Job Details

Salary : $80,288.00 - $97,593.60 Annually
Location : Fountain Valley, CA
Job Type: Non-exempt FLSA
Job Number: 2025-37
Department: Police
Opening Date: 09/02/2025

Description
COME BE A PART OF OUR TEAM AND SEE WHAT MAKES FOUNTAIN VALLEY A NICE PLACE TO LIVE AND WORK!
We are hiring for the following positions:

• Full-Time - The City of Fountain Valley offers a competitive and benefits package.
• Job Share - Salary and benefits are prorated on the basis of number of hours scheduled to work.
• Part-Time - This is an at-will, part-time position limited to work no more than 1,000 hours in a fiscal year.
• Per-Diem - This is an on-call, at-will, and non-benefitted position.

Join Our Team!
Please apply immediately as this recruitment may close at any time upon receiving enough qualified applications.
THE CITY OF FOUNTAIN VALLEY:

The City of Fountain Valley is nestled in the heart of Orange County. With approximately 60,000 residents, we are a mid-sized full-service Police Department that proudly serves our wonderful community with courage, duty, and commitment. With City events like our Summerfest and National Night Out, we actively participate alongside community members to build a safe and vibrant City. The City of Fountain Valley is only 7 miles from the beach with countless restaurants, entertainment venues, shopping centers, and Disneyland within a 15-mile radius of the City.
FOUNTAIN VALLEY POLICE DEPARTMENT:

The Fountain Valley Police Department's mission is to demonstrate; 1) Courage to protect life and property in our community; 2) Duty to provide the highest quality of service in a fair, impartial and ethical manner; 3) Commitment to take a leadership role in providing public safety and quality of life in a manner that will preserve the public trust.
The Police Department is comprised of dedicated professionals, including the Chief of Police, 2 Captains, 3 Lieutenants, 1 Support Services Manager, 10 Sergeants, 9 Corporals, 39 Police Officers, 9 full-time Dispatchers and 1 part-time Dispatcher, a Crime Analyst, Record Clerks, Community Services Officers, Police Cadets, and administrative staff.
CLASS DEFINITION:

To perform skilled work in receiving and transmitting police radio and telephone calls, dispatch appropriate personnel and equipment, maintain detailed records of activities in response to each request, and other duties as assigned
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

This classification requires successful completion of the Public Safety Dispatchers Basic Course. Although work is performed within established policies and procedures, it requires the exercise of sound judgment in emergency situations.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:

The incumbent works under the general supervision of the Lead Dispatcher or Watch Commander.

Job Overview
JOB DUTIES:

• Receive and process emergency calls for police and fire protection services or information, promptly and efficiently dispatch personnel and equipment to accidents, rescue, and emergency scenes.
• Analyze requests for police service, determine priority ranking of each request and the kind and level of service to be dispatched in initial response, and determine available units to dispatch.
• Listen to each radio transmission from police personnel in the field, acknowledge, and comply with request for action or information.
• Maintain awareness of position of each police unit and activities in which personnel are engaged, check periodically with personnel to verify position and activity, supply back-up personnel, and take other appropriate steps to provide for the safety of field personnel.
• Maintain detailed records of each service request, each action taken, and the time each action was taken.
• Operate dispatch equipment and computer equipment.
• Input and retrieve a variety of public safety information using a computer; enter, update, and retrieve information regarding wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, stolen vehicles, and other information.
• Notify ambulance personnel, alarm company, traffic and signal maintenance, and other related personnel concerning emergencies.
• Maintain knowledge of the geography, street locations, and landmarks in the City and a general knowledge of the geography and landmarks of surrounding cities.

OTHER JOB-RELATED DUTIES:

• Assist in training new personnel in the operations of the Dispatch Center.
• Perform a variety of record keeping, filing, and other general clerical duties.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualification Guidelines
EDUCATION:

• Graduation from high school or equivalent.
• Successful completion of the P.O.S.T Public Safety Dispatchers Basic Course is required.

EXPERIENCE:

• Successful completion of probation as a Dispatcher in a municipal setting.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• The proper operation of telephone, voice radio, and burglar alarm reception equipment.
• The proper operation of computer, speed dialer, dictaphone/tape recorder, and teletype machines.
• The geography of the City and location of streets and important buildings.
• State mandated data bases including driver's license, vehicle registration, warrants, and restraining orders.
• Correct English usage, spelling, punctuation, and grammar.

REQUISITE ABILITIES:

• Analyze situations and adopt quick, effective courses of action in emergency situations, in accordance with established rules and regulations.
• Speak clearly, in a well-modulated voice, and use proper diction.
• Effectively communicate with and elicit information from upset and irate citizens.
• Follow oral and written instructions and carry out assignments with minimal supervision.
• Type at a speed necessary for successful job performance.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, City officials, and the public.
• Maintain the security of criminal offenders and other confidential information.
• Prepare and maintain a variety of records and reports.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work evenings, holidays, weekends, irregular hours, and variable shifts.
• Ability to work closely with others and in confined spaces, around electrical energy.
• Normal vision and hearing acuity.

PHYSICAL TASKS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

Work is primarily performed in an office environment requiring prolonged sitting; walking, kneeling, crouching, squatting, stooping, bending, leaning, and twisting; operate a computer terminal, telephone and dispatch equipment; exposure to computer glare, vibrations, and pitch; ability to lift, carry, and move objects totaling approximately 15 pounds in weight; and have mobility, vision, hearing, and dexterity levels appropriate to the duties to be performed.
NOTE:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by persons assigned to this job. They are not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required.
FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT DESIGNATION:

Non-Exempt

Recruitment Information
To be considered for this excellent opportunity, please complete and submit the online employment application and supplemental questionnaire. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application and/or supplemental questionnaire.

To ensure timely and successful submission of your online application, please allow ample time to complete your application and consider having your profile created and/or updated before applying for the position. Once your application has been successfully submitted, you will receive an onscreen confirmation and an email. If you require technical assistance, please review the Government Jobs or contact their Toll-Free Applicant Support line at (855) ###-####. Please note that Human Resources is not responsible for any issues or delays caused by the internet connection, computer or browser used to submit the application.

QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS RECRUITMENT SHOULD BE SENT TO .

NOTE:
In order to qualify as a Lateral Dispatcher, you must have successfully completed probation as a Dispatcher in a municipal setting. Candidates must attach their P.O.S.T. Basic Dispatcher certificate to application in order for applications to be considered complete.
This recruitment will be used to fill current vacancies, and an eligibility list will be established to fill future vacancies for full-time, job share, part-time, and per diem positions.
The selection process may include but is not limited to: application review and evaluation, written examination, practical skills test, and oral interview. All employment offers made by the City are contingent upon establishing proof of a prospective candidate's legal authorization to work in the United States and successfully completing all components of the pre-employment process which may include but is not limited to: reference check, background investigation, credit check, California Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) criminal history check (Live Scan fingerprinting), polygraph, post-offer psychological, post-offer drug test and post-offer medical examination. The specific selection process will vary based on the position. Candidates must fill out the application and supplemental questions completely. Incomplete applications, including references to see the resume for qualifications are incomplete and will be disqualified. Candidates are encouraged to provide accurate answers as the City will verify the qualifications for each candidate.
The City of Fountain Valley is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. Candidates with a disability who may need accommodation during the selection process must notify the Human Resources Department at least 72 hours in advance of the test date.
Note: The provisions of this job bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provisions contained within may be modified or revoked without notice.
Fountain Valley General Employees Association (FVGEA) Representation: This classification is represented by the Fountain Valley General Employees Association for additional information.
Flexible Work Schedules: Most General employees are offered the option to work a flexible work schedule, including either a 4/10 or 9/80 work schedule.

Compensation:

• Base Salary Adjustments

4% base salary adjustment effective Pay Period Ending July 3, 2026.

• Merit Increase

General employees shall be eligible for merit increases annually on the first day of the pay period closest to their anniversary date, until they reach the fifth step.

• Deferred Compensation Matching Contribution

Employees in regular positions may voluntarily participate in the City's deferred compensation plan. This plan is provided by Empower. The City will match up to a total amount of $225 per month into each employee's deferred compensation account for each General employee who contributes to the City's deferred compensation plan.

• Other Specialty Pays

Employees under certain classifications or assignments, or who possess specialized skills/training/certification/bilingual pay, may be eligible for other specialty pays. Please refer to the for further details.

Retirement: All full-time employees are members of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) - a defined benefit program. Employees are enrolled in one of the following retirement formulas based on date of hire.

• New Members / PEPRA (Hired on or after January 1, 2013): As defined by the California Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA), "New Members" have never been a member of any California public retirement system, were hired by a CalPERS agency after January 1, 2013, moved between public retirement systems lacking reciprocity, or moved between employers in the same public retirement system with a break in service of more than six months. New Members are enrolled in the 2% at age 62 retirement formula and pay a contribution rate of 50% of the total normal cost of the PEPRA member benefits for their retirement pension. This rate is determined annually based on the actuarial valuation of the retirement benefits provided to active PEPRA employees. For Fiscal Year 25/26, employees pay a mandatory 7.75% pre-tax contribution for this retirement benefit.

• Classic Members (Hired on or before December 31, 2012): New employees who are current members of CalPERS or an agency with CalPERS' reciprocity or who have less than a six-month break in service between employment in a CalPERS (or reciprocal) agency and employment with the City will be enrolled in the 2% at age 60 retirement formula. Employees pay a mandatory 7% pre-tax contribution for this retirement benefit. To determine if you are eligible for reciprocity, please click on the following link:

For both Classic and PEPRA Members, the City contracts for the three-year average for final compensation, a 2% Cost-of-Living adjustment in retirement, and service credit for unused sick leave. The City also contracts for the Fourth Level Survivor Benefit ($2 per member per month). Please refer to the FVGEA Memorandum of Understanding for additional CalPERS contract provisions.

Health Insurance: The City will contribute towards the cost of health premiums for full-time employees as follows:
The Flex Dollar Allowance may be used for medical (optional), dental (mandatory), life insurance (mandatory), vision insurance (optional), and AFLAC (optional) premiums. All health benefits are effective on the first of the month following date of hire.

Note: The Flex Dollar Allowance may vary for employees who are assigned to a job share position.

• Medical

Employees have a choice to select a medical plan under the CalPERS Health Benefits Program. Please visit for more information regarding the various plans offered under the CalPERS Health Benefits Program, as well as the current premium rates.

• Dental

Enrollment in a City dental plan is mandatory for all eligible employees. Coverage is managed under the cafeteria plan, and premiums are paid by the employee (Flex Dollars may be used).

• Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (ADD)

Enrollment in a City life and ADD plan is mandatory for all eligible employees. The policy amount is $50,000. Coverage is managed under the cafeteria plan, and premiums are paid by the employee (Flex Dollars may be used).

• Vision

Enrollment in a City vision plan is voluntary for all eligible employees. Coverage is managed under the cafeteria plan, and premiums are paid by the employee.

• AFLAC

Employees have the option to enroll in a variety of voluntary insurance plans including accident, short-term disability, hospital confinement indemnity, cancer/specified-disease, lump sum critical illness, and whole or term life insurance. Employee is responsible for the entire cost of the premium if they elect coverage.

Note: City employees do not participate in California's Disability Insurance (SDI) or Paid Family Leave (PFL) programs through the Employment Development Department (EDD). While this saves employees 1.3% in payroll tax, it's important to keep this in mind when deciding whether or not to enroll in the AFLAC short-term disability benefit.

• Flexible Spending Account

Employees may contribute pre-tax earnings into a flexible spending account for health ($3,400 maximum in 2026) and dependent care expenses ($7,500 maximum in 2026).

• Long-Term Disability

The City provides long-term disability insurance for all General employees at no cost. The City pays 100% of the policy premiums.

• Medical Opt-Out

Employees who provide proof of alternate group health insurance may waive the employer's medical coverage and receive a monthly taxable cash payment of $162 (the PEMHCA minimum). Mandatory dental and life insurance premiums are deducted from this cash payment, with the remaining balance paid to the employee.

Time Off From Work: The City offers a generous leave package!

• Holidays

General employees shall be entitled to 11 paid holidays per calendar year (including a "floating holiday" that can be used at the employee's discretion).

• Vacation

Employees accrue 80 hours of paid vacation leave per year. Accruals increase based on time in service with the City of Fountain Valley, beginning after completion of 1 year of service (increases to 120 hours per year). General employees may elect to receive a cash payment for up to 80 hours of accrued vacation at the end of the calendar year if certain criteria are met.

• Sick

Sick leave accrues bi-weekly based on the employee's work schedule:

Tuition Reimbursement: Eligible employees may receive up to $3,000 per fiscal year for actual tuition expenses.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP): The City provides a confidential, no-cost Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to help you and your household members navigate personal challenges. This third-party service offers support for personal counseling, financial guidance, legal advice, and more.

Social Security: City employees are not covered under the provisions of Federal Social Security (OASDI); therefore, they are not required to contribute 6.2% of salary towards Social Security.

Medicare: Employees contribute 1.45% to Medicare.

This benefit summary is intended to provide an easy way for current and prospective employees to access fringe benefit information, including voluntary options. This summary is intended to be accurate, but it is not an official plan document, and has no legal or binding effect as an expressed or implied contract, or otherwise, and does not alter or amend any provision of the Compensation Plan, Memoranda of Understanding, Human Resources Policies and Procedures Manual, Retirement Contract, Insurance Policy Contract, or any other official document of the City of Fountain Valley. All insurance benefits described in the summary are subject to the terms and limitations of the City of Fountain Valley's insurance contracts with individual insurance providers.

Should you have any questions pertaining to information in this summary, please contact the Human Resources Division at (714) ###-####.
01

Please indicate your highest level of education. Proof of educational requirement must be attached to your application (Required).

• High School Diploma / GED
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree or higher
• None of the Above

02

This recruitment will fill full-time, part-time, and per diem positions. Please check the type(s) of positions you are interested in.

• Full-Time
• Job Share
• Part-Time
• Per Diem

03

Are you a CalPERS retired annuitant?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you possess a California P.O.S.T. Basic Dispatcher Certificate or equivalent? If yes, you must attach a copy of your certificate to your application (Required).

• Yes
• No

05

If you are not currently P.O.S.T. certified, at what date do you expect to possess a P.O.S.T. certification?
06

Have you successfully completed probation as a Police Dispatcher with a California law enforcement agency?

• Yes
• No

07

Are you currently employed as a Police Dispatcher with a California law enforcement agency?

• Yes
• No

08

If you answered 'yes' to the previous question, which agency are you currently employed with? If you answered 'no', please indicate 'N/A'.
09

List the type(s) of computer aided dispatch (CAD) and/or records management systems (RMS) you have worked on. Include name of system, dates and level of user for each system (dispatcher, records clerk, system administrator, trainer, etc).
10

Were you referred by a city employee for this employment opportunity? If yes, please indicate in the box below who referred you.
11

This position requires that an incumbent be available to perform shift work (days, nights, graveyard), including working on holidays and weekends. Are you willing and able to work this type of schedule?

• Yes
• No

12

Your honesty and integrity will be closely evaluated throughout the background process. We require that you be completely honest and forthcoming in your responses. Your failure to do so could result in your disqualification in the background process. Check 'Yes' below to confirm that all of the information provided on your application is true and accurate.

• Yes
• No

Required Question