Fire Dispatcher Trainee

 

Description/Duties

A Fire Dispatcher Trainee learns to perform the full scope of duties of a Mesa Fire Dispatcher through a structured on-the-job training program tailored to each individual's experience, or lack of, dispatching fire and emergency medical services. Incumbents are trained according to Mesa Fire and Medical Department policies and operating procedures. Duties include: receiving calls from the public; evaluating the calls for proper action; and initiating Fire and Medical response by obtaining information required for dispatching field units. An employee in this class learns to dispatch messages and calls by voice and computer to Fire units and to maintain radio contact with mobile units. This class performs related duties as required.

This is a civilian trainee class that works in the Mesa Regional Dispatch Center. Training is provided by a Fire Dispatcher on special assignment or a Fire Communications Shift Supervisor. Typically, intense training is provided for up to eight months for Fire and Medical Dispatcher Trainees; however, additional training to reach full performance may be required. As training progresses, employees are expected to demonstrate extensive communication skills and to exercise good judgement under pressure. Employees in this class may progress by noncompetitive promotion to the classification of Fire Dispatcher after successful completion of training and satisfactory performance. A Fire Dispatcher Trainee may be assigned to a day, swing, or graveyard shift on a regular, rotational basis that includes nights, weekends, and holidays. This class is FLSA nonexempt.

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Please refer to the link below for the full job description and additional information regarding assignments, preferred qualifications, and essential functions.

Qualifications & Requirements

Employee Values: All employees of the City of Mesa are expected to uphold and exhibit the City's shared employee values of Knowledge, Respect, and Integrity.

Minimum Qualifications Required. Graduation from high school or GED. Any combination of training, education, and experience equivalent to at least one year of work experience handling 911 calls at a Primary Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP), also known as a 911 Center, or a Secondary PSAP; OR any combination of training, education, or experience equivalent to considerable (3 - 5 years) experience in public contact or customer service experience. A minimum typing speed of 35 net words per minute (nwpm) is also required and will be verified prior to employment or promotion to this class.

Special Requirements. Candidates given a conditional job offer will be required to successfully complete a hearing test. Because of the confidential, sensitive nature of information handled, successful completion of a psychological examination is required. After hire, employees are required to successfully complete the Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) certification training course.

Substance Abuse Testing. Due to the safety and/or security sensitive nature of this classification, individuals shall be subject to pre-employment or pre-placement alcohol, drug and/or controlled substance testing as outlined in City policy and procedures.

Preferred/Desirable Qualification. Bilingual speaking skills (English/Spanish) are desirable. Experience with computer data entry and/or in dealing with emergency traffic is preferred.

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