CHIEF FIRE ALARM OPERATOR

Code: 01125 Local Competitive

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under direction, supervises and works with a group of employees involved in receiving fire calls, transmitting fire alarms, and dispatching needed personnel and fire equipment; does related work as required.

Examples of work

• Supervises and performs the work involved in receiving fire calls, transmitting fire alarms, and dispatching emergency personnel and fire equipment.
• Supervises operational procedures to insure minimum use of airtime without sacrificing the safety of persons in the field.
• Makes arrangements for the operation of the fire alarm system in accordance with general plans and instructions.
• Maintains control over communications at fire scenes and at other emergencies where fire units are operating.
• Determines type and number of units to respond to emergency.
• Gives assignments and instruction to assigned employees.
• Conducts training classes for fire alarm personnel in use of communications equipment.
• Maintains liaison with local emergency personnel and coordinates emergency assistance plan with such units.
• Operates a multiple, nonmultiple, dial, pushbutton, cord, or console telephone switchboard or telephone call director board.
• Notifies fire station via radio and starts alarm system that automatically contacts all fire stations and indicates location of fire.
• Relays messages from scene of fire, such as requests for additional help and police and/or medical assistance.
• Receives and relays messages in conjunction with local, county, state, and federal authorities during large-scale emergencies.
• Records date, time, type of call and destination of messages received or transmitted.
• Maintains activity, code, and locator files.
• Inspects and checks conditions of batteries and equipment used.
• Tests various communications systems and reports malfunctions to maintenance units.
• Requisitions materials for jobs.
• Keeps needed records and files.
• Prepares daily time reports on assigned employees.
• May operate telegraph to relay code as back up if transmitter fails.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Experience

Three (3) years of experience in the operation of a fire alarm system.

License

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in NJ only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of supervisory techniques.
• Knowledge of the problems, procedures, and equipment involved in receiving fire calls, transmitting fire alarms and dispatching needed personnel and fire equipment.
• Knowledge of the locations of large buildings, streets, firehouses, and fire alarm boxes in the city or municipality.
• Knowledge of the rules and regulations of the FCC with regard to the transmitting and receiving of radio messages as used in the fire services.
• Knowledge of keeping records and files.
• Ability to learn and to understand departmental policies and procedures after a period of training.
• Ability to supervise and work with a group of employees involved in receiving fire alarms, transmitting messages, and dispatching needed personnel and equipment.
• Ability to evaluate the performance of subordinate employees.
• Ability to provide assignments and instructions to assigned employees.
• Ability to train employees and others in the use of communications equipment.
• Ability to understand what is occurring at scene of emergency and to anticipate what may be required and to prepare for request.
• Ability to recognize a probable omission in transmitting messages.
• Ability to work harmoniously with others and to organize assigned work and develop effective work methods.
• Ability to act courteously and effectively with people in emergency or stress situations while remaining calm and objective.
• Ability to record and transmit information accurately and clearly.
• Ability to take immediate and proper action when emergency messages are received.
• Ability to maintain equipment.
• Ability to remain alert during long periods of time without loss of equanimity.
• Ability to maintain records and files.
• Ability to prepare reports.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of the position. Communication may include such forms as American Sign Language or Braille.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodations cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.