OPS WILDLAND FIRE DISPATCHER - 42903079

State of Florida • Plantation, FL

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Wildland Fire Dispatcher works in direct support of fire suppression and other emergency response operations. The incumbent coordinates emergency response of firefighters, supervisors, pilots and law enforcement personnel through the use of a communications center. The Wildland Fire Dispatcher deals with critical situations requiring independent and sound judgment. The incumbent has both operational fire control and other support duties. Work may be scheduled over a variety of shifts and may frequently remain or be called to duty beyond the assigned work schedule.

Requirements

• A high school diploma or its equivalent and 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 possession of 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.
• The incumbent must live within 30 miles of the headquarters, which is located at 3315 College Avenue, Davie, Florida, throughout employment in this position.

Nice To Haves

• Occasional to moderate travel required.
• Position may respond to emergencies, including natural disasters or other type incidents requiring travel, as needed.

Responsibilities

• Dispatch Crews to Wildfires, Smoke Complaints and other Incidents – Operates a computer, radio and telephone for the purpose of transmitting, receiving and storing information used to dispatch fire crews, supervisory personnel, aircraft and law enforcement personnel to wildfires and other incidents. Follows protocol on ‘Smoke on the Highway’ issues. Keeps up to the minute knowledge of the locations and status of all personnel and equipment used in fire suppression activities and investigations. Triggers 209s as needed and enters information available. Requests and coordinates assistance with other state, federal and local agencies as well as area cooperators with wildfire suppression and other emergency situations. Keeps supervisors, Center Manager, Center Officer in Charge (OIC) and State OIC abreast of wildfire status as necessary. Reads and uses county maps as well as various websites and/or software programs (FMIS, County Property Appraiser, ArcGIS, Spider Tracks, Mapquest, etc.) to provide incident locations to responding emergency personnel. Has a good general knowledge of the lay of the land (landmarks, highways, major roads, rivers, lakes, power lines).
• Burn Authorizations, On-Site Inspections, Compliance Checks, and Landowner Assistance – Operates a computer, radio and telephone for the purpose of transmitting, receiving and storing information used to approve or deny issuance of burn authorizations throughout five counties. Continually updates map with new burning authorizations. Maintains landowner and certified burner contact information. Notates landowner accounts regarding any special burning restrictions. Advises landowners of burning laws and predicted weather. Also gathers information to relay to forest rangers, senior forest rangers and supervisory personnel that is needed to conduct on-site inspections and compliance checks. Tracks landowner assists.
• Administrative Functions – Maintains paper and electronic files, records and reports relating to the Communication Center’s responsibilities. Uses a variety of computer programs, software, copiers, scanners and fax machines to carry out administrative functions. Receives and responds to electronic mail as required. Prepares reports and assists supervisor and other personnel. Also orders uniforms, cleaning and office supplies. Reconciles vehicle logs. Maintains Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
• Active member of the Communications Center – Receives and handles or transfers incoming telephone calls. Regularly gathers and relays a variety of information to and from supervisors, crews, other governmental agencies, cooperators, news media personnel and the general public. Maintains up to date contact information for fire departments, other governmental agencies, cooperators, etc.
• Fire Weather Forecasts – Gathers and relays daily fire weather information and fire weather predictions to crews, supervisory personnel, certified burners and landowners. Acts as a weather observer and reports any unusual weather activity to all personnel.
• Performs other related work as assigned, which may include the handling of revenue. Successfully completes all training requirements for the Wildland Fire Dispatcher position, within the time period designated by the supervisor and in accordance with the established training performance standards.

Benefits

• Uniform Allowance
• 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: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED