Job Description

Purpose of the Program

The Airport Communications Dispatcher Trainee Program provides training to appointees in order to prepare them for an opportunity to be eligible for an appointment to Class 9202 Airport Communications Dispatcher.

The essential functions of the position include:

The nature of the trainee position involves working under unpredictable periods of pressure and in emergency situations. Trainees will be trained on how to: (a) complete and maintain event records and logs via CAD (Computer Aided Dispatch); and (b) dispatch and coordinate Police and Traffic Control units, Crash/Fire/Recuse, Airfield, maintenance, security, fire, medical and safety operations at the Airport. Trainees will be trained as primary call takers for the Airport’s Emergency 911 Public Safety system. Trainees will also be trained to operate a centralized paging and public address system.

Nature of Work

Dispatchers routinely work under stressful conditions in a fast-paced environment due to the nature of emergency and non-emergency calls and must be able to multi-task and prioritize. Dispatchers sit for long periods of time, type for prolonged periods on a computer keyboard, and utilize multi-screen computer systems, keyboard, mouse, two-way radios, telephone systems, headset, computer touch screens, and foot pedals.

Working Hours

40 hours per week. Persons employed in this class must work shift assignments including around-the-clock, weekend, and holiday work schedules. Shift assignments are subject to changes.

View an Inside SFO video about SFO’s Communications Center.

Qualifications

Education

Possession of a High School Diploma or proof of successful completion of an equivalency test (G.E.D. or California High School Proficiency Examination); AND

Experience

One (1) year (2000 hours) experience in a public contact position providing and/or soliciting information or providing a service.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Completed POST-Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery with a passing T-score of 51 or better (within the last 12 months).
• 6 months of dispatcher experience (i.e., 311, ambulance, security company).
• 6 months of heavy telephone traffic experience (PBX operator/customer service call center, multi-line phone systems).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent customer service and an ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.

Applicants must meet the minimum qualification requirement by the final filing date unless otherwise noted.

One-year full-time employment is equivalent to 2,000 hours (2,000 hours of qualifying work experience is based on a 40-hour work week). Any overtime hours that you work above 40 hours per week are not included in the calculation to determine full-time employment.

Verification

Applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any point during the recruitment and selection process. If education verification is required, information on how to verify education requirements, including verifying foreign education credits or degree equivalency, can be found at http://sfdhr.org/index.aspx?page=456

Note: Falsifying one’s education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification for this and future job opportunities with the City and County of San Francisco.

Additional Information

Selection Procedures: `

The selection process will include an evaluation of applications in relation to minimum requirements. Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement to the interview. Depending on the number of applicants, the Department may establish and implement additional screening mechanisms to comparatively evaluate the qualifications of candidates. If this becomes necessary, only those applicants whose qualifications most closely meet the needs of the Department will be invited to participate in the oral/performance interview.

Supplemental Questionnaire

If selected to move forward in the hiring process candidate will be asked to complete a Supplemental Questionnaire. The Supplemental Questionnaire is designed to measure the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the position of 9910 Public Service Trainee - Dispatcher Trainee Program. All relevant experience, education, and/or training must be on the application in order to be reviewed in the rating process. All statements made on the application materials are subject to verification.

Critical Performance Examination
The most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the performance examination designed to measure aptitude for performing public safety communications dispatcher work, including without limitation, and ability to prioritize and multi-task effectively in a fast-paced, high-stress environment, and recall facts, details, and other information and ability to type and operate a computer terminal at a speed of 35 words per minute (net). Candidates must achieve a passing score on the Critical Performance Examination to continue in the selection process.

Oral Performance
The most qualified candidates who closely meet the needs of the Department will be invited to participate in the interview selection process.

Background Investigation
Positions with the San Francisco Airport Commission that require security clearance prior to employment may be required to have a thorough background investigation to determine the candidate’s suitability for employment. The investigation includes a search into records held by the criminal justice system, credit reporting agencies, and the Dept. of Motor Vehicles, as well as contact with references, employers, and others who have knowledge of the candidate. Reasons for rejection based on this investigation may include, but not be limited to applicable convictions, repeated or serious violations of the law, use of controlled substances and alcohol, inability to work well with co-workers, inability to accept supervision, inability to follow rules and regulations, falsification of application materials, and/or other relevant factors. Candidates may be required to undergo drug/alcohol screening and must clear Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation fingerprinting. The background investigation will also meet Transportation Security Administration requirements (TSA Section 1542.209). Per Civil Service Commission Rule Section 110.9.1, every applicant for an examination must possess and maintain the qualifications required by law and by the examination announcement for the examination. Failure to obtain and maintain security clearance may be basis for termination from employment with the Airport Commission.

Note : Candidates will be prompted to submit a completed Personal History Statement (PHS), Authorization to Release Information/Waiver form and additional documents prior to the initiation of the Background Investigation. Once prompted candidates will have approximately 2 weeks to submit all the required documentation.

Psychological Evaluation
A psychological examination is required prior to the appointment. The examination will consist of written tests and a clinical interview to determine the candidate’s fitness for emergency communications dispatch work.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Security Clearance
Candidates for employment with the San Francisco Airport Commission are required to undergo a criminal history record check, including FBI fingerprints, and Security Threat Assessment in order to determine eligibility for security clearance and may be required to undergo drug/alcohol screening. Per Civil Service Commission Rule Section 110.9.1, every applicant for an examination must possess and maintain the qualifications required by law and by the examination announcement for the examination. Failure to obtain and maintain security clearance may be a basis for termination from employment with the Airport Commission.

Medical Examination
Prior to appointment, candidates must successfully pass a medical examination to determine his/her ability to perform the essential functions of the job and/or the ability to meet the physical minimum requirements.

Additional Background Check
As part of the selection process for this position in the Communications Center, an image of your fingerprints will be captured and sent to the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction (or arrest, in limited circumstances) conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the position to which you are applying. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with the City.

The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law.