Job Information

DOWNEY, CITY OF
11111 BROOKSHIRE AVENUE
DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA 90241
(562)904-7292
http://www.downeyca.org/gov/fire/default.asp

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Bookmark: http://nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/fullJobDetails.cfm?agencyjobid=1256&jobid=6&agentid=383

Updated: July 01, 2025

Job Classification: Regional Fire Communications Operator

The City of Downey is currently hiring for Regional Fire Communications Operator. All candidates must complete the ECOMM National exam through NTN.

Candidates who have not filled out the City of Downey application, should go to https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/citydowney to apply.

Salary Information: $28.90 - $35.80 hourly

Candidate Contact:
562-904-7292
humanresources@downeyca.org

City Information: Downey, CA

Population: ~113,000

Job Requirements

Citizenship Required:
Must provide proof of authorized right to work in the United States on an unrestricted basis.

High School Grad / GED:
Completion of High school or equivalent

Driver's License:
A valid California Class C Drivers License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.

Ability to Read/Speak English:
Bilingual skills in Spanish or Asian languages desirable.

College:
Desirable

Prior Experience:
Option One: One (1) year of full-time experience as a public safety dispatcher (Desirable) OR Option Two: Two (2) full-time years of clerical/administrative support experience requiring extensive public contact either in person or over the phone. Candidates with experience performing clerical/administrative support duties for a law enforcement agency shall be considered highly desirable.

Necessary Certifications:

The possession of or the ability to obtain a POST Dispatcher Basic Certification within one (1) year of appointment.
Operate a personal computer and keyboard at a rate of thirty (30) words per minute net speed/corrected rate**.

**An applicant must attach a current and verifiable typing certification (dated within the past twenty-four (24) months. The required documentation must be uploaded and submitted with the on-line employment application. Applications received without the required documentation will be considered incomplete and removed from consideration. An acceptable typing certificate may be obtained from a local college, adult school, or employment. Typing certificates obtained over the Internet are NOT acceptable.

Schooling Prior and Post Hiring:
The possession of or the ability to obtain a POST Dispatcher Basic Certification within one (1) year of appointment.

Essential Functions:
The following examples are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by persons assigned to this classification.

Answer and process all emergency and non-emergency calls for the City.
Receive, evaluate, summarize and prioritize each and every call received to determine the proper level of response.
Simultaneously receive, respond and document information from multiple sources while maintaining accuracy in order to relay information with accuracy to responding personnel. Handle multiple tasks proficiently.
Communicate clearly and concisely and listen effectively.
Confers with callers requesting police, fire, and/or emergency medical assistance and obtains information concerning the nature and location of the request.
Be responsible for examining subjects and vehicles via the County, State, and National crime database and relaying any pertinent information with accuracy back to field personnel.
Make decisions and respond effectively in all given situations of performance. Work effectively under high pressure situations which are critical to this position.
Operates a computer aided dispatch (CAD) system to send units in response to emergency calls and other public service needs.
Evaluates situations to determine appropriate units to dispatch based on availability, priority and location of units.
Obtains required information in discussion with emergency caller.
Transfers emergency information to other agencies based on information extracted from the caller.
Perform other related duties as assigned.

EXAMINATION PROCESS:

Those applicants, who most closely match the desired qualifications, will be invited to participate in the examination process which will consist of:

Part I: Qualifying Application Process (Pass/Fail). An employment application, supplemental questionnaire and a typing certification (dated within the past twenty-four (24) months is required). All application materials must be uploaded and submitted with the on-line employment application. All information is subject to verification. Incomplete applications will be removed from consideration. A thorough and complete review of all applications received will be conducted. Those applicants who are assessed as meeting the position qualifications and desired background experience for successful performance in the position of Regional Fire Communications Operator will be invited to continue in the selection process.

Part II: Qualifying Written Examination (Pass/Fail): Applicants successful in Part I listed must have completed the ECOMM (Emergency Communications) written exam within the last 12 months (based on application date). The exam is administered directly by the National Testing Network (NTN). Please note NTN charges a fee to take the exam. Please visit the NTN website to schedule an exam by clicking HERE.

Upon completion of the ECOMM (Emergency Communications) written exam all applicant scores are automatically forwarded to the City of Downey Human Resources Office. An applicant must receive a minimum score on the three sections listed below in order to continue in the selection process:

Call Taker - 53 or higher
Recording (Note Taking) - 64 or higher
Dispatch - 43 or higher

Part III: Appraisal Examination - Oral Interview (weighted 100%): Designed to assess the applicant's knowledge, education, experience, and general ability to perform the essential functions of the position. This examination will be a panel interview and will be conducted by subject matter experts.

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