This is supervisory emergency fire and medical communications work with responsibility for maintenance, modification and update of the computer-assisted fire emergency dispatch system. The employee in this class also serves in the absence of the Chief Fire Equipment Dispatcher by directing, through subordinate supervisors, the operation of the emergency fire and medical communications center. Training civilian dispatchers and fire personnel in the operation of the communications center, and repairing and maintaining associated computer console and portable radio communication equipment are significant aspects of the work. The employee reports to the Chief Fire Equipment Dispatcher.

ALLOCATING FACTORS: (The following conditions must be met for a position to be approved for this class.)

• the position must maintain the computerized data files of the emergency fire and medical communications sytem.
• the position must direct, in the absence of the Chief Fire Equipment Dispatcher, the operation of the emergency fire and medical communications system.
• the position must be located in the Fire Department.
• only one position may be allocated to this class.

• Develops and updates detailed design documents and associated program for computer-aided dispatch procedures to be used in the communications center and field units; operates computer primary and backup system to enter or retrieve information as needed; prepares reports of dispatch information from tapes or discs; updates computerized files such as street and street alias, premise history, fire response, box and adjacent box, fire station order and intersection.
• Develops and coordinates work schedules to maintain proper coverage of the fire communications center; discusses and makes changes if necessary to resolve any scheduling problems; assigns substitute dispatchers as needed; reviews fire and other emergency reports submitted; compiles statistical information regarding number and kind of incidents, reserve operations, cave-ins, building collapses and other pertinent information from reports; operates computer systems to retrieve information as needed and prepare reports of dispatch information from computer tapes; updates computer files.
• Updates fire equipment assignments within the computer aided dispatch system and revises history and information files; performs minor repairs to computer console and portable radio communication equipment as needed.
• Trains new civilian dispatchers; issues training manuals and instructions to new employees; updates training manuals; explains the operation of the fire communications center and the work routines to be followed; gives lectures and demonstrations relative to the operation of the fire communication system to new firefighters, civic organizations and other groups.
• Meets with representatives of the City Planning Commission and public utilities to receive information relative to construction projects, new structures or street name changes which would impact on the routing of emergency fire and medical equipment; updates computer files to reflect changes.
• Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• the principles, practices, methods and procedures used in operating a variety of fire alarm communications equipment.
• fire station locations, the location of principal fire hazards in the city and the physical layout of the city with regard to the dispatching of apparatus or medical units.
• manual and computer-aided dispatch systems, including files, functions and capabilities.
• call screening procedures, priority dispatch, and emergency medical protocols.
• electronic tape recording procedures to produce adequate recordings of specific incidents.
• the operation of the fire alarm signal system.
• principles and techniques in supervising employees engaged in receiving and dispatching fire alarm and other emergency messages.

• perform routine maintenance of radio equipment.
• maintain records and prepare reports.
• train new dispatchers in the operation of the emergency fire and medical communications system.
• operate various electronic equipment including information collection media such as tapes and discs and to insure proper functioning.
• develop CAD operational procedures.

EDUCATION

• Education equivalent to completion of the twelfth school grade.

• Two years of experience operating a variety of fire communications equipment.

• One year of experience supervising the operation of a wide variety of fire communications equipment.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

PAY RANGE: EP14
Class Established:
  CSC - 4/1992 ; Ad Board - 5/1992

SK/sr/ps