County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under close supervision, to receive training in public safety, emergency call taking and radio-dispatching methods and techniques; to dispatch personnel and equipment for one or more public safety agencies, including Fire and Emergency Medical Services; and to perform related work as required.


DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This position is located in the Alameda County Regional Emergency Communication Center (ACRECC) at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), a federally secured Department of Energy (DOE) facility. This position requires candidates meet DOE security clearance.

The Fire Dispatcher Trainee is the entry-level classification in the Dispatcher series which is flexibly staffed to the class of (ACRECC) Fire Dispatcher. Fire Dispatcher Trainees work in the ACRECC and receive on-the-job training in the full range of dispatching duties; incumbents in this class will also receive on-the-job training performing ambulance dispatching which will include providing pre-arrival instruction to callers utilizing emergency medical dispatching (EMD) and medical priority dispatching systems (MPDS) in accordance with the methods of a sophisticated system status management plan. After satisfactory completion of the one-year probationary period, employees are expected to qualify for appointment to the next higher class of Fire Dispatcher.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Receives public safety calls for fire or emergency medical service incidents.
2. Screens information to determine jurisdiction and equipment to be dispatched; transmits appropriate information by telephone or radio.
3. Dispatches fire, emergency medical or other emergency personnel and equipment.
4. Using EMD and MPDS, ask key questions to callers in order to identify the type of emergency call, provide callers with pre-arrival instructions and dispatch priorities.
5. Operates a variety of communications systems, including computer aided dispatch, radio and telephone consoles.
6. Monitors multiple radio channels, 9-1-1 telephone calls, and other computer software and hardware.
7. Performs related communications clerical work, including the use of word processing and spreadsheet software.
8. Monitors alarm panels and security cameras.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Graduation from high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency certificate, such as the General Educational Development Certificate.

License:

All candidates must possess a valid California State Motor Vehicle Operator's license.

Special Requirements:

Age: Must be at least 18 years of age by time of appointment to Dispatcher Trainee.

Typing: Ability to type 40 words per minute.

Candidates must pass a psychological evaluation, a medical examination and a thorough background evaluation after an offer of employment is made. A Computer Voice Stress Analyzer examination will also be included in the process to assess candidates’ responses in the areas of drug use, driving history, honesty, racial discrimination, and sexual harassment. Any felony conviction will result in disqualification. Candidates must be US citizens.

Incumbents in this classification are expected to work 12-hour shifts, and may also be required to work holidays, weekends and up to 18-hour shifts when needed. There is mandatory overtime.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• The highways, main streets, and geography of Alameda County.
• Simple record keeping tools such as Microsoft Word and Excel.


Ability to:

• Read, write and alphabetize.
• Follow written and oral instructions.
• Retain oral information.
• Use basic computer tools – i.e., keyboard and mouse in a Windows operating system environment.
• Learn the operation of two-way radio and telephone communications equipment.
• Speak clearly and concisely in a well-modulated voice.
• Learn to dispatch public safety equipment in an effective manner.
• Deal tactfully with the public.
• React with sound judgment under stress and emergency situations while doing several tasks simultaneously.
• Learn statutes, rules and regulations applicable to communications.
• Listen and clarify incoming calls to extract pertinent information.
• Document on-going call activity while talking on the radio and/or telephone.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

MH:po 7/26/07
Newspecs: 8209
CSC Date: 8/29/2007
MAH:cs Revised 2/15/13
CSC Date: 3/20/13
MY:cs Revised 8/13/14
CSC Date: 8/20/14
GH:cs Revised 12/23/15
CSC Date: 1/20/16

BENEFITS

*** For benefit information, please refer to the recruitment brochure.