Become a Communications Supervisor

  • Entry Level
  • Supervisory
  • Full Time
  • Seasonal
  • Benefits Eligible

Incumbents in this series either operate or supervise employees who operate multifrequency/channel radio systems, law enforcement telecommunications terminals, computer terminals, and associated equipment; respond to telephone hot-line circuits; dispatch mobile law enforcement and emergency response units to specified points as required; identify locations where assistance is required, determine the availability and location of departmental units, and dispatch units by radio; request emergency services as requested or required by field personnel; respond to other law enforcement and emergency response agencies, dispatching departmental units for response as necessary; act as incident coordinators, tracking and responding to emergency response calls; access data related to warrants, driver licenses, vehicle and vessel registrations, hazardous materials, weapons, stolen property, and criminal history information through the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System; access data on other law enforcement records' databases; maintain required logs; answer telephone inquiries and provide information; and perform other related duties.

Communications Supervisor

This is the supervisory level in the series. Under general direction, incumbents typically plan, organize, and assign work to a group of communications personnel and may assist with the 24-hour operation of a communications center. Typical duties include: providing for and conducting training for communications personnel in the operation of radio/telephone receivers, transmitters, teletypewriters and associated equipment, teleprinters, computer-aided dispatching, and departmental radio procedures; working with and assisting employees in learning radio transmission codes, local geography, departmental rules and regulations, and allied material; preparing employees' work schedules; reviewing and evaluating employees' work performance; participating in the selection of new communications personnel; and performing routine staff work and the most difficult dispatch duties.

This classification is eligible for the following pay:

$5,705 - $7,855 Base Salary (paid every month)

In addition to the above pay items, employees are eligible for medical benefits (health, dental, vision) and may be eligible for other pay differentials.

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Minimum Qualifications
Experience

Either I
One year of experience in the California state service performing the duties comparable to a Communications Operator, Range B.

Or II
Three years of experience in dispatching for a department for emergency vehicles by radio/telephone.

Or III
Four years of progressively responsible experience in a large dispatch center for dispatching police, forestry, or fire vehicles, one year of which must include supervision of subordinate communications personnel.

Knowledge and Abilities
 
Knowledge: 
Telecommunications systems including California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS); Radio Standard Operating Procedure policy and procedures; National Crime Information Center policy and procedures; computer-aided dispatch systems; principles of effective writing; departmental Equal Employment Opportunity objectives; a supervisor's role in the Equal Employment Opportunity and the processes available to meet the Equal Employment Opportunity objectives.

Ability to: 
Work under stress and maintain composure, establish priorities, and take appropriate action; recall a variety of situations and retain information; document accurately; compose written reports; supervise the work of others; train employees; give accurate instructions and directions; operate radio console, teletype, and other radio room equipment; effectively contribute to the Department's Equal Employment Opportunity objectives.

Special Personal Characteristics
Consistently report to work with a minimum of absences; willingness to work on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays at odd or irregular hours and night shifts; voice well modulated for radio transmission and clear enunciation; emotional stability; hearing necessary to perform the duties of the position; and a satisfactory record as a law-abiding citizen.

Special Requirements
Existing law requires that a thorough background investigation shall be conducted to verify the absence of past behavior indicative of unsuitability to perform public safety dispatcher duties. The background investigation shall include a check of Department of Motor Vehicles' records, and a search of local, State, and national criminal history files to disclose any criminal record. Persons unsuccessful in the investigation cannot be appointed to the Communications Operator series.
 
Existing law requires that a medical examination shall be conducted to verify the absence of any medical condition which would preclude the safe and efficient performance of dispatcher duties. Persons unsuccessful in the medical exam cannot be appointed to the Communications Operator series.

Penal Code Section 13510(c) requires that State agencies participating in the P.O.S.T. program shall evaluate oral communication skills to ensure skill levels commensurate with the satisfactory performance of dispatch duties.

Penal Code Section 13510(c) requires that State agencies participating in the P.O.S.T. program shall require that the P.O.S.T. Public Safety Dispatcher's Basic Course be the minimum basic training for all public safety dispatchers in the program. The course shall be completed within 12 months of hire or assignment to dispatcher duties. Failure to successfully complete the course shall be cause for termination based on failure to meet the required conditions of employment.
Status Exam # Cutoff Date
Open 4352 Until filled View Exam Posting