Public Safety Communications Dispatcher - Department of Emergency Management

Public Safety Communications Dispatcher - Department of Emergency Management (8238)

• Full-time
• Certification Rule:
  Rule of the List
• Work Hours:
  
  Other
• Job Code and
  
  Title:
  
  8238-Public Safety Communications Dispatcher
• Fill Type:
  Permanent Civil Service

The San Francisco Department of Emergency Management (DEM) leads the City in planning, preparedness, communication, response, and recovery for daily emergencies, large scale citywide events, and major disasters. In charge of the city's 911 dispatch center and large-scale emergency operations, DEM is the vital link in emergency communication between the public and first responders, and provides key coordination and leadership to City departments, stakeholders, residents, and visitors.

For more information on the Department of Emergency Management, please visit:http://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). .

Under general supervision, a Public Safety Communications Dispatcher (“Dispatcher”) receives incoming emergency (911) and non-emergency telephone calls from the public and public safety agencies. This position dispatches police, fire, and emergency medical services (EMS) field units to respond to emergency and non-emergency calls for service over a 2-way radio system utilizing a computer-aided dispatch system.

The Department of Emergency Management’s (DEM) Division of Emergency Communications operates 24/7/365. Dispatchers may be assigned to work various schedules including day, swing, and night shift, weekends, holidays, and overtime. Dispatchers work 8 or 10-hour shifts (or longer)
and must be willing and able to respond, report, and mobilize as necessary.

Essential duties can be reviewed in detail here and include:

• Receives emergency and non-emergency calls and efficiently gathers, evaluates, prioritizes, and documents information from callers.
• Dispatches police, fire, and EMS field units to specific locations using a computer-aided dispatch system, multiple video display terminals, 2-way radio dispatch console, and related equipment.
• Evaluates incoming reports of police, fire, and medical emergencies; immediately transmits complete and accurate information to appropriate field personnel.
• Monitors, coordinates, and accurately maintains the status of incidents and records of dispatched emergency service personnel and apparatus.

Working Conditions:

Dispatchers work in a fast-paced, highly stressful, and confined environment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

These minimum qualifications establish the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license(s) which are required for employment in the classification. Please note, additional qualifications (i.e., special conditions) may apply to a particular position and will be stated on the exam/job announcement.

Education:

Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent (GED or High School Proficiency Examination).

Experience:

Two (2) years of experience in a public contact position providing information and/or a service, or in a position where the primary responsibility is interacting with people.

Substitution:
Completion of thirty (30) semester units or forty-five (45) quarter units of coursework from an accredited college or university may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience as described above.

Selection Procedures
Supplemental Questionnaire (Qualifying)
Applicants are required to complete a questionnaire as part of the online application process that is designed to obtain specific information regarding an applicant's experience in relation to the minimum qualifications for this position.

Performance Examination (Weight: Pass/Fail)
Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in an online Performance Examination designed to measure aptitude for performing Dispatcher work. This computerized exam can be taken at a time and location of one’s convenience, but only within the time period specified on the exam notification.
Candidates must have access to a computer with clear audio, a mouse, keyboard (9-key recommended), and reliable internet connection to participate in this exam.

Exam Preparation:
Candidates are strongly encouraged to review the following resources thoroughly:

Candidates are strongly…