Communications Operator

Job Description and Duties

**This is a re-advertisement. Candidates who previously applied do not need to re-apply.**

Are you looking for an exciting and fast-paced career? Join the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and be part of an organization that serves as a leader in emergency management and homeland security through dedicated service to all. We are looking for enthusiastic and motivated individuals to join our team. If you are interested in a challenging opportunity in a high-energy, team-oriented environment, you are encouraged to apply.

This position is a uniformed rank and works under the direction of the Communications Supervisor of the Fire Communications Unit, in the designated workspace assigned operating Cal OES Fire and Rescue related systems, fire telecommunications and radio communications.; Receives and responds to telephone calls; equipment and personnel by computer, telephone to specified points as required; request emergency services as required by designated chief officers; identify correctly locations where assistance is needed or requested, determine the availability and location of departmental units, respond to other fire and rescue emergency response agencies such as the California Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid System Region Dispatch Centers, dispatching Cal OES departmental units for response as necessary and as outlined in the assignee agreement; filling out into a computer terminal; receiving and transmitting reports of incidents and requests for assistance; access data on other fire and rescue related records, databases and programs; maintain all required logs; provide information as directed and perform other related duties. Responsible for ordering and mobilizing Cal OES Fire Integrated Real-Time Intelligence System (FIRIS) aircraft, utilizing the Interagency Resource Ordering Capability System (IROC), dispatch logs and response entries into the computer for all FIRIS responses, answer the telephone for FIRIS requests and information. Work directly with the Cal OES FIRIS Fusion Center, the Wildfire Forecast and Threat Intelligence Integration Center and CAL FIRE Southern and Northern Intelligence Centers.

This position includes shift work that could consist of 8 to 10 hour shifts (not including overtime), including weekends and holidays. Shifts could also include day, swing, and graveyard.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

DMV Pull Program

Participation in the DMV Pull Program is required. The position(s) require(s) a valid Driver’s License (DL). You must answer the questions addressing your DL on your application. Ensure you provide your DL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions.

Salary
Please note that this salary does not account for any projected pay increases (if applicable). The official Pay Scales have not been updated at this time to reflect the new salary ranges.

Special Requirements

• The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.
• The position(s) require(s) Medical Clearance prior to being hired.

Penal Code Section 13510(c) requires that State agencies participating in the P.O.S.T. program shall evaluate oral communication skills to ensure skill levels commensurate with the satisfactory performance of dispatch duties.

Penal Code Section 13510(c) requires that State agencies participating in the P.O.S.T. program shall require that the P.O.S.T. Public Safety Dispatcher's Basic Course be the minimum basic training for all public safety dispatchers in the program. The course shall be completed within 12 months of hire or assignment to dispatcher duties. Failure to successfully complete the course shall be cause for termination based on failure to meet the required conditions of employment.

Application Package Requirements
To have your application considered for this job opportunity:

• List the Job Code (JC) and Position Number for this position in the “EXAMINATION(S) OR JOB TITLE(S) FOR WHICH YOU ARE APPLYING” section on the State Application, STD. 678.
• List your most current employment history first in the “EMPLOYMENT HISTORY” section on the STD. 678.
• Provide the “From” and “To” dates with the month, day and year, the “Hours Per Week” that you worked and the Total Worked (Years/Months). You may include overtime hours.
• You must complete the “DUTIES PERFORMED” on the State Application ( do not note “see attached resume” in this section ). Failure to comply and your application is considered incomplete.
• SROA and Surplus are encouraged to apply and must submit a copy of their letter.
• Please note consideration shall be given to work experience gained in a part-time or full-time job, regardless of whether the job was a paid or a volunteer position or was within, or outside of, state service.

If using education to qualify please submit a copy of your transcripts. If selected, official transcripts will be required. Foreign education must obtain and submit verification of United States course/degree equivalency.

NOTE: Incomplete applications received may not be considered. Resumes are welcomed but do not take the place of the completed State Application STD 678. Applications received via fax or email will NOT be accepted. If you would like confirmation of receipt, please send certified mail.

**A candidate pool may be established for subsequent vacancies.**

**All hires may be subject to a criminal background check.**

**We encourage applicants to apply electronically.**

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Ability to work well in a team setting and communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Be proficient in the use of various computer word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications and be willing to learn new technological tools and to incorporate them in daily tasks
• Demonstrate the ability to prioritize and work well under pressure to meet quick deadlines
• Public Safety mobilization, coordination, tracking and dispatching of reso urces

Benefits

Cal OES employees are eligible for a number of benefits and working for us is a great opportunity to join a committed team. Benefits include but are not limited to the following:

• Free Parking
• On-site Gym and Locker room
• Electric Carport
• Excellent CalPERS state pension plan
• 401(k) and 457(b) Plans
• Flexible Schedules
• Generous paid time off
• Health, dental & vision insurance for the employee or the employee's family
• Investment in careers development
• Located near many local eateries, financial institutions, and the Light Rail Station

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Examination and Additional Information

Examination for this classification is being offered by the following departments listed below.

**Please note that the Communication Operator examination is currently not available for Statewide Open, but may be obtained with other agency(s).**

To obtain list eligibility please click on the link below for the Communications Operator examination bulletin(s):

• State Hospitals: CalCareers

Who Should Apply: Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications as stated below may apply for and take this examination.

Questions regarding this examination should be directed to:

• Department of State Hospitals
  Selection Services Unit
  1215 O Street, MS 14
  Sacramento, CA 95814

Applicants must submit their exam application AND complete the exam during the same cut-off period. For example, if you submit your exam application on June 10, 2025 (which is after the June 6, 2025 cut-off) you must complete the exam by July 4, 2025.

A final score of 70% must be attained to be placed on the eligible list.

Upcoming Filing Cutoff Dates:

• 8/1/2025
• 9/5/2025
• 10/3/2025

Communications Operator - Minimum Qualifications:

Either Pattern I

Education: Equivalent to completion of the 12th grade. and Either I Experience: Six months of experience in the California state service performing the duties of a Dispatcher-Clerk.

Or Pattern II

Experience: One year of experience in dispatching work involving the operation of radio communications equipment/systems.

Or Pattern III

Experience: Two years of experience involving a substantial amount of direct and telephone contact with the public and the responsibility to perform numerous tasks simultaneously.

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.