Government Jobs
Police Dispatcher - Entry Level
Government Jobs, Walnut Creek, California, United States, 94595
Police Dispatcher/Assistant
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: $95,115 to $114,478 annually. Placement in the range will depend on qualifications. Effective July 2026, the top step of the Police Dispatcher salary range will increase to $120,202 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. What's 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 www.JoinWalnutCreekPD.com. 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 2,800 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 City's 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: We're 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
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 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. 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 Driver's License and a good driving record. Supplemental Information
The deadline to apply for this position is Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 11:59 PM PST. 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 www.walnutcreekca.gov/careers. Please note important application guidelines and recruitment process: 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. 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. 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. 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. Applicants considered for appointment to this position will be subject to a thorough 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. 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 (925) 943-5815 or jobs@walnut-creek.org 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.
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: $95,115 to $114,478 annually. Placement in the range will depend on qualifications. Effective July 2026, the top step of the Police Dispatcher salary range will increase to $120,202 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. What's 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 www.JoinWalnutCreekPD.com. 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 2,800 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 City's 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: We're 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
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 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. 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 Driver's License and a good driving record. Supplemental Information
The deadline to apply for this position is Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 11:59 PM PST. 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 www.walnutcreekca.gov/careers. Please note important application guidelines and recruitment process: 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. 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. 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. 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. Applicants considered for appointment to this position will be subject to a thorough 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. 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 (925) 943-5815 or jobs@walnut-creek.org 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.