Public Safety Dispatcher I/II

Public Safety Dispatcher I/II

Salary

$68,681.60 - $91,832.00 Annually

Location

Murrieta Police Department, CA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

2026-24

Department

Murrieta Police

Division

Support

Opening Date

06/25/2026

Closing Date

7/16/2026 12:00 AM Pacific

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

MGEA

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description and Essential Functions

Connected by Amazing Employees

SALARY

Public Safety Dispatcher I: $68,675 - $83,474/year

Public Safety Dispatcher II: $75,542 - $91,822/year

The City of Murrieta is accepting applications for the position of Public Safety Dispatcher I/II to create an eligibility list. The eligibility list established may be used to fill upcoming vacancies within this classification for up to one (1) year.

THE POSITION

The ideal candidates should be able to deal effectively with a diverse public in routine and emergency situations and demonstrate high communication skills. Prior experience as police, fire, or medical dispatcher is highly desirable. The City has implemented Emergency Medical Dispatching (EMD) for all communications personnel.

DEFINITION

Under immediate (Public Safety Dispatcher I) or general (Public Safety Dispatcher II) supervision, receives police and emergency calls and dispatches police and fire units following prescribed procedures; answers non-emergency calls for public safety and other City departments; performs a variety of general administrative support duties including record keeping, typing, and filing; and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives immediate (Public Safety Dispatcher I) or general (Public Safety Dispatcher II) supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Public Safety Dispatcher I - This is the entry-level classification in the Public Safety Dispatcher series. Initially, under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine tasks in both emergency and non-emergency situations. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and challenging; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates the skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the Public Safety Dispatcher II level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and typically exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.

Public Safety Dispatcher II - This is the fully qualified journey-level classification in the Public Safety Dispatcher series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Public Safety Dispatcher I by performing the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. All activities must be performed within specified legal guidelines. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. This class is distinguished from the Senior Public Safety Dispatcher because the latter provides technical and functional direction to lower-level staff.

Positions in the Public Safety Dispatcher series are flexibly staffed; positions at the Public Safety Dispatcher II level are typically filled by advancement from the Public Safety Dispatcher I level; progression to the Public Safety Dispatcher II level is dependent on (i) management affirmation that the position is performing the full range of duties assigned to the classification; (ii) satisfactory work performance; (iii) the incumbent meeting the minimum qualifications for the classification including any licenses and certifications; and (iv) management approval for progression to the Public Safety Dispatcher II level.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Management reserves the right to add, modify, or remove job duties as necessary and will make reasonable accommodations consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) to enable qualified individuals to perform the position's essential functions. The omission of a specific duty does not preclude it from being assigned if it is similar, related, or logically aligned with the role's overall responsibilities.

Positions at the Public Safety Dispatcher I level may perform some of these duties and responsibilities in a learning capacity.

• Receives police and emergency calls for service; assesses with the caller the nature of the call through a series of questions and formulates a call for service; determines the severity of the call; ascertains officer safety and public safety needs with the caller; takes action as prescribed through standard operating procedures and/or refers to supervisor or manager for direction
• Dispatches public safety emergency units in accordance with established procedures and policies using a computerized dispatch system, including determining the priority of emergency and contacting and sending appropriate response units
• Maintains contact with field units, including accounting for location and status of units and maintaining records of field calls; sends back-up units, as necessary, ensuring the safety of field units
• Dispatches and communicates with fire and rescue personnel on the radio, while taking numerous emergency and non-emergency calls during an emergency and high-priority events; relays information to appropriate dispatchers when additional resources are needed
• Provides general information to the public; refers callers to appropriate agencies; calms angered or distraught callers; maintains professionalism in radio transmissions during hectic, tense, and dangerous situations
• Operates multiple computers, telephone lines, and radio console and telecommunication equipment simultaneously while performing dispatching activities; tests and inspects equipment as assigned; may troubleshoot equipment issues as required
• Logs call data in a written or automated format; monitors calls after initial dispatch to provide additional coordination, support, or information
• Enters, updates, and retrieves a variety of records from teletype database, including stolen vehicles and property, vehicle registration information, guns and property, and warranted or missing persons, restraining orders, and all out-of-state information, including, but not limited to, drivers license, license plates, and criminal history
• Accesses federal, state, and local law enforcement information databases to obtain information regarding outstanding warrants, criminal history, records information, and vehicle data; relays such information to sworn staff
• Serves as a liaison to the public and representatives of other agencies for the department; provides initial non-emergency contact with the public and representatives of other agencies for the requesting of police records or related services; determines the nature of the contact; provides factual information regarding services, policies, and procedures, which requires a knowledge of legal guidelines, departmental policies and procedures, and the use of tact and discretion, or directs the caller to the proper individual or agency
• Maintains accurate departmental and law enforcement records and files; researches and compiles information from such files
• Attends necessary training, and shift briefing sessions, participates in drills and test scenarios to prepare for unexpected emergencies
• Observes and complies with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols
• Performs other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications includes:

• Public Safety Dispatcher I/II - High School Diploma or equivalent (GED)
• Public Safety Dispatcher I - One (1) year of general clerical experience involving public contact
• Public Safety Dispatcher II - Two (2) years of experience performing public safety dispatch duties with possession of a POST Certificate or three (3) years of experience performing public safety dispatch duties with possession of an EMD Certificate

Highly Desirable

• Experience as a police, fire, or medical dispatcher

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Public Safety Dispatcher I

• Must obtain the P.O.S.T. Basic Dispatcher certificate within one year.
• Must obtain CPR Certification within one year
• Must obtain EMD Certification within one year
• Ability to travel to meetings, trainings, site visits, and special events throughout the City may be required. Employee must have access to reliable transportation as needed.

Public Safety Dispatcher II

• Possession of P.O.S.T. Basic Dispatcher certificate. If hired at level II with only the EMD certificate, the employee is required to possess the POST certificate within one year
• Must obtain CPR Certification within six (6) months
• Must obtain EMD Certification within one year
• Ability to travel to meetings, trainings, site visits, and special events throughout the City may be required. Employee must have access to reliable transportation as needed.

Example combinations to meet qualifications for a Public Safety Dispatcher II

With a POST BASIC Certificate

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Possession of P.O.S.T. Basic Dispatcher certificate
• And two years of experience performing public safety dispatch duties

With an EMD Certificate

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Possession of EMD Certification
• Must obtain the P.O.S.T. Basic Dispatcher certificate within one year
• And three years of experience performing public safety dispatch duties

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

• A minimum typing ability of 40 words per minute

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Disaster Service Workers

In accordance with government code 3100, "Disaster Service Workers" (DSW) during emergencies. This law stipulates that public employees can be assigned to emergency activities to support the publics health, safety, and property during natural, man-made, or war-caused disasters.

Tier 7 - Full Background + Psychological & Polygraph

Final candidates must successfully complete a rigorous pre-employment screening process, including a full background investigation, Department of Justice Live Scan (DOJ/LS), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) fingerprint clearance, a safety (job-related) pre-employment physical examination, and a psychological evaluation. Candidates must also successfully complete a polygraph examination.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Physical Demands and Environmental Conditions

KNOWLEDGE OF

• Methods and techniques of eliciting critical information in emergency situations from callers who are under stressful conditions
• Methods and techniques of determining appropriate response to emergencies and dispatching needed resources
• Functions and operations provided by public safety organization
• Operational characteristics of computer-aided communications equipment, including multiple telephone lines and radio systems
• Terminology and procedures used in public safety dispatching, such as penal codes, vehicle codes and radio codes
• City and County geography, maps, streets, landmarks, and driving directions
• Policies with respect to confidentiality and the release of sensitive information
• Principles and practices of data collection and report preparation
• Methods and techniques of pinging cell phones through service providers to identify emergency locations
• Business arithmetic
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility
• Record keeping principles and practices
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed

ABILITY TO

• Assess and prioritize emergency situations while remaining calm and using sound, independent judgment
• Dispatch using appropriate grammar and police codes
• Memorize codes, names, street locations, and other information
• Read and interpret maps and other pertinent documentation
• Interpret, apply, and explain policies, procedures, and regulations
• Attend to multiple activities simultaneously
• Obtain vital information from individuals in stressful or emergency situations
• Compile and summarize information to prepare accurate, clear, and concise calls for service
• Perform technical, detailed, and responsible work within the Emergency Services Communications Center
• Compose correspondence independently or from brief instructions
• Organize, maintain, and update office database and records systems
• Make accurate arithmetic computations
• Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical deadlines
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and legal guidelines
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in the Emergency Services Communications Center and use standard office and emergency services dispatch equipment, including multiple computers and a diverse range of communications devices; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, and over the telephone and radio. Performance of the work requires that positions frequently remain at a workstation for extended periods of time during their shift. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Employees work in an environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Supplemental Information

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

A City application form and resume must be submitted online. Applicants can apply online at www.MurrietaCA.gov.

SCHEDULE

Must be available to work a varying schedule including weekends, weekdays, evenings, and holidays (hours and days are adjusted as needed by the Department).

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

A City application form, P.O.S.T. Basic Dispatcher certificate (if applying for Public Safety Dispatcher II), and typing certificate must be submitted online. Applicants can apply online at www.MurrietaCA.gov.

SELECTION PROCESS

Candidates must clearly demonstrate through their application materials that they meet the employment standards outlined above. All properly completed applications will be reviewed, and the most qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the selection process. The examination process may include a combination of appraisal interviews, performance tests, and writing exercises designed to evaluate the candidates skills, training, and experience.

Successful candidates will be placed on an eligibility list. The City reserves the right to merge eligibility lists as needed. Final selection is contingent upon successful completion of all required pre-employment requirements.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The City of Murrieta is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. All employment practices such as recruitment, selection, and promotions are administered in a manner designed to ensure that employees and applicants for employment are not subjected to discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age (over 40), marital or veteran status, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, medical condition, disability, or any other basis that is inconsistent with federal, state or local laws.

THE COMMUNITY

Located just north of San Diego County, the City of Murrieta is home to approximately 120,000 people. Central to all of Southern California, residents of Murrieta live in one of the safest cities in the U.S. With top-ranked schools, 53 parks, and 1,300 acres of parks, trails, and open space, it is consistently ranked the top place to live in SW Riverside County. With a dynamic business environment, one of the lowest unemployment rates in the state, and a high median income. Murrieta offers its residents an exceptional quality of life in an engaged and connected community.

THE DEPARTMENT

The Murrieta Police Department was formed in 1992 and has grown to 114 sworn officers and 72 professional support staff. The Department is proud of its partnership with the community to fight crime and enhance the quality of life for those who live, work, and play in Murrieta. The Police Department has its own communications center that provides dispatching services for Menifee Police, Murrieta Police, and Fire Departments. In addition to patrol and general investigations, the Police Department has sworn assignments to include juvenile investigations and school resource officers; task force positions to include auto theft, major narcotics, gangs, parole/probation compliance, and computer forensics; and assignments in traffic and off-road enforcement, SWAT, and crisis/hostage negotiations. It is the Police Departments mission to provide the highest quality service to the community. The FBI has ranked the City of Murrieta as the third safest city to live in. With the support of Murrieta voters through the addition of a local sales tax (Measure T), the Police Department is investing in additional personnel, equipment, and technology that will allow us to maintain, if not improve, our standing.

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Organization: Murrieta General Employees Association

Adopted: 8/9/2022

THE CITY OF MURRIETA ORGANIZATIONAL VALUES

Integrity

We are ethical, honest, and fair in all we do.

Public Service

We deliver responsive and caring service to our community, customers, colleagues, and region.

Professionalism

We exemplify professionalism through our knowledge, accountability, initiative, and dedication.

Teamwork

We thrive in a positive work environment noted for collaboration, support, diversity, and balance.

Leadership

We demonstrate leadership, guide stewardship of resources, and cultivate a vision for the future.

MURRIETA GENERAL EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION

The following is a summary of the provided benefits to full-time employees in the represented unit. For further information, please refer to the units Salary Resolution or Memorandum of Understanding.

• RETIREMENT: The City participates in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS).

• Tier 1 (Classic Members hired prior to 12/30/2012)

• Final Compensation: Highest twelve (12) consecutive month period

• Member Contribution: 8.0% of compensation

• Formula: 2.7% at 55

• Tier 2 (Classic Members hired on or after 12/30/2012)

• Formula: 2.0% at 60

• Member Contribution: 7.0% of compensation

• Final Compensation: Highest thirty-six (36) consecutive month period

• Tier 3 (New Members / PEPRA)

• Formula: 2.0% at 62

• Member Contribution: 50% of normal cost (currently 8.0% of compensation)

• Final Compensation: Highest thirty-six (36) consecutive month period

• MEDICAL INSURANCE: The City contributes up to $1,926.90 per month toward medical insurance for employees and their eligible dependents.

• RETIREE MEDICAL INSURANCE: Please refer to the units Memorandum of Understanding for details.

• DENTAL INSURANCE: The City pays for 100% of the premium for the employee and their eligible dependents.

• VISION INSURANCE: The City pays for 100% of the premium for the employee and their eligible dependents.

• LIFE INSURANCE: The City pays 100% of the premium for a $50,000 life insurance policy. Additional life insurance is available.

• SHORT-TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE: The City pays 100% of the premium for the employee.

• LONG-TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE: The City pays 100% of the premium for the employee.

• DEFERRED COMPENSATION: Employees are eligible to participate in a deferred compensation plan through Nationwide Retirement Solutions. The City shall contribute a matching amount not to exceed $2,000 per year.

• SPANISH LANGUAGE PAY: 2.5% of base pay for eligible members of the association who are fluent in Spanish. Eligibility is based on business necessity.

Note: The provisions of this summary do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this summary may be modified or revoked without notice. The types and levels of employee benefits provided, including City contributions toward benefit costs, are subject to change as a result of periodic contract negotiations between the recognized employee association and the City of Murrieta.

01

The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the supplemental questions. The information you provide will be verified and documentation may be required. Please be as honest and accurate as possible. You may be asked to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in a work sample or during an interview. By completing this supplemental questionnaire, you are attesting that the information you have provided is accurate. Any misstatements, omissions, or falsification of information may eliminate you from consideration or result in dismissal. Responses such as, "see resume" or "see application" will result in rejection of your application. Proof of education is required.

• Yes, I understand and agree
• No, I do not agree

02

Do you possess a high school diploma or GED?

• Yes
• No

03

Please select your typing speed.

• Less than 40 WPM
• 40 - 50 WPM
• More than 50 WPM

04

Please indicate the years of experience you possess performing public safety dispatch duties.

• None
• Less than 1 years
• 1 years but less than 2 years
• 2 years but less than 3 years
• 3 years but less than 5 years
• 5 years but less than 10 years
• 10 years or more

05

The Dispatcher II position requires successful completion of the P.O.S.T. Public Safety Dispatchers Basic Course and two (2) years experience in dispatch or a EMD Certificate and three (3) years of dispatch experience. A copy of your certificate or proof of successful completion must be attached to your application to be considered for the position.

• I have one of the certificates stated above and have attached a copy of my certificate or proof of successful completion
• I do not have either certificates stated above

06

How many years of full-time experience do you have operating a public safety Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system?

• I do not have this experience
• Less than one year
• More than one, but less than two years
• More than two years

07

In reference to the previous question, please describe your experience. Include the name of the employer and the dates of employment. If you selected "No experience" in the previous question, please indicate N/A.

08

Do you have experience operating an Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) system?

• Yes
• No

09

Are you available to work different shifts including nights, holidays, and weekends?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Murrieta

Address 1 Town Square

Murrieta, California, 92562

Phone (951) 304-2489

Website http://www.MurrietaCA.gov