Dispatcher I

State of South Carolina; South Carolina; On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of South Carolina is seeking a Dispatcher I to support fire suppression and emergency response efforts. Under supervision, you will receive reports and dispatch personnel via CAD, two-way radio, and telephone.

You will cover Coastal and Piedmont regions and maintain precise dispatch records for shift operations. Requirements include a high school diploma, typing 35 WPM, basic computer skills, and a background/drug test.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with entry-level experience in voice communications.
• Typist 35 WPM and basic computer proficiency.
• Criminal background check and drug/alcohol test required.
• Completion of IS-700 within first year of employment.

Responsibilities

• Receive reports of fires, law enforcement needs, storm damage and other incidents and dispatch via CAD, radio, and telephone.
• Maintain accurate records of dispatched personnel and locations.
• Provide two-way radio contact between firefighters, field personnel, and the Dispatch Center.
• Work on rotating night shift and assist in fulfilling the Forestry Commission's mission.

Skills

Typing 35 WPM

Computer proficiency

Customer service

Active listening

Communication skills

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

CAD System

Two-way radio

Telephone system

FCC rules knowledge

Job description

The Responsibilities of the Dispatcher I:

Under direct supervision, receives reports of smoke management, wildfires, law enforcement requests, storm damage and other emergency and non-emergency incidents. Appropriately dispatch fire suppression personnel through the use of a computer aided dispatch system, two-way radio, and telephone. Assumes Coastal and Piedmont region dispatch/call taking responsibilities.

• Receives reports of fires, law enforcement needs, 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 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. Uses computer aided dispatch system to take smoke management information to ensure burner is within smoke management guidelines. Processes and records this information.
• Assumes Coastal and Piedmont region dispatch/call taking responsibilities.
• Performs dispatch and other related duties on daily task lists as assigned in support of the agency's mission and initiatives,
• Performs other duties in support of the Forestry Commission's mission and strategic plan.

• 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.
• Criminal background check and drug and alcohol test are required.
• Completion of Introduction to the National Incident Management System (IS-700) within first year of employment.

• This position works 39 hours per week during night shift, 4 days of working 9.75 hours per day (8:30PM-7:15AM) on a rotating work schedule to include weekends and holidays.
• 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., bend, and squat.
• Ability to learn to operate a computer-aided dispatch system, two-way radio and telephone communication equipment. Basic knowledge of the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) rules and regulations concerning two-way radio operations.
• Active listener with strong customer service and communication skills. Ability to speak clearly and concisely, must be able to interpret written instructions, policies, and materials used in performing dispatching duties; must react quickly, accurately, and calmly in a stressful environment.
• 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.