This recruitment is promotional only. You must presently be a full or part-time regular or probationary County of Sonoma, Community Development Commission, Sonoma County Fairgrounds, or Sonoma County Water Agency employee in order to apply for this position. The Sheriff's Office (SHF) has requested a department promotional certification to fill a Senior Communications Dispatcher position. Only qualified permanent and/or probationary Sheriff's Office employees on the eligible list may be eligible for referral to the department for the advertised position. This employment list may also be used to fill future full-time or part-time positions as they occur during the active status of the list. The Sheriff's Senior Communications Dispatcher works in a team environment with co-workers, the shift Sergeant, the on-duty Watch Commander, and allied agencies. This position is responsible for the day-to-day duties of a Communications Dispatcher with the added responsibility of being a lead worker who can be relied upon to take control and make solid decisions in both emergency and non-emergency situations. Additionally, this position:Supports the shift supervisor, acts as a lead worker, and troubleshoots issues related to the center’s more technical and complex dispatching activities. May assume responsibility of coordinating and directing shift activities, ensuring shift minimums are met, and addressing immediate equipment or personnel needs. Assists in the selection, promotion, and disciplinary action of subordinate dispatchers. Contributes to training dispatchers in the procedures and techniques of emergency dispatch in accordance with departmental regulations. Assists in performance evaluation activities in conjunction with the Supervising Communications Dispatcher. The ideal candidate will be a critical thinker who is compassionate, empathetic, and able to make critical decisions without judgment, and will possess:Superb interpersonal, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills. Thorough knowledge of the wireless and landline 9-1-1 routing, misroute reporting, and the Relocation and Evacuation Policy. The ability to give brief overviews/presentations of the Dispatch Center to small groups. Mentorship skills to support others' learning and success in a fast-paced, high-stress environment. Please note: This current vacancy is to fill an evening shift, Sunday through Wednesday. The dispatch center has four Senior Dispatcher positions for lead-level support seven days a week, during day and evening hours. Anticipated future shift bids will include either Saturday or Sunday off, with selection based on seniority. Application submissions require the Supplemental Questionnaire to be completed. Minimum Qualifications Education and Experience: Any combination of education, training, and experience which would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities. Normally, this would include graduation from high school or possession of a G.E.D. and two years of emergency dispatch experience in a public law enforcement agency dispatching the full range of safety personnel in a position comparable to Communications Dispatcher II. Special requirement: Within one year of employment, and as a condition of probation, employees in this classification must obtain a P. O. S. T. Public Safety Dispatcher's Certificate, as awarded by the State of California, Commission on Police Officers Standards and Training P. O. S. T.). Special skill requirement: This classification requires the ability to type at a corrected speed of 45 words per minute. License: Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level including special endorsements, as required by the State of California, may be required depending upon assignment to perform the essential job functions of the position. The position advertised on this announcement does not require possession of a valid California Driver’s License. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Considerable knowledge of: streets, roads, major buildings, and geography of Sonoma County; the functions of the Sheriff's Office and other public safety agencies; applicable rules, regulations, and procedures including those of the Federal Communications Commission and their application; communications equipment. Working knowledge of: techniques and procedures related to training and leadership, data entry techniques and computer operations; techniques for effectively working with members of various ages, ethnicities and socio-economic groups; standard office practices and procedures, including filing and the operation of standard office equipment. Ability to: train other employees in an effective manner; operate complex communications equipment; accurately dispatch public safety equipment and personnel in a coordinated manner; speak clearly and concisely in English; react quickly, efficiently and calmly in an emergency situation and adopt an effective course of action; handle inquiries from the public in a courteous and effective manner; interpret rules and regulations to others; operate a keyboard; understand and follow complex written and oral instructions; dispatch records; and work a shift schedule, including nights, weekends and holidays.