Police Dispatcher Entry Level

Walnut Creek, CA - USA

Yearly Salary: $ 95115 - 114478

Posted on: 2 days ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Position Description

The City is seeking to fill multiple vacancies in the Communications Center through an entry-level recruitment process for the position of Police Dispatcher/Assistant. Strong communicators who are looking to work in a technical and complex role within an emergency communications center and build a career in law enforcement are encouraged to apply immediately.This posting may close without notice when a sufficient number of qualified candidates have applied.

Salary
The current salary range is $95115 to $114478 annually. Placement in the range will depend on qualifications. Effective July 2026 the top step of the Police Dispatcher salary range will increase to $120202 annually.

Opening Date
Wednesday January 7 2026.

Closing Date
The scheduled close date is Wednesday January 21 2026 at 11:59pm PST. However the posting will close without notice prior to that date when a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received.

Whats great about this opportunity:

Participate in extensive training in the fields of public safety and communications while on the job.
Build a reliable and stable career you can be proud of in a field that is essential to all communities.
Use your skills daily in direct service to a community.
Enjoy a relaxed dress code meal facilities dispatch treadmill on site gym and a strong working relationship with police staff.

About the Department and Division
The Police Department team is committed to integrity professionalism and respect while maintaining focus on continually learning and adapting. As highly dedicated and trained employees we are committed to protecting and serving the community through professional conduct and proactive enforcement of the law. We strive for superior customer service upholding the trust of this community and organization one interaction at a time. For more about the Police Department visit .

About the City
Spanning 19.5 square miles Walnut Creek is a rare blend of sprawling landscapes and suburban oasis with an urban flair. There are 2800 acres of open space a vibrant downtown and upscale shopping and dining district a business park premier healthcare facilities and a performing arts center. Walnut Creek offers something for everyone!

The City of Walnut Creek staff are committed to the values of respect integrity excellence teamwork and creativity. CARE the Citys award-winning employee engagement initiative focuses on three key areas: providing career development opportunities; promoting connections among employees; and supporting employee health and wellness.

The Ideal Candidate
Were looking for individuals who are ready to build a meaningful career in law enforcement communications. The ideal candidate:

Is driven by a desire to help others and finds personal fulfillment in supporting people in need;
Balances composure with compassion remaining steady in emergencies while showing empathy;
Stays calm under pressure showing emotional resilience during high-stress situations;
Is committed to a long-term career in public safety and has thoughtfully considered this path;
Combines computer literacy with a track record of exceptional customer service in fast-paced environments; and
Understands the demands of the role including the immediate requirement to work overnight shifts weekends holidays and overtime.

Representative Duties

The Position
Under general supervision Dispatchers at the City of Walnut Creek work in the Communications Center receiving emergency calls and inquiries from the public and dispatching police officers via the radio to calls for service. Walnut Creek Dispatchers dispatch for police only and have the opportunity for collateral assignments such as Tactical Dispatch Social Media Team Communications Training Officer Peer Support Team Member and Cadet Advisor.

Additional responsibilities include:

Deal effectively professionally and courteously with all contactsincluding police emergency and service organizations outside agencies other City staff and the publicand exercise tact and discretion at all times.
Handle multiple work requests under pressure with frequent interruption use sound judgment and calm distressed community members during emergency situations in order to gather sufficient information to act appropriately and to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Operate multiple automated systems including CAD radio system phones and multiple online jurisdictional databases and use various telecommunications equipment such as telephone radio and computer terminal.

Work Schedule

This work group is staffed 24x7 365 days a year. Dispatchers will work holidays weekends and overtime. Dispatchers working the swing shift receive an additional 2.5% pay differential and those working the graveyard (overnight) shift receive a 5% pay differential. While shift assignments are generally made in order of seniority all Police Dispatchers are assigned shifts as needed to meet staffing requirements.

Dispatchers work a rotating two-week schedule illustrated by the following elements:
1. Week 1: 3 days 12 hours each
2. Week 2: 3 days 12 hours each and 1 day 8 hours
3. With every other Sunday off
Please see the class specificationherefor a complete description of this classifications representative duties; knowledge skills and abilities; qualifications; working conditions; physical requirements; and for other details about this position.

Qualifications Guidelines

Required Education and Experience

Equivalent to graduation from high school supplemented by course work in communications secretarial duties public safety or a related field and one year experience in customer service (public contact) work. Any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge skills and abilities listed is qualifying.

Special Requirements

Computer Proficiency: Must have the ability to type at the corrected minimum rate of 40 words per minute (WPM)to handle multiple work requests under pressure with frequent interruption use sound judgment calm distressed citizens during emergency situations in order to gather sufficient information to act appropriately and to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Candidates must possess or have the ability to possess prior to employment a valid Class C California Drivers License and a good driving record.

Supplemental Information

However this job announcement may close at any time without notice if a sufficient number of qualified applications are received prior to the closing date. To be considered for this opportunity please visit NOTE IMPORTANT APPLICATION GUIDELINES AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

STEP # 1: APPLICATION

Thorough completion of your application is required. Attaching a resume in lieu of completing each section of the application will result in disqualification from the process.

STEP # 2: CRITICALL ONLINE TESTING

Highest qualifying applicants meeting the minimum qualifications of the position will be invited to participate in an online skills test called CritiCall. The test link will be sent directly to the email address listed on your application. You will have more than one day to complete the test.(The City is not currently utilizing the California POST Test.)

STEP #3: REQUIRED REMOTE INFORMATIONAL MEETING

Highest qualifying candidates will be invited to participate in a required informational Zoom meeting. There candidates will hear from members of the Department learn more about the team and can ask questions.

STEP # 4: ADDITIONAL TESTING POSSIBLE

Applicants possessing the most desirable qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process. Depending upon the number of applications received additional testing may be conducted such as an additional written exam (remote) phone-screen- style interviews via Zoom and typing speed certification. Recruitment plans and timelines are subject to change without notice.

An eligible list will be established as a result of the examination process and will be valid for a period of six months. All applicants will be notified by email at each stage to indicate whether or not they are invited to participate further in the selection process. The Department is able to invite highest qualifying eligible candidates to final Command Staff interviews thereafter.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Applicants considered for appointment to this position will be subject to a thorough PoliceDepartment background investigation including a California Department of Justice and FBI fingerprinting a credit check a pre-placement medical exam including a drug screen and a psychological evaluation. The City reserves the right to request a candidate to submit to a polygraph exam.

All applicants will be held to the highest standards of integrity and honesty.All information provided by applicants is required to be truthful and accurate; failure to do so may result in disqualification.

If you have a disability as defined by state and federal law that could impact your participation at any stage of the recruitment process please contact Human Resources at or to request a reasonable accommodation. Please provide the Human Resources Department with advance notice and every attempt will be made to consider your request.

As required by law all public employees are designated as Disaster Service Workers. As such all City of Walnut Creek employees may be called upon to assist in the event of fire flood earthquake or other natural or man-made disasters.

Required Experience:

Junior IC

Position DescriptionThe City is seeking to fill multiple vacancies in the Communications Center through an entry-level recruitment process for the position of Police Dispatcher/Assistant. Strong communicators who are looking to work in a technical and complex role within an emergency communications ...