Fire Communications Officer - SR

Position: Fire Communications Officer I - SR-17
Duties Summary

Under direct supervision, receives formal and structured on-the-job training in the methods and procedures of emergency communication and dispatching operations including call taking and dispatching Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel and equipment including Hazardous Materials and Search and Rescue operations, utilizing a specialized work station of emergency 911 communications equipment and a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system in a central fire communications operation;

and performs other related duties as required.

The Fire Communication Officer I receives training to make critical response decisions while communicating emergency and non-emergency information from citizens and emergency responders and receives training to provide callers with life-saving medical and safety instructions. They are required to deal with sensitive information in a discreet and professional manner. As knowledge, skills and abilities increase, employees are expected to work with more independence, under general supervision.

Tasks are performed utilizing a specialized work station comprised of a 911-telephone system, CAD system, computer based radio dispatching systems, and other supportive computer based devices. Work is performed in accordance with written policies and procedures. Performance is evaluated through direct observation and examination of written and electronic records. All voice and data entry work performed by the Fire Communication Officer I is continually recorded and is subject to live monitoring for review.

After successful completion of training and satisfactory performance, employees may be released to independent status and move to the Fire Communication Officer II classification.

This Fire Communications Officer I, SR-17, position is a career ladder position. The next level in the series is Fire Communications Officer II, SR-19, $4,933/month. Persons hired into career ladder positions must meet minimum qualifications for the next level in the career ladder series, perform work at the higher level, and meet performance requirements to move to the next level in the career ladder series.

The eligible list may be used for other permanent and temporary vacancies as they arise during the life of the list. Temporary appointment may lead to conversion to permanent appointment.

Special

Working Conditions:

Twenty-four hour, seven day-a-week operations requiring rotating shift assignment and weekend and holiday work. Overtime work as required.

Examples of Duties

* Receives formal and on-the-job training on the basic functions and missions of the Hawai'i County Fire Department and fire and EMS communications operations.

* Actively participates in a Call Taker and Dispatcher Training Program under direct supervision to perform the full range of emergency communication duties in the Fire Communications Center to include Fire, EMS, and Fire-related services, including Hazardous Materials and Search and Rescue.

* Learns and becomes proficient in operating a specialized workstation comprised of computer based 911-telephone system, CAD system, computer based radio dispatching systems, and other supportive computer based devices to answer, triage and process 911 voice and text calls from the public for emergency and non-emergency assistance.

* Utilizes the Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TDD) application of the telephone system to communicate with deaf and/or speech impaired individuals. Facilitates language interpretation between non-English speaking callers and interpreters.

* Performs call taking and dispatching duties simultaneously when call volume exceeds staffing levels within the emergency dispatch center.

* Receives training to provide callers with life-saving medical and safety instructions, in accordance with established policies and procedures.

* Interacts with callers who may be injured, distressed, distraught, emotional and/or belligerent. Maintains professional decorum when interacting with callers and attempts to calm distressed citizens during call taking to ensure effective communications.

* Gathers information from the caller to ensure personnel and public…