Job: Public Safety Dispatcher - TPD

This recruitment will establish a 6-month civil service list which will be utilized to fill Tucson Police Department Public Safety Dispatcher vacancies. The department anticipates to hire from the list beginning in 2010 or as staffing needs dictate. You are encouraged to print this bulletin because it contains important dates and information that will not be available online once this position closes.

The Public Safety Dispatcher position involves skilled radio communications that includes dispatching emergency and non-emergency calls for service. It requires the dispatcher to relay critical information via a radio system to public safety personnel who are dispatched on calls for service. This position also evaluates, triages, and then disseminates information to public safety personnel in addition to keeping track of their location and welfare. It also requires the dispatcher to access and enter computer information according to established polices and procedures. Extensive keyboarding and multi-tasking abilities are essential.

PRE-SCREEN QUESTIONNAIRE INSTRUCTIONS

1. Once you have applied using the City's online application process, you must then complete AND return a Preliminary Applicant Questionnaire by the closing date of November 12, 2009.

2. This questionnaire is a fillable MS Word Document and may be accessed by clicking the above link or by copying the following address into your browser. Please allow a few seconds for the file to download: http://www.tucsonaz.gov/pdf/police/revprescreen.doc

3. THE ONLY METHOD which you may return your completed questionnaire IS BY EMAIL as a MS Word attachment to: TPDBackgrounds@tucsonaz.gov


WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
1. Applicants who applied correctly, met the minimum qualifications and successfully passed the preliminary questionnaire screening will receive an email notification on November 30th with a formal invitation to the Practical Examination.

2. The Practical Exam will take place on December 7th, 8th and December 9th if needed based on the number of applicants and consists of two parts performed on the same day. Part 1 is an AUDIO typing test which measures the ability to hear and quickly enter accurate information. Part 2 utilizes computer software to simulate a public safety communications environment. Applicants must successfully pass Part 1 in order to continue with Part 2.

3. Oral Board interviews will take place on December 15th and 16th (if needed). Applicants passing the practical examination will be scheduled for an oral board interview.

4. Applicants should plan on being available in Tucson on those dates. Additional dates may be necessary depending on number of qualified applicants.

Individuals on the hiring list will be subject to the following:

An extensive background investigation, including local, state and national criminal and fingerprint checks
A polygraph examination to verify the information you have supplied the City Human Resources and Tucson Police Departments

A post-offer psychological examination, physical (audio) and drug screen

CONTACTS:
All inquiries should be addressed to the below individuals. Do not send emails to jobs@tucsonaz.gov, because this is utilized only for outbound notifications.
Roxie Escarcega, HR Technician (520) 837-4167 Roxie.Escarcega@tucsonaz.gov
Mark Pargas, Lead HR Analyst (520) 837-4177 Mark.Pargas@tucsonaz.gov
JOB CODE: 6308/1009

While this is an exciting opportunity to work for the Tucson Police Department, please consider the following job elements before applying:

Successful performers in this position prefer a fast-paced energetic environment and a job that requires extreme attention to detail. They are able to prioritize assignments quickly and readily adapt to changing circumstances. They accept a shift work position knowing the schedule may be quite different from that of relatives and friends - while at the same time learning to appreciate and take advantage of what a shift work lifestyle has to offer.

Intensive training period requires study of written procedures as well as hands-on training experience. Probationary period is 18 months.
Requires the ability to evaluate verbal and written data quickly and respond calmly to stressful situations

Rotating work schedules are required. Four 10-hour shifts per week, with 3 days off. Overtime work will be required as necessary.

Shift examples are 7AM to 5PM, 5PM to 3AM, and 9PM to 7AM. Shift work is based on seniority and includes evenings, nights, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.

Stressful and fast-paced work which requires the ability to adjust quickly to changing job assignments and to maintain confidentiality

WHAT IT TAKES:

High School Diploma or GED

Ability to type 45 Words Per Minute Net (WPMN)

No felony convictions or drug abuse history

Experience in multi-tasking, customer service, typing, and dispatching is preferred

Ability to speak Spanish is desirable