Fire Communications Dispatcher
Fire Communications Dispatcher
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Job Description
The Position
- This recruitment has been extended to accept additional applications it may close at any time.Interested candidates are encouraged to applyimmediately.
The City of Oakland is an equal opportunity employer that values workforce diversity inclusion and equity. Oakland has a long history of activism around issues of justice and equity. Both oppression and this resistance to oppression have shaped the citys historical roots and the lives of its residents to this day. As public servants in one of the most diverse cities in the nation we strive to develop employees who understand the harm and impacts of systemic inequity to create lasting meaningful outcomes for everyone. Oakland strives to establish an environment that embraces the richness of culture community and individualism of employees.
Why join the Oakland Fire DepartmentThe Oakland Fire Department Dispatch Center is responsible for the processing of 911 emergency calls for all fire and EMS services in the City of Oakland. It is an Accredited Center of Excellence (ACE) with the National Association of Emergency Dispatchers using the Medical Priority Dispatch System. In 2024 a stateoftheart Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system was launched to effect more efficient dispatching of OFD resources. Another new technology system is Fire Pro QA which will enhance all fire/rescue call processing much like the Emergency Medical Dispatch system does. The Center dispatches approximately 70000 emergency calls for service annually 49000 of which are medical emergencies. Fire Communications is colocated with our Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and Fire Station #1 which houses an Engine Truck Heavy Rescue and Battalion Chief.
We are looking for someone who is:
Excited to help the residents and visitors of Oakland:you will be interacting with peopleduring critical moments who need your assistance. A passion for public service and a commitment to improving the experiences of residents and visitors is key.
Able to follow directions: You should be comfortable receiving instructions and implementing them accurately and efficiently. This includes following established procedures adhering to safety protocols and adjusting to updates in policies or workflows.
Extremely patient and calm: You will encounter individuals who are stressed frustrated or dealing with urgent concerns. Maintaining composure in these situations is essential. Your ability to stay levelheaded actively listen and respond with empathy will help diffuse tension and provide the best possible service to those in need.
Able to understand the meaning of teamwork:Collaboration is at the heart of this role. You will be working alongside colleagues supervisors and other departments to accomplish shared goals. A strong team player recognizes the importance of communication cooperation and mutual support to ensure efficiency and success in serving the Oakland community.
What you will typically be responsible for:- Receiving screening and prioritizing telephone calls for fire medical and other emergency City services.
- Dispatching Fire and EMS personnel and equipment.
- Responding to emergency and medical situations and making appropriate responses to protect life and property.
- Providing prearrival emergency medical instruction.
- Responding verbally to requests questions and referrals from public agencies and City departments.
- Utilizing technology such as the P1 CAD system VESTA 911 telephone system EBRCS Radio system and EMD Pro QA (Fire Pro QA) on a daily basis.
- Processing calls for Mobile Assistance Community Responders of Oakland (MACRO)
- Performing related duties as assigned.
Fire Communications Dispatcher
*Click on the link below to see a video on what its like to work for the City of Oakland!
Working for the City of Oakland
A few reasons you might love this job:- Knowing you are part of a team providing lifesaving services every day of the year.
- Being an integral part of the emergency services continuum from start to finish.
- You are the first First Responder.
- You will be a vital part of the Oakland Fire Department with over 156 years of valiant service to Oaklanders.
- Working in a 24hour 365day operation which may include mandatory overtime which may be assigned at the last minute.
- The necessity to listen type and talk simultaneously.
- Shiftwork: Currently the Center has three shifts consisting of DaysSwingsand Graveyard.
- Critical Thinking: Analytically and logically evaluating information propositions and claims
- Decision Making: Choosing optimal courses of action in a timely manner
- Fact Finding: Obtaining facts and data pertaining to an issue or question
- Reading Comprehension: Understanding and using written information
- Using Technology: Working with electronic hardware and software applications
- Adaptability: Responding positively to change and modifying behavior as the situation requires
- Attention to Detail: Focusing on the details of work content work steps and final work products
- Handling Stress: Maintaining emotional stability and selfcontrol under pressure challenge or adversity
- Professional Integrity & Ethics: Displaying honesty adherence to principles and personal accountability
- Listening: Fully comprehending spoken communication
Minimum Requirements for Application
This recruitment will produce two eligible lists. The restricted list will be for fulltime permanent parttime or parttime City and Port of Oakland employees whomaintainemployment for the duration of the recruitment and pass all stages of the recruitment process. The open list will be for all other applicants who pass all stages of the recruitment process.
This is a public contact position. The City highly encourages all bilingual candidates to apply! Some positions may require bilingual skills in Spanish Cantonese or Mandarin. Under the authority of Civil Service Rules Section 5.03 if a position requires bilingual language skills only those candidates who have indicated they are bilingual in the required language(s) will be referred. Bilingual candidates will be required to successfully pass a language proficiency test if selected for hire.
Any combination of education and experience that is equivalent to the following minimum qualifications may be acceptable.
Education:
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade
Experience:
Two years of experience as a dispatcher or related field
License or Certificate/Other Requirements:- Must be eighteen 18 or older.
- Must pass a thorough background investigation.
- Must successfully complete and maintain regulation Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) certification program as a condition of employment.
- Customer service experience
- Bilingual skills
- Previous military experience including military reserve programs
- Law Enforcement Fire Technology or Administrator of Justice coursework
- EMT experience or other coursework in emergency medicine
- Advanced First Aid and/or CPR certifications
Supplemental Information
The Recruitment Process:
The City of Oakland works with a Civil Service system. Applicants apply online and HR staff review their experience education and training listed on the application against the minimum qualifications listed for each position.
Candidates who demonstrate that they meet the minimum qualification requirements are then invited to participate in an assessment process (or testing) to measure their knowledge skills and abilities in jobrelated areas.
Candidates who do not demonstrate that they meet the minimum qualification requirements will have an opportunity to request a final review. Candidates must request a final review within5business days of being notified that they did not meet the minimum qualifications.
For this recruitment all qualified applicants will be invited to take theCritiCall Performance Assessment: CritiCall is designed to measure applicants knowledge skills and abilities to complete exercises that replicate some aspect of the job. The assessment may be timed and include the following performance tests or simulations: data entry call summarization cross referencing memory recall prioritization map reading spelling sentence clarity reading comprehension. Test information is available by visiting the vendors website at: CritiCall and Dispatcher Applicant: F.A.Q The CritiCall assessment will also include a 5minute keyboarding test where candidates must demonstrate the ability to type at least 25 net words per minute 25 WPM). Candidates who do not meet the minimum net words per minuteWILLNOTbe considered. Candidates must participate in the City of Oaklands CritiCall assessment. Candidates must achieve passing scores in each section in order to advance in the recruitment process. Please note the required minimum passing score per module may not be the same as required by The Academy each agency sets their own requirements. (Weighted 100This is tentatively planned to be administered the week of April 28 2025.In the final review candidates may clarify information already provided on their application. No additional work history education or certifications will be accepted. Any decisions made during this review process will be final.
Candidates who pass each stage in the process will be placed on an eligible list. Some candidates may receive extra points for example if you are a Veteran with an honorable discharge or if you are a current City of Oakland resident. If youre applying to a restricted posting and you are eligible as a current City employee you may also receive additional points for your City service. Extra points are only applied to passing scores so if you do not pass every element of the testing process you cannot use extra points to pass.
The City of Oakland reserves the right to modify the selection process and date of examination as necessary to conform to administrative or business necessity. The information contained in this announcement is subject to change and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.
Whats in it for you- 15 paid holidays
- Vacation 2 weeks per year minimum with the ability to accrue more depending on public sector years of service
- Retirement CalPERS (California Public Employees Retirement System) with a pension formula of 2.5 @ 55 (for Classic CalPERS members) and 2 @ 62 for new CalPERS members. Classic Employees contribute 8 of pretax wages. The City of Oakland does not participate in Social Security
- Health The City of Oakland pays the full cost of employee and eligible dependent coverage at the Kaiser rate. Other plans include Anthem Blue Shield United Health Care and other HMO and PPO plans
- Dental Delta Dental full premium for employees and eligible dependents
- Vision VSP full premium for employees and eligible dependents
- Sick leave Employees accrue 12 days per year
- Deferred Compensation 457(b) pretax plan and an aftertax ROTH 401(k)plan
- Other benefits include a Flexible Spending Account Wellness Program Employee Assistance Program Tuition Reimbursement Life Insurance up to $200k & Employee Training.
Applicants are required to submit criminal history information upon request after receiving a conditional offer of employment. If the requested information is not furnished in a timely manner applicants will not qualify for further consideration and will be removed from the eligible list.
Disaster Service Workers
All employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Workerrelated training as assigned and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.
How to ApplyApply prior to the closing time of the job announcement and allow at least two to three hours to submit your application if you are a new user of the system. APPLICATIONS ARE ACCEPTED ONLINE ONLY.You may apply and view current openings by visiting our employment opportunities webpage at: you do not have access to a computer there are computer stations available at any City of Oakland Public Library. There are also workstations at the Human Resources Management Department 150 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza 2nd Floor Oakland CA 94612. Workstations are available during regular business hours (normally 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m..
Our online application system is provided by GovernmentJobs.
If you have problems while applying online please contact GovernmentJobs Live Applicant Support atbetween 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM Pacific Time Monday Friday. You may also call the City of Oakland Human Resources Management Department during regular business hours atfor information; however we are unable to provide technical support for the online application system. For recruitmentspecific questions please contact Erin Zadlo at
Employment Type
Full-Time
