Communication Specialist/ Dispatcher (Entry Level)

Forestry Commission; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A public agency responsible for forest management is seeking a Communication Specialist/Dispatcher to manage emergency incidents, including wildfires and law enforcement requests. The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma, experience with voice communication systems, and proficiency in basic computer skills. This role requires effective communication and record-keeping in a safety-sensitive environment, with a rotating work schedule that includes weekends and holidays.

Qualifications

• Entry-level work experience with voice communication systems or switchboard exchange operations.
• Completion of Introduction to the National Incident Management System (IS-700) within first year.

Responsibilities

• Receives reports of emergencies and dispatches personnel effectively.
• Maintains accurate records of dispatched personnel and manages communication.
• Processes smoke management information to ensure compliance.

Skills

Voice communication systems

Basic computer proficiency

Typing speed 35 WPM

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Responsibilities of the Communication Specialist/Dispatcher

Under direct supervision, receives reports of smoke management, wildfires, law enforcement requests, storm damage and other emergency and non-emergency incidents. Appropriately dispatches fire suppression personnel through the use of a computer aided dispatch system (fiResponse), two-way radio, and telephone.

• Receives reports of fires, law enforcement requests, storm damage and other emergency incidents from the public, local fire departments, 911 systems, forestry pilots and other safety officers. Processes, records and disseminates this information. Operates computer aided dispatch system (fiResponse) to dispatch personnel to fire locations. Maintains accurate records of all dispatched personnel and their locations. Provides two-way radio contact between firefighters, field personnel, and the Dispatch Center.
• Performs dispatch and other related duties on daily task lists as assigned in support of the agency's mission and initiatives.
• Uses computer aided dispatch system to take smoke management information to ensure burners are within smoke management guidelines. Processes and records this information.
• Performs other duties in support of the Forestry Commission's mission and strategic plan.

Qualifications

• A high school diploma and entry-level work experience with voice communication systems or switchboard exchange operations.
• Must be able to type 35 WPM and have basic computer proficiency.
• Completion of Introduction to the National Incident Management System (IS-700) within first year of employment.
• Criminal background check and drug test are required.

Work Environment & Requirements

• Position is located in an office environment. Must be able to remain stationary for long periods of time while answering calls. Occasionally moves about the work area to access file cabinets, office machinery, and other job-related equipment. Must be able to lift 25 lbs.
• This position works 39 hours per week on day shift, 13 hours per day (7am-9pm) on a rotating work schedule to include weekends and holidays.
• This position is designated as safety sensitive and essential. Position requires the employee to be subject to random, post incident/accident, reasonable suspicion and rehabilitation monitoring and drug and alcohol testing consistent with SCFC Drug-Free Workplace - Policy and Procedure.