Join Our World-Class Team!
The Sheriff's Communications Center is looking for motivated individuals ready to step into a vital role as Emergency Services Dispatcher Trainee.
In this position, you’ll be a calm, confident voice guiding people through critical moments. We’re seeking candidates who can take charge with clarity and sensitivity, while showing respect and care for everyone they serve.
Future Salary Increase
** June 2027 – 5.53% increase to base pay (3% Across-the- Board + 2.53% Market Adj)
About the Position
The Sheriff's Communications Center provides the highest quality professional public safety services to the residents of San Diego County. The Communications Center is in a central Kearny Mesa location and remains staffed at all times, every day of the year. Applicants must be willing to work any/rotating shifts, on holidays or weekends. Sheriff's Emergency Services Dispatcher Trainees are trained to respond to 9-1-1 emergency and non-emergency calls and are responsible for dispatching deputies in the field. This requires a candidate who can assess situations accurately, make quick decisions and use good judgment to ensure safety of patrol deputies. Read about the Emergency Services Dispatcher Trainee for more detailed information.
Please view the following video prepared to share a dispatcher’s role before applying.
The Communications Center is centrally located in Kearny Mesa and is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
To Qualify You Must-
Be at least 18 years of age.
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Possess effective oral and written communication skills in English.
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Have no felony convictions (Misdemeanor convictions may be disqualifying depending on the number, recency, and severity).
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Be willing to work night shifts, holidays, and weekends (24-hour facility - Premium of $.80 per hour for night shift work).
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Must pass the CommsCoachHIRE assessment
Condition of Employment
As part of the County of San Diego’s pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position.
Illegal drug use and possession is prohibited in any form by Sheriff's Office employees.
Application Process
STEP 1: Complete the online application form providing correct and complete responses to the Supplemental Questions. Please ensure all information is complete and accurate as the responses you provide on the supplemental application questionnaire will be reviewed using an automated evaluation system. If you are successful in the initial screening process your application will be reviewed individually to confirm that the information you provided is accurate and qualifying.
STEP 2: Candidates placed on the eligible list will first receive an email confirming their placement. A second email will follow with instructions for completing the online CommsCoach HIRE assessment. Candidates must successfully take and pass this assessment. You will have 30 calendar days from the date of notification to successfully complete the assessment.
The assessment is completed online. The assessment evaluates nine core competencies and simulates real-world tasks using structured and practical questions, including simulated call scenarios. covering the following areas:
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Emotional Resilience
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Stress tolerance
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Listening & Comprehension
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Multitasking
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Decision Making & Judgment
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Conflict Resolution & Empathy
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Accuracy & Recall
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Composure Under Pressure
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Operational Readiness
STEP 3: Candidates who successfully pass the assessment must self-schedule to attend a Pre-Screening Interview and Orientation (PIQ).
STEP 4: Candidates who successfully pass PIQ may be invited to participate in an in-person oral interview.
STEP 5: Candidates who successfully pass the oral interview may be invited to participate in the comprehensive background investigation. The background investigation includes:
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Personal History Statement (PHS) meeting with a Background Detective.
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A Computer Voice Stress Analysis (CVSA) exam
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A psychological and medical exam
The background investigation includes job dimensions established by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) to determine a candidate's suitability as a public safety dispatcher.
If you’re ready to make a difference, bring your composure, compassion, and communication skills to a career where every call matters.
Apply TODAY!
As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization. Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans.
Veteran’s Preference Policy The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego. Please read the Veteran's Preference Policy for additional information.
Military Skills Translator Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help! Please read the Military Skills Translator to access the tool.
The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of these is infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data-driven services through a skilled and supported workforce. Click here for more information on our Strategic Plan (Download PDF reader).
Accommodation
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions of the job, on a case-by-case basis. The County of San Diego now participates in E-Verify. Read the E-Verif (Download PDF reader)y information here.
The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include: integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of these is infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data-driven services through a skilled and supported workforce. Click here for more information on our Strategic Plan (Download PDF reader).
Disaster Service Worker
Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law.
The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset and our customers are our number one priority.
