Recruit Fire Communications Officer - 2024 Statewide 1

As an emergency service agency, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) is responsible for ensuring the safety of people and property across Queensland through the provision of effective prevention, preparation, response and recovery activities across a range of emergency situations. 

Comprising the Fire and Rescue Service, the Rural Fire Service and the State Emergency Service, QFES also supports other volunteer groups providing emergency response to Queenslanders. 

QFES is one department with many services, many capabilities and many partners.

The functions of the QFES are unique.  It is the only entity in Australia that delivers high quality fire, rescue, emergency and disaster management services through a single agency.  This collaborative approach across the service and with key stakeholders delivers improved safety outcomes for the community.

The Fire Communications centres (FireComs) are responsible for emergency call taking, dispatching on-scene communications, coordinating and managing QFES resources.  They also monitor fire alarms, process general and non-urgent enquiries update data and collate reports and documentation. 

Staff are trained in incident management systems, hazardous materials and technical rescue operations, attend training exercises and can be deployed both nationally and internationally.

Mandatory requirements

• Currently holds a valid Blue Card (from Blue Card Services), with attached evidence to support
• Australian Citizenship, New Zealand Citizenship or Australian Resident Status
• Have or ability to obtain Certificate III in Public Safety (Emergency Communications Centre Operations)
• Ability to successfully complete training programs of the ‘Communications Training and Professional Development Program (CTPDP) at the prescribed level.

Desirable requirements

• Typing speed of 45 wpm with 95% accuracy.
• Have or ability to obtain a Apply First Aid and CPR Certificates.

• Accept incoming fire and other relevant emergency incident calls and enquiries and collect relevant information.
• Assess the risks associated with a situation and the availability and capability of resources to determine the appropriate response and/or resources to be despatched.
• Despatch and coordinate appropriate resources to calls for assistance and notify other organisations in accordance with the Communication Doctrine and Directives.
• Maintain and update all incident information in the centre’s computer aided despatch system, continually monitor progress, support and liaise with operational staff until completion of incident.
• Complete required post incident administration including provision of information and reports to stations and other agencies and organisations.
• Monitor alarm signals and respond in accordance with Communications Doctrine and Directives.
• Provide mentoring and guidance on the job to new staff.
• Contribute to improvement of operational and administrative systems and procedures.
• Identify systems and technical faults and liaise with Specialist Operational Services Unit in relation to reporting, maintaining and updating communications technology.
• Undertake general administrative and project duties as allocated eg; maintaining and updating resource information; portfolio activities, regular tests of systems and communications equipment.

To determine your suitability for the role, you will be assessed on the following Leadership Competencies for Queensland behavioural profiles that link to the “key accountabilities” for this role:

Leadership Competency Stream – Individual Contributor (leading self)

Vision

• Leads strategically
• Stimulates ideas and innovation
• Leads change in complex environments
• Makes insightful decisions

Results

• Develops and mobilises talent
• Builds enduring relationships
• Inspires others
• Drives accountability and outcomes

Accountability

• Fosters healthy and inclusive workplaces
• Pursues continuous growth
• Demonstrates sound governance

Once you join us we will want you to exemplify the QFES shared values:

• Respect
• Integrity
• Trust
• Courage
• Loyalty