Dispatcher (Fire)

Position Summary

The mission of the Fire Alarm Office is to serve as the vital link between citizens and the emergency responders of Shelby County Fire Department by providing emergency and non-emergency services in a prompt, courteous, and efficient manner. The Fire Alarm Office's dedicated employees are typically the initial emergency contact for unincorporated Shelby County, providing life-saving assistance over the phone while dispatching EMS and Fire first responders to an emergency. The Fire Alarm Office provides this public service 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year. This position also requires a high level of responsibility, flexibility, attention to detail, the ability to work under pressure, and maintaining privacy and confidentiality.

Pay Grade: 48

Salary Commensurate with Experience and Education

Minimum Qualifications

100% -

1. High school diploma or possess a GED; AND

2. Eighteen (18) years of age; AND

3. Must not have been convicted of, pleaded guilty to, or entered a plea of no contest to any felony charge or any violation of federal or state laws or city ordinances relating to force, violence, theft, dishonesty, gambling, liquor, or controlled substances. (Applicants will be screened for misdemeanor/felony record); AND

4. Discharged under honorable conditions from armed forces, if applicable.

5. PROOF OF EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND/OR EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Receives and responds to all 911 telephone calls from the public.

2. Receives and responds to all emergency or routine fire calls received from the public.

3. Receives, monitors, and responds to all incoming emergencies, complaints, and routine calls by telephone and radio.

4. Makes decisions and dispatches information, personnel, and equipment as outlined in established protocols.

5. Operates emergency telephones and radios according to appropriate established guidelines.

6. Relays certain calls and information to the supervisor and/or shift leader, as necessary under established protocols.

7. Advises supervisor of problems with communications equipment and ensures equipment is in constant working order.

8. Composes and maintains daily logs/records of all incoming calls and ensures established procedures and protocols are followed.

9. Maintains all necessary files accurately and keeps files current.

10. Maintains an efficient, effective operation of the Dispatch Office.

11. Performs other related duties as required or directed.

KSA's

KSAs -

1. Ability to quickly evaluate situations, make sound decisions, and dispatch information and equipment accurately and precisely.

2. Knowledge of appropriate emergency dispatching language, techniques, principles, and procedures for transmitting information and equipment.

3. Skills in receiving, monitoring, and directing emergency, routine radio, and telephone traffic calls to the proper destination or agency, as required.

4. Ability to appropriately and effectively maintain a good working relationship with others.

5. Ability to communicate with the public and co-workers in a courteous and professional manner and to maintain harmony within the work setting.

6. Ability to exercise independent judgment and decision-making when interpreting instructions and procedures.

7. Ability to comprehend communications theory training and demonstrate knowledge and/or education on the job.

8. Ability to speak clearly, concisely, calmly, and have good diction.

9. Knowledge of CRT base consoles, radios SL-1 telephone equipment, and Emergency 911 system.

10. Knowledge of computer usage.

11. Ability to master all computer software related to Computer Aided Dispatch.

12. Ability to learn unincorporated geographical areas of Shelby County.

Special Requirements

1. Must pass a typing skills test minimum of 20 wpm.

2. Must pass the CritiCall Test (Dispatcher Assessment Skills).

3. Must be able to work rotating shifts, weekends, and holidays.

4. Must be able to multi-task under stressful or complex situations.

5. Must pass the psychological test and drug screen.

6. Must pass and maintain all certification/training requirements for each level of Dispatcher.

7. Must pass pre-employment testing, including a physical, hearing, and eye exam for emergency dispatchers.

Disclaimer

This position is subject to a background check for any convictions that have substantial relationship to potential job duties. Only convictions that are substantially related to potential job duties will be considered and will not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Application Special Instructions

Salary:

1. Entry Level: $3,952.66

2. After completion of probation: $4,152.68