Emergency Services Operator

Definition of Work: This is an entry-level position within the Emergency Services Unit (ESU) of the Office of Emergency Management (OEM). The incumbent works in the field to prevent, mitigate and respond to emergencies. This position requires flying in helicopters in support of emergencies and for training purposes. General Duties: To reduce the risk of injury, loss of life or damage to property or the environment as a result of natural or human caused events or action. Help implement an integrated wildland fire management and all-hazard response program that addresses the core tenets of prevention, response and recovery designed to prevent and/or mitigate loss of life and damage to property. Supervision Exercised: May provide operational supervision of personnel assigned to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) Wildland Fire Handcrew. Supervision Received: Reports administratively to an Emergency Services Supervisor. May report operationally to an Emergency Services Senior Operator. Examples of Duties and Responsibilities: Respond on-scene to wildland fires and other emergencies. Operate as a Helitack Crew Member and respond to wildfires by flying in helicopters, coordinating air-to-ground fire suppression operations, and supporting logistical missions. Under supervision of a Senior Operator, implement time-sensitive decisions with limited information that may have life and death consequences regarding firefighter and public safety. Engage in fighting wildland fires and other disasters and fill incident command positions as qualified and needed during initial attack and extended attack incidents. Assist Senior Operators in coordinating and implementing hazardous fuels reduction projects utilizing specialized and heavy equipment to mitigate damage from wildland fires. Ensure quality and compliance of incident reports, timesheets, leave requests, injury reports, and such other departmental forms as needed. Achieve and maintain certifications and training as required by the Sheriff for Limited Commission status and enforce criminal ordinance violations within the scope of authority as determined by the Sheriff. Within the scope of authority determined by the Sheriff, respond to calls for service and utilize independent discretion in determining appropriate courses of action regarding criminal or potentially criminal violations of appropriate ordinances and statutes. Assist Senior Operators in delivering public presentations on emergency services topics. Assist Senior Operators in delivering wildland fire suppression training courses and certification tests to DCSO and Douglas County staff and other agency personnel. Attend training courses, meetings and conferences to stay current on best practices and state of the art equipment, strategies and tactics. Other duties as assigned. Consequence of Error: Failure to properly perform the duties of this position may result in the loss of life, damage to public and private property and natural resources.