Experience and Training Guidelines
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge
and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience:
No previous experience necessary.
Training:
Be a high school graduate from a United States public or private high school
Or
Pass the General Education Development Test indicating high school level
Or
Pass the California High School Proficiency Examination
Certificates:
Possession of a valid California driver's license (minimum class C) at the time of application, to be maintained as a condition of continued employment.
Typing certificate with a typing speed of thirty-five (35) words per minute net corrected.
Completion of a POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery with a T-score of forty-five (45) or higher.
Successful completion of the Department of Justice CLETS required workbook (new employees must meet this requirement within six (6) months from date of employment)
Additional Information:
Physical Conditions:
Maintain the following physical abilities: See well enough to read instructions, read fine print, view computer screen, operate vehicle and related equipment; hear well enough to converse on the telephone and in person, assist the public and other staff; use hands and fingers for use of computer keyboard, copy machine, filing, writing, drive vehicles and answer telephone. Dispatchers work rotating shifts (including day shift, swing shift, cover shift and night shift), weekends and holidays and are subject to callback and overtime assignments.
An eligibility list will be established from this recruitment that will be valid for six (6) months. All full-time employees serve an eighteen (18) month probationary period.
Selection Process
1. All applicants must complete a standard City of Turlock application for employment form, supplemental questionnaire and submit the following documentation:
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Proof of education -this can be a copy of transcripts or any degree.
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Attach a typing certificate obtained through an agency that can validate the certificate, such as a temporary employment agency, employment center, and school/college. Note: A self-administered test will not be accepted.
2. You may submit your required certifications using the following options:
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Attach a scanned copy in the "Add Attachment" option (of the NeoGov online application) or
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Fax a copy to (209) 668-5529 or
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Email a copy to [email protected] or
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Hand deliver copies of your attachments to 156 S. Broadway, Suite 235, Turlock, CA on or before the final filing date.
Applications will be rejected if they are incomplete or required documentation is not attached.
3. Applications will be reviewed for minimum qualifications. Applications will be rejected if incomplete or if the required typing certificate and the completed supplemental questionnaire are not attached.
4. Candidates who possess the minimum qualifications and have submitted complete application packets will be invited to compete in the testing process.
5. In the event that a large number of applicants possess the minimum qualifications, applicants who appear to be the most qualified based on their experience and education will be invited to compete in the testing process.
6. Completion of a practical examination (Critical examination) will be conducted, which is graded on a pass/fail basis, in order to further evaluate skills relating to essential job functions.
7. Candidates invited to compete in an oral examination that receives a score of 70% or more will be placed on an eligibility list. Ranking on the eligibility list is based solely on the results of the oral exam.
8. Top candidates on the eligibility list will be referred to the Turlock Police Department for a Command Staff interview to determine which applicant(s) are referred for a background investigation.
9. Final appointment to the position of Emergency Services Dispatcher Trainee will be contingent upon passing the following:
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Background Investigation
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Interview with Chief
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Medical examination (including drug/alcohol screening, hearing and vision examinations), and
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Psychological examination.
Veteran's Preference System
The City of Turlock has adopted a veteran's preference system (effective January 1, 2002). The percentage score achieved through entrance (non-promotional) examination which ranks applicants on an eligibility list shall be adjusted to provide: (a) one (1) percentage point added to the final test score for each six (6) months of active service during a time of armed conflict, up to a maximum of five (5) points, and (b) five (5) percentage points added to the final test score for veterans who are disabled as a result of active military service during a time of armed conflict, regardless of length of service. To receive preference points, applicants must provide supporting documentation and proof of honorable discharge. In no event shall an applicant receive more than a five (5) point adjustment. This request should be made in section #12 of the employment application form. A copy of your DD214 must be attached for this request to be considered.
An Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Turlock is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are sincerely interested in receiving applications from qualified minorities, women and the disabled. Qualified applicants receive equal consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, political affiliation or belief except where indicated by requirements of the job. The City of Turlock will make every effort to accommodate applicants that have disabilities that would not allow them to compete in the announced process. Applicants are asked to indicate their request for accommodation in the application form.
Medical Examination and Drug/Alcohol Screening
The incumbent will be required to take a medical examination including a drug/alcohol screening and be fingerprinted.
Customer Service Policy
The City of Turlock is committed to quality service to our customers. Our goal is to create a positive, productive and courteous atmosphere for our employees and customers. Employees are evaluated on the quality of customer service they provide.
BENEFITS
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Retirement - Qualified candidates who are currently a CalPERS member or have been a CalPERS member within the last six (6) months or are subject to reciprocity with another eligible retirement plan, may be a "classic member" and may be enrolled in the City's 2.7% @ 55 plan. Employee pays employee contribution rate of 9% on a pre-tax basis. Non-classic or "new members" will be enrolled in the 2% @ 62 plan.
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Generous employer contribution to health plan for employee and family
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Term Life Insurance at 1-1/2 times annual salary
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Long Term Disability Insurance
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Liberal vacation, holiday and leave plans
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Dispatcher Intermediate P.O.S.T. Certificate - 2.5% of base pay
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Dispatcher Advanced P.O.S.T. Certificate - 2.5% of base pay
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Associate's Degree or Equivalent - 2.5% of base pay
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Bachelor's Degree - Additional 2.5% of base pay
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Master's Degree - Additional 2.5% of base pay
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Bilingual Pay - 5% of base pay
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Liberal annual uniform allowance
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Tuition reimbursement
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Interest free computer loan
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The City does not participate in Social Security; however, there will be a 1.45% tax in salary for Medicare
PLEASE NOTE:
Information contained herein does not constitute an expressed or implied contract as it is subject to change.
Where to Apply
City of Turlock
Human Relations Department
156 S. Broadway, Suite 235
Turlock, CA 95380-5454
(209) 668-5150
or
Visit our website at www.cityofturlock.org to apply.
All applications must be returned to the Human Relations Department no later than Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at 5 p.m. POSTMARKS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
Cell phones are typically incompatible with online application format or browsers. we recommend using a desktop or laptop Computer. If your are still having technical difficulties, please call NEOGOV at 1-855-524-5627.