FIRE AND AMBULANCE DISPATCHER

Code: 01835 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 in a centralized communications center who are engaged in receiving and recording emergency calls for fire and ambulance services, and supervises the transmitting of alarms to appropriate personnel and the dispatching of needed equipment and personnel to proper locations, and operates a variety of communications equipment; does related work.

Examples of work

• Supervises, coordinates, and participates in the work of the communications unit.
• Schedules work hours for personnel.
• Gives advice and assistance to subordinates whenever unusual or difficult problems arise.
• Prepares periodic reports on the operations of the unit.
• Supervises and participates in the training of personnel assigned to the unit.
• Receives telephone complaints and requests for fire and other emergency assistance from the public.
• Ascertains proper addresses and information from caller and immediately determines the nature of the call, and initiates action by relaying messages and dispatching fire and/or other emergency vehicles in response to the complaint or request for assistance.
• Receives and transmits fire alarms.
• Broadcasts instructions to firefighting units and other personnel.
• Relays instructions or questions from remote units.
• Records calls broadcasted and complaints received.
• May relay emergency calls and messages to police, ambulance, or other emergency units.
• Receives and files messages received.
• Receives and records calls for ambulance service.
• Contacts appropriate emergency personnel to respond to ambulance calls.
• Dispatches ambulance drivers to desired locations.
• Operates radio system used to contact ambulance drivers enroute.
• Maintains records of ambulance calls noting time, place, and special circumstances of the calls.
• Operates telephone switchboards, radio transmitters, receivers, recorders, close circuit camera, video systems, computer terminals, and other telecommunication equipment to receive and communicate information with emergency equipment and personnel.
• Prepares and maintains a variety of records and files on the activities of the unit.
• Inspects and may make minor repairs and adjustments to communication and other equipment used.
• Maintains an assuring and calming attitude during periods of stress and emergency to obtain necessary information from callers and to avoid unnecessary delays by responding emergency vehicles.
• Gives suitable instructions to assigned employees.
• Keeps track of sick leave, vacation, and records of relief dispatchers.
• Submits monthly reports to superior.
• 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.

Experience

Two (2) years of experience in dispatching emergency vehicles.

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 problems, procedures, and equipment involved in receiving fire calls, transmitting fire alarms, and dispatching needed personnel and fire equipment.
• Knowledge of fire and ambulance terminology.
• Knowledge of the locations of large buildings, streets, fire houses, and fire alarm boxes in the municipality after a period of training.
• Knowledge of rules and regulations of the FCC with regard to transmitting and receiving radio messages as used in fire services.
• Knowledge of first aid and firefighting principles, practices, methods, and equipment with special reference to communications and of proper methods for operating centralized communications system.
• Ability to maintain essential records and files.
• Ability to supervise and work with a group of employees involved in receiving fire and ambulance calls, transmitting fire alarms, and dispatching needed personnel and fire equipment.
• Ability to give suitable assignments and instruction to assigned employees.
• Ability to work harmoniously with others and to organize assigned work and develop effective work methods.
• Ability to understand what is occurring at scenes of emergency and to anticipate what may be required and to prepare for the request.
• Ability to recognize a probable omission in transmitting messages and to question same.
• 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 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 take proper care of equipment.
• 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.