Police Dispatcher I
University Police
Job # 552979
First Review Date: December 1, 2025
Open Until Filled
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Founded in 1913, Cal Poly Humboldt began as a small college for teachers. Today Humboldt has grown into a comprehensive university with rigorous science and liberal arts programs. Designated a polytechnic in 2022, Cal Poly Humboldt provides hands-on, impactful educational opportunities that lead to meaningful, measurable outcomes for the individual, for the state, and the world.
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Finding a better future is a task for the bold and open, the down-to-earth and visionary. Cal Poly Humboldt strives to cultivate these qualities in leaders, innovators, and scholars in every field.
(Job # 552979) Police Dispatcher, Police Dispatcher, CSU Classification Salary Range: $4,611 – $6,718 per month (Step 1- Step 20), Hiring Range: $4,611- $5,091 per month (Step 1-6) Final salary placement is commensurate with experience, internal equity, and budget considerations. This is a full-time, benefited, non-exempt, 12-month pay plan, one-year probationary period position in the University Police Department. This position comes with a premium benefits package that includes outstanding vacation, medical, dental, and vision plans, life insurance, voluntary pre-tax health and dependent care reimbursement accounts, a fee waiver education program, membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), and 14 paid holidays per year. Additional benefits information can be found at https://hraps.humboldt.edu/employee-benefits.
Position Summary:
The Police Dispatcher is a highly service-oriented member of the University Police Department responsible for maintaining effective and efficient communications among the dispatch center, law enforcement officers in the field, outside emergency response, parking enforcement, transportation services and the public, following prescribed procedures. The position is also responsible for basic records maintenance and distribution. Job duties must be performed quickly, clearly and accurately.
Key Responsibilities:
Under general supervision, the dispatcher will multi-task, answering and screening emergency and non-emergency incoming calls to the police department which involve conversing with crime victims, witnesses and members of the public to elicit and record pertinent information; operate police department and other emergency communications equipment to dispatch police or parking officers to calls for service, critical incidents and emergencies; enter and retrieve data or police reports, activity logs and criminal information; utilize automated dispatch, record keeping and law enforcement systems and databases to enter, research and retrieve information; operate the 911 telephone system and serve as the primary answering point for fire, medical and police services; coordinate emergency responses including performing emergency dispatch duties; monitor and utilize multiple radio channels and frequencies for both on and off campus agencies; monitor, receive and process on-campus fire, panic, environmental and intrusion alarm systems and coordinate responses; assist the public on the phone and at the police department window; respond to requests for mutual aid; monitor and activation of Emergency Public Address System if required; informally monitor and use CCTV system. Process crime reports, traffic or parking citations and prepare them for distribution to the appropriate agencies; enter, record, research and retrieve information; maintain records; file, fax and scan documents; update automated telephone notifications during emergency incidents; maintain briefing binders; process media bulletins and fire and crime logs, memorandums and schedules via electronic or manual means; process and notification for lost and found; and provide related clerical and/or administrative support to the department. Follow chain of command; communicate with other staff members; assigned to train as needed; provide support to other public safety and community service functions including parking and access services; and other duties as assigned.
Dispatching – 60%
a. Answers incoming telephone calls (including 911 and TDD calls for fire, medical, police or other emergency services), receives initial information for calls for service, evaluates and prioritizes calls for proper dispatch and disposition.
b. Dispatches police units in accordance with established procedures and policies using a computerized dispatch system.
c. Maintains constant radio contact with all personnel in the field and responds to any information or support needs. Accounts for location and status of all units and properly records any information associated with field calls.
d. Monitors radio traffic of other police and fire agencies and campus departments such as Housing & Facilities Management.
e. Responds to all persons at the public counter to take initial reports or calls for service and to answer general questions regarding the campus, parking or police procedures, found property, Live Scan, etc.
f. Provides general information and referral services to the campus, especially outside of normal business hours.
g. Makes inquiries and enters a variety of records into the CLETS database, NCIC and CLEWS systems, including but not limited to registration checks on vehicles, stolen property or gun checks, warrants or missing persons.
h. Interprets database returns for officers in the field and broadcasts them as needed and understands that misuse of these systems is a criminal offense.
i. Contacts public and private agencies and requests mutual assistance, including other law enforcement agencies, fire, ambulance, towing services and utilities.
j. Maintains telecommunication briefing books of all missing persons, runaways, wanted persons, stolen vehicles, etc.
k. Monitors campus fire, panic, intrusion and environmental alarm systems and processes all alarms according to procedures by type of alarm.
l. Maintains department's computerized law enforcement records system (RIMS), which includes making timely entries regarding calls for service, crime reports, citations and persons contacted.
Clerical/Record Keeping – 25%
a. Process all crime reports and citations which includes keyboarding, printing, copying, scanning, distribution and filing.
b. Files department correspondence.
c. Takes messages for all department personnel.
d. Answers multi-line telephones promptly and professionally and forwards calls or information in a timely manner.
e. Occasionally prepares various statistical reports as requested.
f. Provides computer entry and documentation of parking citations, permits, boots and querying of the parking computer systems.
g. Updates 826-INFO line in accordance with department directives or as needed in an emergency event.
h. Takes active and daily role in archiving of various reports, records and logs.
Public Safety Support/Miscellaneous – 10%
a. Keeps immediate supervisor and other designated personnel accurately informed concerning work progress, including present and potential work problems and suggestions for new or improved ways of addressing such problems.
b. Assists with campus lost and found, which includes receiving, processing, filing, attempting owner contact.
c. Maintains various logs through computer aided dispatch, Excel, or other specialty forms such as maintenance requests, Incident Memorandums, activity logs, and the master open/closing building schedules for all buildings on campus.
d. Processes and maintains RIMS warrant database through regularly processing of reports form the local courts.
e. Issues and maintains records for building pass system (after hours use of campus buildings).
f. Distributes and maintains a log for a variety of campus keys checked out from the department.
g. Maintains and updates various dispatch, radio, CLETS and NCIC manuals as needed.
h. Responds to questions and comments from the public in a courteous and timely manner providing accurate, professional, and appropriate information.
i. Attends meetings, conferences, workshops and training sessions and reviews publications and audio-visual materials to become and remain current on principles, practices and new developments in the assigned work area and industry.
j. Communicates and coordinates regularly with appropriate persons to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental operations and activities.
k. May be asked to train new dispatchers.
l. Performs other directly related duties consistent with the role and function of the job classification.
m. Informally monitors and uses CCTV system and remote control which records a variety of locations on campus.
n. Operates the campus emergency public address system as needed during emergencies and during scheduled tests.
Other Duties as Assigned – 5%
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Associated with this Position Include:
a. Working knowledge of legal codes, requirements, procedures and techniques for receiving complaints and calls for service and for dispatching and communicating with campus officers in the field.
b. Working knowledge of public safety-related agencies and the respective communication protocols.
c. Ability to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information.
d. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
e. Ability to effectively handle simultaneous events under stress.
f. Ability to speak clearly and concisely.
g. Ability to hear, record and accurately recall radio transmissions, alarms, scanner traffic and telephone conversations, often simultaneously.
h. Ability to sit/stand for extended periods of time as required (often working a minimum 12-hour shift).
i. Ability to remain calm and maintain professionalism in radio transmissions and public relations during emergency, difficult, and stressful situations.
j. Ability to elicit information from upset/irate people in a calm and professional manner.
k. Ability to efficiently operate all required public safety telecommunications equipment and computer systems.
l. Ability to learn geographic features, streets and buildings on campus.
m. Ability to read and interpret various manuals and codes.
n. Ability to exercise sound, independent judgment.
o. Ability to communicate effectively with others, both orally and in writing, using both technical and non-technical languages.
p. Ability to understand and follow oral and/or written policies, procedures and instructions.
q. Ability to use logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions and problem-solve in accordance with written specifications and/or oral instruction.
r. Ability to perform a wide-variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines.
s. Ability to quickly learn and put to use new skills and knowledge brought about by rapidly changing information and/or technology.
t. Ability to travel and attend various meetings, training seminars, and conferences.
u. Ability to become a trainer.
v. Ability to work and associate with a diverse community in an effective, professional and courteous manner.
w. Achievement of the POST Dispatcher certificate.
Minimum Qualifications:
Entry to the first level within this classification typically requires one year of verifiable experience using a switchboard and two-way radio communication system in a law enforcement or comparable agency within the last ten years and a high school diploma or equivalent. Essential entry qualifications require the ability to effectively use a phonetic alphabet, speak clearly and concisely, follow oral and written instructions, transfer information accurately, handle a wide range of interpersonal interactions effectively, and learn the use of applicable automated dispatch and law enforcement systems and databases.
Incumbents must have completed or be able to attend and successfully complete the Police Officers Standards and Training (P.O.S.T) Dispatcher Course. Incumbents who, upon hire, do not possess a P.O.S.T. Dispatcher Certificate also will be required to pass a written test related to essential dispatching skills. Additionally, incumbents must successfully pass supplemental P.O.S.T. requirements for dispatchers such a background check, physical and psychological examinations, drug testing, and related requirements.
a. Must be available to rotate shifts, work nights, weekends, overtime, holidays and emergency call-back.
b. Must have ability to type or word process 45 wpm.
c. Must meet the minimum requirement set for by the California State University System in the Classification and Qualification Standards for a Police Dispatcher at the Position Skill Level I.
d. Must be able to pass the P.O.S.T background investigation for law enforcement dispatcher position.
Preferred Qualifications:
Two years of clerical experience involving public contacts; or one year of military or civilian public safety (police/fire) experience; or one year experience as dispatcher (or equivalent) operating radio or other communications equipment
A California POST Basic Dispatch certificate or proof of a California POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery Total T-Score of 55 or higher.
Application Procedure: To apply, qualified candidates must electronically submit the following materials by clicking the Apply Now button:
- Letter of Interest
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae
- Contact information for at least three professional references
Application Deadline: The deadline to submit application materials for first review is 11:55 p.m. on November 30, 2025.
Any inquiries about this recruitment can be directed to careers@humboldt.edu or Cal Poly Humboldt’s Human Resources Office at (707) 826-3626.
We acknowledge that Cal Poly Humboldt is located on the unceded lands of the Wiyot people, where they have resided from time immemorial. We encourage all to gain a deeper understanding of their history and thriving culture. As an expression of our gratitude, we are genuinely committed to developing trusting, reciprocal, and long-lasting partnerships with the Wiyot people as well as all of our neighboring tribes. Cal Poly Humboldt was the first campus in the California State University system to offer a stand-alone major in Native American Studies.
Cal Poly Humboldt is committed to enriching its educational environment and its culture through the diversity of its staff, faculty, and administration. Persons with interest and experience in helping organizations set and achieve goals relative to diversity and inclusion are especially encouraged to apply.
Working in the state of California is a condition of employment for this position. Even if part or all of an employee's assignment can be performed remotely, the employee must maintain a permanent residence in the state of California. The employee must be able to accept on-campus work assignment, as assigned, and come to campus when needed.
CSU strongly recommends that all individuals who access any in-person program or activity (on- or off-campus) operated or controlled by the University follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications and comply with other safety measure established by each campus. The systemwide policy can be found at CSU Vaccination Policy and any questions you have may be submitted to hr@humboldt.edu.
Cal Poly Humboldt hires only individuals lawfully authorized to work in the United States. This position may be considered a “Campus Security Authority”, pursuant to the Clery Act, and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1107 a condition of employment.
CAL POLY HUMBOLDT IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS (e.g. H1-B VISAS)
Evidence of required degree(s), certification(s), or license(s) is required prior to the appointment date. Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check, employment verification, and education verification) is required for employment. Cal Poly Humboldt will issue a contingent offer of employment to the selected candidate, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or if it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Certain positions may also require a credit check, motor vehicle report, and/or fingerprinting through Live Scan service. Failure to satisfactorily complete or adverse findings from a background check may affect the employment status of candidates or continued employment of current CSU employees who are being considered for the position.
All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, the Cal Poly Humboldt provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. Cal Poly Humboldt complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices. Cal Poly Humboldt is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At Cal Poly Humboldt, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.
Mandated Reporting: This position may be considered a “mandated reporter” under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.
Additionally, all CSU staff and faculty receive training annually on their obligations in responding to and reporting incidents of sexual harassment and sexual violence. You will be notified by email when you are required to take this mandated training.
Class Code: 8800
Publication Date: November 14, 2025