Hiring Process FAQ
Q. Is KITTCOM's hiring process governed by civil
service rules?
A. No, KITTCOM is an independent unit of local
government, so civil service regulations do not apply to our organization. KITTCOM does
not have to maintain a "list" of candidates for a specific period.
Q. Can I tour the center before the test?
A. Once a hiring process is started, to be fair to all
participants, we do not allow any candidates to tour the center. (Candidates who
get past the interview phase in the hiring process are scheduled to observe in
the center plugged in with a dispatcher for four hours.)
Q. What's the testing process like?
A. Very rigorous. It is intended to identify candidates
who have the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to do the job. KITTCOM
uses tests that are also used by other dispatch centers around the country.
Statistically, candidates who score high have a far greater chance of success
during the initial training period than those with average or low scores.
Q. How flexible does my schedule have to be in order to
work for KITTCOM?
A. Employees are sometimes called back to work on short
notice if there is an unexpected illness or a spike in emergency activity
levels. Those who were most recently hired (and therefore are lowest in
seniority) cover vacation and sick leave for more senior employees, so schedule
flexibility is critical. New employees must also demonstrate consistent
attendance in order to successfully complete training and the one year
probationary period.
Q. I'm a student. Should I apply?
A. KITTCOM has a rotating work schedule and stringent
attendance requirements that makes the job incompatible for full-time students
with fixed class schedules.
Q. Are KITTCOM's dispatchers members of a labor group?
A. All emergency services dispatch personnel at KITTCOM
are members of General Teamsters Local 760.
Q. What's the background investigation like?
A. Thorough, intense and strict.
You will be disqualified from consideration for
employment if you have used LSD, heroin, cocaine, crack, methamphetamine,
ecstasy or several other illegal drugs, as this list is not all inclusive.
Disqualification for marijuana use depends on how long it has been, the
frequency of use and other circumstances.
You are also unlikely to be hired if you have been
convicted of a crime; have stolen money or goods from an employer (more than
de minimis quantities of office supplies or copies) have a poor driving record or a poor credit history.
Generally, individuals who have demonstrated irresponsibility and/or poor
judgment in their life choices are not hired.
Q. Good grief - I'm not sure I'm still interested! Why
all the hoops?!
A. We know! As the saying goes, many are called, but
few are chosen. Because our staff members are a key part of the public safety
team, their integrity must be beyond reproach.
Q. How long does the whole process take?
A. From the date of the first test, it takes
between from 4-8 weeks to hire a new employee. Variables include the
time it takes for the background investigation, availability of appointments with polygraph specialists, psychologists and
medical professionals as well as the amount of notice a candidate has to give if
he or she is leaving another job.