General Description

Employee is under the supervision of Communications Supervisors. Employee is responsible for the dispatching of emergency units including --but not limited to-- fire and ambulance units in a multi-jurisdictional communications center. Employee is responsible for tracking and documenting unit and personnel activities based on telephone and radio operations within the multi-jurisdictional communications center. Employee is responsible for providing pre-arrival medical and fire instructions to callers requesting emergency response. Employee performs such duties as are required by Communications Supervisors or the VECC management team.

Supervision Received

Student Employees work with close direct supervision from Communications Supervisors, and full time and part time Communications Specialists.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

1. Adheres to and utilizes District Policies and Guidelines.

2. Transmits orders or instructions as given by command staff.

3. Monitors all required radio frequencies and disseminates the appropriate information.

4. Performs Emergency Medical and Fire Dispatching where necessary.

5. Tracks on-duty personnel activities utilizing a CAD system.

6. Generates reports based on emergency and non-emergency responses by operations and administrative units.

7. Handles emergency and non-emergency telephone, and radio, traffic in a multi-jurisdictional communications center.

8. Maintains all records, reports and files in the Communications Center.

9. Properly operates the communications equipment.

10. Is responsible for the inventory of all Communications Center equipment and supplies.

11. Performs other duties as required by the Communications Shift Supervisor.

12. Maintains the confidentiality of all District information.

13. Monitors others processing emergency calls for service, and assists when time and work demands permit. 

14. Acts, reacts and performs in a manner consistent with District policies, training and certifications.

Minimum Education, Training and Experience Requirements

1. High School diploma or GED.

2. Requires typing speed of 35 words per minute.

3. Requires certification in CPR (nationally recognized program)

4. Requires certification as a Basic Telecommunicator, Fire Service Communicator and Emergency Medical Dispatcher within six (6) months of employment with the District. 

5. No felony convictions or disqualifying criminal histories within the past ten (10) years.

Preferred Education, Training and Experience 

1. Associate’s Degree in business, management, fire science or related field.

2. Ability to communicate in both English and Spanish.