FIRE TELECOMMUNICATOR CALL TAKER

DEFINITION

OPEN/PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITY

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

EXAMINATION DATE: Week of April 26, 2026

TYPING CERTIFICATE SUBMISSION DEADLINE: April 17, 2026 @ 5:30 PM

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is the pre-entry/trainee level class. Under immediate supervision, incumbents learn Fire Department and City Policies and Procedures related to receipt and processing of incoming emergency and non-emergency calls. This position is distinguished from the Fire Telecommunicator I job class in that the Call Taker does not routinely dispatch emergency personnel or equipment via radio or other electronic communications equipment. This class is alternately staffed with the Fire Telecommunicator I. Based on the needs of the Fire Department, incumbents may advance to the higher level after successfully completing a one-year probationary period and gaining one additional year of experience and demonstrating proficiencies which meet the qualifications of the higher-level class.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES (Illustrative Only)

• Receives and evaluates incoming 911, fire emergency, and business calls received by ECD.
• Collects pertinent information from the caller and accurately records details of calls, dispatches, and messages.
• Provides Emergency Medical Dispatching (EMD) as defined by the EMD protocol level to which they are trained.
• Routes calls to appropriate Telecommunicator or other agency.
• Operates computer and phone console equipment for call input.
• Enters call information in the CAD system.
• Handles inquiries and complaints regarding services from the public.
• May provide court testimony related to calls as required.
• Prepares and/or types reports and records.
• Assists with related projects as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience:

Possession of a High School Diploma or GED.

Other Requirements:

• Must obtain and maintain a valid CPR card (American Heart Association BLS-C or equivalent) within six months of appointment.
• Must obtain and maintain a valid EMD certification from the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) and San Joaquin County Emergency Medical Services Agency and within six months of appointment.
• Must successfully complete a background investigation and obtain a California Department of Justice fingerprint clearance.
• Must possess a valid (two years old or less) typing certificate for at least 35 net words per minute from a recognized organization.

Knowledge of:

• Basic terminology used in fire and related emergency radio and telephone communications;
• Basic medical terminology;
• Operation of communication and standard office equipment including telephone, radio, paging, computer, and related systems; and
• Basic record-keeping principles and practices.

Skill in:

• Memorizing codes, names, locations, and other detailed information;
• Assessing and prioritizing emergency situations;
• Attending to multiple activities and sources of input simultaneously;
• Obtaining information from individuals in emergency situations, including those who are emotionally distraught, angry, or difficult to understand;
• Remaining calm and making rapid and sound independent judgments in stressful emergency situations;
• Communicating tactfully and effectively with public, public safety personnel, and others;
• Operating complex radio and telephone systems;
• Operating standard office equipment, including a personal computer and a typing speed of 35 net words per minute;
• Following oral and written instructions;
• Reading and interpreting geographic information;
• Performing routine clerical and record-keeping duties;
• Active listening on the telephone and radio with excellent comprehension and spelling; and
• Balancing and managing competing priorities.

Ability to:

• Learn City and Fire Department policies and procedures;
• Effectively work under emergency conditions;
• Make quick and appropriate determinations;
• Adjust quickly to changing situations and priorities:
• Maintain accurate records;
• Handle simultaneous calls;
• Remain courteous and calm while interacting with the public; and
• Learn geography and major arteries within the cities of San Joaquin County.

MENTAL/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Mobility- constant use of keyboard; constant sitting for long periods; occasional bending, squatting, and kneeling;
• Lifting- occasionally up to 25 pounds;
• Vision- constant use of overall vision; frequent reading and close-up work; occasional color and depth vision;
• Dexterity- constant repetitive motion; frequent use of computer keyboard; frequent writing; frequent grasping, holding, and reaching;
• Hearing/Talking- constant hearing and talking, in person and on the phone or other communication devices; ability to understand what people are saying in normal conversation and over noise;
• Emotional/Psychological- frequent decision making and concentration often in stressful situations; frequent public and/or coworker contact; occasional working alone;
• Environmental- primarily performed in an office environment; frequent exposure to noise; and
• Special Requirements – must be willing to work day, evening, and night shifts on a rotation basis, work mandatory overtime shifts when necessary, and be willing to be called back or held over to maintain minimum staffing levels. The shift schedule will include weekends and holidays.

This class specification should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of this job. Incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Any essential function or requirement of this class will be evaluated as necessary should an incumbent/applicant be unable to perform the function or requirement due to a disability as defined by the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). Reasonable accommodation for the specific disability will be made for the incumbent/applicant when possible.