Fire Dispatcher I

County of Los Angeles • Los Angeles, CA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Los Angeles County Fire Department is seeking to hire Fire Dispatcher I candidates. This role involves receiving and responding to emergency service requests via 911, electronic relays, standard phone systems, and other safety agencies. The dispatcher will interview callers to gather information about incidents, determine the nature of the emergency, and dispatch appropriate assistance according to operational guidelines. They will also advise responding units of any unusual circumstances or potential problems. The position requires differentiating between routine, priority, and emergency messages and initiating responses or escalating to supervisory personnel as needed. Additionally, the dispatcher will provide pre-arrival emergency instructions in accordance with the Department's Emergency Medical Dispatch protocols and operate keyboard-controlled telephone equipment for communication with public safety and other agencies. Under the guidance of an experienced Fire Dispatcher II, trainees will learn to use the Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system to identify and dispatch the nearest available units, transmit and receive messages via various communication links, and evaluate and prioritize multiple incoming messages. They will also coordinate emergency radio traffic, enter unit responses into the Fire Command and Control System, broadcast information, analyze response compatibility, and maintain dispatching resource materials and records.

Requirements

• Graduation from high school, its equivalent, or higher (recognized high school equivalency credential, such as GED, or an associate’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university).
• Ability to type at the rate of 30 net words per minute.
• Valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.
• Must successfully complete the Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) Certification training program as scheduled by the County of Los Angeles Fire Department after appointment.
• Must be willing to work in a paramilitary environment and carry out orders.
• Must be willing to work in a high stress environment common to an emergency communications center.
• Must be willing to work any shift, day or night, possibly on a rotating basis.
• Must be willing to work weekends, holidays, and overtime.
• Must accept that you may not be permitted to leave the communications facility during your shift except in an emergency.
• Must accept recalls (an order to report for duty on an unscheduled shift) which may require being on duty for up to thirty-six (36) continuous hours (with sleep breaks).
• Must respond to other employees, agencies and citizens in a courteous, helpful, and business-like manner in all radio, telephone, and personal contact.
• Must remain focused and perform several tasks at one time.
• Must multi-task and coordinate movements (e.g., operating the phone, radio, and computer equipment simultaneously, or typing information into a computer while speaking on the phone or radio, etc.).
• Must hear and understand multiple sources of sound coming through a communications headset, radio, telephone receiver, and/or in person simultaneously.
• Must accept constructive criticisms without reacting defensively, rationalizing mistakes, or blaming others.
• Must pass a qualifying typing performance test at 30 words per minute.
• Must achieve a passing score of 70% or higher on the multiple-choice test (Part II).
• Must achieve a passing score of 70% or higher on the performance test (Part III).
• Must complete a criminal background check, including a fingerprint scan.
• Must successfully complete a medical examination and be able to perform all of the essential functions of the Fire Dispatcher I classification.

Nice To Haves

• Current or former County employees who have held a typing position that required the necessary wpm.
• Applicants who have already taken and passed the County's typing performance test (administered by the Department of Human Resources) at the required wpm.
• Applicants who passed the “Typing Test - Score-Banking Only” with the required net wpm.
• Applicants who have met the typing requirement in another Los Angeles County department must attach a copy of their typing certificate to their application at the time of filing.

Responsibilities

• Receives and responds to requests for emergency services from the public via 911, electronically relayed from Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) centers, standard telephone system, and from other safety agencies.
• Interviews callers to obtain preliminary report of incident, criminal activity, or other emergencies and gains sufficient information to properly respond and dispatch appropriate assistance in accordance with operational guidelines.
• Advises responding units of any unusual circumstances or potential problems associated with the emergency.
• Differentiates between routine, priority, and emergency messages and initiates or follows through on responses or advises supervisory personnel as required.
• Provides pre-arrival emergency instructions in accordance with the Department's Emergency Medical Dispatch.
• Operates keyboard-controlled telephone equipment that enables dispatchers to maintain cold line communications with public safety agencies, private safety agencies, and non-emergent agencies.
• Uses the Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system to determine the identity and availability of the nearest firefighting, rescue, or paramedic unit.
• Transmits and receives coded and conventional messages to and from Fire stations and administrative, investigative, and field units via voice, digital, and video communication links.
• Evaluates multiple messages received from field units, selects and acts upon the most urgent message and re-establishes contact with bypassed units in order of apparent urgency.
• Expedites emergency radio traffic between stations by coordinating assistance responses of personnel and equipment through the selection and utilization of communications channels that best meet the needs of the specific situation.
• Enters unit responses and clearances into the Fire Command and Control System.
• Broadcasts information over radio or telephone lines using the proper dispatcher terminology.
• Analyzes the response for compatibility with the request and relays it to the requesting field unit.
• Maintains and updates dispatching resource material and computer data.
• Maintains records of and prepares reports on emergency calls received and dispatches initiated.
• Performs housekeeping duties by cleaning and maintaining working area and common area in order to maintain the hygiene and professional appearance of the dispatch center.
• Manages telephone calls regarding severely ill or injured people, sometimes involving death, while still performing the functions of the job.
• Remains focused and performs several tasks at one time.
• Multi-tasks and coordinates movements (e.g., operating phone, radio, and computer equipment simultaneously, or typing information into a computer while speaking on the phone or radio).
• Hears and understands multiple sources of sound coming through a communications headset, radio, telephone receiver, and/or in person simultaneously.
• Participates in training lasting approximately ten (10) months to learn and develop the techniques and skills required of a Fire Dispatcher.
• Accepts constructive criticisms without reacting defensively, rationalizing mistakes, or blaming others.

Benefits

• One of the strongest public-sector benefits packages in the county.
• Rich selection of health care options.
• Robust retirement plans.
• Flexibility to work, relax, and rejuvenate to reach your fullest personal and professional potential.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED