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City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

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Fire Dispatcher
FLSA: Standard/Non-Exempt EEO Category: (50) Para-Prof
Class Code: 14016 Salary Grade: OH3
Approved: March 29, 2002 Last Revised: September 11, 2017

Purpose:
  Under general supervision, receive calls to dispatch fire units on fire related incidents.
Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:
  Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
  1. Receive coded information requesting fire investigation from 911 and dispatches to responsible field units including contract services, utility, and gas services.
  2. Operate Fire Emergency Radio System in accordance with FCC rules and regulations. Operate computer for quick and accurate entries.
  3. Maintains constant awareness of status of mobile units and updates information as it changes.
  4. Receives radio calls from field units and transmits messages via radio or telephone using a Computer Aided Dispatch/Mobile Data Terminal computer system.
  5. Updates information on an ongoing basis to ensure all documentation is accurate and concise.
Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:
 
  • May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
  • Knowledge of Austin Fire Department practice, policy, and procedure. 
  • Knowledge of City of Austin and surrounding areas, street maps, and locations.
  • Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances.
  • Knowledge of communication systems and command codes.
  • Skill in oral and written communication.
  • Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations.
  • Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
  • Skill in using computers and related software applications.
  • Ability to work in close quarters and to wear a telephone headset.
  • Ability to apply telephone interviewing techniques.
  • Ability to quickly and accurately obtain appropriate information.
  • Ability to learn and communicate medical emergency pre-arrival instructions (EMD).
  • Ability to deal tactfully with the public and others.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with city employees and the public.
Minimum Qualifications:
 
  • Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent. Eighteen months experience as an Emergency Dispatcher or 911 Call Taker.
Licenses and Certifications Required:
 
  • Valid Texas Class C Drivers License.
  • Must successfully complete AFD Dispatch Certification within 6 months of appointment

This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty required of the position given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of management to assign, direct and control the work of employees under supervision. The listing of duties and responsibilities shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.