Job Description
The City of Santa Clara is hiring As-Needed Per Diem Dispatchers to support public safety operations at the Santa Clara Police/Fire Communications center and at Levi's Stadium.
This is an at-will, as-needed position with no guarantee of hours; hours are capped at 999 per fiscal year (960 for retired CalPERS annuitants). Dispatchers handle emergency and non-emergency calls, operate radio consoles and computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, coordinate responses, and maintain logs.
The role demands composure under pressure, multitasking, and clear communication. Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment.
Qualification
Candidates must possess a current P.O.S.T. Basic Dispatch certificate and meet one of the following experience paths: two years of paid public safety dispatching within the past five years (including at least one year solo).. Or five years of current paid employment with a public safety or private EMS agency involving high-level CAD/radio/telephone operations.. Or completion of probation as a Public Safety Dispatcher I with Santa Clara.
- Graduation from high school or GED.
- Two years of paid public safety dispatching experience within the last five years, with at least one year in solo status; OR five years of current paid employment with a public safety or private EMS agency with high-level CAD, radio, or telephone operation; OR completion of probation as a Public Safety Dispatcher I with the City of Santa Clara.
- Current P.O.S.T. Basic Dispatch certificate required.
- Ability to work weekends, holidays, and non-traditional hours.
- Must pass a city background investigation including fingerprinting and psychological testing.
- Typing speed of 35 wpm net on a computer keyboard.
- Ability to distinguish colors on video displays and comprehend simultaneous communications.
Role Responsibilities
Operate base radio console equipment to transmit and receive routine and emergency messages.
- Receive emergency and routine requests via 9-1-1, alternate emergency lines, and business lines.
- Dispatch appropriate emergency vehicles, equipment, and personnel per established procedures.
- Coordinate emergency operations between departmental personnel and equipment.
- Operate data terminals for public safety information and general emergency services.
- Maintain written logs, files, and computer information; update records as directed.
- Use emergency medical questioning techniques and provide medical instructions via telephone when required.
How to Apply
Go to the GovernmentJobs.com page for the City of Santa Clara's As-Needed Per Diem Dispatcher posting.
- Create an account or to your existing applicant account.
- Complete the online application and answer all job-specific supplemental questions; incomplete applications will be withheld.
- Submit your application before the recruitment closes. Ensure your application is fully filled out—do not write 'see resume'.
Additional Information
This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions beyond those listed.
- Meeting minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to test or interview; only the most qualified candidates will proceed.
- As an as-needed employee, hours are not guaranteed and are limited to 999 per fiscal year (960 for retired CalPERS annuitants).
- Hourly rates: $75/hr when assigned to Santa Clara Police/Fire Communications; $70/hr when assigned to Levi's Stadium.
- Incumbents must be able to work Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, and non-traditional hours.
- All candidates must pass a background investigation including fingerprinting and psychological testing.
- You must answer all job-specific questions to be considered; incomplete applications will be rejected.
About Company
The City of Santa Clara is a municipal government organization serving a diverse community in the heart of Silicon Valley. It operates police, fire, and emergency services to ensure public safety. This role supports those critical operations by providing dispatching services at the Police/Fire Communications center and at Levi's Stadium, a major event venue. The city values professionalism, composure, and civic responsibility in its dispatchers, who are essential to emergency response. City of Santa Clara is named as the hiring organisation for the As-Needed Per Diem Dispatcher post.
FAQs
What is the hourly pay for the As-Needed Per Diem Dispatcher position with the City of Santa Clara?
When assigned to Santa Clara Police/Fire Communications, the rate is $75.00 per hour. When assigned to Levi's Stadium, the rate is $70.00 per hour.
Do I need a P.O.S.T. certificate to apply for this dispatcher job?
Yes, possession of a current P.O.S.T. Basic Dispatch certificate is required.
How many hours can I work as an as-needed per diem dispatcher?
Hours are limited to 999 in a fiscal year, or 960 hours for retired CalPERS annuitants. There is no guarantee of hours.
What experience is required for the Per Diem Dispatcher role?
You need either two years of paid public safety dispatching within the past five years (including one year solo), or five years of current paid employment with a public safety or private EMS agency with high-level CAD/radio/telephone operation, or completion of probation as a Public Safety Dispatcher I with Santa Clara.
Where will I work as a per diem dispatcher for Santa Clara?
You may be assigned to the Santa Clara Police/Fire Communications center or to Levi's Stadium.
Is this a full-time position with guaranteed hours?
No, this is an as-needed, at-will position with no guarantee of hours. It is classified as full-time for benefits purposes but hours are variable.
What is the application process for this dispatcher job?
Apply through the GovernmentJobs.com portal. Create an account, complete the online application and supplemental questions, and submit before the deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Will I need to pass a background check?
Yes, all candidates must pass a city background investigation including fingerprinting and psychological testing.