FIRE DISPATCH - SENIOR

The Fire Dispatcher – Senior oversees the receipt of emergency, non-emergency, and inter-department calls, and assures the prompt dispatch of the proper units or agencies to the scene of fire, medical, or other emergencies. Secondary duties include maintaining discipline, submitting personnel review recommendations to Fire Dispatch Manager or Fire Dispatch Assistant Managers, assigning duties to subordinates, conducting coaching and training, maintaining reports and records, and assisting in updating policies and procedures.

• Oversees the daily operation of one shift of the Communications Section; enforcing the rules of the section, and rules and regulations of the department.  Communicates orders and directives to subordinates in a clear manner.
• Monitors resource availability and coordinates with the Firefighting Deputy Chief when additional resources may be needed. 
• Assists in developing and updating Communications Section policies and procedures.
• Monitors call-taking and radio dispatching, identifies dispatcher job performance concerns, coaches in appropriate techniques to enhance performance, and enforces corrective actions.
• Provides input on job performance to the Fire Dispatch Assistant Managers, including policy compliance, attitude, and job knowledge.
• Maintains understanding of, and proficiency in, all aspects of computer-aided dispatch (CAD) and communications systems, participating in the development, implementation, and maintenance of same.
• Performs basic troubleshooting on end-user equipment and software to ensure continued operations.
• Depending upon staffing and volume of calls, this position may serve as a Fire Dispatcher, by handling emergency and non-emergency calls, including providing pre-arrival instructions to callers requesting emergency medical assistance using the current EMD protocol and standards.
• Monitors probationary dispatchers’ training. 
• Submits evaluations to Fire Dispatch Assistant Managers certifying qualifications for continued employment based on performance, attitude, and knowledge.
• Accountable for the timely submission of personnel shift reports and records. Adjusts schedules in the absence of Fire Dispatch Assistant Managers, ensuring that dispatchers requesting time off have sufficient balances.
• Works closely with various city and county departments, keeping them informed of incidents that relate to their respective authority.
• Attends department meetings or training exercises as directed by the Fire Dispatch Manager, Fire Dispatch Assistant Managers, or other higher authority.  

Reasonable accommodations requested by qualified individuals with disabilities will be made in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

Working Conditions 

• Required to be able to work sixteen-hour shifts and last minute mandates. 
• Must be able to handle the stress of emergency calls dealing with life and death situations.

• 4 years of consecutive service with the Milwaukee Fire Department as a Fire Dispatcher in the department’s Communications Section immediately preceding August 17, 2018.

 

• The following certifications must be obtained within one year of hire and maintained throughout employment:
  • Priority Dispatch EMD Certification
  • American Heart Association Health Care Provider CPR
  • APCO Communications Training Officer
  • APCO Fire Service Communications
  • APCO Communications Center Supervisor

NOTE: Effective October 11, 2016, Emergency Personnel are subject to the residency requirement for the City of Milwaukee.  This means that within six months of being hired, Emergency Personnel must establish an actual and bona fide residence within 15 miles of the City of Milwaukee's jurisdictional border.

The current annual salary range (2FN) is $60,992 to $67,616 annually.

Selection Process

The examination process may include a job related written test, oral interview, and skills test.  All phases of the examination must be successfully completed in order to continue in the selection process.  Failure in any segment of the examination disqualifies a candidate from continuing in the selection process. The examination process is tentatively scheduled to begin in September 2018.   Unless required by law, the Fire and Police Commission will not provide alternative test administrations.  Applicants are responsible for attending all phases of the job selection process at the time and place designated by the Fire and Police Commission. Applicants unavailable for one or more portions of the examination due to military service or training, must provide written notification prior to the examination to the Fire and Police Commission, City Hall Room 706, 200 East Wells Street, Milwaukee, WI, 53202.  

Eligible list

Candidates who successfully complete all phases of the examination will be placed on an eligible list for consideration for promotion.

Application Process

The application process must be completed online. The online application will be available on July 27, 2018 and accepted through August 17, 2018.  The online application form and further information may be obtained from www.milwaukee.gov/jobs or by calling (414) 286-5000.   

Online applications may not be submitted after August 17, 2018, unless the deadline is extended. FPC is not responsible for applications not submitted by the deadline.  Please note that all correspondence regarding the selection process will be sent via email using the email address that corresponds to the applicant’s profile in the Fire & Police Commission’s online application program (JOBAPS); it is imperative that applicants maintain an updated profile, including current email addresses, in the JOBAPS program to ensure all correspondence regarding testing dates and results is received by the applicants.