Dispatcher

Constellis•Town of Berlin, NY

20d

About The Position

The Part-Time Dispatcher gathers information to classify and prioritize emergency and non-emergency calls and dispatches appropriate personnel and equipment for firefighting, emergency medical services, law enforcement, hazardous materials, and other response needs. The dispatcher answers emergency 911 calls and deploys a range of response assets throughout the service area, including police, fire and rescue apparatus, HazMat units, BLS and other EMS units, the Emergency Operations Center, and mutual-aid resources. The role serves as a liaison among field Force Protection personnel, management, outside public safety agencies, and the public, and maintains accurate status information for response equipment and personnel.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years old.
Must obtain International Fire Service Accreditation Congress Telecommunicator Level I and II certification and Hazardous Materials Awareness certification.
Must be able to obtain and maintain current Advanced EMD certification, including initial and follow-on certifications through 24 Continuing Dispatch Education units.
Must be able to obtain and maintain current Healthcare CPR certification.
Knowledge of emergency 911 communications operations.
Knowledge of basic computer operations, including word processing and data retrieval and entry.
Knowledge of emergency apparatus locations and availability, and of the apparatus and equipment needed for emergencies.
Ability to communicate orally and in writing with a calm, stable demeanor during emergencies.
Skill in operating emergency dispatch communications equipment.
Ability to work independently without immediate or close supervision.
Ability to maintain good working relationships and communicate orally and in writing.
Ability to lift and carry light loads.
Must be resourceful and alert and participate in exercises and recurrent proficiency training as directed.

Responsibilities

Prioritize incoming calls so emergencies are handled before routine requests for assistance.
Answer 911 calls, alert appropriate vehicles and responders, and communicate situational awareness.
Use judgment to select available emergency vehicles when another incident is in progress.
Maintain contact with emergency responders during routine and emergency situations.
Handle mutual-aid requests by contacting appropriate agencies and ensuring logistical support needs are met.
Remain alert and attentive throughout assigned duty tours.
Communicate effectively under stress by radio, telephone, and computer, including typing and speaking simultaneously as situations evolve.
Select appropriate resources for incidents and assist Incident Command elements during initial organization and placement.
Monitor telephones and radios and maintain communications with the public and emergency responders.
Answer high-volume emergency and operations-related calls, relay information, and transfer calls calmly and courteously.
Receive fire-danger ratings and provide them to operations personnel; obtain weather forecasts as needed for special operations.
Use established checklists and judgment to initiate an appropriate emergency response, including fire, police, EOD, and bio-environmental units.
Participate in exercises and recurrent proficiency training, relaying accurate information.
Maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, coworkers, and on- and off-base agencies, and remain calm during emergencies.
Respond while off duty during a conflagration or remain on duty until an emergency ends or a qualified dispatcher relieves them, when required.