Public Safety Dispatcher

This is a continuous recruitment. Applications are accepted on an on- going basis; interviews conducted and hires made as needed. This job opening will remain OPEN until filled. We're accepting applications after Initial Review Date (IRD).

HOW TO APPLY

For full consideration, applicants should attach their resume and cover letter when applying for a job opening. For guidance related to the application process or if you are experiencing difficulties when applying, please review the on our website.

INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

UC Santa Cruz jobs are posted until filled. All application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring team for consideration. NOTE: Applicants who miss the IRD are still encouraged to apply; their materials will still be forwarded for consideration if requested by the hiring team. Application materials cannot be accepted outside of the jobs portal. Applications cannot be edited on an applicant's behalf. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, . This is a continuous recruitment. Applications are accepted on an on- going basis; interviews conducted and hires made as needed. This job opening will remain OPEN until filled. We're accepting applications after Initial Review Date (IRD).

The IRD for this job is: 07-25-2025

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Police Department is responsible for maintaining a public safety environment that supports the University's mission of education, research, and public service, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Under the general supervision of the Records & Communications Manager, the incumbent staffs the Public Safety Dispatch Center, operating as a primary point of contact for life or property emergencies and general police, fire, and Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS) transit services.

More information can be found at:

JOB SUMMARY

This position is located in the Police Department. The Police Department is responsible for maintaining a public safety environment, which supports the University's mission of education, research, and public service, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Under the general supervision of the Records & Communications Manager, the incumbent staffs the Public Safety Dispatch Center, operating as a primary point of contact for life or property emergencies and general police, fire, and Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS) transit services.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $42.34 - $46.66/hour. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.
Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits

Schedule Information:

• Full-time, Fixed
• Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Sun, 3-4 Days/week, 12 hours/day
• Shift Includes: Evening, Night, Swing Shift, Weekend, Holidays and Critical Incidents

Employee Classification: Career appointment

Job End Date: None

Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus

Union Representation: CX, Clerical Unit

Job Code Classification: PUBL SFTY DISPATCHER (005216)

Travel: Up to 25% of the time

JOB DUTIES

70% - Radio Dispatching & Emergency Services

• Incumbent provides emergency radio dispatching and telephone services to the campus, emergency services, Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS) transit service drivers, Disability Van Service (DVS), CHARTER Services, and Transit Supervisors. The incumbent receives and transmits information by two-way radio and phone (including 9-1-1 calls, "blue light" emergency phones, Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD), and emergency elevator phones).
• In accordance with Federal Communications Commission regulations, standard public safety dispatching guidelines, Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) requirements, and specific University and unit policies and guidelines, communicate by two-way radio with Police, Fire, Parking, Guard, Health Services, Physical Plant, Community Safety Officers, TAPS, other campus units, and allied agencies. Relay and coordinate information and provide support to all field units.
• Operate other technically advanced and complex alarm computer systems. Operate complex radio console, utilize various computerized applications, operate video display terminal, answer and handle the E911 Public Safety Answering Point.
• Independently determine the level of emergency response and coordinate police, fire, ambulance and transit services as well as other resources as needed or required.
• Function autonomously but under the general supervision of the Records and Communications Manager or Police manager. In the absence of the Records and Communications Manager or Police manager, functional supervision is provided by the on duty police supervisor.
• Operate a computer aided dispatch (CAD) system to keep detailed records of calls received, units dispatched, and agency initiated activity. Utilize a Records Management system for the purpose of assisting the Police Department and other Public Safety agencies. Use a CAD to dispatch and track various levels of calls for service and public safety resources. Inquire into the Records Management System, and university information systems, to inquire, enter, update or modify data.
• Monitor and respond to calls on CLEMARS (California Law Enforcement Mutual Aid Radio System), an interagency law enforcement frequency, monitor allied agencies, including but not limited to Santa Cruz City Police, Santa Cruz County Sheriff, and County Fire frequencies.
• Understand and evaluate emergency/urgent situations and relay information as received to assist in coordinating a response with the Police and Fire, Transit Services Manager, Safety Manager, drivers, staff and customers to resolve issues in a timely manner.
• Operate CLETS (California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System) terminal, using Open Query software system for inquiries to automated data bases at Department of Motor Vehicles, inquiries, entries, and updates to automated data bases of California Department of Justice, National Crime Information Center, and Federal Bureau of Investigation. Operate CLETS terminal, using Open Query software system for inquiries, entries, and/or updates to automated databases at California Department of Motor Vehicles, California Department of Justice, National Crime Information Center, and Federal Bureau of Investigation. Following established procedures, send administrative messages to law enforcement agencies throughout the nation, including requests for mutual aid, information on subjects or vehicles, notifications to law enforcement agencies regarding persons and/or vehicles wanted by University Police, and abstracts of warrants held by University Police. Receive and distribute messages received on CLETS terminal, including: inquiries, confirmation of warrants, bulletins and notices from other agencies.
• Receive all emergency calls on campus, including: medical emergencies, fires, crimes, suspicious circumstances, fire and security alarms, accidents (vehicle, bicycle and other), hazardous materials incidents (toxic or radioactive spills), stalled elevators, power outages and major disasters.
• Dispatch transit buses and Disability Van Service (DVS) vans.
• Receive DVS calls, verifying individual's eligibility to utilize the Disability Van Services. Responsible for scheduling and dispatching new rides, and ride modifications, cancellations, and record 'no-shows'. Requires knowledge of all campus DVS stops, and program eligibility requirements.
• Coordinate emergency response of University units (Police, Fire, Environmental Health & Safety, Health Services, Transit Services, Disability Van Services, Physical Plant, college Community Safety Officers) and non-campus units (including Santa Cruz Police and Fire, Santa Cruz Sheriff, California Highway Patrol, California Division of Forestry and ambulance).
• Follow prescribed University procedures and public safety dispatching procedures and exercise proper judgment in emergency situations for which established procedures may not exist.
• Ability to learn and understand requirements of Clery Act. Ability to disseminate emergency notifications, timely warnings, and other notices to personnel and public.
• Provide public information and directions regarding departmental procedures and practices including but not limited to UC parking rules and regulations, requesting police reports, filing commendations and complaints against departmental employees, ride a longs, and other services provided.

10% - Training

• Train current personnel on new dispatch equipment, procedures, policies and regulations in group and one-on-one settings.
• Facilitate the transition of new dispatchers into the department by providing one-on-one training. May be assigned by the Chief of Police or designee as a communications training officer (CTO), providing instruction to new dispatchers on the full scope of the job functions.
• Develop and maintain an environment that is conducive to learning and for representing the agency in a professional and competent manner.
• Provide public information and instruction at the Citizen Police Academy, campus activities and fairs, and at other events approved by the department.

15% - Records/Files

• Monitor dispatch center alarms, 9-1-1 and campus telephone system, and other equipment to assure proper functioning. Notify appropriate technician when systems malfunction.
• Utilize a multi-channel logging recorder in regular course of duty and to assist campus Police Department with needed information.
• Maintain records and files as required: Penal Code bans, court orders, California Law Enforcement Telecommunications Systems / National Law Enforcement Telecommunications Systems (CLETS/NLETS) administrative messages, CLETS entry logs, equipment logs, Dispatch activity logs, Incident Reports, After Hours Non-Emergency Maintenance forms, etc.
• Maintain and utilize emergency call-out and notification lists for the campus departments.
• Track ridership of the Transit Operations and Disability Van Services (DVS).
• Enter DVS data for statistical and grant reporting purposes.
• Input DVS rider information as needed to ensure service.
• General administrative functions such as data entry, filing and record keeping, assisting with processing parking citations,