Sheriff's Technical Communications Specialist I/II

Job Description:

Sheriff's Technical Communications Specialist I/II

Description

Description

The Ventura County Sheriff's Office is accepting applications for 9-1-1 Dispatchers and invites you to apply for this challenging and rewarding career!

What We Offer
The County of Ventura offers an attractive compensation and benefits package. Aside from our base salary range, an employee within this position will also be eligible for the following:

• A general salary increase of 3.5% - effective December 20, 2026 and December 19, 2027 .
• Merit Increases - New employees are eligible for an initial 5% merit increase within the pay range upon completion of at least 1,040 hours (approximately 6 months) assuming work meets satisfactory standards. Subsequent merit increases within the pay range will be upon completion of each additional 2,080 hours (approximately one year) from the initial merit increase.
• Educational Incentive - An educational incentive of 2.5% for completion of an associate degree, 3.5% for completion of a bachelor's degree, OR 5% for completion of a graduate degree.
• Bilingual Incentive - Based on agency need, proficiency levels by exam are $.69 per hour (Level I), $1.00 per hour (Level II), or $1.32 per hour (Level III).
• Vacation Accrual - New regular, full-time employees shall accrue approximately 14 days of vacation a year for the first 10,400 hours or 5 years of service; vacation accruals increase at 5, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 20 years of service topping out at 26 days a year and 400 hours of vacation hours banked.
• Vacation Leave Redemption - After 14,560 hours of continuous County service an employee may elect to "cash in" or redeem up to 80 hours of vacation accrued in the same year after using 80 hours of vacation in the preceding 12 months.
• Sick Leave - Full time regular employees accrue 3.08 hours of sick leave per bi-weekly pay period with an advance at hire of 40.04 hours which will be balanced at the completion of 13 bi-weekly pay periods.
• Deferred Compensation - Eligible to participate in the County's 401(k) Shared Savings Plan and/or the Section 457 Plan. This position is eligible for up to a 3.00% match on your 401(k) contributions.
• Amended Health Plans-Full time employees are given a flexible credit allowance to offset the purchase of medical, dental, and/or vision insurance for you and your dependents.
  • Employee only - $463.99 per biweekly pay period
  • Employee plus one dependent - $834.32 per biweekly pay period
  • Employee plus family - $1,024.11 per biweekly pay period
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Pre-tax benefit towards eligible medical, dental and vision care and/or dependent care expenses.
• Pension Plan - Participation in the County's defined benefit pension plan, which has reciprocity with CalPERS.
• Holidays - 13 paid days per year which includes a scheduled floating holiday.
• Additional Benefits - Tuition Reimbursement, Disability Plans, Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance, Wellness Program.

The Sheriff's Office currently has three (3) Regular vacancies for Sheriff's Technical Communications Specialist I/II in the Sheriff's Communications Center.

Under immediate (I) or general (II) supervision, receives requests for emergency assistance via an array of sources; determines urgency and type of assistance needed; dispatches appropriate public safety personnel by utilizing computerized mapping system, computerized 911 telephone system, the computer-aided dispatch system, computerized radio system, related databases, and other computerized equipment; exercises independent judgment; coordinates patrol unit activity, including complex critical incidents; and performs other related duties as required.

Work is performed in a dispatch center and requires sitting for long periods of time, extensive keyboarding and operation of a mouse, foot controls, wearing of a headset, and wearing of a uniform.

Distinguishing Characteristics
Sheriff's Technical Communications Specialist I (STCS I) is the entry-level classification in this series. Incumbents receive extensive training in mission critical call-taking; radio dispatching; operation of several different computerized communications and mapping systems; California Penal, Vehicle, Health and Safety, and Welfare and Institutions Codes; and policies and procedures governing emergency dispatching.

Sheriff's Technical Communications Specialist II (STCS II) is the fully-trained, journey-level classification in this series. Incumbents apply specialized knowledge of law enforcement and emergency communications skills, exercise a considerable degree of independent judgment in responding to requests for assistance from the public, and are required to train Sheriff's Technical Communications Specialist I incumbents and deputies assigned to the Sheriffs Communications Center. This classification is distinguished from Sheriff's Technical Communications Specialist I by a broader range of responsibility due to a higher level of experience and training.

PAYROLL TITLES and APPROXIMATE SALARIES:
Sheriff's Technical Communications Specialist I: $35.18 - $49.25 per hour
Sheriff's Technical Communications Specialist II: $36.87 - $51.62 per hour

POST INCENTIVE: $85.24 per pay period, based on completion of probation.

AGENCY/DEPARTMENT: Sheriff's Office/Communications Center

Sheriff's Technical Communications Specialists are represented by the Service Employees' International Union (SEIU) and are eligible for overtime compensation.

NOTE: If appointed at the lower level, incumbent may be promoted to the higher level without further examination upon meeting the minimum requirements, demonstrating satisfactory performance, and in accordance with the business needs of the department.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE:
OPENING DATE: Friday, January 23, 2026
CLOSING DATE: This is continuous recruitment and can be closed at any time; therefore, it is to your advantage to apply as soon as possible. The schedule for the remainder of the process will depend upon when we receive a sufficient number of qualified applications to meet business needs.
REQUIRED ORIENTATION: Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 6:00 PM. The required orientation will take place online via Zoom.
PRACTICAL EXAM: Tuesday, March 10, 2026 and Wednesday, March 11, 2026

Examples Of Duties

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Receives all 911 calls for the County and contract cities; determines the nature and location of the emergency; utilizes various systems to convert latitude and longitude on wireless 911 calls to locate the caller; determines priority and enters information into the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system to be forwarded to the appropriate radio dispatcher or other agencies;
  
• Remains on the line with the caller in emergency situations until law enforcement arrives on scene to provide assistance;
  
• Utilizes very good customer service skills on all calls and calming techniques on calls involving hysterical or upset callers;
  
• Obtains information from callers and determines if the incident contains the necessary elements of criminal activity as defined in the California Penal Code, Vehicle Code, Welfare and Institutions Code, and/or the Health and Safety Code
  
• Hears multiple conversations simultaneously, distinguishing between voices and sources to obtain relevant information quickly and accurately;
  
• Simultaneously receives, keys in, and transmits information and field assignments to units in the field; maintains contact and monitors status of field units; coordinates activity of up to 50 units on various, dynamic incidents; enters and updates information on a computerized system;
  
• Answers non-emergency calls for service, determines type of assistance required, and orders tow trucks, public works personnel, or other appropriate personnel;
  
• Makes immediate decisions and reacts in a quick, calm, controlled, and effective manner in emergency situations;
  
  
• Speaks clearly, distinctly, concisely, and correctly over the radio and telephone;
  
  
• Reads, understands, and interprets complex maps; develops a working knowledge of Ventura County geography including cities, jurisdictional boundaries, freeways, roadways, and landmarks;
  
  
• Obtains information utilizing computerized databases including Geofile, municipal codes, county ordinances, assessor's database, phone/address cross-references, DMV records, driver license records, wants and warrants, restraining orders, missing persons, runaway juveniles, probation status, and parole status and transmits researched information to field units;
  
  
• Types accurately on computer keyboards and operates mouse and foot controls while conversing on the radio and/or telephone;
  
  
• Prioritizes tasks and performs multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced, high-stress emergency work environment;
  
  
• Provides all pertinent information to deputies and other emergency personnel and coordinates appropriate level of response to maintain their safety and the safety of others;
  
  
• Prepares reports of shift activity, completes appropriate forms, updates information in computer systems; notifies other agencies of updated information;
  
  
• Functions as a training officer for entry-level dispatch staff and deputies assigned to the Sheriff's Communications Center; and
  
  
• Performs other related duties as required.
  

Typical Qualifications

These are entrance requirements to the examination process and assure neither continuance in the process nor placement on an eligible list.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, and EXPERIENCE:
Sheriff's Technical Communications Specialist I: Any combination of education, training, and/or experience which demonstrates possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below.

Sheriff's Technical Communications Specialist II: One (1) year of experience comparable to a Sheriff's Technical Communications Specialist I. Experience must include operation of a computer-aided dispatch system, computerized 911 telephone system, and radio dispatching.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• All applicants who are invited to the required orientation must attend to continue in the process.
• A typing certificate obtained in the last 24 months showing a minimum net typing speed of 40 words per minute is required. The typing certificate must show that it is a five-minute test, the gross number of words per minute, and the number of errors. The County policy for calculating net words per minute is to subtract one (1) word for each error from the gross words per minute. You must submit your typing certificate either with your application or by email to melissa.kurtz@venturacounty.gov. To attach a scanned copy to an on-line application, use the Add Attachment(s) link in the Attachments section at the bottom of the page where you can edit the various sections of your application.
• If a typing certificate is not submitted with your application and you are invited to the orientation, you will be required to submit a copy of your typing certificate to Sheriff's Human Resources via email to melissa.kurtz@venturacounty.gov. Your typing certificate must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on the day prior to the testing date in order to receive an invitation to the exam. To view locations where typing certificates may be obtained, go to https://hr.ventura.org/typing-certificate-requirements On-line typing certificates will not be accepted.
• Must be able to work 12.5-hour rotating shifts, weekends, and holidays.
• Overtime is scheduled as well as mandated. Must be personally prepared to work last minute mandated overtime to ensure operational stability of the communications center.
• Must be able to work in a professional and challenging emergency communications environment.
• Must be able to obtain a POST Basic Dispatcher certificate within one (1) year of employment and pass a background investigation.
• Must be able to establish and maintain positive relationships with co-workers, supervisors, and others.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Some to working knowledge of: professional customer service skills; computer equipment and software; modern office procedures and methods; correct English usage, spelling, punctuation, and grammar; and techniques for interacting with the public on the telephone in a tactful, compassionate, and assertive manner.

Some to thorough ability to: learn emergency dispatching methods and operation of various communications and computer equipment; learn law enforcement equipment and resources capabilities and develop strategies for various types of law enforcement emergencies; simultaneously perform multiple tasks; obtain information from distressed individuals; remain calm in demanding and emergency situations; evaluate and prioritize situations; learn to assess conditions and provide emergency pre-arrival instructions to callers; follow instructions precisely; learn new computer software and upgrades; operate computerized databases; remember telephone numbers, names, and places frequently called; communicate effectively, compassionately, and assertively with diverse, demanding, and sometimes hostile people; interpret and apply laws, ordinances, and regulations; learn and adhere to policies governing dispatch operations; maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, public safety personnel, and members of the general public; and prepare written reports.

Some to working skills with: keyboard and mouse operation based on verbal input and multi-line telephones.

STCS II only: Thorough working skills with computerized phone system; computerized radio equipment; computer-aided dispatch; and emergency dispatching methods and procedures utilized in public safety communications centers.

Supplemental Information:
Work is performed in a dispatch center and requires sitting for long periods of time, extensive keyboarding and operation of a mouse and foot controls, wearing of a headset, and wearing of a uniform.

Recruitment Process

FINAL FILING DATE: This is a continuous recruitment and may close at any time; therefore, apply as soon as possible if you are interested in it. Your application must be received by County of Ventura Human Resources in Ventura, California, no later than 5:00 p.m. on the closing date.

To apply on-line, please refer to our web site at www.ventura.org/jobs. If you prefer to fill out a paper application form, please call (805) 654-5129 for application materials and submit them to County of Ventura Human Resources, 800 South Victoria Avenue, L-1970, Ventura, CA 93009.

NOTE : If presently permanently employed in another "merit" or "civil service" public agency/entity in the same or substantively similar position as is advertised, and if appointed to that position by successful performance in a "merit" or "civil service" style examination, then appointment by "Lateral Transfer" may be possible. If interested, please click here for additional information.

Note to Applicants: It is essential that you complete all sections of your application and supplemental questionnaire thoroughly and accurately to demonstrate your qualifications. A resume and/or other related documents may be attached to supplement the information in your application and supplemental questionnaire; however, it/they may not be submitted in lieu of the application.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE - qualifying: All applicants are required to complete and submit the questionnaire for this exam at the time of filing. The supplemental questionnaire may be used throughout the exam process to assist in determining each applicant's qualifications and acceptability for the position. Failure to complete and submit the questionnaire may result in the application being removed from consideration.

APPLICATION EVALUATION - qualifying: All applications will be reviewed to determine whether or not the stated requirements are met. Those individuals meeting the stated requirements will be invited to continue to the next step in the screening and selection process

REQUIRED ORIENTATION: The orientation is designed to provide important information regarding the position, testing, and the background process. The orientation dates are Tuesday, February 24, 2026, and Wednesday, February 25, 2026, and will take place online via Zoom. You must attend one of the orientation dates. If you have previously attended one of our orientations, you will not be required to attend another one.

PRACTICAL EXAMINATION - pass/fail: A computer-based job-related examination will be administered to test candidates' ability to follow complex oral and written instructions and to multitask. Applicants must pass this pass/fail computer-based CritiCall examination to qualify for placement on the eligible list.
Applicants successfully completing the examination process may be placed on an eligible list for a period of one (1) year.

The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill current and future Regular, (including Temporary and Fixed-term), Intermittent, and Extra Help vacancies within the Sheriff's Office. There are three (3) Regular vacancies.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: PRIOR TO ACTUAL APPOINTMENT FROM THE ELIGIBLE LIST, THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL BE REQUIRED TO PASS A THOROUGH BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION, POLYGRAPH, AND PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAMINATION CONDUCTED BY THE SHERIFF'S HUMAN RESOURCES BUREAU. BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION FINDINGS MAY BE A BASIS FOR REMOVAL FROM THE ELIGIBLE LIST. TO SPEAK TO A SHERIFF'S OFFICE REPRESENTATIVE CONCERNING THE BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION PROCESS, CALL (805) 654-2375.

For further information regarding this recruitment, please contact Melissa Kurtz by email to melissa.kurtz@venturacounty.gov or phone (805) 654-5080.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The County of Ventura is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

YOUR BENEFITS AS A COUNTY OF VENTURA EMPLOYEE

Service Employees International Union (LOCAL 721)

(SEIU)

To learn more about Benefits, Retirement, and the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), see links below.

• Benefits website or you may call (805) 654-2570.
• Retirement FAQ's
• Memorandum of Agreement

Union Codes: UPA, UPC, UPE, UPH, UPI, UPJ,UPT, UWS

Salary:

$73,177.86 - $107,373.38 Annually