Dispatcher I

Responsibilities

• Receives reports of smoke management, wildfires, law enforcement requests, storm damage, and other emergency and non-emergency incidents under direct supervision.
• Dispatches fire suppression personnel using a computer-aided dispatch system, two-way radio, and telephone.
• Receives and processes reports of fires, law enforcement needs, storm damage, and other emergencies from the public, local fire departments, 911 systems, forestry pilots, and other safety officers.
• Records and disseminates incident information accurately.
• Operates a computer-aided dispatch system to dispatch personnel to fire locations and maintains records of dispatched personnel and their locations.
• Provides two-way radio contact between firefighters, field personnel, and the Dispatch Center.
• Uses a computer-aided dispatch system to take smoke management information and ensure compliance with smoke management guidelines.
• Performs dispatch and other related duties as assigned to support the agency’s mission and initiatives.
• Performs additional duties in support of the Forestry Commission’s mission and strategic plan.

Requirements

• High school diploma.
• Entry-level work experience with voice communication systems or switchboard exchange operations.
• Ability to type 35 WPM and basic computer proficiency.
• Completion of Introduction to the National Incident Management System (IS-700) within the first year of employment.
• Must pass a criminal background check and drug test.
• Basic knowledge of Federal Communication Commission (FCC) rules and regulations concerning two-way radio operations.
• Active listener with strong customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to speak clearly and concisely, interpret written instructions, policies, and materials, and react quickly, accurately, and calmly in stressful environments.
• Must be able to remain stationary for long periods while answering calls and occasionally move about the work area to access file cabinets, office machinery, and other equipment.
• Must be able to lift 25 lbs., bend, and squat.

Schedule

This position works 39 hours per week on a day shift, with 3 days of 11-hour shifts (7:00 AM to 7:00 PM) and a 6-hour split shift every Wednesday (7:00 AM to 1:00 PM & 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM) on a rotating schedule that includes weekends and holidays.

Additional Information

• Position is located in an office environment.
• Designated as safety-sensitive and essential; subject to random, post-incident/accident, reasonable suspicion, and rehabilitation monitoring for drug and alcohol testing per SCFC Drug-Free Workplace Policy and Procedure.