Fire Rescue Public Safety Telecommunicator Trainee

St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners; Saint Augustine (FL); On-site; USD 44,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners is seeking a Communications Officer to handle 911 and non-emergency calls, dispatch fire and medical units, and operate CAD systems.

The role requires APCO EMS Dispatch certification and a Florida Telecommunicator certification along with a valid Florida driver’s license. Ideal candidates maintain strong English communication, situational awareness, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent. Apprenticeship/internship experience acceptable.
• APCO Emergency Medical Dispatch certification required.
• State of Florida Public Safety Telecommunicator certification required; trainee option up to 1 year.
• Valid Florida driver’s license and endorsements as needed for vehicle operation.

Responsibilities

• Answers all incoming Fire Rescue Communications calls, including 911; processes calls per SOP and county policy.
• Dispatches fire and medical apparatus and marine rescue units.
• Operates Computer Aided Dispatch to log events and times.
• Monitors field units and accounts for apparatus on scene.
• Monitors additional radio channels (law enforcement, fire, animal control).
• Provides information, resources, and referrals to the public; assists during weather events and disasters.
• Maintains full-time presence on the job; performs related duties.

Skills

Emergency comms procedures

CAD systems

Computer literacy

Geography knowledge

Public safety terminology

Analytical skills

Emergency response

Report writing

Oral & written communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

APCO Emergency Medical Dispatch certification

Florida Public Safety Telecommunicator certification

Florida driver’s license

Tools

CAD software

Telephone systems

Radio equipment

Job description

St. Johns County residents enjoy a healthy quality of life with many perks including one of the top rated public school systems in the State of Florida, miles of beach shoreline, peaceful estuary scenery of the St. Johns River, long established agriculture and equestrian scene, and the nation's oldest city, historic St. Augustine. In 2019 St. Johns County was ranked the 10th fastest growing county in the United States showcasing that there is truly something for everyone in St. Johns County!

The St. Johns County Fire Rescue Communications center answers all incoming emergency and non-emergency calls, including 911 calls. Communications Officers receive and process calls for service while dispatching fire and medical apparatus, including marine rescue units. Employees work in a fast paced, team oriented environment to serve the citizens and visitors of St. Johns County.

The newly selected Communications Officer will go through an extensive training program including Emergency Medical Dispatch, CPR, and Florida Department of Health Public Safety Telecommunicator certification.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Answers all incoming calls for Fire Rescue Communications, including 911 calls; receives and processes emergency and non-emergency calls; ensures compliance with standard operating procedures and county policy.
• Dispatches fire and medical apparatus, including marine rescue units.
• Operates Computer Aided Dispatch to log events and records time and information.
• Monitors and assists field units during on-scene activities, accounts for apparatus.
• Monitors law enforcement, fire, animal control, and other radio communications channels.
• Assists the public by providing information, available resources, or referrals to other agencies; assists the public and other agencies during inclement weather, hurricanes and other disasters.
• Maintains a full-time presence on the job.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or equivalent recognized certification.
• Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/ internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.
• Possess and maintain APCO Emergency Medical Dispatch certification and State of Florida Public Safety Telecommunicator certification. May be hired at Pay Grade 12 with "Trainee" designation until certified, for a period not to exceed one year.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida driver's license and any other endorsements necessary to legally operate vehicles used while assigned to this position.
• Must possess good interpersonal and communication skills in order to serve others.
• Must be able to comprehend, speak and write the English language.
• Must be able to operate a computer.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS

• Knowledge of emergency telephone and radio communications procedures.
• Knowledge of the operation of telephone, radio and CAD systems.
• Knowledge of computers and job related software programs.
• Knowledge of county streets and geography.
• Knowledge of fire and law enforcement terminology.
• Skill in the analysis of problems and the development and implementation of solutions.
• Skill in the response to emergency situations.
• Skill in the preparation of clear and precise administrative reports.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS

Working Conditions may include some exposure to environmental changes (e.g., outdoor weather and/or field conditions, warehouses, garages, etc.), extreme noises, odors, heights and/or dust.

Physical Activity may include sitting, walking, lifting heavy objects up to 25lbs, kneeling, crouching, reaching, or standing.

Salary Range:
$44,366.40 - $59,800.00

Salary is determined based on your experience and education. If selected for this role, a comprehensive compensation review will be completed prior to extending an offer.

Compensation Grade:
BCC PG12

Department:
Communications

Location:
911 Law Enforcement Way
Saint Augustine, FL 32092

St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners is a drug free workplace and equal opportunity employer. All employment actions are taken without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, handicap, disability, marital status, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE . Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans' Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements. Candidates claiming Veterans' Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documenta