Fire Telecommunicator Call Taker

City of Stockton•Stockton, CA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Stockton is hiring a Fire Telecommunicator Call Taker in the Emergency Communications Division of the Stockton Fire Department. This is a pre-entry/trainee-level position under immediate supervision. The Call Taker receives emergency 911 and non-emergency calls, determines their nature, and routes them to the appropriate Fire Telecommunicator or provides appropriate assistance. The role operates telecommunications center equipment and performs related duties as required. Incumbents learn City and Fire Department policies and procedures for receiving and processing calls. Unlike a Fire Telecommunicator I, the Call Taker does not routinely dispatch emergency personnel or equipment by radio or other electronic communications equipment. The position is alternately staffed with Fire Telecommunicator I; advancement may be possible after completing a one-year probationary period, gaining one additional year of experience, and demonstrating the required proficiencies, based on Fire Department needs. The position is classified, represented, and part of the Civil Service system, with for-cause employment status. Before appointment, candidates must pass a background investigation, including fingerprinting, and a medical examination that includes a back evaluation. The work is primarily in an office environment and requires rotating day, evening, and night shifts, including weekends and holidays. Mandatory overtime may be required, and employees must be willing to be called back or held over to maintain minimum staffing levels.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Obtain and maintain a valid CPR card (American Heart Association BLS-C or equivalent) within six months of appointment.
Obtain and maintain valid EMD certification from the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) and San Joaquin County Emergency Medical Services Agency within six months of appointment.
Successfully complete a background investigation and obtain California Department of Justice fingerprint clearance.
Possess a valid typing certificate, issued within the past two years by a recognized organization, showing a speed of at least 35 net words per minute.
Knowledge of basic terminology used in fire and related emergency radio and telephone communications; basic medical terminology; communication and standard office equipment and systems; and basic record-keeping principles and practices.
Ability to memorize detailed information; assess and prioritize emergencies; attend to multiple activities and inputs simultaneously; obtain information from people in emergency situations; remain calm and make sound judgments under stress; communicate tactfully and effectively; operate complex radio and telephone systems and standard office equipment; follow instructions; interpret geographic information; perform clerical and record-keeping duties; listen actively with strong comprehension and spelling; and manage competing priorities.
Ability to learn City and Fire Department policies and procedures, work effectively under emergency conditions, make quick and appropriate determinations, adapt to changing situations and priorities, maintain accurate records, handle simultaneous calls, remain courteous and calm with the public, and learn the geography and major arteries of San Joaquin County.
Willingness to work rotating day, evening, and night shifts, weekends, and holidays; work mandatory overtime when necessary; and be called back or held over to maintain minimum staffing levels.
Meet the position's stated mobility, lifting, vision, dexterity, hearing, and communication requirements.

Responsibilities

Receive and evaluate incoming 911, fire emergency, and business calls.
Collect pertinent information from callers and accurately record call, dispatch, and message details.
Provide Emergency Medical Dispatching (EMD) according to the protocol level for which trained.
Route calls to the appropriate Telecommunicator or another agency.
Operate computer and phone console equipment for call input and enter information into the CAD system.
Handle public inquiries and complaints regarding services.
Provide court testimony related to calls when required.
Prepare and/or type reports and records.
Assist with related projects as assigned.
Operate telecommunications center equipment and perform related duties as required.