio communications experience is desirable.

Knowledge and Skills in: Correct English usage; general office practices and procedures; customer service techniques.

Ability to: Learn the rules and regulations of the Federal Communications Commission, which governs the operation of radio transmitters or receivers; quickly recall from memory short-term information received; work under stress; exercise self-control and good judgment in emergency situations; study and maintain a knowledge of departmental policies and procedures, streets, and City geography; maintain clear and accurate records; follow written and oral instructions; speak clearly and distinctly; type at a speed of at least 40 net words per minute; work days, evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed; and establish and maintain effective working relations with all levels of staff and the general public in routine as well as stressful situations.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, OR SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Certification or self-certification of ability to type at a net rate of 35 words per minute is required.

TO APPLY

The examination process will consist of the following:

1. Application: Applications will be accepted on-line only at www.nationalcityca.gov, and all notices will be sent via email. Candidates whose applications indicate the required education and experience most directly related to the position may be invited to continue in the selection process.

2. Performance Test: Based upon review of applications received, those applicants who best meet the requirements indicated above will be invited to take the Online CritiCall Test (Pass/Fail). CritiCall is a computer based test that simulates a generic dispatch environment and designed to measure the abilities and skills critical for public safety dispatchers such as multitasking, prioritization, map reading, memory recall, comprehension and data entry. For additional information on the test, please visit CritiCall. The Criticall test may be waived for candidates accepted for lateral consideration.

The City of National City Police Dispatcher Criticall Test will be held on the following dates. The dates are provided to assist potential candidates in planning. Eligible candidates will be notified of the test dates prior to the testing window. Testing dates may be subject to change.

Tentative 2026 Test Window Dates:

• December 7, 2026 - December 13, 2026

3. Pre-Background Questionnaire: Based upon successful completion of the Performance Test, those applicants with a passing score will be asked to complete a Pre-Background Questionnaire.

4. Oral Board Interview: Candidates passing the Pre-Background Questionnaire will be invited to continue in the selection process, and forwarded to the hiring department for consideration.

Successful candidates must undergo a thorough background investigation including fingerprinting, computer voice stress analysis (CVSA), psychological evaluation, and a thorough medical examination. There are certain types of conduct, which will be automatic grounds for disqualification. Please read the information on the Disqualifying Criteria to help you identify some of the common areas of the background investigation process that may cause a delay or prevent you from competing in the selection process.

For a list of Disqualifying Criteria, click here.

Alternative Work Schedule

City employees work a 4/10 workweek, Monday through Thursday 7am to 6 pm. City offices are closed on Fridays. For Police, Fire, and Nutrition employees, work schedule may differ.

For benefit information, please click on the Memorandum of Understanding for the Municipal Employees Association: Miscellaneous Employees

01

The supplemental questionnaire is used to further evaluate your experience and education to determine your eligibility for this position. Please answer each question accurately and thoroughly. To be considered for this position, the experience you indicate in your responses to the supplemental questionnaire must also be described, in detail, on the "Work Experience" section of your employment application. Failure to complete the "Work Experience" section of the employment application will result in your application not being considered. Please do not refer your responses to your resume. A resume will not be considered in determining your qualifications.

• I have read and acknowledge the instructions stated above.

02

Do you have a high school diploma or GED?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have at least one (1) year of public contact or clerical experience which demonstrates your ability to perform multiple tasks at the same time and use of short-term recall skills?

• Yes
• No

04

Please describe where you gained your experience. Your response must include: position title, agency and length of experience (number of years/months).

05

EXPERIENCE: Do you have experience in any of the following?

• Police, Fire/Rescue or Emergency Medical Service communications and operations
• Telecommunications or dispatching
• Dealing with individuals in stressful situations
• Direct compute entry of orally supplied information
• None of the above

06

Please descibe any data entry experience and indicate the type of equipment/software used. Put N/A if you do not have data entry experience.

07

Do you possess a California P.O.S.T. Certified Public Safety Dispatchers Basic Course Certificate?

• Yes
• No

08

Do you have the ability to type at least 40 net words per minute? (If yes, attach typing certificate to your application.)

• Yes. The typing certificate is attached to my application.
• Yes. Typing ability will be tested at time of CritiCall exam.
• No. I do not have the ability to type 40 net words per minute.

09

If selected for this position, you will be required to work rotating shifts, including days, nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as required. Are you able to comply with this provision?

• Yes
• No

10

There are factors that may disqualify you from competing for this position. Please refer to the Disqualifying Criteria for Police Dispatcher attached to the Job Announcement.

• By clicking here, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the potential reasons for my automatic disqualification from the hiring process.

11

Are you willing to undergo a thorough pre-employment character/background investigation?

• Yes
• No

12

Job Source Information: I first learned about this job through (mark one):

• City of National City Website
• City of National City Employee
• Visit to Human Resources Office
• Received email notification from Human Resources
• Internet
• Job Fair
• Other

13

If you answered "Internet", "Job Fair", or "Other" to the previous question, please describe in detail. For example, if you selected "Internet", please indicate which website.

14

APPLICANTS ACKNOWLEDGMENT - NOTIFICATION VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL (E-MAIL) The City of National Citys Human Resources Department uses electronic mail (e-mail) to notify applicants of important information relating to the status and processing of your application. We do so as part of our ongoing efforts to increase operational efficiency, promote the conservation of green resources, and minimize delays and costs. Therefore, as an applicant, you are hereby advised of the following: 1. Ensure that the email address and contact information you provide is current, secure, and readily accessible to you. Do not share email addresses. Spam or other filters should be adjusted to accept our emails. We will not be responsible in any way if you do not receive our emails, i.e., for the non-delivery of email or if you fail to check your email box on a timely basis, etc. 2. Read any notices we send carefully and in a timely manner. Follow further instructions if any. We recommend that you print and keep a hard copy of our notices for your records. I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to the above.

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of National City

Address 140 East 12th Street, Suite A

National City, California, 91950

Phone 619-336-4300

Website http://www.nationalcityca.gov