Job Description

Contracted Dispatchers are responsible for a wide range of duties, including answering telephones, communicating by radio and other means with MEMA staff and other agencies including but not limited to DCR and DEP, maintaining situational awareness, providing timely information on emergency events and incidents to MEMA staff, other agencies, local emergency management directors and others. The position requires good oral communication skills, good writing skills, ability to multi-task. This person will serve as the emergency point of contact for the agency when dealing with a range of emergency situations and will be responsible for answering phones, operating two-way radios, monitoring public safety radio frequencies and the media and will follow protocols for providing emergency notifications and handling emergency and routine agency communications. Contracted Dispatchers will utilize various equipment for emergency and non-emergency notification and response for various emergencies and events, including but not limited to weather-related emergencies, hazardous material (hazmat) incidents, nuclear power plant incidents, mass casualty and mass fatality incidents, and other emergency and disaster related situations. Contracted Dispatchers are responsible for maintaining and updating the MEMA electronic duty log and utilizing various computer databases and communications systems, to ensure 24-hour coverage.

1. Responsible to provide dispatch coverage during nights, weekends
2. Use 2-way radios and other communication systems meeting Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations and guidelines.
3. Receive alerts and notify proper personnel of Nuclear Power Plant incidents(Seabrook, Pilgrim and Vermont Yankee).
4. Monitor and receive alerts and make required notifications of various incidents in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and surrounding states including but not limited to severe weather, hazmat incidents, large fires, missing persons, terrorist incidents, etc. Receive alerts and notify all New England states of seismic activity (earthquakes).
5. Monitor local, state and federal radio frequencies to receive, evaluate and forward information for reportable incidents and respond on those systems as needed or required. Provide dispatch/notification services for other governmental units and agencies including but not limited to DCR, DEP, and others as needed or directed.
6. Implement and coordinate requests for support from MEMA's Operations Division.
7. Coordinate statewide alerting activities utilizing the Federal National Warning Systems (NAWAS)
8. Receive requests from communities including but not limited to requests for Department of Fire Services (DFS); Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Spill Response; Department of Public Health (DPH) emergency calls; and OPSI emergency calls, and follow notification and logging procedures.
9. Receive requests to activate the Statewide Fire Department Task Forces, follow implementation procedures and notify appropriate personnel.
10. Monitor Emergency Management Network (EMnet) for critical warnings & alerts and notify appropriate personnel when required.
11. Notify designated agencies with critical information during an Amber Alert and monitor the status of the alert until closed by the Massachusetts State Police.
12. Operate the Health & Homeland Alert Network (HHAN) automated notification system and Everbridge Notification System
13. Monitor Aircraft Emergencies statewide and make notifications as required.
14. Prepare, store, revise, maintain and edit electronic log and various databases using computer equipment and various programs (documents and materials included) to generate reports. Maintain action records or logs of information such as messages received and transmitted.
15. Apply knowledge of agency policies, procedures, and practices acquired through successful completion of required agency training.
16. Respond to inquiries from the general public and other local, state, federal, private and voluntary agencies and take necessary action if required.
17. Monitor closed circuit video system for building security and checking in and out personnel after hours.
18. Monitor closed circuit video system for building security and checking in a out personnel after hours.
19. May be asked to assist with providing on-the-job training.
20. Confer with agency staff, State, Local, Federal and other Agencies in order to exchange communications information and resolve problems.
21. Search, retrieve and store files, record and manuals to obtain information in response to inquiries.
22. Check operating communications equipment and systems to report malfunctions to the proper authority ensuring continued statewide communications.

1. May be required to carry and use a two-way public safety radio during duty hours.
2. Must have basic computer knowledge and experience, and a willingness and ability to learn and use work-related software programs, applications, and technology systems.
3. Must have reliable transportation to and from work or assigned locations on a daily basis as well as during emergency activations or operations.
4. Must have the ability to form harmonious working relations with others, and to work well with others and as part of a team.
5. Fulfill other work-related assignments as required or assigned.