Police Dispatcher- Entry Level
City of Martinez, CA, Martinez, CA, United States
Salary :
$94,249.44 - $114,551.76 Annually Location :
City Hall/PD - 525 Henrietta St Martinez, CA Job Type:
FULL TIME - Regular Status Job Number:
FY25/26-00019 Department:
Police Department Division:
Support Service - Dispatch Opening Date:
03/25/2026 Closing Date:
4/20/2026 12:00 PM Pacific
City of Martinez Police Department is recruiting Police Dispatchers to join our Team!
Under general supervision, the Police Dispatcher for the Martinez Police Department is responsible for facilitation of communications between members of the public and personnel of this police department and other public service agencies. Representative duties include, but are not limited to, operating the police communications center using various equipment such as telephone, radio, computer and related communications equipment.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
The Police Dispatcher is a non-sworn law enforcement position typically working inside the communications center of the police department. The primary function of the position is to utilize communication equipment essential to the operation of the Martinez Police Department. Such operations may involve multi-tasking in stressful situations in which public health, safety and welfare may be endangered. Representative Duties
Essential: Operates radio, computer, telecommunications and related equipment Receives calls for service and dispatches department personnel via radio, computer or telephone Maintains, enters information into and queries local, regional and national computer databases Uses department computer aided dispatch software and records management system software to input data which facilitates the dispatching and recording of law enforcement and other operational tasks of the Martinez Police Department Incumbents of this classification are required to work shifts, holidays and weekends When assigned as a Communications Training Officer, trains, mentors, and evaluates the performance of assigned trainees SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:
Employees in this classification report to the Dispatch Supervisor. Qualifications/Education/Experience
Knowledge of: Be familiar with computers, computer related systems and operations.
Ability to: Speak clearly and concisely; be mentally alert at all times while on duty; remain calm under stress; make rapid decisions, many times while performing two or more operations; possess a good memory; have a well-groomed appearance; correctly apply established department policies and procedures in the dispatch of emergency units; communicate with the public in a warm and friendly manner; follow oral and written directions and commands; prepare and maintain accurate records and reports; maintain effective working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
MINIMUM: At time of appointment, incumbent must be at least eighteen (18) years of age; be able to type at a speed of not less than 40 wpm; possess a high school diploma or equivalent. Successfully complete the CritiCall Test.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Be able to pass a thorough background investigation, polygraph test, psychological evaluation and physical evaluation including drug screen prior to appointment. Supplemental Information
Selection Process: Application Screening:
Applications, resumes, supplemental questionnaire and/ or other required documentation will be evaluated on a comparative basis. Those individuals whose materials best indicate possession of the stated requirements, may be invited to continue to the next step in the selection process
Supplemental Questionnaire: All applicants are required to complete the questionnaire. This questionnaire will be used throughout the examination process to assist in determining each applicant's qualifications and acceptability for the position.
Examination Process:
1. The best qualified applicants will be invited to take a Criticall test administered by the City. Structured examination consisting of data entry, data entry with audio, call summarization, memory recall, prioritization, probability, map reading, spelling, sentence clarity, and reading comprehension. The pass point is 70%. Applicants must pass exam in order to qualify for placement on the eligibility list. Eligibility lists maybe active for up to 1 year. Tentative date for Criticall test : April 23, 2026 2. The eligibility list will be used to fill current and future openings in this classification. Candidates who are invited to the interview process may be asked to participate in a performance skills assessment. PROBATIONARY PERIOD: This position is subject to a 12 month probationary period.
NOTE: This position is part of the bargaining unit represented by the Martinez Police Non-Sworn Employees' Association. CURRENT BENEFITS - ALL MPNSEA MEMBERS Retirement: California Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) and Social Security. Classic Members -
Retirement formula of 2% at age 60 with a 3 year final compensation period. Classic Members contribute 7% toward retirement. New Members -
Under the new pension reform law, Public Employees' Pension Reform Act (PEPRA), effective 1/1/13 those defined as New Members of PERS are eligible for the 2% at age 62 retirement formula with a 3 year final compensation period. New Members are required to contribute towards pension; currently the contribution rate is 7.75%.
Retiree Health Benefit Reimbursement:
Based on years of service, up to 100% after 25 years of service.
Deferred Comp : The City contributes $65.00 per month into a deferred compensation (ICMA) 457 plan.
Vacation : Accrued at 8 hours per month for the first 4 years and up to 16.67 for 20 years and over.
Holidays : Fourteen days per year. (For Dispatchers, please see Holiday section below.)
Floating Holiday:
One 28 hour floating holiday per year.
Sick Leave:
Accrued indefinitely at the rate of 8 hours per month. PERS service credit for unused sick upon service retirement.
Uniform Allowance : Regular status employees with the Police Department are entitled to receive an annual $625 uniform allowance.
Longevity Pay : 5% at 15 years of service, an additional 2% at 20 years of service and an additional 2.5% at 25 years of service.
Bilingual Pay : 2% for one language and 4% for two or more languages. Sign language included. Meal Allowance : A meal allowance of $15.00 shall be paid for every four (4) hours of unscheduled overtime.
Health Insurance:
The City contracts with the Public Employees' Retirement System for health benefits for this group. Effective 1/1/26, the City contributes $1,020.38 for employee, $2,040.76 for employee +1, and $2,653.00 for family coverage with the employee contributing a portion of the monthly premium. Please see the MOU for complete details.
Dental Insurance:
The City pays 100% of the premium for dental coverage for the employee and dependents. Dental plan includes orthodontic coverage.
Vision Insurance:
The City pays 100% of the premium for vision coverage for the employee and dependents.
Life/Disability:
The City pays the premium for life and disability insurance for the employee only. Life benefit is 2x annual salary up to $125,000. Voluntary, supplemental plan available for additional life insurance.
Health Club Reimbursement:
The City pays up to $50.00 a month for health club membership. Note: onsite gym also available for employee only use.
Training/Education Reimbursement:
The City pays up to $1000 per fiscal year. See MOU for details.
Education Incentive:
3% additional pay for Associate of Arts degree or Intermediate Post Certificate and an additional 6% for a BA/BS degree or Advanced Post Certificate.
Shifts : Employees may be assigned to work 3 days with 12 hour shifts (3/12), 4 days with 10 hour shifts (4/10) or 5 days with 8 hour shifts (5/8).
MAY BE REQUIRED TO WORK NIGHTS, WEEKENDS, HOLIDAYS, AND OVERTIME . ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON DISPATCHER BENEFITS:
Stand-by Pay:
$25/12-hr shift for sign-up on a voluntary basis
Shift Rotation:
Rotating 3 month shift sign ups.
Shift Differential : In addition to regular salary, an employee assigned to a swing or graveyard shift will receive 3% additional pay for shift differential.
Holiday Pay:
Eligible for holiday pay.
Compensation Time:
Compensation time off (CTO) and CTO buy back provided as described in the MOU.
FLSA:
FLSA Overtime as described in the MOU under Alternate Works Schedule for 12-hr shifts when assigned. Please click the link below to view the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the current benefits and working conditions. 01
The purpose of this supplemental questionnaire is to provide applicants the opportunity to elaborate on their qualifications and to assist in assessing applicant's individual qualifications. Your responses to the supplemental questionnaire will be used to evaluate your relevant experience and training to determine which applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. Although you may submit your resume or other additional information, such items may not be submitted in lieu of the questionnaire. DO NOT answer any of the questions by indicating "see attached resume." Also, please be concise limiting your responses to the information that is relevant to each question.
I Understand
02
Graduation from high school or equivalent is required. Please check your highest level of academic achievement.
High School Grad Some College Associate's Degree Bachelor's Degree or Higher education
03
Can you work under highly stressful situations?
Yes No
04
Are you able to work all shifts (day, swing and graveyard), weekends and holidays?
Yes No
05
I understand that a thorough background investigation is required of all public safety dispatchers before being hired to verify that the applicant has no past behaviors indicative of unsuitability to perform public safety dispatching duties. 11 CCR Commission Regulation 1959 outlines the procedures for the background investigation, which must include a search of local, state, and federal fingerprint files to determine any criminal record, contacts with relatives and references, as well as other areas of investigation.
Yes No
06
I understand that I am required to submit a completed Background Personal History Questionnaire within 7 days of being notified that I have successfully passed the Eligibility List.
Yes No
07
I have reviewed my application for this recruitment and confirm that my professional experience and employment history are current and accurate.
Yes No
Required Question
$94,249.44 - $114,551.76 Annually Location :
City Hall/PD - 525 Henrietta St Martinez, CA Job Type:
FULL TIME - Regular Status Job Number:
FY25/26-00019 Department:
Police Department Division:
Support Service - Dispatch Opening Date:
03/25/2026 Closing Date:
4/20/2026 12:00 PM Pacific
City of Martinez Police Department is recruiting Police Dispatchers to join our Team!
Under general supervision, the Police Dispatcher for the Martinez Police Department is responsible for facilitation of communications between members of the public and personnel of this police department and other public service agencies. Representative duties include, but are not limited to, operating the police communications center using various equipment such as telephone, radio, computer and related communications equipment.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
The Police Dispatcher is a non-sworn law enforcement position typically working inside the communications center of the police department. The primary function of the position is to utilize communication equipment essential to the operation of the Martinez Police Department. Such operations may involve multi-tasking in stressful situations in which public health, safety and welfare may be endangered. Representative Duties
Essential: Operates radio, computer, telecommunications and related equipment Receives calls for service and dispatches department personnel via radio, computer or telephone Maintains, enters information into and queries local, regional and national computer databases Uses department computer aided dispatch software and records management system software to input data which facilitates the dispatching and recording of law enforcement and other operational tasks of the Martinez Police Department Incumbents of this classification are required to work shifts, holidays and weekends When assigned as a Communications Training Officer, trains, mentors, and evaluates the performance of assigned trainees SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:
Employees in this classification report to the Dispatch Supervisor. Qualifications/Education/Experience
Knowledge of: Be familiar with computers, computer related systems and operations.
Ability to: Speak clearly and concisely; be mentally alert at all times while on duty; remain calm under stress; make rapid decisions, many times while performing two or more operations; possess a good memory; have a well-groomed appearance; correctly apply established department policies and procedures in the dispatch of emergency units; communicate with the public in a warm and friendly manner; follow oral and written directions and commands; prepare and maintain accurate records and reports; maintain effective working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
MINIMUM: At time of appointment, incumbent must be at least eighteen (18) years of age; be able to type at a speed of not less than 40 wpm; possess a high school diploma or equivalent. Successfully complete the CritiCall Test.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Be able to pass a thorough background investigation, polygraph test, psychological evaluation and physical evaluation including drug screen prior to appointment. Supplemental Information
Selection Process: Application Screening:
Applications, resumes, supplemental questionnaire and/ or other required documentation will be evaluated on a comparative basis. Those individuals whose materials best indicate possession of the stated requirements, may be invited to continue to the next step in the selection process
Supplemental Questionnaire: All applicants are required to complete the questionnaire. This questionnaire will be used throughout the examination process to assist in determining each applicant's qualifications and acceptability for the position.
Examination Process:
1. The best qualified applicants will be invited to take a Criticall test administered by the City. Structured examination consisting of data entry, data entry with audio, call summarization, memory recall, prioritization, probability, map reading, spelling, sentence clarity, and reading comprehension. The pass point is 70%. Applicants must pass exam in order to qualify for placement on the eligibility list. Eligibility lists maybe active for up to 1 year. Tentative date for Criticall test : April 23, 2026 2. The eligibility list will be used to fill current and future openings in this classification. Candidates who are invited to the interview process may be asked to participate in a performance skills assessment. PROBATIONARY PERIOD: This position is subject to a 12 month probationary period.
NOTE: This position is part of the bargaining unit represented by the Martinez Police Non-Sworn Employees' Association. CURRENT BENEFITS - ALL MPNSEA MEMBERS Retirement: California Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) and Social Security. Classic Members -
Retirement formula of 2% at age 60 with a 3 year final compensation period. Classic Members contribute 7% toward retirement. New Members -
Under the new pension reform law, Public Employees' Pension Reform Act (PEPRA), effective 1/1/13 those defined as New Members of PERS are eligible for the 2% at age 62 retirement formula with a 3 year final compensation period. New Members are required to contribute towards pension; currently the contribution rate is 7.75%.
Retiree Health Benefit Reimbursement:
Based on years of service, up to 100% after 25 years of service.
Deferred Comp : The City contributes $65.00 per month into a deferred compensation (ICMA) 457 plan.
Vacation : Accrued at 8 hours per month for the first 4 years and up to 16.67 for 20 years and over.
Holidays : Fourteen days per year. (For Dispatchers, please see Holiday section below.)
Floating Holiday:
One 28 hour floating holiday per year.
Sick Leave:
Accrued indefinitely at the rate of 8 hours per month. PERS service credit for unused sick upon service retirement.
Uniform Allowance : Regular status employees with the Police Department are entitled to receive an annual $625 uniform allowance.
Longevity Pay : 5% at 15 years of service, an additional 2% at 20 years of service and an additional 2.5% at 25 years of service.
Bilingual Pay : 2% for one language and 4% for two or more languages. Sign language included. Meal Allowance : A meal allowance of $15.00 shall be paid for every four (4) hours of unscheduled overtime.
Health Insurance:
The City contracts with the Public Employees' Retirement System for health benefits for this group. Effective 1/1/26, the City contributes $1,020.38 for employee, $2,040.76 for employee +1, and $2,653.00 for family coverage with the employee contributing a portion of the monthly premium. Please see the MOU for complete details.
Dental Insurance:
The City pays 100% of the premium for dental coverage for the employee and dependents. Dental plan includes orthodontic coverage.
Vision Insurance:
The City pays 100% of the premium for vision coverage for the employee and dependents.
Life/Disability:
The City pays the premium for life and disability insurance for the employee only. Life benefit is 2x annual salary up to $125,000. Voluntary, supplemental plan available for additional life insurance.
Health Club Reimbursement:
The City pays up to $50.00 a month for health club membership. Note: onsite gym also available for employee only use.
Training/Education Reimbursement:
The City pays up to $1000 per fiscal year. See MOU for details.
Education Incentive:
3% additional pay for Associate of Arts degree or Intermediate Post Certificate and an additional 6% for a BA/BS degree or Advanced Post Certificate.
Shifts : Employees may be assigned to work 3 days with 12 hour shifts (3/12), 4 days with 10 hour shifts (4/10) or 5 days with 8 hour shifts (5/8).
MAY BE REQUIRED TO WORK NIGHTS, WEEKENDS, HOLIDAYS, AND OVERTIME . ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON DISPATCHER BENEFITS:
Stand-by Pay:
$25/12-hr shift for sign-up on a voluntary basis
Shift Rotation:
Rotating 3 month shift sign ups.
Shift Differential : In addition to regular salary, an employee assigned to a swing or graveyard shift will receive 3% additional pay for shift differential.
Holiday Pay:
Eligible for holiday pay.
Compensation Time:
Compensation time off (CTO) and CTO buy back provided as described in the MOU.
FLSA:
FLSA Overtime as described in the MOU under Alternate Works Schedule for 12-hr shifts when assigned. Please click the link below to view the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the current benefits and working conditions. 01
The purpose of this supplemental questionnaire is to provide applicants the opportunity to elaborate on their qualifications and to assist in assessing applicant's individual qualifications. Your responses to the supplemental questionnaire will be used to evaluate your relevant experience and training to determine which applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. Although you may submit your resume or other additional information, such items may not be submitted in lieu of the questionnaire. DO NOT answer any of the questions by indicating "see attached resume." Also, please be concise limiting your responses to the information that is relevant to each question.
I Understand
02
Graduation from high school or equivalent is required. Please check your highest level of academic achievement.
High School Grad Some College Associate's Degree Bachelor's Degree or Higher education
03
Can you work under highly stressful situations?
Yes No
04
Are you able to work all shifts (day, swing and graveyard), weekends and holidays?
Yes No
05
I understand that a thorough background investigation is required of all public safety dispatchers before being hired to verify that the applicant has no past behaviors indicative of unsuitability to perform public safety dispatching duties. 11 CCR Commission Regulation 1959 outlines the procedures for the background investigation, which must include a search of local, state, and federal fingerprint files to determine any criminal record, contacts with relatives and references, as well as other areas of investigation.
Yes No
06
I understand that I am required to submit a completed Background Personal History Questionnaire within 7 days of being notified that I have successfully passed the Eligibility List.
Yes No
07
I have reviewed my application for this recruitment and confirm that my professional experience and employment history are current and accurate.
Yes No
Required Question