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.

Supervision Exercised

None

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.

Tools, Equipment and Work Aides Used

Telephones (including the use of ear pieces), radios, computer, calculator, copier, fax machine, other typical office equipment, and emergency power generation equipment. 

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit for extended periods; talk and/or hear; stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or operate objects, tools or controls; and reach with hands and arms. 

Specific vision required by this job includes close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. 

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work is performed primarily in an office type setting, during day and night. Work is often performed in emergency and stressful situations. Individual is exposed to hearing alarms. There is significant office worked conducted by this position.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in office settings.