The Alameda County Fire Department invites you to apply for the position of Fire Dispatcher Alameda County Fire Department www.acgov.org Dedicated to Superior Service The Fire Dispatcher, under general supervision, to receive and transmit routine and emergency calls using communication equipment consisting of radio-telephone, teletype, switchboard, computer input devices or computer aided dispatch units; to perform simple record keeping/general clerical work; and to do related work as required at the Alameda County Regional Emergency Communications Center (ACRECC).
THE ALAMEDA COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT The Alameda County Fire Department (ACFD) provides all-risk emergency services to the unincorporated areas of Alameda County (excluding Fairview), the cities of San Leandro, Dublin, Newark and Union City, the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. With 28 fire stations and 33 companies serving a population of 384,000, the ACFD serves densely populated urban areas, waterways, industrialized centers, extensive urban interface, agricultural and wildland regions. Over 425 personnel and 100 Reserve Firefighters provide a wide variety of services to an ever expanding, dynamic and diverse community of roughly 506 square miles. These services include: January 20, 2008 Alameda County Regional Emergency Communications Center (ACRECC) May 1, 2010 City of Newark July 1, 2010 City of Union City Advanced Life Support Fire Suppression Hazardous Materials Response Urban Search & Rescue Water Rescue Community Outreach & Education Disaster Preparedness Fire Prevention and Code Compliance Regional Dispatch The Alameda County Fire Department (ACFD) was formed on July 1, 1993 as a dependent special district with the Alameda County Board of Supervisors as its governing body. This consolidation brought together into a single jurisdiction the Castro Valley Fire Department, Eden Fire Department and County Fire Patrol (each a dependent special district under the Board of Supervisors). Prior to 1993 Unincorporated Fire Protection Castro Valley FPD Eden Consolidated FPD County Fire Patrol July 1, 1993 Alameda County Fire Department Subsequently, the following communities have consolidated with the ACFD: July 1, 1995 City of San Leandro July 1, 1997 City of Dublin August 1, 2002 Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory October 1, 2007 Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Our Core Values Members: We promote an atmosphere of trust and respect that encourages individual growth, participation, creativity and acknowledges the achievements of our members. Organization: We support an organization built on a foundation of initiative, collaboration and commitment to efficiency, consistency and results, while attaining the goals of the organization. Customer Service: We are dedicated to providing superior customer service. Strategic Management: We plan for change and develop management strategies to meet the challenges of our future. Regional Cooperation: We promote, encourage and participate in partnerships that provide all communities with the highest level of service. 2
THE FIRE CHIEF S VISION An organization that maintains and builds upon the collaborative relationship between labor and management and the established Participation and Decision Making Process (PDMP) and membership input processes. A metropolitan department that provides seamless increased service levels and decreased costs to as many citizens and communities within Alameda County as possible. An organization that reflects the communities we serve and demonstrates the synergy and community benefits that come from a well trained, respectful and professional workforce with many backgrounds and skill sets. An organization that provides high quality, all-risk response capabilities and specialized services that set us apart from other fire departments within our region. An organization that has state of the art administration, support services, equipment, training and stations that supply our members with what is needed to do their job while providing comfort, safety and pride. An organization that is a visible leader in regional partnerships for the purpose of enhancing services to all communities within Alameda County. An organization that prepares our members to assume future leadership roles with the training and skill set necessary to take the ACFD to the next level. An organization that integrates and demonstrates its mission statement, philosophy and core values at all levels of the organization. An organization that is committed to developing and implementing annual and long-range strategic business planning. OUR MISSION We will provide the highest level of service to our communities by valuing our members, promoting positive leadership, and dedicating ourselves to excellence. 3
THE ALAMEDA COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT Minimum Qualifications Minimum Qualifications and critical attributes for the success of the Fire Dispatcher are: Either I Experience: The equivalent of one year of experience in the class of Fire Dispatcher Trainee in the ACRECC. Or II Experience: The equivalent of three years of fulltime dispatching experience (within the last 5 years) with a public safety agency. AND Education: Graduation from high school in the United States or possession of an acceptable equivalency certificate, such as the General Educational Development Certificate (State of California). Further Requirements: Typing: Ability to type 40 words per minute. License: All candidates must possess a valid California State Motor Vehicle Operator s license. Special Requirements: Candidates must pass a psychological evaluation, a medical examination and a thorough background evaluation before an offer of employment will be made. A Computer Voice Stress Analyzer examination will also be included in the process to assess candidates responses in the areas of drug use, driving history, honesty, racial discrimination, and sexual harassment. Any felony conviction will result in disqualification. Ability to: Operate a two-way radio, and computer aided dispatch terminal. Dispatch public safety equipment in a quick and effective manner. Speak clearly and concisely in a well-modulated voice. React with sound judgment under stress and emergency situations while doing several tasks simultaneously. Respond to the public with tact. Direct emergency vehicles using maps, local area knowledge and other tools that are available. Write in a clear, concise and legible manner. Examples of Duties NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed. 1. Receive and transmit via radio from mobile units of contracting agencies; maintain a computer log of these calls and their dispositions. 2. Answer and make emergency and non-emergency telephone calls from/to the general public, field personnel and other public safety agencies. NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination. Knowledge and Abilities NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the Examples of Duties section of this specification. Knowledge of: Standard radio protocols and call-taking procedures. Geographical area of Alameda County. Regulations and statutes applicable to public safety communications. 4
3. Coordinate emergency calls, relay messages, and dispatch equipment. 4. Quickly analyze unit status and implement move ups in accordance with the System Status Management Plan. 5. Operate electronic data terminals for access to various local, State and Federal computer file systems. 6. Disseminate information to Emergency Operation Centers, Department Operation Centers and Incident Commanders within the Fire Operational Area. 7. Complete and submit required documents for each specific type of incident with accuracy. Compensation The salary range for the Fire Dispatcher is from $58,212.00-$70,764.00 annually. The ACFD also offers an attractive benefits program with the following elements: CalPERS Retirement plan governed under the provisions of the 1959 Survivor Benefit Act, Retirement formula: 2% at 55 years of age; Health and Dental Insurance; Life/ Accident Insurance, Paid Vacation & Sick Leave, 13 Paid Holidays; and a Deferred Compensation Plan. The Position of Fire Dispatcher Fire Dispatchers are assigned a full range of dispatching duties involving the use of a variety of communication and office equipment with only occasional instruction or assistance. Assigned duties require the exercise of judgment or choice among possible actions. Incumbents of this class are required to work various shifts. This class differs from the next higher class of Fire Dispatch Supervisor at ACRECC by the latter class having supervisory responsibility. This class differs from the next lower class, Dispatcher Trainee, by the latter class being an entry level classification. Fire Dispatchers may perform out of class as Fire Dispatch Supervisor, if needed. This position is located in the ACRECC at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory which requires Department of Energy (DOE) security clearance. Application Process If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please complete an application on-line at www.acgov.org/ hrs. The final filing deadline is Thursday, May 5, 2011. Applications will be screened according to the Minimum Qualifications outlined in this brochure. The most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the selection process. Tentative Selection Schedule: Application Final Receipt Date: Thursday, May 5, 2011 Screening for minimum qualifications and best qualified candidates: Week of May 9, 2011 Civil Service Exam: Week of May 23, 2011 Chief s Interviews: Week of June 13, 2011 Targeted Appointment Date: To Be Determined 5
The ACFD at a Glance The Alameda County Fire Department is comprised of four organizational branches that meet the operational, special operations and communication, administrative support service and fire prevention needs of the Department. The Fire Chief provides overall leadership and is responsible for the effective management, coordination and service delivery of all facets of the organization. The Deputy Fire Chiefs, Fire Department Administrative Services Director and Fire Marshal oversee their respective organizational branches ensuring the overall day-to-day readiness of all aspects of the Department. Alameda County Board of Supervisors City of San Leandro Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory City of Dublin Lawrence Livermore National Security LLC City of Newark City of Union City Fire Advisory Commission ACRECC Advisory Board Assigned Chief Officer Executive Management Oversight Committee Fire Chief PIO/Community Outreach Deputy Chief Admin Services Director Deputy Chief Fire Marshal Training Division Contracts & Purchasing Alameda County Regional Communications Center Fire Prevention Battalion 2 Facilities Emergency Medical Services Battalion 3 Financial Services Information Technology Battalion 4 Fleet Management OP Area & CICCS Battalion 7 Human Resources Special Operations Reserve Program Emergency Management & Community Preparedness battalion 2: Stations 6, 7, 23, 24, 25, 26 battalion 3: Stations 8, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21 battalion 4: Stations 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 19, 22 battalion 7: Stations 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 FISCAL YEAR 2009 2010 CALL STATISTICS *The City of Union City joined the ACFD on July 1, 2010 at the start of the 2010-2011 fiscal year and therefore does not have statistics reflected in the 2009-2010 Fiscal Year Call Statistics chart. Dublin San Leandro Unincorporated Alameda County (excluding Fairview) Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Newark *As of May 1, 2010 TOTAL Structure Fire 29 107 164 2 5 8 307 Other Fires 31 88 320 3 7 6 449 EMS/Rescue 1350 6121 9194 74 84 335 16823 Hazardous Condition 57 194 278 18 21 12 568 Service Calls 176 521 868 24 26 43 1615 Good Intent 101 337 602 13 54 17 1107 False Calls 255 522 579 114 147 37 1617 Cancelled Enroute 105 223 771 22 14 23 1135 6 TOTAL 2104 8113 12776 270 358 481 23621
The ACRECC at a Glance The ACFD is also responsible for the administration and operation of the Alameda County Regional Communications Center (ACRECC), a National Academy of Emergency Dispatch Accredited Center of Excellence. The dispatch center serves an area of approximately 650 square miles with a resident population of over 600,000. Currently dispatching calls for 79 companies in 40 fire stations within five agencies, the ACRECC provides fire and emergency medical services (EMS) dispatching services for the following areas: Unincorporated Alameda County City of San Leandro City of Dublin City of Fremont City of Alameda City of Union City City of Newark Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Sandia National Laboratory Camp Parks Combat Support Training Center ACRECC also provides emergency medical dispatching (EMD) services for the following agencies: Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department Albany Fire Department Hayward Fire Department 7
ACRECC Performance Standards Call answering <10 seconds 90% of the time ACRECC averages 99%. Call processing <60 seconds 90% of the time ACRECC averages 92%. ACRECC Fiscal Year 2009-2010 Total Calls By Jurisdiction 30000 25000 25719 15000 14429 12879 10000 5000 0 6037 313 Grand Total Calls Dispatched By ACRECC: 75,812 8579 1871 65 1 3 13 2 21 1 22 143 1 181 32 157 ACF ALA ALB BER EMA EME FCY FRE HAY LAB LAP MLP MNP NRK OES OKL PIE PRK SRM TRY UNU If you have questions regarding this bulletin please contact: Monique Hill Human Resources Analyst monique.hill@acgov.org (510) 208-4841 5343 (blank) Alameda County Fire Department www.acgov.org Dedicated to Superior Service Alameda County is an equal opportunity employer.