Public Safety Dispatcher I/II

Public Safety Dispatcher I/II

Salary

$83,352.10 - $111,472.66 Annually

Location

1000 Civic Center Drive, Tracy, CA

Job Type

Full Time

Department

Police

Opening Date

08/04/2026

Closing Date

8/20/2026 4:00 PM Pacific

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

TEAM

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Click here to learn more about the City of Tracy and here for the job announcement.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE

Application Deadline: AUGUST 20, 2026 AT 4:00 PM

Written Exam: WEEK OF AUGUST 31, 2026

Selection interview: WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 14, 2026

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

The Public Safety Dispatcher I/II position offers a meaningful opportunity to join a dedicated team that plays a vital role in keeping the Tracy community safe. The City is committed to providing comprehensive training for new dispatchers, equipping them with the skills, tools, and confidence needed to succeed in a fast-paced, service-oriented environment. Whether you are beginning your public safety career or bringing prior experience, this role provides a pathway to grow, learn, and make a lasting impact.

We are looking for individuals who will contribute to a positive, supportive workplace and take pride in representing the department with professionalism and integrity. Dispatchers are often the first voice people hear in moments of crisis, and the City values team members who approach that responsibility with compassion, resilience, and a commitment to excellence. This opportunity is ideal for someone who wants to be a champion for the department-a person who invests in their team, strengthens our culture, and envisions a long-term future with the City of Tracy.

WHY CHOOSE CITY OF TRACY

The City of Tracy offers excellent pay, including 4% COLA increases in July 2027, and 2028. Employees approved to work a compressed work schedule also enjoy strong work-life balance through a 4/11 schedule with rotating days off.

Our competitive benefits package includes fully covered HMO Medical, Dental and Vision for employee + family, generous vacation and sick leave, life insurance, optional 457(b) deferred compensation with a City match, and longevity pay. We proudly participate in CalPERS, with employees enrolled in either the 2% @ 55 or 2% @ 62 formula based on eligibility, with retirement calculated using a three-year final compensation average.

For a full overview of everything we offer, check out our Benefits section to learn more about the programs and support available to City of Tracy employees. Together, these benefits reflect our commitment to employee well-being, long-term stability, and rewarding career growth.

DEFINITION

Under direct to general supervision, receives incoming emergency and non-emergency calls, and dispatches Police and other public safety units following prescribed procedures; answers non-emergency calls for public safety and other City departments; initiates contact with other City departments and agencies as needed in response to calls received; 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 direct (Public Safety Dispatcher I) or general (Public Safety Dispatcher II) supervision from assigned supervisory or management staff. Exercises no supervision of staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Public Safety Dispatcher I: This is the entry-level class in the Public Safety Dispatcher series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents with basic public contact experience learn to interact with the public in both emergency and non-emergency situations to receive, transmit, and provide factual information, forms, and reports. As more experience is gained, assignments become more varied and are performed with greater independence. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the II level, but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually 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. Since this class is often used as a training class, employees may have only limited or no directly related work experience.

Public Safety Dispatcher II: This is the journey-level class in the Public Safety Dispatcher series that performs the full range of receiving and dispatching emergency calls for the Police Department. Responsibilities are centered on extensive contact with the public over the telephone, in both emergency and non-emergency situations to receive, transmit, and provide factual information, forms, and reports. All activities must be performed within specified legal guidelines. Incumbents are expected to work independently and exercise judgment and initiative. Positions at this level are distinguished from the entry-level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. 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 in that the latter provides technical and functional direction to lower-level support staff and is responsible for the more complex work.

Positions in the Public Safety Dispatcher class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the II-level are normally filled by advancement from the I-level after gaining the knowledge, skill, and experience which meet the qualifications for and after demonstrating the ability to perform the work of the higher-level class.

Essential and Marginal Duties

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Receives and evaluates police and emergency calls, and related business calls for the City during an assigned portion of the 24-hours-per-day/7-days-per-week Police Department operations; provides information and/or transfers calls to the appropriate department, agency, or response organization; takes messages for Police Department personnel.
• Dispatches public safety emergency units in accordance with established procedures and policies using a computerized dispatch system, including determining priority of emergency and contacting and sending appropriate response unit.
• 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.
• Operates computer, telephone, and radio console and telecommunication equipment simultaneously while performing dispatching activities; tests and inspects equipment as assigned.
• 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.
• 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.
• Acts 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 as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Some knowledge, skills, and abilities may be performed by positions at the entry (I) level in a learning capacity:

KNOWLDEGE OF

• Principles and practices of data collection and report preparation.
• Business arithmetic.
• Basic principles of record keeping.
• Functions, principles, and practices of law enforcement agencies.
• Terminology and procedures used in public safety dispatching.
• Operation of computer-aided communications equipment, including multiple telephone lines and radio systems.
• City and County geography, maps, streets, landmarks, and driving directions.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• 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.
• Computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software packages) to conduct, compile, and/or generate documentation including the Department of Justice California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS).

ABILITY TO

• Assess and prioritize emergency situations while remaining calm and using sound, independent judgment.
• 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 necessary information from individuals in stressful or emergency situations.
• Compile and summarize information to prepare accurate, clear, and concise reports.
• Perform technical, detailed, and responsible office support work.
• Compose correspondence independently or from brief instructions.
• Organize, maintain, and update office database and records systems.
• Enter and retrieve data from a computer with sufficient speed and accuracy.
• Effectively communicate upset and irate callers; obtain necessary information from individuals in stressful or emergency situations.
• Multi-task by listening, speaking, and performing computer functions simultaneously.
• Learn and effectively utilize various law enforcement software programs to retrieve or record information quickly and accurately.
• Learn a wide variety of classification codes and computer commands and standard broadcasting procedures and rules.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks including the Department of Justice California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS).
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the 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 the twelfth (12th) grade.

Public Safety Dispatcher I: Two (2) years of general clerical experience involving public contact.

Public Safety Dispatcher II: Two (2) years of dispatch experience equivalent to Public Safety Dispatcher I with the City of Tracy.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Public Safety Dispatcher I and II:

• Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver's license upon appointment.
• May be required to complete National Incident Management System (NIMS) Training.

Public Safety Dispatcher II:

• Possession of a valid P.O.S.T. Basic Dispatcher Certification.

Additional Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a centralized communication operations environment, using public safety emergency services equipment including computer-aided dispatch systems, telephones, radios and other communication devices, as well as standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone and radio. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Performance of the work frequently requires positions to remain at a workstation for extended periods of time. 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 a centralized communication operations 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.

WORKING CONDITIONS

May be subject to call back after end of shift and required to work various shifts or emergencies on evenings, weekends, and holidays.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

All City of Tracy employees are, by State and Federal law, Disaster Service Workers. The roles and responsibilities for Disaster Service Workers are authorized by the California Emergency Services Act and are defined in the California Labor Code. In the event of a declaration of emergency, any employee of the City may be assigned to perform activities which promote the protection of public health and safety or the preservation of lives and property. Such assignments may require service at locations, times, and under conditions that are significantly different than the normal work assignments and may continue into the recovery phase of the emergency. If a "Local Emergency" is declared during the employee's shift, employees will be expected to remain at work to respond to the emergency needs of the community. If a "Local Emergency" is declared outside of the employee's shift, employees must make every effort to contact their direct supervisor or department head to obtain reporting instructions as Disaster Service Workers.

GENERAL INFORMATION

All applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed for minimum qualifications. A fully completed application is required; a résumé does not replace the information required on the employment application, including work history. Applications listing "see résumé," lacking clear employment information, or providing insufficient detail to evaluate minimum qualifications will not be considered. Missing information cannot be assumed.

For some recruitments, a limited number of the most highly qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the examination process, which may include an oral panel interview, written exercise, practical skills demonstration, or a combination of these components.

An employment list will be established for candidates who pass the examination process. Current and future vacancies may be filled from this list. The list will remain active for at least one year, with the possibility of extension in six-month increments. When vacancies occur, eligible candidates may be contacted by the hiring department for additional interviews. The City has the ability to declare a list invalid if no qualified candidates are selected from the employment list, if this occurs candidates will be notified.

All notices and correspondence will be sent via email only. No paper notices will be mailed. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure their email address is accurate and capable of receiving messages. Emails will come fromNEOGOV.COM, which may be filtered into spam/junk folders depending on your email provider.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

Prior to hire, candidates must successfully complete a pre-employment process, which may include a reference check, DOJ/FBI fingerprinting, credit check, physical examination, and drug test.

RECRUITMENT ACCOMMODATIONS

Accommodations may be made for disabilities and religious convictions. Applicants requiring testing accommodations must submit the Request for Reasonable Accommodations Form to the Human Resources Analyst by phone or email prior to the test date.

DISCLAIMER

The City of Tracy is an equal opportunity employer. Equal employment opportunity applies to all aspects of personnel policy and practice, including recruitment, hiring, development, advancement, and treatment of employees, to the extent permitted by law.

The City of Tracy reserves the right to revise the examination plan described in this flyer at any time to better meet organizational needs.

The City of Tracy is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, well-being, and financial security of our employees and their families. From medical coverage and retirement plans to wellness programs and professional development opportunities, our benefits reflect our commitment to a thriving workforce.

For a detailed summary of all available benefits, please visit the Teamsters Benefits Summary and the Memorandumof Understanding between the City of Tracy and General Teamsters Local

No. 439, IBT.

01

Do you currently possess a valid California Drivers License?

• None
• Class C
• Class B
• Class B w/Endorsements
• Class A
• Class A w/Endorsements

02

Do you currently possess a high school diploma or the equivalent?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have two (2) years of general clerical experience involving public contact?

• Yes
• No

04

How many years of full-time responsible public safety dispatch experience to you possess?

• None
• Less than 2 yrs
• 2 - 5 Years
• 5 - 7 years or more
• More than 7 years

05

Are you currently a Public Safety Dispatcher II with another law enforcement agency?

• Yes
• No

06

If you answered "Yes" to the question above, please state which law enforcement agency you work for.

07

Do you currently possess a POST Public Safety Dispatcher Certificate?

• Yes
• No

08

If you answered "Yes" to the question above, you acknowledge you understand that in order for your application to be considered, you must attach a copy of your POST Public Safety Dispatcher Certificate to the application. If not applicable, please select "N/A"

• Yes
• N/A

09

If you are currently a Public Safety Dispatcher with a law enforcement or Fire agency, would you be interested in part-time per diem work? If you are not currently a Public Safety Dispatcher, please select "N/A".

• Yes
• No
• N/A

10

I understand that this position is a variable hour position that will be required to work weekends, evenings, and holidays.

• Yes, I understand.

11

I understand that if I am selected to move forward in the hiring process, I will be subjected to a full background investigation including live scan fingerprinting with the Department of Justice and the FBI and a psychological evaluation.

• Yes, I understand.

Required Question

Employer City of Tracy

Address 333 Civic Center Plaza

Tracy, California, 95376

Phone 209-831-6150

209-831-6158

Website http://www.cityoftracy.org