County of Nevada, CA
March, 2008
SENIOR SHERIFF'S DISPATCHER
DEFINITION
Under direction, performs lead dispatching work for emergency services (911) and the Sheriff's
patrol; maintains the monthly work schedule for dispatching; trains employees on the proper
handling of emergency calls and use of CLETS/NCIC (California Law Enforcement
Telecommunications System/National Crime Information Center); acts as the supervisor in the
absence of the Communications Manager; and performs related work as required.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
The Senior Sheriff's Dispatcher is the advanced level of the classification series. The incumbent
provides lead direction and training to Sheriff's Dispatchers and participates in the work of the unit.
This class is distinguished from the Communications Manager by the overall responsibility for the
Sheriff’s Dispatch function.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES (Illustrative Only)
Essential:
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Trains and evaluates employees trained on CLETS/NCIC
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Tracks units and maintains cognizant knowledge of all field units as to their status and
location throughout the assigned shift
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Monitors internal alarms for 911 system, electronic equipment room, electrical power
and generator back up system
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Takes routine public phone calls and emergency (911) calls, obtains necessary
information, determines what resources to use, and dispatches units
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Takes calls from units, dispatches deputies to calls for service, as well as any additional
units required; dispatches special assignment teams as necessary to handle special or
critical incidents
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Monitors other agency radio traffic for possible assistance requirements
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Directs calls that require assistance outside of jurisdiction to other agencies
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Provides back up 911 PSAP (Public Service Answering Point) service for Sierra County
Sheriff and Grass Valley Police Department
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Uses CLETS (California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System)
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Runs want (missing persons, runaway, etc.) and warrant checks on persons,
registration/stolen checks on vehicles, and checks on stolen property, as requested from
the field
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Responds to requests for information from the public
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Maintains documentation of calls as to nature and responses provided
Important:

Acts as the Communications Manager when the manager is unavailable

Researches all involved parties for officer safety information on calls dispatched

Researches locations/ addresses on dispatched calls for prior events and possible
officer safety history at the location
Senior Sheriff’s Dispatcher - Page 2
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
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Principles and practices pertaining to dispatch operations
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Basic supervisory principals and practices

Geography of the county including the location of streets and important buildings

Federal, State, and local laws and codes pertaining to dispatch operations

Public and officer safety

Operation of dispatching equipment, computers, and basic office machines
Skill in:
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Performing multiple tasks simultaneously
Listening and communicating with hostile or frantic callers
Deciphering radio traffic and scanner traffic and prioritizing calls
Operating a complex computer program effectively
Providing lead supervision to, motivating, and training employees
Establishing and maintaining effective relationships with those contacted in the course of
work
Education and Experience:
Graduation from high school supplemented by specialized course work in dispatch
communications, and two years of experience performing public safety dispatch work at
a level equivalent to the Sheriff's Dispatcher II classification in Nevada County.
Licenses and Certificates:
Possession of a valid California or Nevada driver's license within 30 days of hire.
Typing at a net rate of 35 wpm.
Must attend and complete POST (Peace Officer Standards Training) Dispatch Academy
within the first year of employment; and must receive CLETS/NCIC Certification within
the designated training period.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions:
Sustained posture and attentiveness for console operation with limited breaks; vision
sufficient to read video monitors, annunciator lights, computer screens, and printed
materials; manual dexterity to operate control console, computer keyboards, telephone,
radio and standard office equipment; mobility and strength to reach, grasp, bend, and
occasionally lift and carry up to 20 pounds; speech and hearing to communicate clearly
by radio, telephone and in person. Ability to remain calm and focused in emergency
situations.
Must work rotating shifts, holidays, and weekends.
Some accommodations may be made for some physical demands for otherwise qualified
individuals who require and request such accommodations.
Senior Sheriff’s Dispatcher - Page 3
Other Requirements:
This class description lists the major duties and requirements of the job and is not allinclusive. Not all duties are necessarily performed by each incumbent. Incumbents may
be expected to perform job-related duties other than those contained in this document
and may be required to have specific job-related knowledge and skills.
FLSA: NE