Fire Alarm Dispatcher
Job Description
The Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) is the largest Fire Department in the United States and universally is recognized as the world's busiest and most highly skilled emergency response agency. The Department's main goal is to provide fire protection, emergency medical care, and other critical public safety services to residents and visitors in the five boroughs. FDNY members are sworn to serve and protect life and property and the Department works to continually educate the public in fire, life safety and disaster preparedness, along with enforcing public safety codes. Since its inception in 1865, FDNY has helped lead efforts to make New York the safest big city in the nation. This accomplishment requires a steadfast and daily commitment to maintaining the Department's core values.
Job ID
632088
Title code
71010
Civil service title
FIRE ALARM DISPATCHER
Title classification
Competitive-1
Business title
FIRE ALARM DISPATCHER
Posted until
06/16/2024
- Experience Level: Entry-Level
Number of positions
8
Work location
9 Metrotech Center, Brooklyn N
- Category: Public Safety, Inspections, & Enforcement
Responsibilities
The Fire Department, City of New York (FDNY), seeks a Fire Alarm Dispatcher for the Bureau of Fire Communications. Reporting directly to the Supervising Fire Alarm Dispatcher, the successful candidate will: Receives and transmits alarms of fire and emergency using various systems, including the Computer Assisted Dispatch System (CADS), Mobile Data Terminals (MDTs), telephone, voice alarm, Emergency Reporting System (ERS), two-way radios, PC based database programs, etc. Receives and processes calls in regard to administrative issues or complaints from FDNY field units, other FDNY bureaus, City agencies and/or the public. Monitors and receives alarms from ERS boxes and mechanical boxes, interprets information received and uses computer keyboard to enter the data into computer for release to fire companies. Receives information by telephone and/or radio pertaining to such matters as inoperative hydrants, street closings, etc., and notifies appropriate companies. Receives and disseminates information to companies and Chief Officers; receives and responds to requests from the field for additional units and special services. Tests and checks electrical circuits and panels on ERS box and mechanical box panels; adjusts voltage and determines status of circuits to assist with circuit repairs. Tests voice alarm systems. Operates department radio and voice alarm systems to announce alarms to and receive fire company acknowledgments of response to alarms. Announces special messages and notifies designated parties of incidents, as required. Maintains records and performs associated clerical duties, as required. Performs related wor
Job Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
1. An associate degree or 60 semester credits from a college or university accredited by regional, national, professional, or specialized agencies recognized as accrediting bodies by the U.S. Secretary of Education and by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA); or
2. A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent, approved by a State's Department of Education or a recognized accrediting organization, and two years of satisfactory full-time experience in one of the following: (a) As an airport or railroad traffic controller; as a fire alarm dispatcher in a Class "A" Fire Alarm System; or in radio or telephone call receiving and/or dispatching position in an emergency communications facility dedicated to Police, Fire or EMS operations; or (b) As a paid or unpaid dispatcher handling the receipt of multiple, simultaneous calls and radio dispatching in response thereto in a non-firefighting/fire/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) dispatching capacity in a U.S. military facility, Parks Department, Sanitation, Medical Service, DEP, or in a motor fleet such as a car service; or (c) As a paid firefighter and/or fire dispatcher as a member of a municipal or federal fire service/department or the New York City Fire Patrol; or (d) Service as a Firefighter/EMS Medical Tech or Fire/EMS dispatching member in good standing of a recognized volunteer Fire/EMS department. To be creditable, such service will be evaluated in accordance with the bylaws established by the volunteer fire department which must detail the minimum yearly service requirement for being a member in good standing. Written verification will be required from the highest-ranking member of the volunteer service that the member in good standing requirement has been satisfied.
3. A satisfactory combination of education and/or experience equivalent to “1” or “2” above. Honorable full-time U.S. military service may be substituted for experience as described in “2” above, on a year-for-year basis, up to two years of military service for two years of experience. However, all candidates must possess a four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent. NOTE: Experience as a housing superintendent, hospital page operator, hospital telephone operator, customer service representative, or airport dispatcher is not acceptable as experience listed in (a) or (b) above. However, experience as an air traffic controller, radio motor patrol vehicle operator, or another kind of vehicle operator who receives and/or transmits messages over a mobile radio is acceptable.
55a Program
This position is also open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate at the top of your resume and cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position through the 55-a Program.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.
Residency Requirement
New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.
Additional Information
The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.
