Telecommunicator

Summary

The Fire Rescue Telecommunicator receives and dispatches emergency and non-emergency calls for a variety of municipal services. The telecommunicator uses dispatching procedures to determine the priority of calls. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Telecommunications Supervisor.

In the event of a natural or man-made disaster that may threaten the area, the employee may be required to perform emergency duties as directed.

Essential Duties / Responsibilities & KSA's

(Note: The listed duties are illustrative only and are not intended to describe each and every function, which may be performed in the job class. The omission of specific statements does not preclude management from assigning specific duties not listed herein if such duties are a logical assignment to the position.)

Receives and transmits information for emergency and other municipal services.

Receives emergency telephone calls, determines locations and nature of the calls and dispatches appropriate personnel and equipment.

Receives non-emergency calls and determines appropriate actions.

Receives and transmits messages by radio and maintains radio logs.

Operates computer-aided dispatch (CAD) equipment and performs CAD functions.

Operates computer terminals for various federal, state and local networks.

Maintains emergency services response information and compiles statistical reports; inputs data to CAD system relating to HAZ MAT vanity names, aliases, maps, streets, landmarks, special needs evacuation, EMS and Fire statistics, and resource control.

Performs hurricane tracking and projection program; records and relays severe weather warnings for Martin and St. Lucie Counties.

Gives emergency medical instructions for pre-arrival medical treatment.

Performs additional emergency and non-emergency duties as directed by Fire Rescue

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

(Note: The knowledge, skills, and abilities identified in this class specification represent those needed to perform the duties of this class. Additional knowledge, skills and abilities may be applicable for individual positions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

Thorough knowledge of the methods and procedures of various operating systems, federal and state regulations governing data and voice transmissions the geography of the County and the locations of important buildings and service areas.

Knowledge of the rules, regulations, and procedures for dispatching, methods and practices of radio operation, and basic computer software.

Ability to communicate verbally in a clear and effective manner, obtain information from hostile or traumatized individuals in various situations, handle multiple activities simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail, exercise sound independent judgment and make decisions within established guidelines.

Must be available for shift work in a twenty-four (24)-hours-a-day, seven(7)-days-a week work environment.

Education and Experience

Must possess a High School Diploma or an acceptable equivalency diploma and one (1) year experience in a position affording familiarity with radio dispatching techniques, preferably in an Emergency Services environment.

Additional qualifying education and/or experience which provide the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities may be substituted one for the other on a year for year basis.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:
Must possess a valid Florida Driver’s License

Must successfully attain the following five (5) certifications within one (1) calendar year from the hire date: State of Florida Public Safety Telecommunicator (PST) certification; International Academy of Emergency Dispatch Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) and Emergency Fire Dispatcher (EFD) certifications; Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Security Awareness Training Level 2; and CPR certification.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Acceptable eyesight (with or without correction)

Acceptable hearing (with or without correction)

Ability to sit for long periods of time.

Ability to wear a head set with an ear insert device

Requires manual dexterity sufficient enough to operate a keyboard, calculator, telephone, copier, and other related office equipment as necessary.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work is performed primarily indoors.

Involves frequent interaction with people.

May require attendance at night meetings and/or outdoor meetings.