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  • Sheriff Dispatcher I/II - Extra-Help Sheriff Dispatcher I/II

    Merced, California United States Merced County, CA Full Time $52,582.40 - $70,574.40 Annually Jul 05, 2025
    Merced County Employer:

    Merced County, CA

    Merced County, located in the heart of California's Central Valley, offers a unique blend of vibrant agricultural heritage and modern development. Known as the "Gateway to Yosemite," Merced County is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, including nearby national parks, lush farmlands, and scenic rivers. The county's strategic location provides easy access to major urban centers like San Francisco, Sacramento, and Fresno, making it an ideal hub for both business and leisure. With a diverse economy anchored by agriculture, education, healthcare, and manufacturing, Merced County offers ample opportunities for career growth and professional development. The presence of the University of California, Merced, further enhances the county's reputation as a center for innovation and research, attracting top talent and fostering a dynamic workforce. In addition to its economic strengths, Merced County boasts a high quality of life with a strong sense of community. Residents enjoy affordable housing, a lower cost of living compared to many other parts of California, and a family-friendly environment with excellent schools and recreational facilities. The county's rich cultural heritage is celebrated through numerous festivals, farmers' markets, and community events, creating a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers. With its combination of economic opportunity, educational excellence, and a supportive community, Merced County is not just a great place to work but also a wonderful place to live and thrive.

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    Job Description

    Examples of Duties

    This recruitment is being established to obtain a current eligible list for both full time and Extra-Help vacancies. Extra-Help are not entitled to county benefits and are limited to a maximum of 25 hours per week. Extra-Help pay is $25.28 - $27.89 per hour.

    Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
    • Learns to and receives and disposes of routine and emergency telephone, voice radio and teletype messages.
    • Accurately receive and respond to 9-1-1 emergencies, routing personnel and equipment to request for medical aid, fires, rescues and accidents within the Sheriff's department and allied agencies.
    • In emergency situations, secures and records information as to exact location and learns to use voice radio to notify necessary patrol and officer on duty.
    • Monitors and maintains radio contact with other local, State and Federal agencies.
    • Operates a CLETS (California Law Enforcement Telecommunications Systems) teletype sending and receiving messages, such as warrant checks, stolen property, and missing persons reports.
    • Operates computer terminal to log departmental activities, compile data and prepare reports of law enforcement incidences or emergency reports and action taken.
    • Occasionally perform clerical tasks involving typing/word processing.

    • Operates TDD (Telecommunication Device for Deaf).


    Minimum Qualifications

    SHERIFF DISPATCHER I

    OPTION 1:
    Education:
    High School graduate or GED equivalent.

    AND

    Experience:
    One (1) year of support experience in one or more various types of emergency services such as law enforcement, fire department, emergency medical services (EMS), coroner department, hospital, clinical setting or courts.

    OR

    One (1) year performing journey level clerical work involving extensive public contact or operating multi-line telephone, PBX switchboard, or radio communications systems.

    Certification
    Successful completion of a Basic California P.O.S.T. Public Safety Dispatch Course and Merced County Sheriff's Department Field Training Program required within one year of appointment.

    OPTION 2

    Education:
    Completion of 30 semester units from an accredited college or university or related technical school.

    And

    Experience: None

    Certification
    Successful completion of a Basic California P.O.S.T. Public Safety Dispatch Course and Merced County Sheriff's Department Field Training Program required within one year of appointment.

    SHERIFF DISPATCHER II

    Education:
    High School graduate or GED equivalent.

    Experience:
    Two (2) years successful experience as a Sheriff Dispatcher I or equivalent position.

    OR

    Two (2) year of support experience in one or more various types of emergency services such as law enforcement, fire department, emergency medical services (EMS), coroner department, hospital, clinical setting or courts.

    Certification
    Successful completion of a Basic California P.O.S.T. Public Safety Dispatch Course and Merced County Sheriff's Department Field Training Program required within one year of appointment.

    Essential Functions

    • Operate a personal computer and other modern office equipment.

    • Monitor multiple computer screens simultaneously.

    • Type accurately at a minimum speed of 30 words per minute.
    • Operates telephone and 9-1-1 communication equipment, voice radio and a computer-aided dispatch system to process and document telephone calls from the general public and public agencies requesting public safety information and services.
    • Dispatches, directs, coordinates communication between appropriate agencies, local government field units and individuals engaged in non-emergency situations.
    • Monitors non-emergency radio traffic.
    • Communicate effectively with others in person and over the telephone.
    • Analyze data, interpret directions, procedures and regulations, and develop appropriate responses.
    • Perform job duties under stressful conditions and respond appropriately to situations.
    • Maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or County regulations.
    • Frequent use of depth perception, peripheral vision and color perception.
    • Occasionally lift, carry, reach, push, pull, twist and manipulate large and small objects.
    • Frequent use of hand-eye coordination.
    • Frequent use of data entry device including repetitive hand and arm motion.
    • Occasionally lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
    • Normal dexterity, frequent holding and grasping.
    • Sit or stand or walk for long periods of time.

    • Regular attendance is an essential function.

    Knowledge of:

    • General geography of the County including major streets, highways, rivers and landmarks.
    • Proper operation and care of telephone, CLETS, computer terminal and voice radio equipment.

    Ability to:

    • Learn departmental organization, personnel equipment and law enforcement procedures.
    • Perform duties with powers of observation, memory, logical reasoning and judgment.
    • Work under stressful conditions in a fast paced environment and exercise good judgment in emergency situations.
    • Keep records and prepare reports.
    • Deal courteously but firmly with general public.
    • Input data and utilize a computer aided dispatch system quickly and accurately.
    • Perform a variety of clerical tasks such as typing, filing, record keeping, and report writing.
    • Speak clearly and listen attentively.
    • Understand and carry out written and oral instructions.


    ALLOWANCES

    UNIFORM ALLOWANCE

    $30.00 paid Bi-weekly.

    HOLIDAYS & LEAVES
    VACATION

    10 days the first 5 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 160 hours), 15 days in the second 5 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 240 hours), and 20 days after 10 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 320 hours).

    SICK LEAVE

    0.0462 hours sick leave for each paid regularly scheduled work hour. 12 days (96 hours per year) with unlimited accumulation. Optional annual buy back of a portion of accumulated sick leave hours upon meeting certain criteria.

    HOLIDAYS

    Twelve paid holidays annually plus one optional holiday.

    BEREAVEMENT LEAVE

    Three (3) regularly scheduled work days or five (5) days if distance traveled over 500 miles one-way.

    INSURANCE
    HEALTH INSURANCE

    Medical Insurance - Merced County offers multiple Medical Plans and contributes towards employee and dependent premiums. Medical plan availability varies based on bargaining units.
    • Anthem 500 EPO
    • Anthem 1500 EPO
    • Anthem HDHP (High Deductible Medical Plan) with Health Savings Account (HSA)
    • Anthem HDHP (High Deductible Medical Plan) without Health Savings Account (HSA)
    Dental Insurance -Delta Dental
    • County pays 100% of the premium for employees and 50% for dependent(s)
    Vision Insurance - VSP
    • County pays 100% of the premium for employees and 50% for dependent(s)
    DISABILITY INSURANCE
    State Disability Insurance (SDI
    • Merced County non-management employees are enrolled in the State Disability Insurance Program (SDI). Premiums for this insurance are paid by the employee. This insurance is administered solely by the State, who determines eligibility and payments. Benefit amounts are based on the quarter with the highest wages earned within the base period.
    LIFE INSURANCE
    County-paid Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance
    • Represented Employees $10,000
    Voluntary Term and Whole Life Insurance are available - premium paid by employee

    RETIREMENT
    DEFERRED COMPENSATION

    The County offers a 457 Deferred Compensation Plan. Employees choose their investment funds and can make pretax contributions to the plan up to the maximum allowable.

    MERCED COUNTY EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION

    The retirement plan is a defined benefit plan administered pursuant to the County Employees Retirement Law of 1937 and other provisions of the California Government Code. MCERA members also pay into Social Security.The applicable benefit formula is dependent upon your hire date with an MCERA employer; yourpension amount will be determined by your age, years of service and final compensation amount.

    EXTRA HELP EMPLOYEES DO NOT QUALIFY FOR COUNTY BENEFITS.

    EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS
    EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)

    Anthem EAP services provide up to five face-to-face counseling sessions per incident and provides a toll-free "800" hotline available 24/7 for emergencies and crisis intervention. EAP services include counseling services, legal services, financial services and work-life resource services.

    EMPLOYEE TICKETS, COUPONS, and DISCOUNTS

    The County of Merced has partnered with Employee Savings Tickets to provide discounted coupons and tickets for all county employees to attractions throughout the state and out-of-state. The discounts and coupons are available for shopping, movies, sporting events, theme parks, zoos and aquariums and much more.

    THIS BULLETIN IS NOT A CONTRACT AND DOES NOT CREATE CONTRACTUAL OR LEGAL RIGHTS ON BEHALF OF ANY EMPLOYEE. THIS BULLETIN IS SUBJECT OF BEING SUPPLEMENTED, MODIFIED, WITHDRAWN OR OTHERWISE CHANGED PENDING LABOR AGREEMENTS AND/OR AT THE DISCRETION OF THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE OFFICER OR AS THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS DEEM NECESSARY.

    For answers to specific questions regarding employee benefits, please call Human Resources at 209.385.7682.

    Closing Date/Time: Continuous
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    Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.

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Find Top Public Safety Jobs: Career Opportunities and Resources

Find Top Public Safety Jobs: Career Opportunities and Resources

Public safety careers play a vital role in maintaining the security and well-being of communities. Whether you’re interested in law enforcement, firefighting, or emergency medical services (EMS), numerous public safety jobs are available nationwide. In this guide, we will explore various roles, required education, training, and the resources available to help you secure a career in the public safety field.

 

 

Types of Public Safety Jobs

  • Police Officer: Police officers are responsible for maintaining law and order. Public safety jobs for police officers are available in many cities, such as Kansas City, Las Vegas, and San Francisco.
  • Fire Department: Fire department jobs include firefighter, fire inspector, and fire chief. These positions ensure the safety of individuals and property during fire emergencies.
  • EMS: Emergency medical services (EMS) positions, including paramedics and EMTs, provide critical care in emergencies. EMS roles are crucial in stabilizing patients before they reach a hospital.
  • Law Enforcement: This broader category includes police officers, detectives, sheriffs, and state troopers. These professionals ensure public safety through crime prevention and investigation.
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  • Public Safety Administration: For those interested in leadership, roles like public safety directors or emergency management directors are available, focusing on disaster preparedness and response coordination.
 

Public Safety Job Locations

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  • California: Cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Long Beach offer numerous public safety job openings, including positions in the police and fire departments.
  • Missouri: Public safety jobs are plentiful in Missouri, with law enforcement positions at various levels available in cities like Kansas City and Columbia.
  • Texas: With growing cities like Houston, Austin, and Dallas, Texas has ample opportunities for law enforcement, fire department, and EMS jobs.
  • Illinois: Cities like Chicago and Springfield have positions available for police officers and emergency management professionals.
  • Washington: Seattle, Tacoma, and other major cities in Washington offer various opportunities for those looking to join the public safety workforce.
  • Nevada: Public safety roles are in high demand in cities like Las Vegas, particularly in law enforcement and emergency services.
 

Education and Training for Public Safety Jobs

To start a career in public safety, it’s essential to understand the educational and training requirements. Depending on the role, these requirements can vary:

  • Law Enforcement Education: Most police officers attend a police academy, which provides them with the physical training and criminal justice education required to serve their community.
  • EMS Certification: Becoming a certified EMT or paramedic often requires passing state exams and obtaining certification, which can be acquired through accredited training programs.
  • Firefighter Training: Firefighters undergo rigorous training, including fire prevention, hazardous materials handling, and medical response training.
  • Public Safety Degrees: Some public safety professionals pursue a Bachelor’s degree in public safety administration or related fields, helping them qualify for administrative roles.
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  • Continuing Education: Many public safety jobs, especially leadership roles, require ongoing education and certifications to stay current with new technologies and procedures.

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Career Development and Advancement

Once you’ve secured a position, there are numerous ways to grow within the public safety field:

  • Promotions: Many police and firefighters start in entry-level positions but can advance through the ranks with additional training and experience.
  • Specialized Roles: Specialized training programs can open doors to new career paths, such as becoming a SWAT team member or arson investigator.
  • Leadership Programs: Leadership development courses are available for public safety professionals aiming to take on managerial or director-level roles.
 

Salary and Benefits for Public Safety Jobs

Public safety professionals often receive competitive salaries, along with a range of benefits:

  • Police Officer Salaries: Police officers’ salaries vary by location but typically include health insurance, retirement benefits, and overtime pay.
  • Firefighters: Firefighters enjoy similar benefits and may receive additional compensation for working on holidays or in dangerous conditions.
  • EMS Workers: Paramedics and EMTs can also expect benefits such as paid time off, health insurance, and the opportunity for advancement with experience.
 

Applying for Public Safety Jobs

The application process for public safety roles is often detailed and requires the candidate to pass several tests:

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  • Physical Fitness Test: Most public safety roles, especially in law enforcement and firefighting, require passing a physical fitness test that measures agility, strength, and stamina.
  • Written Exams: Written exams test the candidate’s knowledge of law, safety procedures, and critical thinking.
  • Background Checks: Law enforcement and other public safety positions often require an extensive background check, including a review of criminal history, drug tests, and credit reports.
  • Psychological Evaluations: Candidates for police officer roles may also undergo psychological evaluations to ensure they are mentally prepared for the job’s challenges.
 

Top Public Safety Job Search Resources

Finding public safety jobs can be made easier with the right resources:

  • Government Websites: Many cities, including San Francisco and Kansas City, post public safety job openings on official government websites.
  • Job Search Platforms: Use online search engines to find specific public safety jobs by location, such as California, Texas, and Missouri.
  • Networking: Networking with current professionals in the public safety field can open doors to hidden job opportunities and provide valuable career advice.
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  • University Job Boards: Many colleges and universities offer job placement services and internships that can lead to full-time public safety careers.
 

Conclusion

Public safety jobs offer fulfilling career opportunities, whether you’re interested in law enforcement, firefighting, or EMS. With roles available across the country in cities like Las Vegas, Kansas City, and San Francisco, public safety careers are accessible to qualified candidates. By acquiring the necessary education and training and utilizing the available resources, you can find a rewarding career in public safety.

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