The Position

This job is posted on a continuous basis, and candidates will be reviewed the first week of each month for consideration. Be sure to stay attentive to email communication regarding panel interviews. Please note that due to the current number of vacancies, we will not conduct oral panel interviews again until late December or January. Please do not expect communication regarding your application until the end of 2025 or the beginning of 2026.

ATTENTION: There are four (4) required parts of the application. You must attach your typing certificate and test results. Information links to sign up for the testing dates are found under the application materials description.**

About Us

The East Bay Regional Park District's Public Safety Department serves over 25 million annual visitors. Our area of patrol includes 73 different parks over a 1,750 square mile area covering all of Alameda and Contra Costa counties.

Our Police Department is a full service POST-recognized law enforcement agency with 71 sworn officers. Our department includes a variety of units and patrol opportunities such as Air Support, Marine, Equestrian, Special Enforcement (including off-road vehicles), Investigations, and a 24-hour per day 911 Communications Center. Our Fire Department provides all typical emergency services, including fire suppression, hazardous materials responses, search and rescue, auto extrication, emergency medical services, prescribed burns for fire hazard reduction and resource management. Working closely with neighboring agencies in Alameda and Contra Costa counties, we provide emergency response services when called upon by CAL FIRE and the Office of Emergency Services. Fire also includes a Lifeguard Services Unit that renders support to 15 different environments including pools, lagoons, lakes, and coastlines. Our LS Unit offers an array of services including public instruction on water safety, rescuing distressed swimmers, and providing first aid.

Looking to start a career in a position that supports emergency services in open spaces? Join an agency that will value your work and professional development and apply to be an entry-level Communications Dispatcher today!

For more information about the District's Public Safety Division, please visit the District's website at: https://www.ebparks.org/public-safety.

Our Mission

EBRPD preserves a rich heritage of natural and cultural resources and provides open space, parks, trails, safe and healthful recreation and environmental education. An environmental ethic guides the District in all of its activities.

Our Values

Respect – We honor the land we steward, each other, and the park visitors we serve.
Resilience – We creatively adapt to change. We address challenges with empathy, perspective, and determination.
Relationships – Our greatest strength lies in the trust, accountability, and teamwork we cultivate with our colleagues, partners, and the public we serve.
Responsiveness – We communicate openly, honestly, and reliably.
Transparency – We hold the public's trust through meaningful stakeholder engagement and access to timely and reliable information on decisions and performance.

WHY WORK FOR EBRPD?

Working with a purpose for a better world today and for future generations through the preservation of open space, public access to the outdoors, and a commitment to the conservation of the natural world found east of the San Francisco Bay across 33 cities in Alameda and Contra Costa counties.
A community of colleagues who are passionate about public service and the East Bay Regional Park District, the communities it serves, and its mission.
Excellent benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending, and pension benefits through California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). Click here for details regarding additional benefits.
Tuition reimbursement and professional development.
Free on-site parking.
Free parking permit for EBRPD parks (for up to 2 privately owned vehicles)
Employee discounts for certain EBRPD park amenities (reservations, daily fishing permit, public boat launch).

THE OPPORTUNITY:

The Park District is currently recruiting for entry-level Communications Dispatchers to work at our Public Safety HQ located in Castro Valley, CA. The hiring pools established from this recruitment will be used to fill the current vacancies and additional vacancies that may occur during the one-year life of the hiring pools.

We're Looking For Individuals Who Are

Passionate about helping others;
Great communicators both orally and in writing;
Capable of establishing and maintaining positive and cooperative working relationships;
Comfortable and confident in making decisions when faced with limited information;
Able to exercise authority and take control in emergency situations.

What You'll Be Doing as a Communications Dispatcher: Under supervision, you'll perform a wide variety of dispatch and routine, non-hazardous law enforcement functions in a non-sworn capacity within the public safety department, and you'll performs related duties as required.

Application materials for this position consist of four (4) required parts:

A current East Bay Regional Park District application submitted online; and
Completed supplemental questions; and
A valid Typing Speed Certificate**; and
Proof of successful completion of ONE of the following:

(The links to sign up for the tests can be found below***)

POST Entry-level Dispatcher Test Battery T-Score OR
The CritiCall Pre-Employment Skills Test

***POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Test Battery T-Score OR CritiCall Pre-Employment Skills Test: Any applicants who have taken a POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Test Battery with another agency within twelve (12) months of applying for the position should attach a copy of their T-Score to the job application. A copy of the CritiCall Pre-Employment Skills Test can be accepted in lieu of the POST Dispatcher Test Battery T-Score.

Typing Speed Certificate Requirements: This position requires that you type a minimum of 40 net words per minute. You must attach a valid Typing Speed Certificate meeting the following criteria:
Demonstrating that the applicant passed a five (5) minute typing test;
Must be dated within 12 months of the posting closing date;
Must be from an accredited business school or college, adult education center, skills/business center, or a public agency; internet certificates are acceptable.
Must display the following items: candidate name; date and duration of the test; gross words typed per minute; number of errors; name and signature of the examiner administering the test; and name, address, and telephone number of the testing agency.

To enroll in one of the above mentioned required tests, click on the link below:

Dispatch Communications Testing Registration

POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Test Battery T-Score: Cost is $30 (Testing dates and times are found on the website linked above.)
CritiCall Pre-Employment Skills Test: Cost is $77 (Testing dates and times are found on the website linked above.)

Tentative Date of Onsite Examinations

Skills Tests (POST or CritiCall): Results submitted with application

Best Qualified Review (supplemental responses review) and oral panel interviews will take place on a roughly bimonthly basis. Department selection interviews will follow the oral panel interviews. The timing of the department selection interviews will vary based on the department's current hiring needs.

Essential Functions

Performs tasks necessary to effectively dispatch police, fire and park operations units, as required:

Receives telephone calls from citizens, employees or other agencies requesting general park information, police or fire assistance, to include "911" and other emergency calls;
Transmits and receives radio messages;
Analyzes situations and dispatches the appropriate units;
Dispatches mobile units and other equipment to specified locations as ordered;
Makes telephone requests for ambulance, vehicle towing, or other emergency services as requested by officers in the field;
Monitors other law enforcement and fire agencies' radio frequencies and rebroadcasts pertinent information;
Operates and makes minor adjustments to radio telephone transmitting and receiving equipment;
Responds to in-field requests for communications aid at critical incidents or any aid when requested by a supervisor including: Responding to a Mobile Incident Command center or off-site communications center in emergency situations, assists in the facilitation of emergency evacuation of the communications center via patrol vehicle, Mobile Incident Command vehicle, or personal vehicle
Participates in mandatory off-site department trainings including but not limited to out of jurisdiction locations
Performs varied clerical duties such as typing, maintaining message logs, assisting on reports and records, filing, answering phones, and responding to inquiries from the public and other agencies;
Processing police (court cases and parking citations), fire, medical and field reports;
Performs data entry and retrieves data;
May be required to collect monies from members of the public for the purpose of paying fees for towing, dog permits, copies of reports, or other services, or for paying fines.

Minimum Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade; AND

Experience: Two years of recent, responsible work experience.

License or Certificate: Possession of a valid California Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record is a condition of initial and continued employment in this classification.

Additional Information

Knowledge Of

The purposes and general methods of police and fire dispatching;
Routine clerical operations;

Ability to:

Type 40 net words per minute;
Multi-task;
File and prepare accurate reports; manual dexterity to operate telephone, radio and computer keyboard equipment;
Speak English clearly and audibly;
Memorize and retain information quickly;
Physical capability (e.g., eyesight and hearing to satisfactorily complete job tasks);
Spell correctly;
Learn the laws, regulations, and rules applicable to area of assignment;
Learn operating procedures and policies of assigned division;
Read maps, both in paper form and digital form and provide directions verbally
Be flexible in your role; understand that not all situations are black & white (use cognitive reasoning to make the best decisions about any/all situations)
Follow instructions, to reason clearly, analyze situations accurately, act quickly and effectively in emergency situations;
Develop and maintain productive and cooperative working relationships with other District staff, other agencies, volunteers and the public.

Conditions of Employment:

This classification will be required to work all shifts (day, swing and graveyard, including weekends and holidays) on a rotational basis;
Must pass a Level 3 background screening. Must be willing to work evenings, weekends, and holiday shifts;
Required to wear a prescribed uniform;
Current First Aid and CPR certificates are required as a condition of completion of probation and continued employment in this classification.

Union Affiliation:

POLICE ASSOCIATION: The Park District's Police Association (PA) represents this classification. Wages, hours, and other terms of conditions of employment are covered in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Park District and the PA. The probationary period for this classification is eighteen (18) months.

Application Process

Apply prior to the closing time of the job announcement and allow at least one (1) hour to submit your application if you are a new user to the system. If you have previously applied to a position on GovernmentJobs.com, please allow time to update your existing profile. Applications are accepted online only. Our online application system is provided by NeoGov. If you encounter problems while applying online, please contact NeoGov Help Desk toll-free at (855) 524-5627.

Notification: All applicants will be notified of the disposition of their application via email, generally within two weeks after the closing date. You may also sign into your governmentjobs.com account to view your current application status and notifications.

Selection Process: The application materials for all applicants meeting the minimum qualifications will be reviewed by a screening panel to select the best qualified for interview or testing. The District reserves the right to set up a written test, performance test, and/or other assessment procedures before and after the interview process. Possession of minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview or invitation to test. Pursuant to the Federal Immigration and Reform Act of 1986, all applicants who are hired will be required to provide proof of identity and appropriate work authorization documents prior to commencement of employment.

The selection process for Communications Dispatcher will include the following steps:

Minimum Qualifications review & confirm required documents (including Skills Testing)
Best Qualified Review: Subject matter expert(s) will review supplemental question responses to select those that are best qualified to be invited to the panel interviews;
Oral Board Interview: An interview panel will establish final hiring pools;
Selection Interviews: A secondary interview with the hiring manager and possibly other Department staff;
Background Examination: The candidate(s) selected for this position will undergo a background investigation as outlined in the CA Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Public Safety Dispatcher Selection Requirements. Background investigators will contact references, friends, family, former and current employers and other contacts in order to verify information provided by the candidate in a Personal History Statement. In addition, investigators will perform a criminal records check, a credit check and a driving record check. Candidates will have their fingerprints taken to satisfy a CA Department of Justice and FBI official clearance. Candidates will complete a polygraph and psychological examination, as well as undergo a medical examination appropriate to the specific position. Information revealed during the background investigation may be grounds for disqualification during the selection process.
Probationary Period: Once hired, the candidate must successfully complete an 18-month probationary period.

Special Testing Arrangements: If you require special arrangements due to a verified disability or medical condition, please contact the Human Resources Department at 510-544-2154.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The East Bay Regional Park District is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and respects a diverse workforce and community. It is committed to promoting an equitable and inclusive workspace that is welcoming to all. Applicants from all backgrounds and life experiences are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.

For information regarding the District's applicable benefits package, please visit http://www.ebparks.org/about/jobs/resources/default.htm.

For temporary and/or on-call assignments, there are no benefits offered.

01

The purpose of the supplemental questionnaire is to allow you to elaborate your experience. Therefore, please answer the supplemental question(s) thoroughly and accurately. "See Resume," as a response will not be considered sufficient information. Applicants are responsible for clearly, completely, and accurately identifying their qualifications. The supplemental questions may determine your eligibility to continue to the next step. Please indicate whether you have read and understood the statement above concerning submission of supplemental responses.

I have read the statement above and understand that providing insufficient information can affect my ability to continue to next steps in the recruitment.

02

Select the Skills Tests Results that you have completed and attached to this application. NOTE: EBRPD HR must collect proof of successful passing one of the skills tests in order to be moved forward for further consideration.

I have attached the POST Dispatcher Test Battery results.
I have attached the Critical Dispatcher test results.
I recently completed one of the tests and will send the results once I have received them.
I have NOT completed a Skills Test and do not plan to complete it.

03

Have you completed a typing speed test that meets the following criteria: - Demonstrating that the applicant passed a five (5) minute typing test; - Must be dated within 12 months of the posting closing date; - Must be from an accredited business school or college, adult education center, skills/business center, or a public agency; internet certificates are acceptable. - Must display the following items: candidate name; date and duration of the test; gross words typed per minute; number of errors; name and signature of the examiner administering the test; and name, address, and telephone number of the testing agency.

04

If you answered "Yes" to the prior question, confirm that you have attached your Typing Certificate to your application. Note: these test results are required to be considered for the position.

Yes, I have attached the Typing Certificate
No, I have not attached the certificate

05

I understand that I must be prepared and may be required to work any shift during a 24-hour period, on holidays and weekends, and shifts rotate periodically.

06

Please select the highest level of education you have completed.

I do not have a High School diploma or equivalent
High School diploma or equivalent
Some college
Associate's degree
Bachelor's degree
Master's degree or higher

07

Do you have at least two years of recent, responsible work experience?

08

Please indicate how many years of dispatching experience (related or unrelated to public safety) you have.

None, but willing to learn.
0-2 years
2-5 years
5+ years

09

Please indicate how many years of experience you have in deescalating or diffusing high-stress interactions with customers.

None, but willing to learn.
0-3 years
3-5 years
5+ years

10

Please indicate how many years of experience you have in fast-paced or high-volume customer interactions (via phone or in-person).

None, but willing to learn.
0-3 years
3-5 years
5+ years

11

Do you possess a valid California Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record?

12

List your total amount of experience operating a telephone, your employer(s), your level of phone activity (e.g., heavy, light, etc.), the number of telephone lines you were responsible for, and the general nature of your telephone contacts (e.g., informational, referral, emergency, etc.).

13

Briefly describe any dispatch or radio communications experience. Include the type and amount of your experience, level of the communications activity, type of equipment you used, and identify your employer. (If you do not have experience, write N/A.)

14

What is the extent of your experience working with computers and/or software systems, including amount and type of data entry, if applicable?

15

Describe your experience with having to multi-task in the workplace. (Provide necessary details/context to understand the skills you possess.) How would those skills be transferrable to this position should you be hired?

16

Provide one (1) example from your background which best illustrates your ability to handle an emergency or stressful situation. How would you relate that experience to this position?

Required Question

East Bay Regional Park District

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