Public Safety Dispatcher

This is a continuous recruitment. Applications are accepted on an on- going basis; interviews conducted and hires made as needed. This job opening will remain OPEN until filled. We're accepting applications after Initial Review Date (IRD).

HOW TO APPLY

For full consideration, applicants should attach their resume and cover letter when applying for a job opening. For guidance related to the application process or if you are experiencing difficulties when applying, please review the Applicant Resources on our website.

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INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

UC Santa Cruz jobs are posted until filled. All application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring team for consideration. NOTE: Applicants who miss the IRD are still encouraged to apply; their materials will still be forwarded for consideration if requested by the hiring team. Application materials cannot be accepted outside of the jobs portal. Applications cannot be edited on an applicant's behalf. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link. This is a continuous recruitment. Applications are accepted on an on- going basis; interviews conducted and hires made as needed. This job opening will remain OPEN until filled. We're accepting applications after Initial Review Date (IRD).

The IRD for this job is: 07-25-2025

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Police Department is responsible for maintaining a public safety environment that supports the University's mission of education, research, and public service, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Under the general supervision of the Records & Communications Manager, the incumbent staffs the Public Safety Dispatch Center, operating as a primary point of contact for life or property emergencies and general police, fire, and Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS) transit services.

More information can be found at: https://police.ucsc.edu/

JOB SUMMARY

This position is located in the Police Department. The Police Department is responsible for maintaining a public safety environment, which supports the University's mission of education, research, and public service, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Under the general supervision of the Records & Communications Manager, the incumbent staffs the Public Safety Dispatch Center, operating as a primary point of contact for life or property emergencies and general police, fire, and Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS) transit services.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $42.34 - $46.66/hour. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.
Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits

Schedule Information:

• Full-time, Fixed
• Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Sun, 3-4 Days/week, 12 hours/day
• Shift Includes: Evening, Night, Swing Shift, Weekend, Holidays and Critical Incidents

Employee Classification: Career appointment

Job End Date: None

Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus

Union Representation: CX, Clerical Unit

Job Code Classification: PUBL SFTY DISPATCHER (005216)

Travel: Up to 25% of the time

JOB DUTIES

70% - Radio Dispatching & Emergency Services

• Incumbent provides emergency radio dispatching and telephone services to the campus, emergency services, Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS) transit service drivers, Disability Van Service (DVS), CHARTER Services, and Transit Supervisors. The incumbent receives and transmits information by two-way radio and phone (including 9-1-1 calls, "blue light" emergency phones, Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD), and emergency elevator phones).
• In accordance with Federal Communications Commission regulations, standard public safety dispatching guidelines, Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) requirements, and specific University and unit policies and guidelines, communicate by two-way radio with Police, Fire, Parking, Guard, Health Services, Physical Plant, Community Safety Officers, TAPS, other campus units, and allied agencies. Relay and coordinate information and provide support to all field units.
• Operate other technically advanced and complex alarm computer systems. Operate complex radio console, utilize various computerized applications, operate video display terminal, answer and handle the E911 Public Safety Answering Point.
• Independently determine the level of emergency response and coordinate police, fire, ambulance and transit services as well as other resources as needed or required.
• Function autonomously but under the general supervision of the Records and Communications Manager or Police manager. In the absence of the Records and Communications Manager or Police manager, functional supervision is provided by the on duty police supervisor.
• Operate a computer aided dispatch (CAD) system to keep detailed records of calls received, units dispatched, and agency initiated activity. Utilize a Records Management system for the purpose of assisting the Police Department and other Public Safety agencies. Use a CAD to dispatch and track various levels of calls for service and public safety resources. Inquire into the Records Management System, and university information systems, to inquire, enter, update or modify data.
• Monitor and respond to calls on CLEMARS (California Law Enforcement Mutual Aid Radio System), an interagency law enforcement frequency, monitor allied agencies, including but not limited to Santa Cruz City Police, Santa Cruz County Sheriff, and County Fire frequencies.
• Understand and evaluate emergency/urgent situations and relay information as received to assist in coordinating a response with the Police and Fire, Transit Services Manager, Safety Manager, drivers, staff and customers to resolve issues in a timely manner.
• Operate CLETS (California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System) terminal, using Open Query software system for inquiries to automated data bases at Department of Motor Vehicles, inquiries, entries, and updates to automated data bases of California Department of Justice, National Crime Information Center, and Federal Bureau of Investigation. Operate CLETS terminal, using Open Query software system for inquiries, entries, and/or updates to automated databases at California Department of Motor Vehicles, California Department of Justice, National Crime Information Center, and Federal Bureau of Investigation. Following established procedures, send administrative messages to law enforcement agencies throughout the nation, including requests for mutual aid, information on subjects or vehicles, notifications to law enforcement agencies regarding persons and/or vehicles wanted by University Police, and abstracts of warrants held by University Police. Receive and distribute messages received on CLETS terminal, including: inquiries, confirmation of warrants, bulletins and notices from other agencies.
• Receive all emergency calls on campus, including: medical emergencies, fires, crimes, suspicious circumstances, fire and security alarms, accidents (vehicle, bicycle and other), hazardous materials incidents (toxic or radioactive spills), stalled elevators, power outages and major disasters.
• Dispatch transit buses and Disability Van Service (DVS) vans.
• Receive DVS calls, verifying individual's eligibility to utilize the Disability Van Services. Responsible for scheduling and dispatching new rides, and ride modifications, cancellations, and record 'no-shows'. Requires knowledge of all campus DVS stops, and program eligibility requirements.
• Coordinate emergency response of University units (Police, Fire, Environmental Health & Safety, Health Services, Transit Services, Disability Van Services, Physical Plant, college Community Safety Officers) and non-campus units (including Santa Cruz Police and Fire, Santa Cruz Sheriff, California Highway Patrol, California Division of Forestry and ambulance).
• Follow prescribed University procedures and public safety dispatching procedures and exercise proper judgment in emergency situations for which established procedures may not exist.
• Ability to learn and understand requirements of Clery Act. Ability to disseminate emergency notifications, timely warnings, and other notices to personnel and public.
• Provide public information and directions regarding departmental procedures and practices including but not limited to UC parking rules and regulations, requesting police reports, filing commendations and complaints against departmental employees, ride a longs, and other services provided.

10% - Training

• Train current personnel on new dispatch equipment, procedures, policies and regulations in group and one-on-one settings.
• Facilitate the transition of new dispatchers into the department by providing one-on-one training. May be assigned by the Chief of Police or designee as a communications training officer (CTO), providing instruction to new dispatchers on the full scope of the job functions.
• Develop and maintain an environment that is conducive to learning and for representing the agency in a professional and competent manner.
• Provide public information and instruction at the Citizen Police Academy, campus activities and fairs, and at other events approved by the department.

15% - Records/Files

• Monitor dispatch center alarms, 9-1-1 and campus telephone system, and other equipment to assure proper functioning. Notify appropriate technician when systems malfunction.
• Utilize a multi-channel logging recorder in regular course of duty and to assist campus Police Department with needed information.
• Maintain records and files as required: Penal Code bans, court orders, California Law Enforcement Telecommunications Systems / National Law Enforcement Telecommunications Systems (CLETS/NLETS) administrative messages, CLETS entry logs, equipment logs, Dispatch activity logs, Incident Reports, After Hours Non-Emergency Maintenance forms, etc.
• Maintain and utilize emergency call-out and notification lists for the campus departments.
• Track ridership of the Transit Operations and Disability Van Services (DVS).
• Enter DVS data for statistical and grant reporting purposes.
• Input DVS rider information as needed to ensure service.
• General administrative functions such as data entry, filing and record keeping, assisting with processing parking citations, parking boot information, transit requests, permit requests, and other information based on the needs of the department.
• Occasional duties include general administrative functions such as data entry, filing and record-keeping and other assigned duties based on the needs of the department.

5% - Miscellaneous

• Provide logistical support for the department and campus during planned events and emergencies.
• Drive to attend training, workshops or conferences away from the Santa Cruz, CA area.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Have earned a valid high school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience with transit and/or para-transit dispatch.
• Experience using office computing systems including word processing, spreadsheets, database programs, and video display terminals.
• Experience making independent and complex decisions without direct supervision.
• Experience documenting information and maintaining accurate and legible records.
• Experience or exposure to the public safety field.
• Experience in the operation and procedures of police and fire, preparedness protocol.
• Experience in the use of an E911 system; different telephone systems and multiline sets; Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work in several capacities with professionalism and sensitivity, and maintain effective, cooperative working relationships with diverse populations.
• Ability to coordinate vehicles to ensure service/responsiveness.
• Speed and accuracy in word processing.
• Ability, or willingness to learn to use the internet and web-based programs.
• Ability to work in an organized manner sufficient to perform multiple tasks concurrently and consistently apply rules, regulations, procedures, and make decisions with established guidelines in an environment with interruptions, distractions and changing priorities.
• Ability to effectively use the Incident Command System (ICS).
• Ability to ensure compliance with laws that pertain to Federal Privacy Act, Public Records Act, California Penal Code, California Vehicle Code, California Government Code, Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) regulations, Department of Justice (DOJ) Policies, etc. when disseminating information.
• Abililty to understand and evaluate emergency and technical information and relay as received.
• Abilitiy to react quickly, efficiently, and calmly in emergencies and adopt an effective course of action.
• Ability to listen accurately, retrieve facts, details, derive meaning, and draw conclusions.
• Ability to speak distinctly and convey information clearly.
• Ability to remain courteous and professional under routine and stressful conditions.
• Ability to exercise flexibility, good judgment and discretion.
• Ability to exercise a high level of customer service including sensitivity to the needs of customers with disabilities.
• Ability to recognize situations and circumstances that can lead to teachable training opportunities. Plan and organize training material, lessons, including study guides and quizzes.
• Ability to complete written comprehensive evaluations that document and communicate information in an objective and precise manner.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of the UCSC campus locations.
• Knowledge of California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS) messages and skill in understanding responses.
• Familiarity with criminal law, civil law, university regulations, California codes, and municipal ordinances.
• Knowledge of Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations on communication by two-way radio.
• Knowledge of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPPA) standards.
• General knowledge of transit policies and procedures pertaining to the institution of higher education.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Selected candidate must pass the employment misconduct disclosure process.
• Ability to obtain POST Dispatch Certificate within 12 months of hire.
• Must pass an extensive background investigation to include: identity check, criminal history check resulting in no felony convictions per California Government Code sections 1029, 1030, 1031(c), California Penal Code section 12021 (c), and 18 USC 922 (d) (9); background investigation may include a deception detection examination such as a polygraph or voice stress test. Selected candidate must pass the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Entry-level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery: An exception to this requirement will be given to candidates who can show evidence of successful completion of probation during previous employment as a dispatcher AND show evidence of successful completion of either the Public Safety Dispatcher's Basic Course OR the POST Basic Dispatcher Training Equivalency Examination within the last three (3) years. Satisfactory completion of the California POST Dispatcher Certificate program and/or a combination of a current California POST Entry Level Test letter with a score of 55 or better, and Department of Justice (DOJ) California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS) training within 12 months of date of hire. Selected candidate must have completed a 120-hour POST Basic Compliant Dispatcher course OR be able to satisfactorily complete this course within12 months of hire. Preference will be given to candidates who have completed this course. Must pass pre-placement medical & psychological exams based on POST requirements. These requirements are arranged by the employer at no cost to applicant.
• Must possess CPR/First Aid/AED certification or have the ability to obtain it within 60-calendar days of hire.
• Interviewees will be required to provide a current DMV record.
• Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of appointment.
• Must meet and maintain all public safety dispatcher requirements for public safety dispatcher as established by law and POST including hearing, vision, and other physical/medical standards.
• Selected candidate will be required to take a TB test.
  Selected candidate will be required to provide proof of negative TB test.
• Ability to work long periods of time at a computer with or without accommodation.
  Ability to safely perform the physical requirements necessary to move light to moderate objects up to 60 lbs., with or without accommodation.
• The selected candidate will be required to work all scheduled hours on-site.
• Ability to work a variable schedule including evenings and weekends.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as directed.
• Ability to occasionally work overtime with little or no advance notice.
• Ability to work on-call.
• Ability to respond to emergencies after hours as necessary.
• Ability to work overtime including evenings, nights, weekends and holidays to meet operational needs, and work an alternate work schedule shift as required.
• Must be able to work holidays, weekends and overtime on an emergency basis with short notice.
• Must be able to work alternate work schedule shift work. Shift assignments may rotate as needed. Hours of work may be on an 8, 10 or 12 hour plan.
• Work in a confined area and cannot leave job site for meals.
• Ability to travel within a defined regional or service area.
• Ability to maintain appearance and conduct suitable for working in a professional setting.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• Clery Act: This position has been identified as a Campus Security Authority (CSA); required to report crimes, incidents, and disciplinary referral statistics as required by the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (20 USC * 1092(f)).
• The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program.
• Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment. CANRA Penal Codes, and related definitions, requirements, and responsibilities may be obtained here.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
a. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

SAFETY STATEMENT

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY

EEO/AA

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.