Senior Fire Dispatcher
Job Description
The City of Anaheim seeks a dynamic Senior Fire Dispatcher to support Metro Cities Fire Authority operations (also known as Metro Net Fire Dispatch), our premier emergency communications center. Metro Net Fire Dispatch provides 9-1-1 Fire and EMS dispatch services to more than one million people in an area approximately 200 square miles. Under a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) agreement, Metro Net Fire Dispatch serves the cities of Anaheim, Brea, Fountain Valley, Fullerton, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, and Orange. Employees of the dispatch center pride themselves on providing excellent customer service in screening and responding to incoming emergency and non-emergency calls for fire assistance and medical aid.
Candidates must possess experience performing responsible journey level fire dispatching. (Combination of experience as a radio dispatcher and a telephone operator in a fire dispatch environment is acceptable). Experience in Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) enhanced 9-1-1 and Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD). In addition, candidates must be available to work assigned shifts, including weekends and holidays.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
This is the highest level in the fire dispatching series. In addition to performing the more complex tasks and duties of a Fire Dispatcher II, incumbents train and evaluate communications personnel. This class assumes the responsibilities of the Fire Communications Shift Supervisor during their absence.
Supplemental Information
IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS
Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. The deadline for the review of applications is on October 24, 2024 at 5:00PM. Applicants are encouraged to apply early. Applicants that apply after the first review are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review date.The selection process includes, but is not limited to, a skills assessment and oral interview.Further selection steps include a medical examination, which includes drug/alcohol screening, psychological evaluation, and background investigation (excluding current Metro Cities Fire Authority Fire Dispatchers). The interview with the background investigator and completion of the background investigation will include, but is not limited to, verification and evaluation of any present and/or past use of drugs, driving and employment history.
Responsibilities
Essential Functions
The following functions are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed functions and/or may be required to perform additional or different functions from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.
Train communications personnel on department policies and procedures.
Develop training programs and manuals to address department needs; conduct new training programs.
Evaluate the performance of communications personnel, identify areas of improvement and work with employees to meet department standards.
Troubleshoot minor problems associated with the computerized dispatch center; work with Fire Communications Shift Supervisor and Safety Communications Systems staff to resolve the more difficult problems.
Perform the full range of duties of a Fire Dispatcher and/or Shift Supervisor.
Compile a variety of statistical and periodic reports as assigned by supervisor.
Participate in the development and assignment of work schedules for employees assigned to Metro Cities Fire Authority.
Notify appropriate command staff of breaking situations/emergencies as necessary.
Monitor security and wildland cameras; responsible for building security; screen all in-coming personnel and guests at the center.
Positions in this class assume the full range of responsibilities of the Fire Communications Shift Supervisor in their absence.
Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
Job Requirements
Qualifications
Experience and Training Guidelines: Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities are as follows:
Experience: Effectively perform responsible journey level fire dispatching. (Combination of experience as a radio dispatcher and a telephone operator in a fire dispatch environment is acceptable). Experience in Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), enhanced 9-1-1 and Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD).
Knowledge of: Fire dispatching procedures; response procedures; work flow techniques; record keeping methods; computer aided dispatch system equipment; relevant state codes and municipal ordinances; emergency medical dispatch; geography; basic principles of supervision and training.
Ability to: Learn new computer systems that are window based and mouse driven; adapt to new technologies as they become available; maintain accurate files and records; read, understand and apply difficult material; effectively train and evaluate employee performance; write effective training policies and procedures; understand pertinent procedures and functions quickly and apply them without immediate supervision; speak clearly and distinctly; communicate clearly and effectively, orally and in writing; prepare clear, concise and easily understood narrative and statistical reports; receive confidential information and maintain confidentiality; compose memos and office procedures; perform the full range of fire dispatcher duties; act in the capacity of supervisor as assigned; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; provide leadership in carrying out fire activities; coordinate the effort, when more than one employee is involved, in the assignment of duties; provide command to members of the Center as necessary in the absence of Command Staff or ranking supervisors; motivate personnel to work together as a team.
Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Class C California Driver's License by date of appointment.
NOTE: Must be available to work assigned shifts, including weekends and holidays.
