The following functions are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all the listed functions and may be required to perform additional or different functions from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.
Plan, prioritize, assign, supervise, review, and participate in the work of staff responsible for providing 24-hour fire dispatching services and operations.
Establish schedules and methods for 24-hour fire dispatching services and operations; identify resource needs; review needs with appropriate management staff; allocate resources; and authorize emergency overtime accordingly.
Participate in developing and implementing goals and objectives as well as policies and procedures; make recommendations for changes and improvements to existing standards, policies, and procedures; monitor work activities to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures.
Participate in the selection of assigned staff; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline procedures.
Participate in developing and administrating the assigned budget; submit budget recommendations; monitor expenditures. Perform the most technical and complex tasks, including developing, implementing, and managing procedures set by the member agencies.
Evaluate communications systems data for quality assurance of dispatch service levels; recommend methods for improvement.
Respond to and resolve complex and sensitive citizen or member complaints; respond to inquiries regarding dispatch center actions or procedures.
Coordinate equipment tests between fire stations and the dispatch center; track and monitor equipment problems; coordinate equipment maintenance and repair.
Provides complex administrative and management support to the Fire Communications Administration Supervisor and Fire Dispatch Operations Manager; conducts various organizational and operational studies; initiates and conducts fire field, employee, and systems investigations; recommends modifications to programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
Provides and coordinates staff training; ensures compliance with applicable labor and employment laws, memorandum of understanding, and City and Department policies and procedures.
Monitor and evaluate technical capabilities of existing equipment; investigate newly developed communications software and hardware for possible use; research systems and functions; recommend changes, enhancements, and the need for new equipment.
Participate in the long-range planning process for communications needs; conduct research and make recommendations.
Request suppression equipment from adjacent jurisdictions when appropriate.
Attend and participate in professional group meetings; maintain awareness of new trends and developments in emergency services telecommunications; incorporate new developments as appropriate into programs.
Maintain records concerning operations and programs; compile statistics and other information; prepare reports on operations and activities.
May be required to return to duty from off-duty status during significant emergencies to assume command of the emergency communications operation.
May represent the Metro Cities Fire Authority and coordinate activities throughout the organization and with stakeholders.
May be required to fill a Fire Communications Shift Supervisor position.
In their absence, act on behalf of the Fire Dispatch Operations Manager or Fire Communications Administration Supervisor.
Perform related duties as required.
Experience and Education: Four years of responsible emergency fire communications dispatching experience, including two years of lead supervisory experience supplemented by specialized training in emergency medical dispatch, supervisory techniques, or a related field. An equivalent combination of experience and education sufficient to perform the essential job functions and provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.
Knowledge of: Operations, services, and activities of a 24-hour fire communications and dispatch center; principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation; operations and capabilities of radio, telephone, and other communications systems and equipment in an emergency communications center; communications systems involving computers, radio equipment, mobile data terminals, and pagers; fire equipment capabilities and deployment strategies for various types of fires and rescue emergencies; practices and procedures of fire communications operations; investigative principles and practices; the Incident Command System and California Mutual Aid Plan; basic principles of municipal budget preparation and control; principles and procedures of record keeping; principles of business letter writing and report preparation; English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation; methods and techniques of telephone etiquette; methods and techniques of conflict resolution; office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases; pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
Ability to: Coordinate and direct the services and activities of the fire communications and dispatch center; supervise, organize, and review the work of assigned staff involved in the operations and services of the fire communications center; select, train, and evaluate staff; recommend and implement goals, objectives, policies, and procedures for providing fire communications center services and activities; understand the organization and operation of the organization and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities; understand, interpret, and apply general and specific administrative and departmental policies and procedures as well as applicable federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations; direct the dispatch of fire suppression equipment in a coordinated manner; coordinate the provision of personnel and equipment resources from other agencies during major emergencies; plan and organize work to meet changing priorities and deadlines; make independent decisions to properly handle communications operations; effectively delegate work; identify problems and recommend effective solutions; effectively utilize computer software and programs; troubleshoot equipment problems; conduct independent research on computer software and hardware; think quickly, calmly, and clearly in emergency situations; perform multiple tasks simultaneously; work under pressure, exercise good judgment, and make sound decisions in emergency situations; establish and maintain a thorough file and tracking system; prepare clear and concise reports; participate in the preparation and administration of assigned budgets; effectively represent the fire communications center to outside individuals and agencies to accomplish the goals and objectives of the unit; work cooperatively with other departments, City officials, and outside agencies; respond tactfully, clearly, concisely, and appropriately to inquiries from the public, staff, or other agencies on sensitive issues in area of responsibility; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
License/Certification Required: By the date of appointment, you must possess a valid California Driver’s License and an Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) certification from the Orange County Health Care Agency or an equivalently recognized state or national professional association.
