FECC Emergency Services Dispatcher

The City of Fairbanks -
Fairbanks, AK

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Job Details

Full-time
$32.00 - $50.91 an hour

Benefits

Disability insurance
Dental insurance
Flexible spending account
Life insurance

Qualifications

Computer operation
Employee relationship building
High school diploma or GED
Typing

Full Job Description

Job Summary

This position is a 911 Tele-communicator at a primary public safety answering point (PSAP), handling the dispatch of fire, law enforcement, medical emergencies, and other non-public safety agencies. It involves simultaneously operating a multi-channel radio and multi-line phone, managing computer-aided dispatch systems (CAD), and coordinating critical information from various sources. Dispatchers maintain radio contact with field units, monitor responses, and provide support as needed. This role is based in the Fairbanks Emergency Communications Center and operates under both direct and indirect supervision. This role is bargained through PSEA and reports to the Emergency Dispatch Center Manager.

Essential Job Functions / Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Essential Job Functions:

Initiates CAD entries regarding calls for service, creating the foundation of reporting, utilizes CAD to research historical incidents and notifications, providing information and increased responder safety.
Dispatches calls to appropriate agency utilizing CAD and two way radio system; relays updated call information; maintains status of field units in CAD emphasizing responder and public safety and accuracy.
Staying in constant communications with field units, including EMS, fire, law enforcement, and the public to gather and share critical information. This ensures smooth coordination during emergencies and efficient information flow between all parties involved.
Inputting, updating, requesting, transmitting, and querying information from various sources to maintain accurate records and access databases for tasks such as warrant checks, intelligence gathering, and verifying driver licenses and vehicle registrations using a computer.
Reads / interprets maps for the field personnel to assist in locating certain geographic areas using and Alaska State, city, and borough map by applying knowledge of the road system and geography to provide appropriate and timely assistance.
Completes arrest paperwork for the court system, citation entry, and other paperwork duties that are assigned.
Provides back-up coverage for the Front Desk Call-taker in their absence.
Assist with regional public safety seminars, workshops, and other job fairs.
Operates enhanced 911 telephone system with multi-screen controls; answers emergency and non-emergency calls for service; determines location and nature of call; provides emergency instructions; obtains and records vital information.
Operates NCIC / APSIN databases to retrieve and disseminate information necessary to conduct Public Safety operations.
Enters field-initiated calls for service; initiates NCIC / APSIN queries as necessary; relays pertinent information to responders; maintains status of field units in CAD emphasizing responder and public safety and accuracy.
Initiates public safety notifications via RAVE platform.
Monitors severe weather alert systems.
Monitors multiple public safety and non-public safety talk groups in addition to primary radio assignment, enters calls for service received via radio from non-public safety entities.
Performs general office duties to include faxing, copying, filing, shredding, scanning, and email correspondence.
Utilize Priority Dispatch protocols per Academy Standards.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Candidates hired must satisfactorily demonstrate these factors during a prescribed probationary period for continued employment.

Ability to communicate in a clear, concise, and effective manner using simple language and organizing ideas logically both in speaking and writing.
Ability to operate a multi-channel radio with multiple frequencies, distinguishing and recognizing a variety of radio voice transmissions.
Ability to view multiple screens and utilize multiple input / output devices such as keyboards and mice to perform the dispatch function.
Effective decision-making / problem-solving skills based on limited amount of information in crisis or emergency situations.
Skilled use of modern office equipment (e.g. various keyboards, multi-line telephone systems, photocopiers, radio devices, fax machines, shredders, etc.).
Ability to recognize and monitor communications equipment problems and notify appropriate personnel for repair.
Ability to type at 50 words per minute.
Ability to operate computer-aided dispatch (CAD) equipment.
Ability to establish, develop, and maintain courteous and effective working relationships.
Ability to accept and apply constructive criticism and critiques.
Maintain emotional control and work effectively during emergencies, crisis situations, or extremely stressful conditions.
Consistently speak in a clear, well-modulated voice.
Memorize, retain, and accurately recall information and codes.
Multi-task, organize, prioritize, and adapt to constantly changing situations and effectively take appropriate action within FECC policies and procedures.
Read, understand, and interpret moderately difficult to complex written information (e.g. policies, procedures, rules, regulations, statutes, etc.).
Understand verbal instructions in the use of specialized equipment.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, exercising good judgement in the safeguarding of confidential or sensitive information.
Perform detailed work with a high degree of accuracy, at times during stressful situations.
Accurately understanding various transmissions, (e.g. telephone, radio, etc.) and transcribe information (e.g. numbers, letters, names, and facts) from one source to another in a timely manner.
Effectively interpret a variety of maps and dispatch information to dispatch personnel. Accurately interpret and follow Department policies and procedures.
Work within deadlines to complete assignments.
Interact with visitors in person in a courteous, professional, and effective manner.
Develop, lead, and participate in a team environment.
Successfully complete training program.
Ability to obtain cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification.
Ability to work within a 24/7 emergency dispatch center operation setting.
Ability to work shift work, which may include holidays, irregular hours, and overtime with the possibility of an extension of shift hours at times with short notice.
Work within a confined space with limited mobility.
Work extended periods of time with limited breaks during peak call loads or during extreme emergencies.
Perform work using a headset with microphone.
Ability to sufficiently hear and listen to telephone and radio transmissions.

Minimum Qualifications

Must be a US Citizen.
Possess a high school diploma or GED.
One year of clerical, customer service, public contact experience or related education.
Minimum typing speed of 50 words per minute with a maximum of 4 errors.
Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance for access to the Alaska Public Safety Information Network (APSIN) and the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) systems.
Must be able to pass a background investigation.
Applicants may be referred for drug testing as part of the screening process. The Fairbanks Emergency Communications Center is a drug-free workplace. Illicit drug use, to include the use of marijuana, will exclude an otherwise eligible candidate from hire.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing, or stooping. The employee occasionally lifts light objects and uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity.
The work is typically performed in a communications center, a large open room containing multiple workstations.

In addition to the typical sensory requirements of working in the environment:

Job duties require a visual acuity and field of vision that allows for the clarity and sharpness of vision necessary to read and enter data in both print and electronic forms on a variety of interfaces.
Job duties require the ability to communicate orally and speak clearly and effectively.
Hearing must follow the National Emergency Number Association's (NENA) Hearing Standards for Public Safety Telecommunicators.
Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds and visual cues or signals.

The City of Fairbanks is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please notify us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform the job duties listed above.

The City of Fairbanks offers a complete benefits package to full-time employees including: Health care, Health Reimbursement Arrangement Plan (HRA), Flexible Spending Account, Dental care, Life Insurance, Long and short - term disability insurance options, pension, holidays, vacation, and deferred compensation plans.
Benefit packages are unique to each of our Union Contracts.

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Job Summary

Essential Job Functions / Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Minimum Qualifications

Work Environment and Physical Demands

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