Job Information

DOWNEY POLICE DEPARTMENT
10911 BROOKSHIRE AVENUE
DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA 90241
(562)861-0711
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/citydowney

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Bookmark: http://nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/fullJobDetails.cfm?agencyjobid=666&jobid=6&agentid=410

Updated: July 03, 2025

Job Classification: Public Safety Dispatcher

The City of Downey is currently hiring for Public Safety Dispatcher. 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: $27.79 - $34.43 hourly

Candidate Contact

562-904-7292

humanresources@downeyca.org

City Information: Downey, CA

Population: ~113,000

Job Requirements

Any combination of education, training, and work experience to demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform in the position is qualifying. A typical combination is as follows:

Education: Completion of High school or equivalent.

Experience: Option One: One (1) year of full-time experience as a public safety dispatcher (Desirable)

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.

Knowledge of: Modern office practices and procedures; proper English usage, grammar, spelling, and punctuation; codes, practices and procedures used to transmit information to units in the field and location of streets and buildings; effective communication techniques, including customer service; map reading; and personal computer operating systems and software applications.

Ability to: Learn and/or refine the knowledge and required skills involving technique, practice, procedure, methods, and City dispatching codes used in the operation, understand complex instructions which are presented orally or in writing; read street maps and quickly find locations; quickly evaluate an emergency situation and develop logical working solutions; keep up with fast pace of incoming calls and transmitted information; successfully perform multi-tasking duties; speak clearly and confidently; operate a personal computer and keyboard at a rate of thirty (30) words per minute net speed/corrected rate**; operate computer aided dispatch and related telecommunications equipment; gain cooperation and cooperate with others; apply procedures for handling unique problems; exercise good judgment with memory for details; recognize and keep information confidential; be reliable and dependable; read, comprehend, interpret and utilize instructions, manuals, and other materials applicable to the work being performed.

Bilingual skills in Spanish or Asian languages desirable.

License/Certification Requirement: 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.

The possession of or the ability to obtain a POST Dispatcher Basic Certification within one (1) year of appointment.

EXAMPLES OF 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.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTION

Part I: 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 Public Safety Dispatcher 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

WRITTEN EXAM WAIVED FOR CANDIDATES THAT CURRENTLY POSSESS A POST CERTIFIED PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER BASIC CERTIFICATE OR CA POST PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER BASIC CERTIFICATION (MUST SUBMIT COPY OF CERTIFICATE WITH APPLICATIONS)

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.

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.

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.

Hiring Process:
Part I: 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 Public Safety Dispatcher will be invited to continue in the selection process.

Part II: Qualifying Written Examination (Pass/Fail): Applicants successful in Part I listed above will be invited, via email to submit written examination scores through the National Testing Network (NTN). Please do not submit written examination scores prior to receiving an email invitation. Please visit the NTN website by clicking HERE to view testing information.

Upon completion of the entry exam, all applicant scores are automatically forwarded to the City of Downey Human Resources Office. An applicant must receive a minimum combined score of 67% on the examination in order to continue in the selection process.

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.

Candidate(s) who complete selection testing with acceptable results will be considered by the Department hiring authority. Prior to a conditional offer of employment, a candidate will undergo a comprehensive background check that includes employment reference checks, criminal history check, fingerprinting with the California Department of Justice, a credit review, and a polygraph. A psychological examination and a job-related pre-placement medical examination, including a drug screen will be conducted upon issuance of a conditional offer of employment.

Any applicant requiring reasonable accommodation during the selection process due to a qualified disability must inform the Human Resources Office at (562) 904-7292 at least 72 hours in advance.

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.

Knowledge and Abilities:
Knowledge of: Modern office practices and procedures; proper English usage, grammar, spelling, and punctuation; codes, practices and procedures used to transmit information to units in the field and location of streets and buildings; effective communication techniques, including customer service; map reading; and personal computer operating systems and software applications.

Ability to: Learn and/or refine the knowledge and required skills involving technique, practice, procedure, methods, and City dispatching codes used in the operation, understand complex instructions which are presented orally or in writing; read street maps and quickly find locations; quickly evaluate an emergency situation and develop logical working solutions; keep up with fast pace of incoming calls and transmitted information; successfully perform multi-tasking duties; speak clearly and confidently; operate a personal computer and keyboard at a rate of thirty (30) words per minute net speed/corrected rate**; operate computer aided dispatch and related telecommunications equipment; gain cooperation and cooperate with others; apply procedures for handling unique problems; exercise good judgment with memory for details; recognize and keep information confidential; be reliable and dependable; read, comprehend, interpret and utilize instructions, manuals, and other materials applicable to the work being performed.

Physical Task and Environmental Conditions:
The duties and responsibilities of this position are performed in an office environment and involve sitting, standing, and walking for prolonged or intermittent periods of time, and include reaching above and below shoulder level, bending, stooping, and twisting at the waist to perform desk work, file maintenance, and operate general office equipment, including a personal computer with keyboard for prolonged or intermittent periods of time.

The operation of a personal computer requires finger and wrist dexterity and the ability to withstand exposure to vibration, pitch and glare from the computer. Employee must be able to safely lift and carry books, files, and reports weighing up to 25 pounds.

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