City and County of San Francisco

Fire Alarm Dispatcher (#8234)

$38.94-$47.33 Hourly / $6,749.00-$8,203.00 Monthly / $80,990.00-$98,436.00 Yearly


Definition

Under general supervision, is responsible for dispatching fire apparatus and other equipment in cases of fires or emergencies and is responsible for maintaining routine records of fire calls and the movement of fire apparatus and similar emergency equipment. The 8234 Fire Alarm Dispatcher is the entry-level class in the series.

Distinguishing Features

Class 8234 Fire Alarm Dispatcher is distinguished from class 8236 Chief Fire Alarm Dispatcher in that the latter is responsible for planning, assigning, and supervising the work of subordinate 8234 Fire Alarm Dispatchers.

Supervision Exercised

None.

Examples of Important and Essential Duties

According to Civil Service Commission Rule 109, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job code/class and are not intended to be an inclusive list.

  1. Receives reports of fires and other public safety emergencies and dispatches appropriate supervisor through the use of telephone radio and video communication.
  2. Receives box alarms and transfers to San Francisco Fire Department radio dispatch; transmits extra alarms or requests for special apparatuses.
  3. Makes regular tests of all fire box and alarm circuits; uses line testing equipment in conjunction with two-way radio for detecting location of circuit faults; dispatches repair staff to locate and repair breakdowns in fire alarm circuits.
  4. Maintains station log of all activities during assigned shift.
  5. Monitors civil defense and outdoor public warning system; operates the siren attack warning system in the event of an emergency or enemy action that may warrant this operation; and activates the outdoor public warning systems as required for general public announcements.
  6. Monitors audio and video feedback from burglar and fire alarm devices on City property and facilities for police, fire, and ambulatory dispatch as needed; monitors various video camera system circuits and reports faults and emergencies.
  7. Receives trouble complaints for street lighting and traffic signals and dispatches appropriate staff.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of: the operation and maintenance of fire alarm and telegraph equipment; city streets and fire company locations; the American Morse code.

Ability and Skill to: follow oral and written instruction; maintain ordinary operating records; make quick decisions and use good judgment in the handling of fire alarms and the dispatching of appropriate equipment, operation of a telegraph key and fire alarm and radio dispatching equipment.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Experience:
One (1) year of experience in a public contact position providing or soliciting information by telephone or radio (such as positions with heavy public contact in answering complaints, telephone operations, or dispatching work); AND

Six (6) months of experience in the operation of digital communication lines, including experience in the maintenance and repair of electrical circuits.

License and Certification:
Possession of a valid California driver license.

Substitution:

Notes

PROMOTIVE LINES

To: 8236 Chief Fire Alarm Dispatcher

ORIGINATION DATE:

02/16/1961

AMENDED DATE: 

06/06/2015; 08/27/18

REASON FOR AMENDMENT

To accurately reflect the current tasks, knowledge, skills & abilities, and minimum qualifications.

Business unit(s):

COMMN SFMTA

Disaster Service Workers

All City and County of San Francisco employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

CLASS: 8234; EST: 1/1/1900; REV: 8/27/2018;