Emergency Communications Fire/EMS Dispatcher

Position Overview Answers incoming emergency and non-emergency calls for emergency services provision via phone, text and radio(s). Provides emergency medical dispatch instructions to incoming callers. Dispatches Fire-Rescue units to a wide variety of emergency situations, communicates via radio to units and processes the calls by producing detailed logs of transmissions to and from the Communications Center and units in the field, makes notifications to key staff, partner agencies, personnel and units. Provides optimum customer service to callers under significant emotional strain and stress. Compensation Annual salaries are not inclusive of any automatic overtime. Typical schedule is 2,184 hours annually. Career Pathing Opportunities Emergency Communication Trainee/Dispatcher I – $37,044.00/yr (Successfully complete 6 month county probation period) Emergency Communications Dispatcher II – $38,896.00/yr (Complete in house state certified 4 week training academy; attend and successfully pass an Emergency Medical Dispatch Course) Emergency Communications Dispatcher III – $41,618.00/yr (160-240 hours of radio dispatch training; successfully obtained Public Safety Telecommunicator certification; pass Emergency Communications Dispatch exam part 1 and 2 with an 80% or higher) Emergency Communications Dispatcher IV – $44,947.00/yr (240-300 hours of radio training; meet or exceeds dispatch average of 30 seconds; passed the Emergency Communications Dispatch Exam part 3 with a 80% or higher) Additional Incentives Night Differential On-Call Pay Communications Training Officer Responsibilities Answer emergency and non-emergency calls via 9-1-1 phone system, Motorola radio system, and administrative telephone lines. Dispatch Fire/EMS units to a wide variety of emergency situations and track status and location of all fire apparatus and investigators. Communicate via radio to units, process calls by producing detailed logs of transmissions to and from the Communications Center and field units, and make notifications to key staff, partner agencies, personnel and units. Provide emergency medical dispatch instructions and lifesaving guidance to callers while units are en route. Operate an advanced Fire/EMS Emergency Communication suite consisting of CAD, multiple computer terminals and monitors, interfaced systems, computerized telephone system, and Motorola radio system. Multi-task by simultaneously typing, talking on the radio, handling multiple telephone calls, and switching between computer screens and applications. Assess caller situation using emergency medical and fire dispatching software to provide lifesaving instruction when necessary. Study and maintain familiarity with locations and common place names of major roads, streets, industrial plants, county parks, and buildings in the County. Contact outside agencies and other departments to coordinate aid (utilize utility companies for wire shutdowns, contact water services for water turn-off, coordinate with law enforcement for police assistance). Answer routine questions or refer calls to appropriate agencies on non-Fire/EMS inquiries; answer after-hours calls for various County departments. Consult supervisor on non-routine matters. Demonstrate continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively to provide quality seamless customer service. Additional Duties Perform other related work as required. In the event of an emergency, all employees are considered essential personnel and may be required to perform alternate duties. Education and Qualifications High School Diploma/GED required. Pass ECOMM testing standards – previous testing scores within the last year will be accepted. Minimum typing speed of 35 wpm (typing test required). Must obtain CPR certification, Florida 911 Public Safety Telecommunication certification, and International Academy of Emergency Medical Dispatcher certification within one year from hire and maintain these certifications as required for continued employment. Comparable education, training, or experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications. Preferred Qualifications Associate’s Degree and/or previous dispatch, emergency communication center, or call center experience. Skill Set Knowledge of or ability to learn Seminole County geography. Knowledge of or ability to learn proper radio operation and dispatching procedures. Ability to operate two-way radio equipment. Ability to read maps. Ability to operate a computerized multi-mode telephone system. Ability to use good dictation and clear speaking voice; deal with multiple situations simultaneously; deal with the public compassionately and effectively. Ability to deal professionally with the general public, commanding officers, law enforcement and other officials. Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form. Ability to transition from periods of mental and physical inactivity to periods of intense and stressful mental and physical activity. Ability to follow oral and written directions. Ability to display sound judgment and take decisive action. Ability to process and respond to large amounts of information. Ability to work in a team environment. Ability to maintain effective working relationships. Strong computer skills and ability to work multiple software programs simultaneously. Ability to remain calm and focused under emergency conditions. Ability to adapt to physiological changes associated with spikes in adrenaline. Additional Requirements Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver's License. All employees must attend Seminole County Required Trainings. Department specific trainings per position may be required. Must be willing to work rotating shifts, nights, weekends, holidays (includes being called in for minimum staffing, shift coverage and/or community and natural disasters). #J-18808-Ljbffr Seminole County/Board of County Commissioners