OPS DUTY OFFICER - 42903050 1 1 1 1 1

State of Florida • Tallahassee, FL

1d • Onsite

About The Position

This is a full-time Other Personal Services (OPS) position with the Florida Forest Service, supporting fire suppression and other emergency response operations. The incumbent coordinates emergency response through a communications center, dealing with critical situations requiring independent judgment. Duties include operational fire control and support. Work may be scheduled over various shifts and may require remaining on duty beyond assigned hours.

Requirements

• A high school diploma or its equivalent.
• One (1) year of experience in radio-teletype operations, sworn law enforcement, dispatching, forestry, firefighting or other public contact work.
• College education from an accredited institution can substitute at the rate of 30 semester or 45 quarter hours for the required experience.
• Requires a valid class E driver license.
• All fields in the Candidate Profile must be completed (an attached resume is not a substitution for the information required on the candidate profile).
• Work history, duties and responsibilities, hours worked, supervisor, and formal education fields, etc. must be filled out to determine qualifications for this position.
• Responses to Qualifying Questions must be verifiable in the Candidate Profile.
• Successful applicant must pass a background screening, including fingerprinting, as a condition of employment.

Nice To Haves

• Occasional travel for training required.
• Position may respond to emergencies, including natural disasters or other type incidents requiring travel, as needed.
• The incumbent must live within (30) thirty miles of the headquarters located at 865 Geddie Road Tallahassee, Florida, throughout employment in this position.

Responsibilities

• Dispatch Crews to Wildfires, Smoke Complaints and other Incidents – Receives radio and telephone information from various sources concerning wildfires and smoke. Operates computer, radio, and telephone to transmit, receive, and store information for dispatching fire crews, personnel, aircraft, and law enforcement. Follows protocol for 'Smoke on the Highway' issues. Maintains knowledge of personnel and equipment status in fire suppression. Triggers and enters information for 209s. Requests and coordinates assistance with other agencies. Keeps supervisors informed of wildfire status. Uses maps and software to provide incident locations. Possesses knowledge of local geography.
• Burn Authorizations, On-Site Inspections, Compliance Checks, and Landowner Assistance – Approves or denies burn authorizations via computer, radio, and telephone. Updates maps with new authorizations. Maintains landowner and certified burner contact information. Notates landowner accounts for special burning restrictions. Advises landowners of burning laws and weather. Gathers information for Forest Rangers and supervisors for inspections and compliance checks. Tracks landowner assists.
• Administrative Functions – Maintains paper and electronic files, records, and reports for the communication center. Uses various computer programs, software, copiers, scanners, and fax machines. Responds to electronic mail. Prepares reports and assists personnel. Maintains Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
• Active member of the Communications Center – Receives and handles or transfers incoming telephone calls. Gathers and relays information to/from supervisors, crews, agencies, and cooperators. Relays pre-approved information to media and the public. Maintains up-to-date contact information for fire departments, agencies, and cooperators.
• Fire Weather Forecasts – Gathers and relays daily fire weather information and predictions. Acts as a weather observer and reports unusual weather activity.
• Performs other related work as assigned. Successfully completes all training requirements for the Duty Officer position within the designated timeframe and according to performance standards.

Benefits

• Participation in state group insurance (must meet eligibility requirements)
• Participation in the Florida Deferred Compensation Plan (457b)
• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (tax deferred Retirement Savings Plan)
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

What This Job Offers

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