Job Description
Salary : $74,297.60 - $90,313.60 Annually
Location : City of Vernon City Hall 4305 Santa Fe Ave. Vernon, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 4130-003-01-21-2026
Department: Police
Opening Date: 01/21/2026
Closing Date: 2/15/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Job Summary EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY WITH THE CITY OF VERNON POLICE DISTPATCHER MONTHLY SALARY: $6,193 - $7,528
PLUS, AN EXCELLENT BENEFITS PACKAGE
FINAL FILING DEADLINE SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2026, AT 11:59 PM
OR WHEN WE RECEIVE THE FIRST 100 QUALIFIED APPLICATIONS, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST
THIS RECRUITMENT IS TO FILL ONE FULL-TIME VACANCY IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND TO ESTABLISH AN ELIGIBILITY LIST TO BE USED FOR FUTURE VACANCIES. The City of Vernon will accept a valid California POST Public Safety Dispatcher Basic certificate to waive the Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery or alternative job-related test. If you possess this certification, please submit a copy as an attachment to this application for review and consideration. All certificates are subject to verification.
Summary: Under basic supervision, answers emergency and non-emergency calls for service; takes information from callers and enters information into computer database; provides assistance and information to Vernon Police Department (VPD) Officers, emergency services agencies, and general public.
Essential Functions Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job flyer does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Answers emergency and non-emergency calls for police, fire, personal assistance, and emergency medical assistance; determines appropriate call classification and priority.
- Answers incoming emergency calls; interviews and calms callers and gathers details; evaluates information, prioritizes calls, determines actions required, and appropriate response; dispatches emergency responders and resources; relays pertinent information to law enforcement and public safety personnel in a concise, organized, and understandable manner; monitors active radio channels and provides immediate information and assistance.
- Follows VPD procedures to provide assistance and information to Police Officers and other emergency services personnel; notifies other state, federal, and regional agencies as needed.
- Enters call information into Computer Aided Dispatch records management system, including California Law Enforcement Telecommunication System (CLETS) information; tracks a variety of law enforcement and public safety agency resources, personnel, and incidents.
- Provides detailed call information to officers; maintains status and awareness of all public safety unit locations; monitors message traffic, and relays information to assure that responders' safety is top priority.
- Searches state and national data bases at officer's request.
- Gathers information on non-emergency calls and responds appropriately; provides information, instructions and assistance to the public within scope of authority and training.
- Maintains and updates computer databases and files; enters and retrieves data and prepares reports.
- Monitors alarms, cameras, teletypes, and special broadcast frequencies; trouble-shoots communications center equipment and resolves technical issues within scope of authority and training.
- Assures that security protocols are followed, and all reports and paperwork are completed in a timely manner; updates, corrects, retrieves, and releases information according to procedures.
- Maintains the integrity, professionalism, values, and goals of the Vernon Police Department by assuring that all rules and regulations are followed, and that accountability and public trust are preserved.
- Supports the relationship between the City of Vernon and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with visitors and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.
Minimum Qualifications Education, Training and Experience Guidelines: High School Diploma or GED equivalent; AND one year of clerical and computer experience.
Supplemental Information Knowledge of: - City and VPD policies and procedures.
- City policies and procedures for dispatching law enforcement officers and other emergency services.
- State and federal laws, regulations and statutes, governing dispatch for emergency services.
- Law enforcement and public safety agency terminology.
- Police radio, dispatch, and communication protocols, procedures, hardware, and software.
- Principles and practices of confidential records management, and file maintenance.
- Geography, roads, and landmarks of City and surrounding areas.
Skill in: - Communicating clearly and concisely and relaying details accurately.
- Handling multiple tasks simultaneously, under pressure, and in emergency situations.
- Closely following verbal and written instructions and procedures.
- Dealing tactfully and courteously with the public, handling stressful situations and angry people, and obtaining information from hostile and emotional callers.
- Communicating verbal and written instructions, advising callers of actions and consequences, and maintaining security of confidential information.
- Remembering names, numbers, and locations, and reading maps quickly and accurately.
- Operating a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized software and entering information with speed and accuracy.
- Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with co-workers.
- Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: A valid California State Driver's License is required. Must maintain Public Safety Dispatcher Certificate with the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST).
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Work is performed in a fast paced, high volume call center, or may be required to report to alternate dispatch center; incumbents must remain alert and responsive while coordinating stressful situations in a dynamic work environment.
Pursuant to California Government Code §3100, all public employees are required to serve as disaster service workers subject to such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their supervisors or by law.
SELECTION PROCESS: Completed application packets will be reviewed and only the first 100 qualified applicants whose qualifications best meet or exceed the requirements of the position and needs of the City, will be invited to participate further in the selection process. Candidates must be specific and complete in describing their qualifications for the position. Failure to state all pertinent information may lead to elimination from consideration. Applications must be
submitted online . If you submit multiple applications, only the most recent application will be considered. Stating "see resume" is not an acceptable substitution for a completed application. To view the complete job description, please visit our website at It is the applicant's responsibility to notify the Human Resources Department of any changes to their contact information. Following the closing of the filing period for this recruitment, the Human Resources Department will review the application materials submitted for minimum qualifications for the position will be invited to participate in the next phase of this recruitment process.
"The City of Vernon is an Equal Opportunity Employer"
CITY OF VERNON - HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT Veronica Avendano, Human Resources Analyst [email protected] - (323) 583-8811, ext. 323 The City of Vernon offers a comprehensive benefit package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental vision, life, and long term disability insurance.
Retirement Benefit : Retirement benefits are provided by the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS):
Effective January 1, 2013, newly hired non-safety employees who are new CalPERS members, as defined by the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 ("PEPRA"), will be enrolled in the CalPERS 2% at 62 benefit formula. New members will be required to pay 7% as their member contribution.
An employee who is a "classic" member of CalPERS, will be enrolled in the CalPERS 2.7% at 55 benefit formula. Classic employees urrently pay an 8% employee contribution and a 3% share of the employer contribution.
Cafeteria Benefits Plan : The City offers a monthly allowance towards the purchase of a HMO, PPO or HSA medical plan for the employee and their family members. Any remaining amount can be used towards the purchase of a HMO or PPO Dental plan and Vision coverage for dependents. Vision coverage is included at no cost to the employee. Supplemental Insurance plans are available.
Holiday pay : The City has 13 authorized holidays per calendar year.
Bilingual pay : Employees in eligible positions who successfully demonstrate Spanish speaking skills would be eligible to receive an additional $275.00 a month.
Vacation : Continuous Years of Service Vacation Hours Earned Bi-Weekly Accrual
1st year thru 4th year 80hrs; 3.08 accrual rate
5th year thru 9th year 100hrs; 3.85 accrual rate
10th year thru 14th year 120hrs; 4.62 accrual rate
15th year thru 24th year 160hrs; 6.16 accrual rate
25th year and more 190hrs; 7.31 accrual rate
Vacation 24/7 Operation: Continuous Years of Service Vacation Hours Earned Bi-Weekly Accrual
1st year thru 4th year 96hrs; 3.69 accrual rate
5th year thru 9th year 120hrs; 4.61 accrual rate
10th year thru 14th year 144hrs; 5.53 accrual rate
15th year thru 24th year 192hrs; 7.38 accrual rate
25th year and more 228hrs; 8.76 accrual rate
City offers vacation cash out.
Sick Leave : All full-time employees shall accrue up to 80 hours of sick leave per calendar year, at a rate of 3.08 hours per pay period.
Tuition Reimbursement : $2,200.00 is available to those who satisfactorily complete job related college courses.
Hybrid Work Program: The City offers a hybrid work schedule for elgible positions. The City allows a combination/flexible work schedule upto 50% remote work.
Other Benefits : Most employees work a 4/10 schedule. In addition, the City offers paid parental leave, bereavement leave and jury duty.
Miscellaneous Benefits : The City provides an interest-free loan program for the purchase of a computer, corrective eye surgery and a hearing aide device.
The City of Vernon encourages you to log onto our website for the benefit details
01
Completion of the following supplemental questionnaire is REQUIRED for your application. The information you provide will be evaluated to determine your eligibility to participate in the next phase of the recruitment process. Please be detailed and include all information requested. Comments such as "see resume" or "see application" are not valid responses. All submitted information is subject to verification at any time during the recruitment and selection process. Falsification of any information or failure to complete this questionnaire as instructed may result in disqualification. I understand and will abide by the above information and instructions (Please type your full name.)
02
Do you possess a High School Diploma or GED equivalent?
03
Do you possess at least one (1) full-time year of clerical and computer experience?
04
If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please briefly list related work experience by including the following: 1. Employer Name 2. Position Title 3. Employment Dates 4. Work Hours/Week 5. Job Functions / Areas of Responsibility. If you answered "No" please type N/A.
05
The City of Vernon will accept a valid California POST Public Safety Dispatcher Basic certificate to waive the Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery or alternative job-related test. If you possess this certification, please submit a copy as an attachment to this application for review and consideration. All certificates are subject to verification.
06
If your driver's license is out of state, do you have the ability to obtain a California state driver's license by the time of appointment?
Required Question
Job Tags
Full time, Work experience placement, Immediate start, Remote work, Flexible hours,