Communications Dispatcher II - Per Diem at City of Richmond — NeverHard

Introduction Are you calm under pressure, quick on your feet, and passionate about helping others? As a Communications Dispatcher II - Per Diem, you’ll be the vital link between the public and emergency responders—fielding urgent calls, gathering critical details, and ensuring help gets where it’s needed most. This is more than just a job—it’s a chance to make a real difference in your community, every single shift. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, have sharp decision-making skills, and want the flexibility of a per diem role, step into a career where every call counts and every action matters. The Communications Dispatcher II (Per Diem) receives emergency and non-emergency calls from the public, including cellular telephone users, requesting services; dispatches emergency police, fire, and other public safety units in a coordinated manner; operates various communications equipment; functions as a lead worker; provides training; and performs other related work as required. Incumbents in the Communications Dispatcher II - Per Diem classification work on an as-needed basis, are not guaranteed hours, and will not work more than 1,000 hours per fiscal year. Position Description and Duties The Communications Dispatcher II - Per Diem is journey-level dispatcher who works on a temporary, as-needed basis. Incumbents function at the level of a fully qualified dispatcher of emergency public safety personnel and equipment. The incumbents have prior dispatcher experience and have demonstrated proficiency in the techniques and methods of radio dispatching involving public safety operations. Incumbents handle emergency situations requiring independent judgment as to the correct course of action where unprecedented situations may arise. The Communications Dispatcher II - Per Diem is distinguished from the Communications Dispatcher II classification in that incumbents work on an as-needed basis, are not guaranteed hours, and will not work more than 1,000 hours per fiscal year. The following list is intended to be illustrative in nature and does not necessarily represent the entire range of work duties expected of employees within the job classification. Receives calls from citizens and other agencies requesting emergency and non-emergency services. Evaluates information to determine jurisdiction, priority, staff availability, and equipment needed, and transfers calls for service outside of jurisdiction. Processes calls for ambulance services using Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) protocol to provide first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), automated external defibrillator (AED) support, and other pre-arrival instructions. Dispatches police, fire, and other public safety units in accordance with established procedures, and based on the nature of the call, staff availability, assigned geographical area, and location of the call. Provides responding units with pertinent information such as suspect information, warrant, probation and parole information, vehicle registration status, license status, premise, and subject history. Operates a variety of communication equipment, including radio transmitters and receivers, computerized communication terminals and keyboards, multi-line telephone equipment, and City-wide camera monitoring equipment. Provides callers with established instructions for emergency medical situations. Prepares complete and accurate records and logs. Provides training to Communications Dispatcher I’s and Communications Call Takers. Reviews work for accuracy and compliance with standards. Required to work various shifts associated with a 24-hour, 365–day operation and required to wear a uniform. Performs related work as required. Please click here for the complete job description. Minimum Qualifications Required Education and Experience High School diploma or GED equivalent Eighteen (18) months of full-time experience performing public safety dispatch duties, the ability to type a minimum of 30 words per minute, and the qualifications listed below Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities Required Licenses or Certifications California POST-certified 120-hour Public Safety Dispatchers’ Basic Course Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) certification is an ongoing requirement Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification is an ongoing requirement California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS) certification is an ongoing requirement Additional Requirements Must pass a polygraph and an extensive background examination. As a condition of employment, psychological, medical, and drug testing are also required COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement The City’s policy is that all persons hired on or after October 18, 2021, must be fully vaccinated, including the booster, for COVID-19. New employees will be required to provide proof of complete vaccination or have an approved medical or religious accommodation before employment may commence. If you have any questions regarding this policy, please contact Human Resources. REQUIRED KSA FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES Knowledge of: Modern office practices and equipment, including applicable software City streets, businesses, and community facilities Communication devices and equipment Skill in: Organization and time management Reacting quickly, accurately, and calmly in handling emergency calls Leadership Ability to: Type a minimum of 30 words per minute Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing Establish and maintain effective working relationships Analyze and retain information gathered from citizens and other agencies Accurately dispatch public safety units in a coordinated manner Interpret written instructions, policies, and rules Follow written and oral directions Operate computerized data communications terminals Additional Information Application and Selection To Apply: Applicants must apply online by fully completing the City of Richmond Employment Application, including answers to supplemental questions, by 11:59 p.m. on the final filing date. All communication regarding this recruitment will be via email; each applicant must apply with a monitored email address. Application Screening: All completed applications will be evaluated based on job-related qualifications criteria, which could include desirable qualifications and the specific needs of the hiring department. Candidates may be screened for better qualified. Selection Process: Successful candidates who meet minimum qualifications will be placed in an applicant pool and referred to the department hiring manager for consideration. The better-qualified candidates may be invited to continue in the selection process. The selection process may include interviews and/or testing. The candidate pool is active for six (6) months from the date of establishment. About the City of Richmond The City of Richmond lies on the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay, five miles north of Berkeley and seven miles northeast across the Bay from downtown San Francisco. A hub of multimodal transportation, many of our residents and businesses are located in Richmond because of its central location and easy access to the Amtrak/Capitol Corridor ,BART, AC Transit, the ferry, and two freeways (I-80 & I-580). Residents, visitors, and employees enjoy Richmond’s numerous recreational opportunities, which include 32 miles of shoreline and over 3,000 acres of shoreline parks, more segments of the Bay Trail completed than any other city, several recreational boat harbors and yacht clubs, and thousands of acres of contiguous inland regional parks and open space. The City has substantial economic resources but is still affordable compared to other Bay Area cities. Our community is welcoming, diverse, and actively engaged. Richmond is truly the City of Pride and Purpose! Immigration Reform Control Act In compliance with the Immigration Reform Control Act of 1986, individuals offered employment by the City of Richmond will be required to show documentation of eligibility to work in the United State as a condition of employment. Non-Discrimination Policy The City's policy prohibits discrimination against any applicant on the basis of race, color, age, physical or mental disability, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, or national origin. Disaster Service Workers California Government Code Title I, Sections 3100 - 3109, declare all public employees to be Disaster Service Workers subject to such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law. More information can be found here . EOE/ADA/DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE www.ci.richmond.ca.usAnalyst: J. Somera 8/2026