Fire Communications Officer

General Description

THIS POSITION IS WITH THE KENNER FIRE DEPARTMENT

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

Employees in positions of this class perform entrance-level work in operating communications equipment, keeping records, and other duties in the communications center of the Fire Department. They answer fire telephones, dispatch firefighting equipment, and keep simple records of these activities following department procedures.

Duties of this class are non-supervisory in nature and require the ability to act independently following standard operating procedures. Communications officers report to and have work reviewed by the Fire Chief.

Duties of Responsibilities

EXAMPLES OF WORK

Examples listed below are illustrative only. They are not intended to include all duties, which may be assigned, neither are they intended to exclude other duties, which may be logical assignments to this class.

Answers telephone and secures the most accurate information possible for any incident from caller; locates street address on map or in street file; determines the correct unit(s) to be dispatched and any other pertinent information by checking address in a cross- reference file, log, or microfiche file; transmits information on fire by telephone, public address, or teletype, and dispatches unit.

Keeps track of location and condition of each unit at all times; receives and transmits messages to and from the fire scene and to and from related department personnel; notifies all specified officers or special units of all working fires.

Calls ambulance service, utilities company, etc., for assistance at the fire scene or in emergencies, when necessary.

Receives emergency calls of a non-fire nature and responds appropriately.

Tests equipment such as fire radios, fire telephones, alarm bells, public address systems, recording equipment, or alarm boxes as prescribed by department policy.

Keeps logs, records, files, and lists by making entries on a regular basis or by periodically reviewing and updating information.

Files reports forms, cards, logs, tapes, or other items for future reference; compiles permanent records, either written or taped, of all working fires.

Notifies repair crew or supervisor of any malfunctioning equipment.

Trains new communications officers by giving demonstrations, assisting with work performance, or supervising work performed during training period.

Prepares for shift change by briefing oncoming shift or by being briefed by outgoing shift, checking records from previous shift, or assembling necessary supplies and equipment.

Performs related duties assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Unless otherwise specified, all requirements listed must be met by the filing deadline for application for admission for test.

Must meet all requirements of the Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service Law, including being a citizen of the United States and pass a civil service exam with a score of 75% or greater.

Must have a high school diploma issued from a state department of education or a valid certificate of equivalency issued from a state department of education and furnish with application, or furnish a copy of a college/university transcript from a state accredited college or university.

After offer of employment, but before beginning work in this class, must pass a medical examination prepared and administered by the Appointing Authority, designed to demonstrate good health and physical fitness sufficient to perform the essential duties of the position, with or without accommodation, for this position.

Must not be less than 18 years of age.

HEALTH INSURANCE: Comprehensive medical benefits options are provided through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana.

Coverage is effective the first of the following month, following full-time employment. Dependent coverage is also available. The City of Kenner also offers voluntary insurance plans: DENTAL, VISION, and SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE PLANS (VOLUNTARY LIFE, CANCER, ACCIDENT, CRITICAL ILLNESS, HOSPITAL CONFINEMENT, LONG-TERM DISABILITY and SHORT-TERM DISABILITY).

LIFE INSURANCE: All full-time employees are insured under a Group Life Insurance policy through Prudential Life Insurance Company.

The coverage is one and half times the employee's salary, up to $300,000. The policy also provides a Basic Accidental Death and Dismemberment benefit. The premium cost is covered by the City of Kenner. Coverage is effective the first of the following month, following full time employment.

RETIREMENT SYSTEM: The City of Kenner's regular full time employees are enrolled with the Municipal Employees Retirement System of Louisiana.

Both the City of Kenner and the employee contribute the required percent to the system. The employee's contributions are kept on account and will be refunded, if the employees leaves employment before they are retirement eligible.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION: The City of Kenner currently participates in a 457 Plan with MassMutual. This is a voluntary investment program that the employees are allowed to participate in at a contribution rate of their choice (must be within the designated maximum and minimum limits, as set for by Plan Document). The City of Kenner does not contribute to the 457 Plan.

HOLIDAYS: Sixteen paid official holidays are observed, plus any other holidays which may be declared by the Mayor.

ANNUAL AND SICK LEAVE: Eligible Kenner employees earn annual leave and sick leave. Accrual of hours will increase based on the number of years of service.

WORKING TEST PERIOD: Upon appointment to a position in the classified service, the employee shall serve a working test period of six (6) months, unless extended.

EAP: The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a program which provides a professional to help employees and their families to resolve problems. This service is 24 hrs. / 7 days per week, voluntary participation and confidential.

Kenner reserves the right to at any time and from time to time to modify or amend, in whole or in part, any or all of the provisions of the benefit package.

CITY OF KENNER

PUBLIC INFORMATION NOTICE

Agency City of Kenner Civil Service Department

Address 1801 Williams Blvd.

Kenner, Louisiana, 70062

Phone 504-466-5477

Website https://www.kenner.la.us/