Job Specification
FIRE AND AMBULANCE DISPATCHER
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.
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.
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.
REQUIREMENTS:
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 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.
This job specification is applicable to the following title code: | | Job
Spec
Code | Variant | State,
Local or
Common | Class of
Service | Work
Week | State
Class
Code | Local
Class
Code | Salary
Range | Note | | 01835 | | L | C | | N/A | 06 | | - |
This job specification is for local government use only.
Salary range is only applicable to state government.
Local salaries are established by individual local jurisdictions.
3/5/1999 |
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