NJ Civil Service Navigator

FIRE ALARM OPERATOR

Code: 01833 Local Non-Competitive

Because Fire Alarm Operator is non-competitive, hiring leans on your background rather than a test score: meet the requirements and apply to the agency directly.

How to apply

This title is not filled by examination — agencies appoint directly.

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Where this title is used

Fire Alarm Operator is a local service title. It is filled by the counties, municipalities, authorities and other employers that have adopted civil service under Title 11A, not by State departments. Those employers set pay by ordinance or contract rather than from a State salary schedule, which is why most local titles carry no salary range here.

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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, receives fire calls, transmits fire alarms, and dispatches needed personnel and fire equipment; does related work as needed.

Examples of work

  • Receives incoming fire calls by telephone or through alarm system.
  • Determines fire location from caller alarm register that codes location of fire and map of city.
  • Determines type and number of units to respond to emergency.
  • Advises fire station via radio and alarm system that automatically contacts all fire stations to indicate fire location.
  • Relays messages from scene of fire, such as requests for more help and police and/or medical support.
  • Coordinates communications at fire scenes and at other emergencies where fire units are operating.
  • Records date, time, type of call, and destination of messages received.
  • Files activity, code, and locator file records.
  • Tests various communications systems for malfunctions (maintenance units notified).
  • Assists maintenance units in rectifying alarm system malfunctions.
  • Inspects the condition of batteries and all instruments.
  • Tests designated equipment daily.
  • Prevents breaks or mutilation (or other damage or discard) of the register paper.
  • Records time of receiving each alarm and the station from which it originates and all telephone alarms and other needed information.
  • Notes all particulars concerning the various signals received, alarms sent out, trouble on circuits, breaks, or mutilations on register tapes or anything else of actual or possible interest, including exact time and data of each matter, the number of the box, and the character of the signal.
  • Checks circuit currents periodically.
  • Relays messages received in conjunction with local, county, state, and federal authorities during large-scale emergencies.
  • Operates a multiple, nonmultiple, dial, pushbutton, cord, or console telephone switchboard or telephone call director board.
  • Files other needed records.
  • Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

License

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

Knowledge, skills and abilities

  • Knowledge of proper procedures used in taking accurate telephone messages and of taking proper action.
  • Knowledge of making careful inspections and tests of the efficiency of varied electrical instruments and batteries.
  • Knowledge of the locations of large buildings, streets, and fire alarm boxes in the municipality.
  • Knowledge of the rules and regulations of the Federal Communications Commission with regard to the transmitting and receiving of radio messages as used in fire services.
  • Knowledge of keeping needed records.
  • Ability to remain alert during long periods of time without loss of equanimity.
  • Ability to take immediate and proper action when emergency messages are received.
  • Ability to remain calm and decisive during emergency periods.
  • Ability to take proper care of equipment.
  • Ability to understand, remember, and carry out oral and written directions.
  • Ability to learn quickly from oral and written explanations and from demonstrations.
  • Ability to note significant conditions by observation.
  • Ability to perform repetitive operations without loss of equanimity, patience, or courtesy.
  • Ability to read and understand a map.
  • Ability to work harmoniously with associates, supervisors, and others and to perform related clerical work.
  • Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
  • Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
  • 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 accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

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