Dispatcher (1 Vacancy + Establish 6-month Eligibility List)
Salary: $54,138.48 - $79,974.72 Annually
Location: Palm Desert, CA
Job Type: FULL TIME
Job Number: 2600280
Division: Administrative Services
Department: Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness
Opening Date: 08/20/2026
Closing Date: 9/13/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: CSEA-California School Employees Association
Description
About College of the Desert
The College of the Desert, Desert Community College District enrolls approximately 20,000 students each academic year with steady enrollment growth each year. College of the Desert embraces diversity in all forms and the right of all people to have access to quality higher education in a safe learning environment. Designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), College of the Desert administers an array of student programs specifically focused on student support and helping students achieve their educational and career goals. As a two-year college, we offer Associates Degree for Transfer, both in Art and Sciences, Associates Degrees, and Certificates across a wide range of disciplines.
College of the Desert is a district that consists of leadership, staff, and faculty who are committed to enhancing our community through supporting the academic success of all of our students including racially and ethnically diverse students, students with disabilities, students who are first generation to college, veterans, students of all ages, students with diverse socio-economic backgrounds, "dreamers", and students of diverse sexual orientation and gender expression.
When you join College of the Desert you can expect to be part of a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative community. We provide students with a rich and dynamic learning experience that embraces differences, emphasizes collaboration, and engages students in and out of the classroom. We are committed to ensuring that College of the Desert is a welcoming place for the success of all students.
Interested in learning more about College of the Desert and the Coachella Valley? Visit the links below.
- The Community - Coachella Valley
- College of the Desert
Who We Want:
College of the Desert is seeking individuals from a broad range of cultural heritages, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, abilities, and orientations. As such, we prioritize individuals who fully demonstrate their understanding of the community we serve, the benefits of diversity in a professional and educational setting, and values creating a culture that brings people together. A successful candidate will value working in a collegial, collaborative environment that is guided by a commitment to inclusion, student education, and equity. An equity-minded individual is a person who already does or has demonstrated the desire to:
- Understand the importance of holding ourselves accountable as faculty, staff and leadership for closing equity gaps and engaging in equitable practices;
- Reframe inequities as a problem of practice and view the elimination of inequities as an individual and collective responsibility;
- Encourage positive race-consciousness and embrace human difference;
- Reflect on institutional and teaching practices and aim to make them more culturally responsive; and
- Strategically build buy-in and participation among colleagues for equity-related initiatives.
BASIC FUNCTION
Under the direction of the Director of Security and Emergency Preparedness, operate computer, telephone and radio communications equipment to receive and record emergency calls and routine calls for service. Provide information, dispatch Public Safety Officers and emergency personnel throughout the District; type, file, and perform a wide variety of clerical support duties in the Public Safety Department.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES
1. Receives calls by telephone, two-way radio, or signals via fire and intrusion alarm systems regarding emergency and other situations. Determines the priority and response for all calls. Contacts, informs, and dispatches Public Safety Officers and others, as appropriate for the situations. E
2. Screen incoming calls to determine necessity, priority and type of response required; interprets level of service needed through information obtained from field officers or citizens; works effectively with the public, and maintains a professional, customer service oriented demeanor. E
3. Responds to questions and concerns from the general public, department staff, and other agencies in both English and Spanish; takes and records telephone and counter reports; provides information as appropriate and resolves service issues and complaints. Handle front counter traffic at the Public Safety Office. E
4. Inputs, updates, requests, and transmits confidential query information from various sources to ensure current, accurate public safety records. E
5. Answer and process emergency incidents and routine incidents for assistance, communicating clearly and effectively to a reporting party to collect critical information for officer safety awareness and timely response. E
6. Prepare reports and logs of unusual incidents, contact agencies involved with major emergency operations such as neighboring police agencies and various State agencies that deal with emergency and disaster operations. E
7. Contacts agencies involved with major emergency operations such as the fire department, neighboring police agencies, and various State agencies that deal with emergency and disaster operations. E
8. Monitors various equipment, such as alarm systems, 24-hour recorder system and dispatch equipment to ensure they are working properly; alerts personnel and may respond to alarms and equipment malfunctions. E
9. Requests outside assistance/mutual aid from local agencies. Orders ambulances and tow trucks or contacts other agencies for extended assistance. E
10. Prepare and maintain logs of incoming and outgoing calls. E
11. Interpret and apply various laws, regulations, policies and procedures. E
12. Updates daily crime log and collects data for CLERY reporting and calls of service. E
13. Operate the Emergency Broadcast radio in the event of an emergency or monthly check ins.
14. Perform related duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Any combination equivalent to: graduation from high school and one (1) year of clerical and/or dispatch experience in a public safety, military, emergency services or judicial environment.
LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS Must be bilingual (English and Spanish). CPR/AED certification within six months from date of employment. SB1626 Certification within six months from date of employment. Possession of a current valid P.O.S.T. Public Safety Dispatch certificate preferred.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of:
- Working knowledge of general dispatching procedures, equipment, and practices.
- Record-keeping/filing techniques
- Standard radio and telephone communications receiving and transmitting equipment.
- Operation of common radio dispatching equipment.
- English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
- Telephone techniques and etiquette.
- Basic Computer knowledge.
- Modern Office practices, procedures and equipment.
Ability to:
- Demonstrate understanding of, sensitivity to, and respect for the diverse academic, socio economic, ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, disability, and sexual orientation of community college students, faculty and staff.
- Speak clearly and distinctly.
- Exercise good judgment and make sound decisions in emergency situations.
- Hear normal speech and other audible events, other environmental noise. This includes hearing voices transmitted by radio and telephone.
- Effectively communicate in both English and Spanish.
- Communicate with and elicit information from upset and irate citizens.
- Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, staff, and the public.
- Prioritize and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Understand and carry out verbal and written instructions.
- Maintain strict confidentiality.
- Type 40 words per minute.
- Prepare clear and concise reports.
- Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationship with others.
EMPLOYMENT STATUS
- Classified
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E=Essential Functions
Salary Placement:
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Range 8 / Range 9 P.O.S.T. Public Safety Dispatcher Certificate
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Salary placement is contingent on education, experience, and department budget.
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Retirement System: CalPERS (upon meeting eligibility criteria)
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This posting is for 1 current vacancy and to establish a 6-month eligibility list for current and future Dispatcher openings.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Environment: Duties performed in an active and often hectic environment with unscheduled interruptions; dispatchers must be able to hear alarms and other auditory devices; must be able to sit or stand for long periods of time, must be able to lift and carry up to 25 lbs. and constant interaction with students, staff and the public.
SCHEDULE & LOCATION:
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This position is scheduled 40 hours per week, 12 months per year.
- The schedule is Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- The primary location is Palm Desert Campus.
- The schedule and location are subject to change based on District need.
REQUIRED APPLICATION AND REQUIRED UPLOADED DOCUMENTS:
To be considered a candidate for this position, the following materials must be electronically uploaded:
- Online Application: All sections of the College of the Desert District online application must be completed including education and experience.
- Resume: Must include length of employment (month/year start and end dates) for each employer.
- Cover Letter: Please address how you meet the minimum requirements for this position and any special qualifications you possess.
REQUIRED IN YOUR APPLICATION:
- List of References: References should include at least two supervisors and one colleague. Please include name, title, email and current phone numbers. Letters of reference will not be accepted in lieu of the required List of References.
OPTIONAL UPLOADED DOCUMENTS:
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College Transcripts: Academic transcripts of all college level coursework showing date degree awarded from an accredited institution. For consideration, degree(s) must be awarded at the time of application. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at time of application. Successful candidate must provide official transcripts upon hire. Non-U.S. transcripts must include a certified U.S. evaluation (i.e., NACES agency: www.naces.org) at the time of application. Diplomas will not be accepted in lieu of the required transcripts.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS:
- Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.
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College of the Desert does not offer sponsorship nor take over sponsorship for an employment VISA.
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Employment is contingent on residence in California.
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Incomplete application packages will not be considered.
- All submitted materials become the property of College of the Desert Community College District and will not be returned or copied and will be considered for this position only.
- Salary placement will be contingent on all materials submitted for this position.
- Applicant bears the sole responsibility for ensuring that the application package is complete when submitted.
- All travel arrangements will be at applicant's expense.
- Application materials must be received by the deadline. Application materials received after the closing deadline will not be accepted.
- For online application, information, and instructions, visit the College of the Desert job opportunities website at https:// www.collegeofthedesert.edu/faculty-staff/human-resources/career-opportunities.php or call (760) 773-2529.
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FAQs: For additional information, click here: Recruitment - Frequently Asked Questions.
TIMELINES:
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For consideration, please apply by Sunday, September 13, 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted.
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First-level interviews are tentatively scheduled in-person on Friday, October 23, 2026.
Tentative schedule is subject to change based on District need.
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Notice to all Candidates for Employment:
DISTRICT RIGHTS: College of the Desert reserves the right to re-open, re-advertise, delay, or cancel filling this position.
The SELECTED CANDIDATE is required to complete the following prior to employment:
- Provide a Certificate of Tuberculosis Exam for initial appointment (Note: The certificate must be renewed every 4 years as a condition of continuing employment).
- Have fingerprints taken by a Live Scan computer at the candidate's expense (Clearance must be received prior to the first day of employment).
- Present original documents for proof of eligibility to work in the United States(Note: We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.) A Social Security Card will be required for payroll processing.
- Participate in a new hire onboarding, completing all required tasks and forms.
May be required to complete a fitness for duty physical exam based on the job description, as applicable.
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Salary Placement: Contingent on education, experience, and department budget. All materials must be provided at the time of application for consideration.
The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Public Law 99-603, requires that employers obtain documentation from every new employee which authorizes that individual to accept employment in this country. The Desert Community College District (DCCD) will not sponsor any VISA applications nor take over any VISA.
Employees must reside in California while employed with the Desert Community College District (DCCD).
California Public Employees Retirement System and California State Teachers Retirement System:
A California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) retiree may not accept employment until after the first 180 days of retirement. Anyone retired from CalPERS accepting permanent employment with the DCCD will be required to reinstate as an active CalPERS member. Please contact CalPERS for additional information regarding your retirement status.
Any active vested member of California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS), who accepts employment with the DCCD to perform service that requires membership in CalPERS, is eligible to elect to continue retirement system coverage under CalSTRS
Disability Accommodations:
If you require special accommodations in the application and/or evaluation process, please notify Human Resources at least two (2) business days prior to the job posting close or initial screening date, by either calling (760) 773 -2529 or sending an e-mail to
[email protected].
Attendance Requirement:
All DCCD employees are required to report to work on a regular and consistent basis, as scheduled, to assigned job.
Campus Crime and Safety Awareness:
Information regarding campus crime and safety awareness can be found at https://www.collegeofthedesert.edu/students/public-safety/.
Non-Discrimination Notice:
The DCCD provides access to its services, classes, and programs without regard to national origin, immigration status, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, ethnicity, color, medical condition, military and veteran status, genetic information, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, or because they are perceived to have one or more of the foregoing characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.
California Fair Chance Act:
The DCCD will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if the DCCD is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Equal Employment Opportunity:
The DCCD is committed to creating an academic and work environment that fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and equal employment opportunity (EEO) for all, and ensures that students, faculty, staff, and managers of all backgrounds feel welcome, included, supported, and safe. Our culture of belonging, openness, and inclusion, makes the DCCD a unique and special place for individuals of all backgrounds.
The DCCD is looking for equity and inclusion-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to the understanding of diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present within our community. When you join the DCCD, you can expect to be part of an exciting, thriving, equity-focused, and inclusive community that approaches higher education with the lens of social justice and collaboration among students, faculty, staff, managers, and community partners. In deciding whether to apply for a position at the DCCD, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with the DCCD's mission and goals for DEIA and EEO.
Additional Resources
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (FEHA)
- Discrimination Laws Regarding People With Disabilities
- Reasonable Accommodation
- Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
- AP 7100 - Commitment to Diversity (Download PDF reader)
- COD - Equal Opportunity Plan (Download PDF reader)
Department of Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP)
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THE DCCD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
To apply, visit: https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/collegeofthedesertca/jobs/5447660/dispatcher-1-vacancy-establish-6-month-eligibility-list
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