Continuous recruitments are used to collect applications on an ongoing basis, but selections are only made when a vacancy becomes available or there is a departmental need. While the position may not be filled frequently, we do review and screen applicants who are well-qualified for the role. If you meet the qualifications, you may be contacted when an opportunity arises.

Dispatcher sit-alongs are reserved exclusively for applicants who have successfully passed an interview. This policy ensures that our resources are focused on candidates who have demonstrated the qualifications we seek. If you progress through the interview stage, we’ll be happy to arrange a sit-along experience for you to gain insight into the role.

Ensure you’ve completed the twelfth grade or it’s equivalency to apply. In order to apply, you must have passing scores from the CritiCall or the POST Dispatcher Test. Additional requirements are listed in the application.

If you have not taken the POST Written Dispatch Test or the CritiCall Examination, please visit https://theacademy.ca.gov/tests/ to register.

Knowledge of:

• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Standard radio or telephone communications receiving, and transmitting equipment.
• Modern office procedures, methods, and computer equipment.

Ability to:

• Learn standard broadcasting procedures and rules.
• Learn to operate a computer aided dispatch system quickly and accurately.
• Understand and follow written and oral instructions.
• Speak clearly and precisely.
• Work various shifts and work well under pressure.
• Exercise good judgment and make sound decisions in emergency situations.
• Type at a speed necessary for adequate job performance.
• Learn department procedures and policies.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.

The minimum age is 18 years of age. There is no maximum age.

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

Yes. Submit your scores for the POST Dispatcher Test and/or the CritiCall Exam with your application. If you have not taken the POST Written Dispatch Test or the CritiCall Examination, please visit https://theacademy.ca.gov/tests/ to register.

No. If hired, we will send you to the POST Dispatcher Academy.

No. Your application will be rejected without the required attached documents.

If you have not taken the POST Written Dispatch Test or the CritiCall Examination, please visit https://theacademy.ca.gov/tests/ to register.

Please review this reference document to learn more about how to prepare for the examination. 

• CritiCall Exam: Pass
• POST Dispatcher Test: 48 or higher

If you meet the minimum requirements, visit our recruiting page for current job openings.

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. 

A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

• Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade.
• Entry level candidates must pass the CritiCall exam or POST Dispatcher Test. 
• Must pass a background investigation.
• Must meet all department, medical, physical, and psychological standards.
• Some telephone or dispatch experience is highly desirable.

If you have not taken the POST Written Dispatch Test or the CritiCall Examination, please visit https://theacademy.ca.gov/tests/ to register.

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. 

For lateral Dispatcher applicants, a typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities for the position would be:

• One year of public safety dispatch experience comparable to that of an entry level Dispatcher in the City of San Mateo.
• Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade.

Yes! We also offer a pay incentive for those who qualify.

No. If you don’t live in San Mateo, you should consider it. The city of San Mateo is a great place to live, work, and play. We also have a great school system if you are raising children.