Job Details
Sheriff's 9-1-1 Dispatcher
2025-11-04 County of Sonoma (CA) Santa Rosa,CA
Description:
Please note that skills and abilities testing will be conducted by the Sheriff's Office for referred applicants using Top scoring applicants will be contacted for department selection interviews by the Sheriff's Office. This is not a P.O.S.T. test. A T-Score or pass/fail letter will not be provided by the County of Sonoma Human Resources or the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office.
What We Offer
Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing you're working to better our communities. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits* including:
*Salary is negotiable within the established range. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can be found in the and our
Application submissions require the Supplemental Questionnaire to be completed.
Minimum Qualifications
Experience and Education: Any combination of experience, training, and education which would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities. Normally, this would include graduation from high school or possession of a G.E.D. Some experience receiving information over the phone, radio, or communications system, and simultaneously entering data into a computer is desirable.
Special requirement: Within one year of employment, and as a condition of probation, employees in this classification shall complete a P.O.S.T. certified Public Safety Dispatcher's Basic Course.
Special skill requirement: This classification requires the ability to type at a corrected speed of 45 words per minute.
License: Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level including special endorsements, as required by the State of California, may be required depending upon assignment to perform the essential job functions of the position. The position advertised on this announcement does not require possession of a valid California Driver's License.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Some knowledge of: streets, roads, major buildings and geography of Sonoma County; the functions of the Sheriff's Office and other public safety agencies; communications equipment; data entry techniques and computer operations; techniques for effectively working with members of various ages, ethnicities and socio-economic groups; standard office practices and procedures, including filing and the operation of standard office equipment.
Ability to: speak clearly and concisely in English; react quickly, efficiently and calmly in an emergency situation, and adopt an effective course of action; handle inquiries from the public in a courteous and effective manner; learn rules and regulations, including applicable Federal Communications Regulations and their application; understand and follow complex written and oral instructions; learn to operate communications equipment; keep records; type on a keyboard; and work a shift schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Selection Procedure & Some Helpful Tips When Applying
Application submissions require the Supplemental Questionnaire be completed.
Responses to supplemental questions will be used in assessing minimum qualifications. Please provide specific and detailed responses of a reasonable length to allow for thorough assessment of your qualifications. Responses which state "See Resume" or "See Application" may be considered insufficient.
The selection procedure will consist of the following examination:
An Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination (Weight 100%) will be conducted to evaluate each applicant's application and supplemental questionnaire for satisfaction of minimum qualifications (pass/not pass); and for educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities which relate to this position.
Personally identifiable information (PII) is removed from the standard application fields and applicable attachments. This PII blind screening practice redacts a candidate's personal information that could potentially influence or bias the scoring process. Personal information includes the applicant's name, former last name, address, phone number, email, driver's license number, school name, education start and end dates, age, date of birth, gender, and race. This PII blind screening practice helps contribute to a fair and equitable examination process.
Each applicant will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
Candidates demonstrating possession of the minimum qualifications will be placed on an employment list and referred to the department for invitation by the Sheriff's Office for online skills based testing using .
Please Note: Skills and abilities testing will be conducted by the Sheriff's Office for referred applicants using . Top scoring applicants will be contacted for department selection interviews by the Sheriff's Office. As this is not a P.O.S.T. test, a T-Score or pass/fail letter will not be provided by the County of Sonoma Human Resources or the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office.
Additional Information
Being part of the Sheriff's Office and being expected to keep the public safe requires a thorough background investigation process. This process includes an assessment of prior work history, verifying educational experiences, court reports, public records searches, and understanding past patterns relating to drug usage, financial patterns, etc. This entails gathering a significant amount of information from job candidates and speaking to former employers, friends, family members, etc. Polygraphs, drug tests, and medical and physical examinations are also part of this process. Candidates must be honest and forthcoming about information that may arise during the background process. Deception during any portion of this process is grounds for disqualification, even after employment. This process can take anywhere from 3-5 months. Many factors are taken into consideration and one should not assume a credit issue or prior drug use is automatically disqualifying. Candidates will be given the opportunity to present mitigating information they feel should be considered. You are encouraged to be as responsive as possible while this process is taking place to help expedite the timeline, and we encourage you to stay patient and interested in this great career opportunity while this process is taking place.
You may also review the to determine the requirements for this position.
Please read the for further information.
How to Apply
Applications are accepted online at Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax (707-###-####), email, or through the mail. All applications and appropriate supplemental information as outlined in the job bulletin must be received by the time and date specified on the first page of this job announcement. Continuous recruitments may close without notice at any time that a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted.
The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.
HR Analyst: JL
HR Technician: RR
Important Note: Benefits described herein do not apply to Extra Help positions.
County of Sonoma Benefits:*
These are some of the excellent benefits the County offers:
Paid Time Off: Competitive vacation accrual and sick leave accruals; additional management leave annually; 12 paid holidays; and may be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment.
Health Plan: Choose from nine health plans (three HMOs, three deductible HMOs, and three HSA-qualifying plans) with a generous County contribution to the premium (the contribution amount varies by bargaining unit). For more information, please see the appropriate MOU.
Retirement: Fully integrated with Social Security. For more information regarding eligibility, retirement contributions, and reciprocity with prior public service, please visit
IRS 457 Plan: Pre-tax employee contribution up to the IRS annual maximum.
Retiree Medical: County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits.
Student Loan Debt Relief: County employees may be eligible for through the U.S. Department of Education.
Plus, excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, professional development, and more.
For answers to specific questions regarding the employment process and more details about benefits or retirement, please contact Human Resources at (707) ###-####. Additional details about benefit and compensation packages can be found in the MOUs located at For specific information about health and welfare benefits, including plan options, coverage, and premium amounts, go to or contact the Human Resources' Risk Management-Benefits Office at or (707) ###-####.
*Important Notes: Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice.
01
How did you first learn about this opportunity?
02
Please indicate if you would also be interested in future part-time or extra-help (temporary, intermittent, or seasonal employment) positions should they become available. Check all that apply.
03
This eligible list may be used for future bilingual (English/Spanish) positions. Please indicate if you are interested in bilingual positions, and your level of proficiency.
04
Are you willing to undergo a thorough background investigation, which may include a review of criminal, employment, education, driving, and credit records, and an inquiry into your personal and social history, including any use of drugs and/or alcohol?
05
Have you reviewed and do you understand the Sheriff's Office Drug Guidelines? (Please note, if you do not have Internet access, you can request the drug standards packet from the Human Resources reception desk.)
06
Are you willing to work any shift assignments, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays?
07
Are you a high school graduate or do you have a GED?
08
To the best of your knowledge, is your typing speed 45 words per minute or greater? (Your typing speed will be tested as part of the department selection process.)
09
We invite and encourage all of our prospective applicants to view the following YouTube video prior to submitting an application because it gives a general idea of what you can expect this position's day-to-day tasks to be. This video is not intended to discourage our prospective applicants from applying, but to provide a quick insight into what this position entails. Please keep in mind that this is a roughly 4-minute video of a 10-hour shift at an older communications center similar to the one at the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office. Watching this video has no effect on your application or the hiring process and is only meant to be informative.
Working as a Dispatcher
Have you viewed this video?
Required Question
Salary : $76,618.18 - $93,148.17 Annually
Location : Santa Rosa, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 25/10-1691-OC
Department: Sheriff's Office (SHF)
Opening Date: 10/14/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
Bargaining Unit: 30
Position Information
Serve your community by joining the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office family as a 9-1-1 Dispatcher.
No experience required and multiple positions available!
Starting salary up to $44.63/hour ($93,148/year), and a competitive total compensation package!*
The Sonoma County Sheriff's Office is currently recruiting to fill multiple Dispatcher positions at either the I or II levels. If you are interested in being considered at the different levels of this opportunity, you must apply to the separate concurrent recruitments being conducted for each level. If you are an experienced Dispatcher, please view our Communications Dispatcher II recruitment.
Become a 9-1-1 Sheriff's Office Dispatcher
Supporting safety and emergency situations is an exciting and challenging opportunity for people who thrive in a fast-paced work environment and enjoy using complex communication systems. Although being a Dispatcher can be demanding, those with the determination and passion for supporting public safety will be rewarded with the ability to help others when they need it most and the camaraderie of the Sheriff's Office team.
In this entry-level Dispatcher position, you will receive significant training on how to effectively handle a variety of emergency situations. Once on-the-job training is complete, Dispatchers take emergency calls, dispatch, track, and monitor situations happening in the community, and assist Deputies in the field in a wide variety of situations ranging from looking for a missing person to responding to a robbery in progress. The most successful Dispatchers will possess excellent judgment as well as many of the following:
- The ability to remain calm, clear, and in control during times of stress
- Experience working swiftly in stressful circumstances to manage multiple, simultaneous situations
- Compassion, empathy, and excellent communication while utilizing problem-solving skills
- Experience working with the public and people in distress
- The ability to direct distressed callers through emergencies, read maps, and provide clear directions
- Proficiency in basic computer programs, including Microsoft Office applications Word and Excel, and demonstrate the ability to type quickly and accurately
Please note that skills and abilities testing will be conducted by the Sheriff's Office for referred applicants using Top scoring applicants will be contacted for department selection interviews by the Sheriff's Office. This is not a P.O.S.T. test. A T-Score or pass/fail letter will not be provided by the County of Sonoma Human Resources or the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office.
What We Offer
Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing you're working to better our communities. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits* including:
- Salary Advancement - A salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
- Career Advancement - With time and good performance, the opportunity for advancement to Communications Dispatcher II (41.52 - $50.47/hour)
- Paid Time Off - Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, and 12 paid holidays per year
- County Paid Health Premium Contributions - 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options
- Staff Development/Wellness - Annual benefit allowances of up to $850
- Post-Retirement Health Reimbursement Arrangement - County contributions to help fund post-retirement health insurance/benefits
- Retirement - A pension fully integrated with Social Security
- Paid Parental Leave - May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County employment
- Student Loan Debt Relief - County employees may be eligible for through the U.S. Department of Education
*Salary is negotiable within the established range. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can be found in the and our
Application submissions require the Supplemental Questionnaire to be completed.
Minimum Qualifications
Experience and Education: Any combination of experience, training, and education which would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities. Normally, this would include graduation from high school or possession of a G.E.D. Some experience receiving information over the phone, radio, or communications system, and simultaneously entering data into a computer is desirable.
Special requirement: Within one year of employment, and as a condition of probation, employees in this classification shall complete a P.O.S.T. certified Public Safety Dispatcher's Basic Course.
Special skill requirement: This classification requires the ability to type at a corrected speed of 45 words per minute.
License: Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level including special endorsements, as required by the State of California, may be required depending upon assignment to perform the essential job functions of the position. The position advertised on this announcement does not require possession of a valid California Driver's License.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Some knowledge of: streets, roads, major buildings and geography of Sonoma County; the functions of the Sheriff's Office and other public safety agencies; communications equipment; data entry techniques and computer operations; techniques for effectively working with members of various ages, ethnicities and socio-economic groups; standard office practices and procedures, including filing and the operation of standard office equipment.
Ability to: speak clearly and concisely in English; react quickly, efficiently and calmly in an emergency situation, and adopt an effective course of action; handle inquiries from the public in a courteous and effective manner; learn rules and regulations, including applicable Federal Communications Regulations and their application; understand and follow complex written and oral instructions; learn to operate communications equipment; keep records; type on a keyboard; and work a shift schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Selection Procedure & Some Helpful Tips When Applying
- Your application information and your responses to the supplemental questions are evaluated and taken into consideration throughout the entire selection process.
- You should list all employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of your application. Be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions.
- You may include history beyond ten years if related to the position for which you are applying. If you held multiple positions with one employer, list out each position separately.
- Failure to follow these instructions may impact your competitiveness in this process or may result in disqualification.
Application submissions require the Supplemental Questionnaire be completed.
Responses to supplemental questions will be used in assessing minimum qualifications. Please provide specific and detailed responses of a reasonable length to allow for thorough assessment of your qualifications. Responses which state "See Resume" or "See Application" may be considered insufficient.
The selection procedure will consist of the following examination:
An Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination (Weight 100%) will be conducted to evaluate each applicant's application and supplemental questionnaire for satisfaction of minimum qualifications (pass/not pass); and for educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities which relate to this position.
Personally identifiable information (PII) is removed from the standard application fields and applicable attachments. This PII blind screening practice redacts a candidate's personal information that could potentially influence or bias the scoring process. Personal information includes the applicant's name, former last name, address, phone number, email, driver's license number, school name, education start and end dates, age, date of birth, gender, and race. This PII blind screening practice helps contribute to a fair and equitable examination process.
Each applicant will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Relevance of work history, related experience, and achieved level of education and/or training as described in the application and responses to the supplemental questions.
Candidates demonstrating possession of the minimum qualifications will be placed on an employment list and referred to the department for invitation by the Sheriff's Office for online skills based testing using .
Please Note: Skills and abilities testing will be conducted by the Sheriff's Office for referred applicants using . Top scoring applicants will be contacted for department selection interviews by the Sheriff's Office. As this is not a P.O.S.T. test, a T-Score or pass/fail letter will not be provided by the County of Sonoma Human Resources or the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office.
Additional Information
Being part of the Sheriff's Office and being expected to keep the public safe requires a thorough background investigation process. This process includes an assessment of prior work history, verifying educational experiences, court reports, public records searches, and understanding past patterns relating to drug usage, financial patterns, etc. This entails gathering a significant amount of information from job candidates and speaking to former employers, friends, family members, etc. Polygraphs, drug tests, and medical and physical examinations are also part of this process. Candidates must be honest and forthcoming about information that may arise during the background process. Deception during any portion of this process is grounds for disqualification, even after employment. This process can take anywhere from 3-5 months. Many factors are taken into consideration and one should not assume a credit issue or prior drug use is automatically disqualifying. Candidates will be given the opportunity to present mitigating information they feel should be considered. You are encouraged to be as responsive as possible while this process is taking place to help expedite the timeline, and we encourage you to stay patient and interested in this great career opportunity while this process is taking place.
You may also review the to determine the requirements for this position.
Please read the for further information.
How to Apply
Applications are accepted online at Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax (707-###-####), email, or through the mail. All applications and appropriate supplemental information as outlined in the job bulletin must be received by the time and date specified on the first page of this job announcement. Continuous recruitments may close without notice at any time that a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted.
The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.
HR Analyst: JL
HR Technician: RR
Important Note: Benefits described herein do not apply to Extra Help positions.
County of Sonoma Benefits:*
These are some of the excellent benefits the County offers:
Paid Time Off: Competitive vacation accrual and sick leave accruals; additional management leave annually; 12 paid holidays; and may be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment.
Health Plan: Choose from nine health plans (three HMOs, three deductible HMOs, and three HSA-qualifying plans) with a generous County contribution to the premium (the contribution amount varies by bargaining unit). For more information, please see the appropriate MOU.
Retirement: Fully integrated with Social Security. For more information regarding eligibility, retirement contributions, and reciprocity with prior public service, please visit
IRS 457 Plan: Pre-tax employee contribution up to the IRS annual maximum.
Retiree Medical: County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits.
Student Loan Debt Relief: County employees may be eligible for through the U.S. Department of Education.
Plus, excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, professional development, and more.
For answers to specific questions regarding the employment process and more details about benefits or retirement, please contact Human Resources at (707) ###-####. Additional details about benefit and compensation packages can be found in the MOUs located at For specific information about health and welfare benefits, including plan options, coverage, and premium amounts, go to or contact the Human Resources' Risk Management-Benefits Office at or (707) ###-####.
*Important Notes: Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice.
01
How did you first learn about this opportunity?
- Billboard
- Careers in Government
- College or University
- County of Sonoma Human Resources Office
- Craigslist
- DiversityJobs
- Employee of Sonoma County
- Glassdoor
- GovernmentJobs.com
- Handshake
- Indeed
- Job Fair
- La Voz
- Latino Service Providers
- Los Cien
- sonoma-county.org/www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org
- Start Here!
- X (Twitter)
- Veterans Services Office
- Women's Organization or Group
- Other Internet Site
- Other Publication
02
Please indicate if you would also be interested in future part-time or extra-help (temporary, intermittent, or seasonal employment) positions should they become available. Check all that apply.
- I would also like to be considered for future part-time positions
- I would also like to be considered for future extra-help positions
- I am only interested in full-time positions
03
This eligible list may be used for future bilingual (English/Spanish) positions. Please indicate if you are interested in bilingual positions, and your level of proficiency.
- Yes, I have basic (conversational) English/Spanish bilingual skills
- Yes, I have fluent (reading, writing, and conversational) English/Spanish bilingual skills
- No, I do not have English/Spanish bilingual skills, and/or I do not wish to be considered for a bilingual position
04
Are you willing to undergo a thorough background investigation, which may include a review of criminal, employment, education, driving, and credit records, and an inquiry into your personal and social history, including any use of drugs and/or alcohol?
- Yes
- No
05
Have you reviewed and do you understand the Sheriff's Office Drug Guidelines? (Please note, if you do not have Internet access, you can request the drug standards packet from the Human Resources reception desk.)
- Yes
- No
06
Are you willing to work any shift assignments, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays?
- Yes
- No
07
Are you a high school graduate or do you have a GED?
- Yes
- No
08
To the best of your knowledge, is your typing speed 45 words per minute or greater? (Your typing speed will be tested as part of the department selection process.)
- Yes
- No
09
We invite and encourage all of our prospective applicants to view the following YouTube video prior to submitting an application because it gives a general idea of what you can expect this position's day-to-day tasks to be. This video is not intended to discourage our prospective applicants from applying, but to provide a quick insight into what this position entails. Please keep in mind that this is a roughly 4-minute video of a 10-hour shift at an older communications center similar to the one at the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office. Watching this video has no effect on your application or the hiring process and is only meant to be informative.
Working as a Dispatcher
Have you viewed this video?
- Yes
- No
Required Question