Job Description

SALARY: $3,610-$4,405/month

DEFINITION: Under general supervision, receives requests for fire/law enforcement services and dispatches units via radio; maintains contact with department personnel in the field and stations; provides general phone reception for the city; performs related duties as required.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

1. Receives requests for fire and police service over the phone; screens incoming calls to determine necessity, priority, and type of response required; monitors other radio frequencies to be aware of incidents elsewhere that may affect city police operations; monitors alarm systems.
2. Dispatches police and/or fire units in response to calls for service or requests from officers in the field; uses law enforcement terminology and cites Code sections by number; calls public and private agencies to request mutual assistance when necessary.
3. Keeps track of fire and police unit locations and status; maintains constant radio communications with personnel in the field; runs warrant checks on subjects, registration checks on vehicles, and property checks using teletype; relays information and instructions to personnel in the field.
4. Maintains log of incoming service requests and actions taken; may take criminal reports over the phone; compiles statistical reports; prepares other reports and records as directed; maintains files necessary for dispatch as assigned; enters data into computer system; may testify in court.
5. Provides general information to the public; as necessary, refers callers to appropriate agencies.
6. Acts as central reception for the city by relaying calls to appropriate department, division, and/or person.
7. May perform routine clerical work such as assisting with citation 
processing, as well as routine typing or report preparation; may perform matron duties.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and/or Experience:
Must have earned a high school diploma, or equivalent, and have one year of experience in public contact work including receipt and referral of a significant volume of requests and telephone communications or any 
combination of training and experience that provides the desired knowledge and abilities.
Knowledge of:
Techniques for communicating with people in distress; record keeping and filing procedures; use of reference books; basic law enforcement terms and radio codes; questions to ask to determine nature of call and of emergency; geography and boundaries of service areas; procedure for operation of NCIC, CJIS and related information systems.
Ability to:
Perform multiple tasks at the same time; speak clearly over telephone and radio; communicate with people in emergencies; remain calm and in control; control situations involving irate and emotionally distraught persons; work under stressful conditions; deal with the public in a courteous manner; communicate with people of different backgrounds and with different communication abilities; learn and follow detailed written and verbal procedural directions; selects appropriate course of action based upon the information available; recall details and record them accurately and completely; maintain confidentiality; disseminate information quickly and accurately; sort and file documents; formulate and ask questions to get needed information; work independently; use a computer terminal.

REQUIREMENTS:

Possession of or ability to obtain a valid California Driver’s License may be required.
Must have earned a high school diploma, or equivalent and possess ability to pass an extensive background investigation.
A certified typing certificate with a minimum operation rate of 45 wpm must be submitted with your application . Certificate must be obtained from an accredited college, trade school, or professional temporary job placement agency and be validated within the last six months. Certificates obtained online will not be accepted.

SELECTION PROCESS:

Screening will consist of a competitive assessment of relevant education, certification, license, training and work experience to be followed by an exam and/or interview before an Oral Board to determine the most qualified candidates. Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement to an interview and the decision of the screening committee is final . Those candidates who are determined eligible for appointment to the position will be placed on the City’s Certified Eligibility List. Applicants will receive electronic written notification regardingthe results of all phases of the recruitment process up to the establishment of the Eligibility List, if applicable. The City reserves the right to alter the 
testing process, as needed, without notice. 

TO APPLY:

Apply online at governmentjobs.com/careers/porterville and attach any additional materials required to accompany the application, if noted in this announcement. Applications must be received by 4pm, Friday, June 27, 2025. 

The City of Porterville is an equal opportunity employer (EEO) and is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you believe you need accommodation under the ADA in the testing process for any position for which you intend to apply, please contact the Human Resources Division at (559) 782-7441 to request such accommodation. The City prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability or medical condition, Acquired Immune Deficiency (AIDS/HIV) or AIDS related conditions, political affiliation, sexual orientation, ancestry, marital or domestic partner status, 
gender identity, parental status, veteran status, height, weight, or any other basis protected by law.

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