Requirements to file:

MUST be willing to: work any shift assignment; and work holidays and weekends and overtime as required (Fire Department Communications Dispatchers work a 12-hour shift.)

MUST be able to:

1. Handle a high volume of emergency calls with tact, good judgment, initiative and speed;
2. Question callers while simultaneously typing information into a computer terminal;
3. Speak English clearly and understandably;
4. Comprehend, interpret and retain written and orally presented information effectively (i.e. read, memorize, interpret and apply Procedure Manual, FCC regulations, charts and maps.)

Applicants will be required to demonstrate typing skills at 30 wpm minimum.

Applicants must be able to pass a thorough background investigation and polygraph examination conducted by the Long Beach Police Department (the investigation will cover information regarding relatives, references, acquaintances, educational background, residential history, employment history, criminal history, military service records, financial status, legal history, drug use and related areas.)

Desirable Qualifications:
1. Bilingual (English/Spanish or English/Southeast Asian) skills
2. Experience or training as an emergency communications operator, dispatcher or similar position requiring knowledge of emergency medical or public safety operations
3. Course work in Communications
4. First Aid and/or EMT certificate
5. Certificate in Emergency Medical Dispatching (EMD)

Examples of duties:
Under general supervision, receives and dispatches emergency calls for fire and emergency medical service; types data into personal computer while questioning callers for information; determines nature, validity and disposition of calls; utilizes computer generated messages and priorities to dispatch field units to emergency situations; operates a variety of communications equipment including radio transmitters, accessories and telephones; performs call reception and dispatch activities utilizing computer-assisted dispatch system; answers or refers inquiries and complaints regarding a wide variety of public safety and related matters; accesses, retries, and transmits personal information to units; relays relevant situational information to non-city enforcement or public safety agencies; may provide training for dispatchers and participate in evaluation of their performance; act in a variety of dispatch supervisory positions; performs other related duties as required.

For current recruitment information, please visit the Civil Service Department website.