Job Details

Airport Communications Dispatcher (9202) - SFO (A00027)

Job Description

Under general supervision, the Airport Communications Dispatcher, during an assigned shift, receives incoming request calls for service, both emergency and non-emergency at San Francisco International Airport; dispatches crash/fire/rescue, airfield safety, police and other personnel regarding emergencies.

• Receives emergency and non-emergency calls and efficiently gathers, evaluates, prioritizes, and documents information from callers; properly classifies and prioritizes any report or complaint information and determines appropriate course of action.
• Dispatches multiple emergency services and maintains the status of incidents and record of dispatched emergency service personnel and apparatus.
• Receives and disseminates information from other law enforcement and emergency service computer networks related to jurisdictional requests for police, fire or medical service assistance, or to notices of wanted persons, stolen property, warrants and all points bulletins.
• Operates Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) system for operational/officer‑safety‑related needs.
• Monitors alarm systems to ensure that proper action is taken for critical alarms received.
• Operates data terminal equipment to ascertain if vehicles are stolen and to whom vehicle is registered.
• May include additional duties as assigned.

Nature of Work

Dispatchers work under unpredictable periods of stress caused by the volume of calls and/or emergency conditions in the field involving the protection of life and property. Persons employed in this class must work shift assignments, which includes around‑the‑clock, weekend, and holiday work schedules. Employees are subject to changes in shift assignments. Due to the emergency nature of this work, mandatory overtime is required.

Qualifications

• Education: Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent (G.E.D. or High School Proficiency Examination); AND
• Experience: One (1) year of verifiable experience as a public safety (police/fire) dispatcher in a multi‑frequency computerized dispatch/communications center.

Experience Substitution

Completion of a 12‑month program equivalent to the City and County of San Francisco's Airport Communications Dispatcher Trainee Program may substitute for the one (1) year of required work experience.

Selection Procedures

• Applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any point during the recruitment and selection process. If education verification is required, information on how to verify education requirements, including verifying foreign education credits or degree equivalency, can be found at
• All work experience, education, training and other information substantiating how you meet the minimum qualifications must be included on your application by the filing deadline.
• Falsifying one's education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification for this and future job opportunities with the City and County of San Francisco.
• Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed City and County of San Francisco application. Applications completed improperly may be cause for ineligibility, disqualification or may lead to lower scores.

Performance Examination

Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in a remote computer‑based performance examination designed to measure aptitude for performing public safety communications dispatcher work, including, without limitation, the ability to prioritize and multitask effectively in a fast‑paced, high‑stress environment, recall facts, details and other information and ability to type and operate a computer terminal at a speed of 50 words per minute (net). Please be prepared to take this remote exam during the week of January 5, 2026.

Background Investigation & Security Clearance

Positions require security clearance. Candidates may be required to undergo drug/alcohol screening and must clear Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation fingerprinting. Per Civil Service Commission Rule Section 110.9.1, every applicant for an examination must possess and maintain the qualifications required by law and by the examination announcement for the examination. Failure to obtain and maintain security clearance may be basis for termination from employment with the Airport Commission.

Customs Clearance

This position requires that the incumbent be qualified for unescorted access to the San Francisco International Airport U.S. Customs Security Area. An application for a U.S. Custom Access Seal may be submitted to Customs ONLY after employment has commenced. Employment in this position requires that the incumbent submit an application for, successfully acquire and maintain a Customs Access Seal. Failure to acquire or maintain customs access, a requirement for this position, may be basis for termination from employment with the Airport Commission.

Medical Examination

Prior to appointment, candidates must successfully pass a medical examination to determine their ability to perform the essential functions of the job and/or the ability to meet the physical minimum requirements.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, or any other protected class under applicable laws. All employment decisions are made without regard to any such protected status.

How to Apply

All job applications for the City and County of San Francisco must be submitted through our online portal. Please visit to begin your application process.