Job Title

Job Family

Job Code

Job Exempt

Fire Emergency Communications Specialist III

Iaff_Fire_Communication

CL-CIG36

Pay Grade

Pay Rate Type

Minimum

Midpoint

Maximum

FEC03

Hourly

$22.62

$28.84

$35.05

Job Description

Performs specialized work in areas of emergency communications. Employees assigned to this classification receive, screen, and dispatch emergency and non-emergency calls for fire, emergency medical services, and aircraft emergencies, as well as provide medical advice and prepare various reports. Work is performed under general supervision in accordance with departmental procedures. Employees assigned to this classification must exercise initiative and independent judgement to properly react and respond appropriately under very challenging conditions. Work is reviewed while in progress and upon completion through direct observation, audit of tapes, and supervisory meetings to ensure compliance with policy and procedures and established standards. Work schedule will vary and rotate throughout the first year of employment and includes nights, weekends, and holidays. Employees assigned to this classification may be required to work additional hours with little to no notice based on operational needs.

Minimum Qualifications:

High School Diploma/G.E.D. Certificate. At least two (2) years of experience as an ECS I and/or ECS II with the Orlando Fire Department; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Must possess a valid EMD Certificate and maintain satisfactory completion of any job-related proficiency and basic supervisory courses. Must agree to serve as center supervisor when necessary. Must pass a background check which includes a polygraph.

Additional Qualifications for Promotion:

Promotions are not to be considered an automatic function of longevity and are subject to the review and authorization of the Supervisor. The employee’s last performance review must have resulted in an overall rating of Meets standards or better with no factor rating of less than meets. Promotional opportunities will be offered to these Communications Specialists once per year. To apply for the ECS III promotional course and tests offered, qualified employees must submit their interest in writing to their shift supervisor.

Responsibilities

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:

Note: The listed duties are only illustrative and are not intended to describe every function that may be performed by this job class. The omission of specific statements does not preclude management from assigning specific duties not listed if such duties are a logical assignment to the position.

Receives and screens 9-1-1 and other emergency line calls for major fires, emergency medical services, aircraft emergencies, and related fire services using Windows based Viper multi-line telephone system including TDD (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf); questions callers to obtain precise information.

Monitors emergency calls and operates multi-channel radio consoles and a computer aided dispatch system to determine and dispatch the appropriate jurisdiction and equipment to respond including ambulances and ambulance helicopters as needed; monitors and relays impacting weather events or conditions to ensure safety of responders and victims.

Transfers joint response and other calls out of City limits to Police Department, ambulance, agencies, and other organizations as deemed appropriate.

Renders first aid medical advice to callers in emergency situations prior to the arrival of emergency equipment using knowledge of emergency medical training; may direct frightened callers on how to safely escape a burning building or take protective actions if they are trapped.

Types incident reports, updates emergency numbers file and maps, maintains log of truck movements, and runs reports for each incident; time stamps 911 calls for future investigations; transfers appropriate records systems; accurately documents information; compiles and analyzes operational data; and prepares and maintains accurate records.

Receives and responds to non-emergency calls, referring persons to appropriate agencies using knowledge of City streets and phone numbers of numerous agencies.

May be assigned shifts that include evenings, weekends, and holidays in order to provide round-the-clock coverage; may work up to 16 hours per day; and may be mandated to report for duty on regular days off and mandated to work without notice.

Needs to respond quickly and calmly in alarming situations which may be challenging; may be exposed to traumatic events; and may be exposed to victims of sexual assault, crimes against children, mass violence, natural disasters, and other traumatic events. Uses debriefing tools and various management techniques to reduce tension from adverse or demanding circumstances.

Deals with crisis situations that require making quick major decisions involving people, resources, and property with frequently limited direction.

Determines available and appropriate public safety responses; communicates with public safety; initiates field units; and tracks response.

Interprets GIS data to advise responding units.

Participates in post-incident activities.

Follows established agency policies and procedures, being aware of liability to the agency, and adheres to federal disclosure and privacy laws.

May serve in supervisor's absence such as notifying building manager of any problems that need repaired; organizing workflow; making sure workers are clear about their tasks; and monitoring employee compliance with standards, policies, and procedures.

Trains new hires; creates and manages team schedules.

Pages necessary groups of Emergency Services in the event of mass casualty incidents or incidents threatening public safety; has access to disarm or engage with different alarm panels; and controls City evacuation procedures for the building if needed.

Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of Federal Communication Commission (FCC) rules and regulations.

Knowledge of all operations relating to recording, warning, computer aided dispatch, radio, telephone and related communication systems.

Knowledge of Communication's Division Standard Operating Manual.

Working knowledge of City boundaries, streets, and adjoining county streets.

Knowledge of first aid emergency medical treatment procedures (i.e., CPR, burns, poison, choking, cuts, etc.)

Knowledge of the City's Disaster Plan.

Ability to sit for extended periods of time in a confined area answering emergency calls and dispatching appropriate emergency equipment.

Ability to visually read computer screen for extended periods of time.

Ability to operate Windows based Viper multi-line telephone system including TDD (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf), multi-channel radio consoles, computer aided dispatch system and related communication equipment.

Ability to write legibly and type 25 wpm accurately.

Ability to react calmly and competently in stressful situations, to obtain and relay information quickly and accurately, and make sound judgments.

Ability to simultaneously observe and respond to various sources of incoming stimuli.