Lateral Public Safety Dispatcher

The City of Garden Grove is now accepting applications for the position of:LATERAL PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER
Deadline to apply for this recruitment is Monday, May 11,2026at 5:00 p.m. PST
Click here to apply online: Join Our Team
Under general supervision, Public Safety Dispatchers send out personnel and equipment for both routine and emergency service based on information secured from incoming calls and according to established procedures. The ideal candidate for this position will be alert, highly responsible and able to make sound judgments quickly while working under high-pressure circumstances.Dispatchers work a 3/12 shift. Employees are assigned to work the day or night shift and may be required to work on weekends and holidays, if staffing or workload dictates. Overtime or working through lunch may also be required if the work is urgent or the workload cannot be covered.We anticipate creating an eligibility list from this recruitment that may be used to fill current and future vacancies. Apply now!Receive and process requests for police, fire and/or emergency medical service, using a computer-aided dispatch systemSend out personnel and equipment for both routine and emergency service according to established procedures, or as directed by supervisory personnel
Maintain computer terminal and radio contact with field personnel

Relay messages, keep command personnel informed of the status of emergency situations

Keep records and logs of communications activities and maintain activity logs, special files, lists and maps

Perform related duties as assignedEDUCATION:Graduation from an accredited high school or successful completion of the GED (General Educational Development) exam is required.
EXPERIENCE:
Must be currently working as a Public Safety Dispatcher at a California municipal, county, state or other public agency participating in the California Commission on Peace Office Standards and Training (POST) Dispatcher Program with a minimum of one (1) year of Public Safety Dispatcher experience.

CERTIFICATIONS:Applicants must meet one (1) of the following requirements:

• Proof of completion of the POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery with a score of 53 or above
• Proof of possession of a valid California POST Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Certificate
• Proof of successful completion of the POST-certified Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Course (80 hours minimum) and completion of probation as a public safety dispatcher during previous employment

KNOWLEDGE OF:Customer service techniques and principles; computerized record systems, and use of personal computers.ABILITY TO:
Learn the practices and procedures involved in public safety communications work; receive and transmit information, relay messages, keep command personnel informed of the status of emergency situations; apply predetermined plans; learn the operations of radio/telephone receiving and transmitting equipment; learn the geography of the City and maintain familiarity with the locations of streets, specified buildings and facilities to coordinate activity with field personnel on assignment; accurately read and interpret maps; work in a demanding, regimented environment and exercise good judgment in all situations; provide quality customer service and maintain a courteous, patient, and professional attitude on all radio and phone contacts; keep detailed and accurate records and logs of communication activities; maintain activity logs, special files, lists and maps; prepare reports; hear accurately and speak clearly and distinctly; type a minimum of 30 net words per minute and learn to use the computer-aided dispatch system.PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Incumbents in this classification walk; sit; stand; use fingers/hands repetitively; stoop, bend and lean; twist and turn; reach above and below shoulder level; speak clearly; hear normal voice conversation; distinguish shades or colors; see small details; use a telephone; use a radio and/or Computer-Aided Dispatch system; use a personal computer; and type or use a 10-key.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed in an office environment utilizing modern office equipment and technology and may require sitting for prolonged periods of time using a computer. The incumbent stands, walks, and may twist, reach, bend, crouch and kneel. An incumbent must be able to meet the requirements of the classification and have mobility, vision, hearing and dexterity levels appropriate to the duties to be performed. Exposure to high frequency noise, multiple conversations, interruptions and highly-agitated callers are typical occurrences in this environment.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants must not have any felony convictions.

The ability to speak Spanish, Vietnamese, or Korean is highly desirable.HOW TO APPLYOnline applications can be submitted by visiting: www.ggcity.org/hr. Questions regarding this position may be sent via email toggjobs@ggcity.org. City Hall is open Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and every other Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The deadline to apply is May 11, 2026 by 5:00 p.m.

Online application packets must include:

• a completed online employment application
• a completed supplemental questionnaire
• a valid POST Dispatcher certificate, valid T score letter with a score of 53 or above, or proof of completion of a POST-certified Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Course
• a valid typing certificate (not required at time of application, but highly encouraged)

The job application must be completely filled out. A resume may be submitted but cannot substitute for some of the information. Be sure to detail any education, training, or other relevant course work that would make you a particularly strong candidate.Your application will be reviewed very carefully, and only those who appear to have the best qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an invitation to further testing.

THE SELECTION PROCESSThe selection process may include:

• Oral panel interview - tentatively scheduled for May 19, 2026

Candidates considered for appointment to a position must pass a thorough background investigation, Computer Voice Stress Analysis (CVSA) Examination, psychological evaluation, and pre-placement medical examination.
TYPING CERTIFICATE INFORMATION
We encourage applicants tosubmit a typing certificateat the time of application due to the City's limited testing accommodations.

Typing certificates must meet the following criteria:

• Must document your typing speed for a 5-minute timed test
• The minimum required speed is 30 net words per minute
• Must be from an agency that regularly certifies typing speed, such as temporary agencies, workforce service centers, adult schools or other similar agencies. Certificate must include an agency name, proctor name, and phone number for possible verification
• Certificate must be issued within the past 12 months
• Internet or online certificates will not be accepted

Candidates will be further notified of the typing certificate requirement as the recruitment progresses.Candidates who may need accommodations during the selection process must contact the Human Resources Department at ggjobs@ggcity.org at least one week prior to any test dates.
CANDIDATES WILL ONLY RECEIVE COMMUNICATION THROUGH EMAIL.Candidates should check their email and spam mail for any notices regarding their status.Candidates considered for appointment to a position must pass a thorough background investigation, Computer Voice Stress Analysis (CVSA) Examination, psychological evaluation, and pre-placement medical examination.
If you have any questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Ashleigh Anderson Camba, Human Resources Analyst atggjobs@ggcity.org.
NEPOTISM POLICYThe City has adopted a Nepotism Policy that may affect the status of a candidate’s application. Please refer to the Garden GroveMunicipal Code 2.44.440 Nepotism Policyfor more information.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERThe City of Garden Grove is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, marital status, religion, ancestry, national origin, medical condition, non-disqualifying disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, military/veteran status, or other protected class covered by appropriate law.
DISASTER SERVICE WORKERPer Government Code 3100, in the event of a disaster, employees of the City of Garden Grove are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.