massachusetts Human Resources Division (HRD)

DEPARTMENTAL PROMOTIONAL EXAMINATION
SENIOR FIRE ALARM OPERATOR
BOSTON FIRE DEPARTMENT

Examination Date:  November 19, 2011
Announcement Number 3634

ELIGIBILITY: To be eligible for this examination you must be an employee in the Boston Fire Department with permanent civil service status in the below listed eligible title(s). You are also required to have been employed in the eligible title after certification from a civil service list, on a permanent or temporary civil service basis for twelve months preceding the examination date.  A combination of temporary and permanent service can be applied towards meeting this twelve month requirement.  You must have permanent civil service status in an eligible title as of the date of the examination in order to be eligible.  Time spent pursuant to a temporary appointment in the title of Senior Fire Alarm Operator will not interrupt the service period in your permanent position. Eligible Title(s): Fire Alarm Operator.

SALARY:  Questions regarding salary should be directed to the Appointing Authority. 

DUTIES:  Under the general supervision of employees of higher grade, performs the following tasks: Supervises the Operating Force in the receipt of alarm information, allocation and dispatch of resources, and monitoring of radio communications and fire traffic using signals, messages, codes, data, and agency policy, procedures, and protocols; Assists the Principal Operator by reporting all changes in apparatus availability, reporting any defective or malfunctioning equipment, monitoring the CTI/Voter radio screen for any site failure, and assuming the duties of a principal operator as needed; Monitors fire alarm circuits to ensure that they are read and adjusted, that any master boxes on those circuits are temporarily placed out of service, and that any circuit problems are promptly reported to Fire Alarm Construction for repair; Maintains department records by making the necessary entries to the Operations Center Daily Checklist Form, Operations Center Log Book, Radio Problem Log Book, and various overtime lists; Assists the Fire Alarm Operators under their charge by properly entering incident history text into the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, keeping the status information board accurate and up to date, ensuring all notifications to department personnel are completed as required, and that all forms and reports are accurate and in good order; Inspects both the tactical and field communications units and completes a maintenance checklist for each unit at the beginning of each tour; Conducts driver training on Saturday and Sunday day tours;  Responds as required to all multiple alarms as well as high-rise, subway, ship, hazmat incidents, and any other incident as ordered by the Incident Commander; Facilitates incident related radio traffic by monitoring, relaying, clarifying, and interpreting the radio traffic; Provides the Incident Commander with a printout of the incident report and makes available the portable incident status board for use upon request; Operates Metrofire by conducting the daily radio and availability test, monitoring all radio communications, generating an incident in CAD, coordinating all fire and hazmat incidents that occur within the 35 cities and towns of Metrofire District 13, and utilizing the Metrofire 10 Alarm Running Card System, Massachusetts Statewide Decon plan and all Metrofire policies and procedures as established; Makes radio announcements of location, alarm levels, staging areas, special instructions and notifications via paging  system as required and arranges for response of the Metrofire Hazmat team, completing the required forms; Processes requests for public safety services efficiently, courteously, and professionally by establishing communications with the requester using a communication device; Processes requests for public safety services through a nonverbal communications device in accordance with policies, procedures, established basic dispatch guidelines, and Standard Operating Procedures; Generates records of public safety services requests, given agency policies, procedures, and guidelines, using basic language and writing skills; Acquires information from multiple sources, such as, electronic devices and data systems, alarm systems, field units, public safety radio systems, and other fire alarm operators; Prepares an appropriate response dispatch or referral to a valid request for service using agency policies, practices, procedures, guidelines, protocols, and operational principles. Maintains location and status of units using special equipment and systems, maps, charts, resource lists, jurisdictions, and boundaries provided in the communications center; Formulates an appropriate response using a prioritized request for service and deployable resource allocation; Initiates deployment of response units, using the agency’s telecommunications equipment; Initiates the timely addition, deletion, and correction of data, given agency policies, procedures, guidelines, and protocols; Conveys instructions, information, and directions to the service requester and other fire alarm operators or entities, given processed data and using agency policies, procedures, guidelines, and protocols; Responds to requests for information, given an inquiry from the public or media;  Transmits and relays information from printed and electronic reference material, data bases, and emergency action plans to all responding units and agencies using applicable FCC rules, radio procedures, agency protocols, codes, policies, guidelines, and incident management system;   and Activates the community emergency action plan and community center emergency action plan at the onset of a critical situation beyond the normal scope of operations in accordance with agency policies, protocols, guidelines, and procedures.

EXAMINATION SUBJECTS:  The written examination will be designed to test, where practicable, the following knowledges, abilities and skills that have been established as qualifications for the position: Knowledge of the operation, installation, and maintenance of public fire service communication systems, municipal fire alarm systems, and protective signaling systems, including the terminology used in those systems in order to properly process requests for public safety service; Knowledge of basic electricity as it relates to fire alarm signal and relay and telephone systems in order to troubleshoot, periodically test, operate, and maintain public service communication systems, protective signaling systems, fire alarm circuits and telephone lines; Knowledge of basic radio systems, including FCC rules, procedures, protocols, codes, technology, standard terminology, unit identifiers, emergency alert tone, and phonetic alphabet in order to monitor public safety radio systems so that required information is identifiable to the telecommunicator; Knowledge of the methods and techniques used in filing and records retention, such as, spelling, alphabetizing, and cataloging, in order to create records that are correct, complete and concise; Ability to understand, interpret and apply written directions and street maps regarding available resources, agency jurisdictions, and boundaries to evaluate a categorized and prioritized service request, so that an allocation of services is determined; Ability to extract pertinent information from charts, tables, and dispatch protocols system, given a request for available resources, so that accurate information regarding the request is obtained; Knowledge of the Standard Operating Procedures of the Boston Fire Department related to the Fire Alarm Division, Operations Section; Knowledge of the Rules and Regulations of the Boston Fire Department related to the Fire Alarm Division, Operations Section; Knowledge of the Progressive Discipline Guidelines of the Boston Fire Department related to the Fire Alarm Division; Knowledge of the Incident Command System of the Boston Fire Department; and Knowledge of the basic principles and practices of effective supervision in order to plan and assign work according to the nature of the job to be accomplished, the capabilities of subordinates and available resources, determine subordinates’ training needs and provide or arrange for such training, motivate subordinates to work effectively, and determine the need for disciplinary action and either recommending or initiating disciplinary action.

EXAMINATION WEIGHTS:  60% written examination; 40% Education & Experience. Applicants must get a passing mark on each of the weighted components in order to receive an overall (general average) examination score. 

CREDIT FOR EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Pursuant to the provisions of MGL Ch. 31, § 22, individuals may be granted credit for education and experience in the eligible title(s) identified in this announcement. At the examination, a red and white scannable Rating Sheet will be distributed.  You will be asked to complete this Rating Sheet to claim education and experience credit and to provide full documentation supporting your claims.  This Rating Sheet must be submitted by applicants at the examination site. Any subsequent adjustments to claims must be made in writing and, along with supporting documentation, must be postmarked within 7 calendar days of the written examination.  Information on how to complete the Rating Sheet is posted approximately two weeks prior to the examination at www.mass.gov/hrd/examforms. If you have multiple conferred degrees and have applied the same course credits from one degree to another, HRD will grant you full education and experience points for one degree, but will prorate the points for your additional degrees(s) to account for any course overlap.  Once you receive your examination mark, you will have seventeen calendar days from the mailing of your mark to appeal in writing your Education and Experience score. 

Examination Forms for this examination will be available after October 31, 2011. You must download a copy of the education and experience rating worksheet, the instructions for preparing the worksheet, and a copy of the employment verification form for the examination from the website address given above. If you cannot download or print these documents, please contact the Civil Service Unit via the contact information listed on page 3.

APPLICATION: All applications must be received by midnight October 31, 2011, and accompanied by an examination-processing fee of $250. You may apply online for this examination, using a Visa or Mastercard, at https://www.csexam.hrd.state.ma.us/hrd/. A confirmation number for each successful transaction will be issued. You may also obtain a paper application form, and file it along with the examination-processing fee (or fee waiver form) in person at or by mail to HRD (see address and business hours on page 3). If you mail your application, send all correspondence by certified mail with "return receipt requested," if possible. 

FEE WAIVER:  The examination fee may be waived for candidates receiving certain state or federal public assistance, unemployment insurance, or workers' compensation. Fee waiver forms are available from and must be filed at the address on page 3, and may also be downloaded from the Applicant Forms section of our website (www.mass.gov/civilservice).  Waiver forms must be accompanied by proof of eligibility, for the subject time period, in the form of signed and dated receipts, check stubs and/or other documentation from the agency providing assistance. You must file a paper application form, and fill in item #16 on the application.

TESTING ACCOMMODATIONS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES:  If you need special testing accommodations due to a documented impairment such as a hearing, learning, physical, mental or visual disability, fill in item #15 on the paper application form, or click the corresponding circle in the online application. You must also submit a letter of support from a qualified professional detailing what type of accommodation you require at the exam site. Without such a letter, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to grant your accommodation. This information is requested only to provide reasonable accommodation for exams, and will not be used for any other purposes. 

CURRENT MILITARY PERSONNEL:  ALL military personnel who, in connection with current service, have military orders that indicate their unavailability due to military service on November 19, 2011, should contact HRD to request a make-up examination. To request a make-up, file an application and processing fee and request such accommodation in writing, with a copy of your military orders attached. Please include in your request your e-mail address, daytime base phone number and/or name and phone number of a friend or family member with whom you have regular contact and entrust with your personal communication.

NO MAKE-UP EXAMINATION:  With the exception of current military personnel as described above, no candidate has a right to a make-up examination due to personal or professional conflicts on the testing date. Candidates are advised to consider this BEFORE applying for the examination. If you file an exam application by the application deadline, but are unable to appear for the exam on November 19, 2011, due to an emergency or unanticipated hardship, you may request a make-up examination by filing a written request with verifiable documentation to HRD no later than 7 calendar days from the original written examination date.  HRD reserves the right to approve or deny your request.  HRD may require an additional examination-processing fee upon approval of your request.

NOTICE TO APPEAR: Notices to Appear to the assigned examination site will be mailed to candidates for this examination after November 7, 2011. For instructions on how to obtain a duplicate Notice to Appear, please visit our website at www.mass.gov/civilservice. 

PRIVATE SCHOOL OR SERVICE:  HRD does not recommend or endorse any private school, service, or publisher offering preparation and/or publications for examinations and is not responsible for their advertising claims.

IDENTIFICATION AT THE EXAMINATION SITE: At the examination site, applicants must present current and valid photo identification with signature (e.g., driver’s license, passport, military ID).

CHANGE OF ADDRESS:  Candidates are responsible for notifying HRD in writing of any change of address after applying for the examination. Candidates may submit changes of address by sending a written request, including former address, new address, effective date of new address, and social security number to HRD at the address below. Candidates may also visit our website for instructions on how to change their address online, at www.mass.gov/civilservice. Failure to keep your records up-to-date may jeopardize opportunities for employment.

VETERANS: DEFINITION OF A MASSACHUSETTS VETERAN M.G.L. Chapter 4, Section 7, Clause 43 as amended by the Acts of 2004 Effective August 30, 2004:  To be a “veteran” under Massachusetts law, a person is required to have either 180 days of regular active duty service and a last discharge or release under honorable conditions OR 90 days of active duty service, one (1) day of which is during “wartime” and a last discharge or release under honorable conditions. A chart defining “wartime” service is available online at www.mass.gov/civilservice or www.mass.gov/veterans . Qualifying service must have been in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or Air Force of the United States. Please note that active duty exclusively for training in the National Guard or Reserves does NOT qualify you for veterans' preference. National Guard Members or Reservists must have been activated under Title 10 or Title 32 of the U.S. Code or Massachusetts General Laws, chapter 33, sections 38, 40, and 41 and then must meet the minimum service requirements listed above. The Members’ last discharge or release must be under honorable conditions.
VETERANS’ PREFERENCE:  If you are claiming veterans' preference and if your eligibility for veterans’ preference has not been previously approved by HRD, you must submit a copy of your DD Form 214 Member-4 Form (Release From Active Duty-Long Form) in order to receive proper credit. Although you may supply this proof at any time during the life of the eligible list, it is recommended that you submit it at the time of the examination or immediately upon qualification.
As of July 1, 1998, those who otherwise qualify for veterans' preference, but are still in military service may claim such credit by supplying proof, on official letterhead with appropriate signature, of their military service to date, including the dates of active duty, current assignment, and estimated time of separation. The individual must provide official documentation of honorable discharge at the time of appointment. See MGL Ch. 31, §3, Clause (f).
DISABLED VETERAN STATUS:  Claims for status as a disabled veteran require written confirmation from the US Veterans Administration of a continuing service-incurred disability rated not less than 10% based on wartime service (MGL. Chapter 31, Section 1).

During the HRD review process or during the life of the applicable eligible list(s), applicants must make original supporting documentation available should the issue of authenticity arise with the submitted copies. 

Veterans and disabled veterans will be awarded two points to their passing, overall (general average) examination score.

For more information about this and other civil service examinations, see www.mass.gov/civilservice or email the Civil Service Unit at CivilService@hrd.state.ma.us. HRD’s office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:45 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., except holidays.  

Correspondence may be sent to:
Human Resources Division
1 Ashburton Place, Room 301
Boston, MA 02108
ATTN: Test Administration
                                                                         
                                                                              	 -OR-
                                                                         
                                                                    FAX Number:  (617) 727-0399

Boston area:  (617) 878-9895 Within Massachusetts: 1-800-392-6178  TTY Number:  (617) 878-9762

READING LIST FOR DEPARTMENTAL PROMOTIONAL EXAMINATION TO 
SENIOR FIRE ALARM OPERATOR

Examinations for this series are scheduled for November 19, 2011. All applicants are responsible for reading all the texts and other materials listed below and on all pages of this announcement. Please note carefully which edition and/or date of publication is listed for each item. All chapters, appendices, glossaries, etc., are included unless otherwise noted. All examination questions will be based on these materials.

Boston Fire Department Incident Command System (Dated January 1, 2006). 
Entire document.

National Fire Protection Association. NFPA 1221 Standard for the Installation, Maintenance, and Use of Emergency Services Communications Systems (2010 ed.). NFPA, 11 Tracy Drive, Avon, MA 02322; 800.344.3555; www.nfpa.org.
Entire text EXCEPT:	Chapter 2.1 through Chapter 2.4 inclusive        	      
				Chapter 5.1 through Chapter 5.4.8.4 inclusive
				Chapter 9.3.4 through Chapter 9.3.4.2 inclusive
                                          		Chapter 9.3.8 through Chapter 9.3.8.5.4 inclusive
				Chapter 9.5 through Chapter 9.5.4.2 inclusive
				Annexes B, C, D, and E

Progressive Discipline Guidelines of the Boston Fire Department (Dated July 1, 1986).
Entire document.

Rules and Regulations of the Boston Fire Department (Dated June 1, 1997).
Entire chapters:  1, 2, 5, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, and 24.

Standard Operating Procedures of the Boston Fire Department (Dated October 14, 2009).
1, 2, 2A, 3, 5, 5 Addendum, 7, 7A, 8, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 21, 22, 26, 27, 32C, 43, 46, 49, 49A, 49B, 53, 53A, 54, 57, 57A, 57B, 57C, 60B, 61,  61A, 63, and 64.

ICMA. (2005). Effective Supervisory Practices (4th ed.), International City/County Management Association (ICMA) Distribution Center; P.O. Box 931897, Atlanta, GA 31193; 800.745.8780; www.icma.org.
Entire text EXCEPT:	Chapter 15

Please note that the Human Resources Division does not recommend specific bookstores for the purchase of reading list texts. For local vendors, contact the publishers at the telephone number or website listed, or check with the Chief of your department or local union representative for assistance. Many local bookstores will be able to special-order any text not carried in stock.