6J41

PAY RANGE: 8***

FIRE EQUIPMENT DISPATCHER TRAINEE

(Bilingual)

(General)

GENERAL DEFINITION

          This is training level emergency radio communications work. Employees work on an assigned or rotating shift, receiving telephone requests for fire fighting, medical rescue and other services, and dispatching the appropriate personnel and apparatus.  Employees in this class learn the principles, practices, methods, and procedures used in operating a variety of fire communication equipment.  Work is performed under the supervision of a higher level fire equipment dispatcher. 

ALLOCATING FACTORS: (The following conditions must be met for a position to be allocated to this class.)

1. Employees in the class must perform training level emergency radio communications on an assigned or rotating shift.

2. Employees in the class must be able to attain certification by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Association (PEMA) as a Call Taker, Fire Dispatcher and Ambulance Dispatcher.

TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)

          Receives instructions and on-the-job training in all phases of the fire radio room operation.

          Learns to operate a variety of communication equipment such as computers, two-way radios, public address systems and electrical signal transmitting equipment to receive and announce alarms, relay information and dispatch equipment.

          Learns to dispatch apparatus and personnel according to established emergency procedures and nature of emergency.

          Learns basic emergency medical procedures such as CPR and how to instruct callers on those procedures.

          Learns departmental organization, assignment of fire apparatus, and terminology appropriate to the work.

          Maintains records of alarms, apparatus movements and changes in street index system, when necessary.

          Performs related work as required.

BILINGUAL SPECIALTY

          Performs the duties described above in English and a non-English foreign language.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

BOTH SPECIALTIES

KNOWLEDGE OF:

· English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation

ABILITY TO:

· Learn readily the principles, practices, methods and procedures used in operating a variety of fire communications equipment

· Learn readily street and fire station locations and the location of principal fire hazards in the city

· Obtain essential information from persons under emergency conditions

· Think clearly and act quickly in emergency situations

· Maintain routine clerical records accurately and legibly

· Speak clearly and distinctly

· Use a computer terminal to enter and retrieve CAD data

· Use computer based mapping technology software

· Type information into a computer accurately and at a minimum speed established by the department

· Operate communication equipment including telephones, radios, headsets and computers.

· Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the general public

· Identify non-emergency calls which must be referred to 311

· Identify police emergency calls which must be referred to 911

BILINGUAL SPECIALTY

· Speak, read and write fluently and clearly a specified foreign language and the English language

MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE (The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests.  Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based on training and experience requirements as approved on 9/89.)

EDUCATION:

BOTH SPECIALTIES

          Education equivalent to the completion of the twelfth school grade.

OR

          Any equivalent combination of education and experience determined acceptable by the Office of Human Resources. 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT FOR THE BILINGUAL SPECIALTY

          Sufficient training and/or experience to be able to read, write, understand and speak fluently and clearly in a designated non-English foreign language.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

          Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

          Certified by the American Heart Association in the use of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Automated External Defibrillators within one year of appointment.

Class Established 1/53

Spec. Revision: CSC: 7/11; Ad Board: 9/11

Latest Spec. Revision: CSC – 8/15; Ad. Board – 8/15

Change in pay rate:

CSC – 7/21

Ad. Board – 8/21

Change in pay rate:

CSC – 3/24

Ad. Board – 4/24

CP