Regional Fire Communications Operator (Temporary/Part-Time)

City-of-Downey,-Ca; Downey (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Part time

Job summary

The City of Downey Fire Department seeks four part-time Regional Fire Communications Operators for the Downey Communications Center. The role handles emergency and non‑emergency calls, dispatches firefighting units via CAD, and tracks equipment and personnel status to ensure full system coverage.

Applicants must meet the education/experience criteria, be prepared to work varied shifts, including evenings and weekends, and comply with typing and certification requirements.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• 1 year of Fire Dispatcher experience (desirable).
• 1 year combined dispatching or POST training (desirable).
• Two years clerical/administrative experience with public contact (desirable).
• Typing certification and 30 wpm typing speed highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Receives and responds to requests for emergency services via 911 and other systems.
• Uses CAD to track equipment, personnel and apparatus for optimal coverage.
• Operates multiple radio frequencies and assigns units accordingly.
• Uses proper dispatch terminology when broadcasting and speaking to the public.
• Keeps command informed and maintains logs of communications activities.
• Familiarizes with street/building locations via mapping tools.
• Coordinates with police/fire agencies for multi‑agency incidents.
• Reports problems to radio/phone/computer systems promptly.
• Provides pre‑arrival EMS instructions per EMD program.

Skills

Typing 30 wpm

Multi-tasking

Public safety knowledge

Communication clarity

Bilingual desirable

Education

High School diploma

Fire Dispatcher experience 1 year

POST dispatcher training

Clerical/administrative 2 years

Tools

CAD system

Radio communications equipment

Job description

The position is located in the Communications Center of the Fire Department. The position is responsible for receiving and responding to calls for emergency and non-emergency assistance through dispatching firefighting or rescue units via the operation of the Computer Assisted Dispatch (CAD) system.

Working Hours: The Downey Fire Communications Center is a 24/7 operation. Interested applicants must be willing to work various assigned shifts, including evenings, weekends and holidays as needed.

This recruitment is to establish an Eligible List for four (4) part‑time positions of Regional Fire Communications Operator. An Eligible List is generally in effect for one year, unless exhausted sooner. The established List may also be used for full‑time appointments as needed.

Temporary/Part‑time appointments do not qualify for City benefits, except for those required by law. The City does not belong to the Social Security system; however, enrollment in an alternative retirement program is mandatory which requires an employee contribution of 7.5% of base earnings. The City contributes 2.5% and the employee contributes 5% of base earnings. There are no rights to employment and employment may end with or without cause or advance notice.

Certain City operational budgets may not include funding for mandated CalPERS employer contributions; therefore, a qualified candidate who is a current member of CalPERS may be restricted from temporary/part‑time employment with the City of Downey.

Part‑time hours of work will be scheduled based on operational needs. A Part‑Time employee may work up to twenty‑four (24) hours per week and may not exceed 999 hours on a fiscal year basis (July 1 through June 30).

• Receives and responds to requests for emergency services from the public via 911, other public safety agencies and standard telephone systems.
• Using the CAD, maintains status of all equipment, personnel and apparatus as to location and availability, ensuring optimum coverage is achieved throughout the system.
• Operates and monitors multiple radio frequencies and determines the appropriate personnel, apparatus and equipment to be dispatched using complex radio and/or computerized systems.
• Uses proper dispatch terminology when broadcasting calls and speaking to the public.
• Keeps command personnel informed of the status of emergency situations and maintains accurate records and logs of communications activities.
• Learns and maintains familiarity with the locations of streets and buildings through everyday use of computerized and hardbound mapping systems.
• On a daily basis, works closely with local police and fire agencies in the sharing of resources and information regarding multi‑agency incidents.
• Monitors and reports problems to radio, phone and computer systems within the center to the appropriate agency in a timely manner.
• Provides pre‑arrival emergency medical instructions in accordance with the Department's Emergency Medical Dispatch program.

Any combination of education, training, and work experience to demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform in the position is qualifying. A typical combination is as follows:

Education: High School graduation or equivalent.

Experience: One (1) year of experience as a Fire Dispatcher. (Desirable)

OR

Experience: One (1) year combined experiencein dispatching fire, paramedic, ambulance, law enforcement, and/or military units. (Desirable)

OR

Experience: CompletionofPublic Safety Dispatcher training thorougha P.O.S.T. accredited college or university. (Desirable)

OR

Experience: Two (2) full‑time years of clerical/administrative support experience requiring extensive public contact either in person or over the phone withsome use of independent judgment.

NOTE: Part‑Time experience will be evaluated on the basis of its fractional equivalent of a forty (40) hour workweek.

Typing Proficiency: Keyboard at an acceptable speed to effectively perform the essential duties of the position.

A desired typing speed for this position is 30 net words per minute. Depending on applicant pool, a lower typing speed may be accepted.

A valid typing certification must be provided at time of application.

Typing certification must have been issued within 24 months prior to submittal of application.

Knowledge of:

Codes, practices and procedures used to transmit information to units in the field and locations of streets and buildings; modern office practices and procedures, including effective customer service techniques and practices and the use of standard office equipment including the operation of a personal computer; correct English usage, spelling, and grammar.

Ability to:

Understand complex instructions which are presented orally or in writing; read street maps and quickly find locations; quickly evaluate an emergency situation and develop logical working solutions; keep up with fast pace of incoming calls and transmitted information; successfully perform multi‑tasking duties; speak clearly and confidently; gain cooperation and cooperate with others; apply procedures for handling unique problems; exercise good judgment with memory for details; recognize and keep information confidential; be reliable and dependable; read, comprehend, interpret and utilize instructions, manuals and other materials applicable to this area.

Ability to speak Spanish or Asian languages is highly desirable.

License Requirement:

A valid California Class C Drivers License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job‑related essential functions.

Ability to maintain a current American Red Cross certificate in First Aid/CPR and an Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) certification.

Physical Task and Environmental Conditions:

The duties and responsibilities of this position are performed in an office environment and involve sitting, standing, and walking for prolonged or intermittent periods of time, and include reaching above and below shoulder level, bending, stooping, and twisting at the waist to perform desk work, file maintenance, and operate general office equipment, including a personal computer with keyboard for prolonged or intermittent periods of time. The operation of a personal computer requires finger and wrist dexterity and the ability to withstand exposure to vibration, pitch and glare from the computer. Employee must be able to safely lift and carry books, files, and reports weighing up to 25 pounds.