OPS DUTY OFFICER - 42903050

Ops Duty Officer - 42903050

The duty officer's work is in direct support of fire suppression and other emergency response operations. The incumbent coordinates emergency response of firefighters, supervisors, pilots and law enforcement personnel through the use of a communications center. The duty officer deals with critical situations requiring independent and sound judgment. The incumbent has both operational fire control and other support duties. Work may be scheduled over a variety of shifts and may frequently remain or be called to duty beyond the assigned work schedule.

Dispatch Crews to Wildfires, Smoke Complaints and other Incidents Receives radio and telephone information from fire towers, law enforcement personnel, aircraft, fire crews, supervisors and general public concerning wildfires and smoke obscuring highways. Operates a computer, radio and telephone for the purpose of transmitting, receiving and storing information used to dispatch fire crews, supervisory personnel, aircraft and law enforcement personnel to wildfires and other incidents. Follows protocol on 'Smoke on the Highway' issues. Keeps up-to-the-minute knowledge of the locations and status of all personnel and equipment used in fire suppression activities and investigations. Triggers 209s as needed and enters information available. Requests and coordinates assistance with other state, federal and local agencies, as well as, area cooperators with wildfire suppression and other emergency situations. Keeps supervisors, Center Manager, Center Officer in Charge (OIC) and State OIC abreast of wildfire status as necessary. Reads and uses county maps, as well as, various websites and / or software programs (FMIS, County Property Appraiser, ArcGIS, Spider Tracks, Mapquest, etc.) to provide incident locations to responding emergency personnel. Has a good general knowledge of the lay of the land (landmarks, highways, major roads, rivers, lakes, power lines).

Burn Authorizations, On-Site Inspections, Compliance Checks, and Landowner Assistance Operates a computer, radio and telephone for the purpose of transmitting, receiving and storing information used to approve or deny issuance of burn authorizations throughout six counties. Continually updates map with new burning authorizations. Maintains landowner and certified burner contact information. Notates landowner accounts regarding any special burning restrictions. Advises landowners of burning laws and predicted weather. Gathers information to relay to Forest Rangers, Senior Forest Rangers and supervisory personnel that is needed to conduct on-site inspections and compliance checks. Tracks landowner assists.

Administrative Functions Maintains paper and electronic files, records and reports relating to the communication center's responsibilities. Uses a variety of computer programs, software, copiers, scanners and fax machines to carry out administrative functions. Receives and responds to electronic mail as required. Prepares reports and assists supervisor and other personnel. Maintains Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).

Active member of the Communications Center Receives and handles or transfers incoming telephone calls. Regularly gathers and relays a variety of information to and from supervisors, crews, other governmental agencies, and cooperators, along with preapproved information to news media personnel and the general public. Maintains up-to-date contact information for fire departments, other governmental agencies, cooperators, etc.

Fire Weather Forecasts Gathers and relays daily fire weather information and fire weather predictions to crews, supervisory personnel, certified burners and landowners. Acts as a weather observer and reports any unusual weather activity to all personnel.

Performs other related work as assigned. Successfully completes all training requirements for the Duty Officer position, within the time period designated by the supervisor and in accordance with the established training performance standards.

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida

• Participation in state group insurance (must meet eligibility requirements);
• Participation in the Florida Deferred Compensation Plan (457b);
• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (tax deferred Retirement Savings Plan);
• Flexible Spending Accounts;
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Special Notes

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and / or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.