Fire Communications Officer I - SR-17

Duties Summary

Under direct supervision, receives formal and structured on-the-job training in the methods and procedures of emergency communication and dispatching operations including call taking and dispatching Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel and equipment including Hazardous Materials and Search and Rescue operations, utilizing a specialized work station of emergency 911 communications equipment and a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system in a central fire communications operation; and performs other related duties as required.

Conditions of Employment

• Twenty-four hour, seven day-a-week operations requiring rotating shift assignment and weekend and holiday work.
• Overtime work as required.

Tasks Performed

• Receives formal and on-the-job training on the basic functions and missions of the Hawai’i County Fire Department and fire and EMS communications operations.
• Participates in a Call Taker and Dispatcher Training Program under direct supervision to perform the full range of emergency communication duties in the Fire Communications Center to include Fire, EMS, and Fire-related services, including Hazardous Materials and Search and Rescue.
• Learns and becomes proficient in operating a specialized workstation comprised of computer based 911-telephone system, CAD system, computer based radio dispatching systems, and other supportive computer based devices to answer, triage and process 911 voice and text calls from the public for emergency and non-emergency assistance.
• Utilizes the Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TDD) application of the telephone system to communicate with deaf and/or speech impaired individuals.
• Facilitates language interpretation between non-English speaking callers and interpreters.
• Performs call taking and dispatching duties simultaneously when call volume exceeds staffing levels within the emergency dispatch center.
• Receives training to provide callers with life-saving medical and safety instructions, in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Interacts with callers who may be injured, distressed, distraught, emotional and/or belligerent. Maintains professional decorum when interacting with callers and attempts to calm distressed citizens during call taking to ensure effective communications.
• Gathers information from the caller to ensure personnel and public safety; classifies, codes and prioritizes cases correctly; inputs data in the appropriate fields; adjusts to varying types of calls for assistance; maintains control of the conversations and makes sound decisions during life-threatening situations.
• Evaluates information received to determine appropriate jurisdiction, equipment, and personnel to be dispatched.
• Maintains control of the conversations and makes sound decisions during life-threatening situations.
• Manages radio operations during Mayday alarm activation, reroutes radio traffic, and assists on scene resources in the proper management of a search and rescue for downed emergency responders.
• Manages patching of radio systems for mutual aid response between Federal, State, County, and non-governmental resources to facilitate scene organization.
• Notifies supervisor of noteworthy incidents, natural or man-made disaster situations, road closures and incidents involving HFD personnel.
• During major incidents may be assigned as an incident tactical dispatcher in the field during disaster operations within an incident command post to facilitate on site field dispatching and radio operations on a 24 hours basis.
• During disasters this position is considered an emergency worker and will be expected to report to work prior to expected disaster onset and live and work within the dispatch center during and proceeding the event during increased operational staffing levels.
• Adheres to and applies county, departmental and divisional policies, procedures and training manuals that serve as a guide to operations of the Fire Communications Center.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

  Minimum Qualification Requirements

  • A Combination Of Education And Experience Substantially Equivalent To graduation from high school, and two (2) years of work experience involving dispatching or public contact which shall have included providing information, answering questions and inquiries, and/or explaining policies, rules and regulations in person or by telephone.
  • Certificate Requirements: Possession of a current Emergency Medical Dispatching (EMD) certificate and a current American Heart Association Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED Certificate is required prior to completion of probationary period.