EMERGENCY SERVICES FIRE DISPATCHER (PROVISIONAL)BFD

City of Buffalo; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Buffalo is seeking an Emergency Services Fire Dispatcher to transmit alarms, calls for EMS, and other authorized messages to fire stations using radio, telephone and PA systems.

You will maintain unit status, operate CAD systems, and determine priorities under established policies. The position requires a high school diploma and the ability to pass a 20 wpm 911 keyboarding test.

Qualifications

• Pass 911 keyboarding performance test at 20 wpm.
• Knowledge of public communication systems and two-way radio/telephone equipment.
• Ability to operate a computer for data input/output.
• Good hearing, mental alertness and sound judgment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Responsibilities

• Transmits all types of alarms for fires and emergencies through the fire alarm system, telephone, alarm companies, police, radio broadcasts and other agencies.
• Transmits to fire stations via public address system, radio, telephone, transmitter or printer all authorized calls or messages.
• Operates radio equipment to dispatch fire personnel and equipment.
• Dispatches vehicles and personnel for routine and emergency service calls.
• Maintains continuous status and location of fire and emergency vehicles.
• Operates computer for input and retrieval of information.
• Determine priorities of service according to established policies and practices.
• Maintains log of all alarms, calls and messages.
• Submits reports to Commissioner of Fire or designee.
• Performs related duties as required.

Skills

Public communication systems knowledge

Geography of the city

Fire terminology familiarity

Computer data entry

Education

High School diploma

Job description

An incumbent to this position receives and transmits to fire stations all alarms of fire, calls for emergency medical services, emergency calls and other authorized messages, calls and signals. Work is moderately complex in nature and incumbents are responsible for transmitting fire alarms and in the operation of the computer aided dispatch system. Supervision is received from the Captain of Communications; the assigned Shift Captain; AND the Senior Emergency Services Fire Dispatcher. Fire apparatus is dispatched according to pre-arranged plan. No supervision is exercised over other employees.

• Transmits all types of alarms for fires and emergencies through the fire alarm system, telephone, alarm companies, police, various radio broadcasts and other agencies.
• Transmits to fire stations via operation of the public address system, radio, telephone, transmitter or printer all authorized company calls or messages.
• Operates radio equipment to dispatch fire personnel and equipment.
• Dispatches vehicles and personnel for routine and emergency service calls.
• Maintains continuous status and location of fire and emergency vehicles.
• Operates computer for input and retrieval of information.
• Determine priorities of service when necessary in accordance with established policies and practices.
• Maintains log of all alarms, calls and messages.
• Submits reports to Commissioner of Fire or designee of any unusual or emergency situations.
• Performs related duties as required.

Graduation from High School, GED or Equivalency Diploma. (Proof of education must be presented at time of appointment.)

Special Requirements

• Applicants must pass a qualifying 911 Keyboarding Performance Test at the rate of 20 wpm.

THE CITY OF BUFFALO IS AN EQUAL OPPORUNITY EMPLOYER

• Good knowledge of the practices and procedures used in public communication systems including the operation of a two-way radio and telephone equipment.
• Good knowledge of the geography of the city.
• Familiarity with fire terminology and procedures.
• Ability to operate a computer in the input/output of data.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate reports including fire, ambulance and police.
• Ability to perform calmly and efficiently in all types of situations.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written directions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to speak clearly and distinctly.
• Good hearing; mental alertness; sound judgment; courtesy; tact.
• Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.