DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision, to receive requests for emergency assistance using a computer-aided dispatch system; to dispatch appropriate public safety equipment and personnel; to accurately document on-going emergency operations; and to do related work as required at the Alameda County Regional Emergency Communication Center (ACRECC).


DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

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

Fire Dispatchers, within a framework of established procedures, are assigned full range of dispatching duties involving the use of a variety of communication and office equipment with only occasional instruction or assistance; incumbents may conduct 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. Assigned duties require the exercise of judgment or choice among possible actions. Incumbents of this class are required to work various shifts. This class reports to the Fire Dispatch Manager or Fire Dispatch Supervisor.

This class differs from the next higher class of Fire Dispatch Supervisor at ACRECC by the latter class having supervisory responsibility. This class differs from the next lower class, Dispatcher Trainee, by the latter class being an entry level classification. Fire Dispatchers may perform out of class as Fire Dispatch Supervisor, if needed.

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. Receive and transmit via radio from mobile units of contracting agencies; maintain a computer log of these calls and their dispositions.

2. Answer and make emergency and non-emergency telephone calls from/to the
general public, field personnel and other public safety agencies.

3. Coordinate emergency calls, relay messages, and dispatch 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. Quickly analyze unit status and implement move ups in accordance with the System Status Management Plan.

6. Operate various computer systems for access to local, State and Federal computer applications.

7. Disseminate information to Emergency Operation Centers, Department Operation Centers and Incident Commanders within the Fire Operational Area.

8. Complete and submit required documents for each specific type of incident with accuracy.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

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

And Either I
Experience:

The equivalent of one year of experience in the class of Fire Dispatcher Trainee in the ACRECC.

Or II
Experience:

The equivalent of one year dispatching experience (within the last 3 years) with a public safety agency or ambulance company.

And
Special Requirements:

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.

License:

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

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the 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:

• Standard radio protocols and call-taking procedures.
• Geographical area of Alameda County.
• Regulations and statutes applicable to public safety communications.

Ability to:

• Operate a two-way radio, and computer aided dispatch terminal.
• Dispatch public safety equipment in a quick and effective manner.
• Speak clearly and concisely in a well-modulated voice.
• React with sound judgment under stress and emergency situations while doing several tasks simultaneously. • Respond to the public with tact.
• Direct emergency vehicles using maps, local area knowledge and other tools that are available.
• Use word processing and spreadsheet applications.
• Write in a clear, concise and legible manner.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

MH:po 7/26/07
Newspecs: 8220.doc
CSC Date: 8/29/2007
MH:cs Revised 10/14/10
CSC Date: 11/3/10
MH:cs Revised 3/17/11
CSC Date: 4/6/11
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.