Remote Sheriff's Communications Dispatcher-25282108 en County of San Diego

About the Department

The County of San Diego is hiring for Sheriff's Communications Dispatcher

Looking for a career that makes a difference? Become a Sheriff's Communication Dispatcher and help keep our communities safe.  

Apply Today!

Future Salary Increases 

** June 26, 2026 - 4.07% increase to base pay (3.5% Across-the-Board + 0.57% Mkt Increase)
 ** June 25, 2027 - 3.57% increase to base pay (3% Across-the-Board + 0.57% Mkt Increase)

About the Position

As a Sheriff's Communications Dispatcher, you'll be the steady voice behind non-emergency calls, ensuring accurate documentation and supporting the vital work of the Sheriff's Communications Center and Court Services. This class differs from the Sheriff's Emergency Services Dispatcher in that the latter is primarily responsible for operating radios to dispatch Sheriff's patrols and other emergency-related response services. 

You'll be the first point of contact for non-emergency calls to the Sheriff's Office.  Your responsibilities include: 

• Answering and documenting non-emergency calls with precision and professionalism
• Supporting the Sheriff's Communications Center and Court Services
• Assisting with administrative tasks related to law enforcement operations
• Collaborating with dispatch teams to ensure accurate information flow
• Maintaining confidentiality and composure in high-pressure situations

You’ll be part of a dedicated communications team that works collaboratively to support field deputies, court officers, and administrative staff. While the role is primarily remote and flexible, you’ll stay connected through secure systems, occasional in-person meetings, and regular team briefings.

• Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems
• Law enforcement databases and records management systems
• Multi-line phone systems and headsets
• Real-time messaging and internal communication platforms
• Secure remote access tools for off-site work

As a Sheriff's Communications Dispatcher, your calm professionalism and precise communication during non-emergency calls play a vital role in keeping operations running smoothly. You help coordinate resources, maintain accurate records, and offer reassurance to the public—strengthening the efficiency and responsiveness of the Sheriff's Office in service to our community. 

Education and/or Experience

1. Eighteen (18) years of age; effective oral and written communication skills in English.

Note: All candidates must pass the Criti-Call performance test, as administered by the County of San Diego and eligible to complete the POST-certified Public Safety Dispatchers' Basic course within twelve (12) months of appointment.

See if this is the job for you. "Click here" to view the complete job description, including minimum qualifications, examples of duties, and working conditions. 

Application and Hiring Process

STEP 1:  Complete the online application form, providing correct and complete responses to the Supplemental Questions. Please ensure all information is complete and accurate as the responses you provide on the supplemental application questionnaire will be reviewed using an automated evaluation system. If you are successful in the initial screening process, your application will be reviewed individually to confirm that the information you provided is accurate and qualifying.
 
STEP 2:  Candidates who are notified they have been placed on the eligible list will then receive instructions on how to complete the online CritiCall performance exam. In order to be considered, all candidates who are notified that they are placed on the eligible list must take the CritiCall performance exam.
 
The CritiCall performance exam can be completed online from home and is a work-simulated computer-based performance test covering the following areas:

• Call summarization
• Character comparison
• Data entry
• Cross-referencing
• Decision making
• Prioritization
• Keyboarding
• Probability
• Map reading
• Reading comprehension
• Memory recall
• Sentence clarity and spelling

For the CritiCall study guide, click here(Download PDF reader).

STEP 3: Candidates who successfully pass the CritiCall performance exam will attend a Pre-Screening Interview/Orientation (PIQ) and selection interview processes listed below.
 
STEP 4: Candidates may be invited to participate in the HR interview. Selected candidates may be invited to participate in the background investigation. 
 
STEP 5: The remaining steps of the background investigation will include a computer voice stress analysis (CVSA) exam, confirmation of cellular LTE coverage at the location where work will be performed, and a psychological and medical examination.

ACCOMMODATION
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a qualified individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.

The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, will be referred for an interview.  Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application, Work History, and/or supplemental questionnaire.

The County of San Diego now participates in E-Verify. CLICK HERE(Download PDF reader) for additional information.

Condition of Employment
 As part of the condition of employment, candidates must

• Possess effective oral and written communication skills in English.

• Be willing to work remotely and able to report in-person into the Sheriff's Communication Center at any time
• Able to work rotating shift basis (8-hour and 12-hour combinations) 
• On holidays and weekends, overtime may be expected and required. 

Background Investigation
Must have a reputation for honesty and trustworthiness. Felony convictions will be disqualifying. Misdemeanor convictions may be disqualifying depending on type, number, severity, and recency. Prior to appointment, candidates will be subject to a thorough background investigation, which may include a psychological, truth verification, or other examination or test.

Evaluation

Qualified applicants will be placed on a nine (9) month employment list based on scores received during the evaluation of information contained in their employment and supplemental applications. Please ensure all information is complete and accurate as the responses you provide on the supplemental application questionnaire will be reviewed using an automated evaluation system. If you are successful in the initial screening process, your application will be reviewed individually to confirm that the information you provided is accurate and qualifying.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.

As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization. Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans.
  
Veteran’s Preference Policy The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego.
  
Military Skills Translator Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help!

The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of which are infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data driven services through a skilled and supported workforce. Click here for more information on our Strategic Plan (sandiegocounty.gov) as well as our commitment to serve everyone, to build a Framework for the Future that will create a County that works for all.

Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law.

                                                                                                                           

Interested in a Position? Apply Now! Submit your Application Online. Click the link or scan the QR Code to Download the Sheriff's Career Path App! Download our Hiring App!