Fire Communications Specialist

About the Position

NOTICE OF LIMITED APPLICATIONS

This posting is limited to the first 500 applications received.

When that number is reached the posting will be automatically removed.

The purpose of this recruitment is to establish an eligible list for current and/ or future openings which may include part-time or full-time positions.

Career Opportunity

The city of Las Vegas invites applications for FireCommunications Specialist.This Fire Communications Specialist position will receive and transmit signals, telephone and radio fire and medical alarms; to receive and transmit general and emergency communications, and operate computer terminals and keyboards; and to perform related work as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is the full journey level class within the Communications Specialist series working for the Combined Communications Center. This class is distinguished from the Communications Specialist Supervisor by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, whereas the Communications Specialist Supervisor has responsibilities in addition to performing the more complex and difficult assignments. After the initial training period, employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

Supervision Received

Receives general supervision from the Communications Specialist Supervisor and higher management staff. Receives technical and functional supervision from the Communications Training Specialist and Quality Improvement Coordinator.

The Combined Communications Center (CCC) is a secondary public-safety answering point for Fire and Medical services. In 2022, the center processed over 655,000 emergency and non-emergency calls for service from citizens, businesses and other government entities in Clark County. Our jurisdiction is home to over 2 million residents and 40 million visitors annually and covers over 6,000 square miles. We currently dispatch units from 78 Fire stations for the Clark County, Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Moapa Valley and Mt. Charleston Fire Departments. Our goal is to get the right people to the right place at the right time.

The successful candidate will start at the minimum of the salary range.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Written Exam:April 4

• April 17, 2024. If you submit a complete application and meet the minimum qualifications for the position, you will beinstructed via an invitation email to self-schedule through the NTN website.

Study guides are not available for this particular test. Examination content will be based on the knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this job posting.

Type of Examination

A civil service examination will be conducted in accordance with the Civil Service Rules of the city of Las Vegas. The first 500 completed on-line applications received by the filing deadline will be reviewed. Those applicants meeting the minimum requirements will be invited to participate in the written exam weighted 30% (minimum score to move forward is 70%) and Oral Exam (conducted using virtual one-way interview software) weighted 70% (minimum score is 70%). Candidates with a total score of 70% or higher will be placed on an eligible list.

Selection Process:Final candidate selection will include list placement, the Critical Test(https://criticall911.com/dispatcher-testing/applicants/Test) and a hiring interview. Any individual offered employment will be required to pass a pre-employment drug test and complete a background check, to include education and employment verification, psychological suitability assessment and may be required to demonstrate the ability to perform the physical requirements of the job. Some positions may require preliminary background checks.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES

Essential Functions:

1.Receive emergency medical and fire calls from 9-1-1 telephone lines, radios and direct telephone lines

2.Obtain all necessary information from alarm sources

3.Enter information into computer terminal and obtain dispatch information from computer, indicating the dispatch of proper equipment, fire company and district location

4.Communicate pre-arrival instructions to calling party

5.Communicate through the communication center's vocal system to the proper fire station and fire department

6.Maintain radio link communications between Combined Communications Center and field unit until unit returns to station.

7.Maintain communication service with all local area police, ambulance, hospitals and other emergency and public service organizations.

8.Record emergency calls and all moving apparatus; maintain proper logs and forms pertaining to communications center dispatches

9.Update and enter data into communications center computer terminals and maintain information in the computer systems.

10. Maintain records of the location and movement of emergency medical and fire apparatus; keep extensive records and logs.

11. Perform clerical and office tasks such as typing and filing; receive and transmit messages.

12. Attend training as assigned to maintain functional skill and knowledge for emergency call taking and dispatch.

Marginal Functions:

1.Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

2.Perform a variety of cleaning and maintenance tasks in the communications center.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Experience:

One year of full-time customer service or public contact experience.

Desirable Qualifications: Previous experience as a full-time call-center operator emergency dispatcher in public safety or medical operations.

Training:

Equivalent to graduation from high school.

License and Certification

Possession of Emergency Medical Dispatcher Certification issued by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch within three months of the date of appointment, and maintenance thereafter.

Possession of Basic Life Support/Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (BLS/CPR) issued by the American Heart Association (AHA), American Red Cross (ARC), or any first aid centers that teach AHA or ARC sanctioned CPR courses within three months of the date of appointment, and maintenance thereafter.

Possession of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Certifications in compliance with the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and the NIMS Training Program as defined in SOP 810.00, and maintenance thereafter.

Special Requirement

Employees are required to work shifts in a 24-hour/day, seven day/week emergency environment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

The geography of Las Vegas, North Las Vegas and rural and unincorporated areas of Clark County.

The operation of computer terminals and keyboards.

Principles and techniques of filing, typing and record keeping.

Ability to:

Learn knowledge required to perform the essential functions.

Obtain essential information from excited persons.

Use the computer keyboard to type information in the computer terminals.

Think clearly, remain calm, make sound decisions and act quickly in emergency situations.

Communicate pre-arrival instructions.

Work in a fast-paced 9-1-1 emergency call and dispatch office.

Maintain simple clerical records.

Speak with good diction and in a clear speaking voice.

Work well under pressure.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for:

• • Making observations;
• • Communicating with others;
• • Reading and writing; and
• • Operating assigned equipment.

Maintain mental capacity which allows the capability of:

• • Making sound decisions;

• Effective interaction and communication with others; and

• Demonstrating intellectual capabilities.

Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include the following:

• Extended duty hours, up to a 14 hour shift, when necessary;

• Sitting for extended periods of time; and

• • Operating assigned equipment.

Competencies:

Core Workforce Competencies

Professionalism

• Demonstrates core values by being honest, respectful and positive.

Effective Communication

• Expresses verbal and written thought in a clear and understandable manner.

Customer Focus

• Demonstrates genuine concern and satisfies external and/or internal customers based on the CLV core purpose and values.

Adaptability

• Able to effectively modify behavior to suit changing workforce demands.

Problem Solving

• Solves problems by considering all causes, solutions and outcomes.

Productive Partnerships

• Develops, maintains and strengthens partnerships with others.

Technical and Safety Expertise

• Possesses a depth of knowledge, skill and ability in a technical (job) area.