Fire Department Scheduling Software
Snap Schedule fire department scheduling software let you effortlessly schedule fire fighters and support personnel, and reduce scheduling issues that lead to increased overtime costs, grievances, and lost time. It is the easiest way for fire departments to transform time-consuming, manual ways of shift scheduling into effortless workforce management.
Shift scheduling for fire departments and fire and rescue organizations varies depending on community needs. Fire departments typically employ three shifts (ABC) to have firefighters on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Many fire departments operate on the 24-48 (24 on 48 off) shift schedule where firefighters work as a team at the same fire station for an entire 24-hour shift then take two days off. Another option is the 48-96 (48on 96off) shift schedule where firefighters work two straight 24-hour days then take 4 days off.
The challenges to fire station scheduling are many. Union and FLSA rules place restrictions on work hours, consecutive work days, overtime compensation, as well as the types of schedules that can be implemented. In addition, you must keep track of training assignments, compensatory time, off time and know when part-time or volunteer firefighters will be available for work. When necessary, schedulers must find qualified backup and on-call personnel to fill a shift as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Snap Schedule cloud-based shift scheduling software is designed to help fire departments and fire & rescue organizations overcome these scheduling challenges. Its automated shift call-out and notification features let you accurately and quickly find and contact the right employees to fill open shifts, to meet emergent work demands, or to restore services. Snap Schedule is packed with powerful shift scheduling features and gives you instant access to key decision-making criteria, including staffing requirements, regular, overtime and on-call hours, labor costs, employee skills and certifications, employee availability and preferences, and more.
Manage fire department scheduling with one tool
No-conflict scheduling
Drag-and-drop or auto-generate shift schedules for an unlimited number of firefighters, support personnel and shifts. Support fixed, rotating, split, multiple shifts, time off, and on calls.
Tasks & breaks scheduling
Effortlessly schedule multiple tasks, duties, and breaks of any length in a single shift. Ensure adequate coverage by skills, positions and proactively manage break and rest compliance.
Time clock & attendance
Clock in/out of work on a mobile device or via an on-site iPad. Record work hours, on-call, and attendance for accurate payroll.
Leave & time off accruals
Set up different leave types, reasons, and accrual rates. Avoid accidentally schedule on-leave employees. Employees can see their leave balance and request time off on the go.
Ensure shift coverage
Show the number of firefighters scheduled in each shift by positions, skills, or reasons. Flag over or under staffed positions or skills while making shift assignments.
Schedule by skills / positions
Define skills/certifications and associate them with employees. Fill a shift based on the required skills and positions. Provide multiple options for identifying who are qualified to bid on open shifts.
Unavailability & preferences
Avoid scheduling conflict with up-to-date employee’s availability and leave balance. Employees can enter their availability and desired work hours.
Employee communication
Keep teams in sync and notify firefighters when work schedules have changed. Notify employees when open shifts are created and available. Alert schedulers when employees request time off, bid on an open shift, or accept a shift trade.
Automated shift callouts
Promote fairness, reduce grievances, and stay in compliance by enforcing callout rules. Receive and respond to callout and scheduling notifications via automated phone calls or SMS texting.
Labor cost control
Sum up in real time employees’ planned and actual work hours. Handle all types of regular, on-call, overtime, shift premium, and incentive pays. Generate time cards for payroll based on either planned or recorded work hours.
Extensive reports
Unlock the hidden value of workforce data with 59 built-in reports. Uncover insightful labor patterns, trends, and outliers. Export data to various file formats such as PDF, Word, Excel, HTML.
Anywhere, anytime access
Firefighters can access their schedules online, view leave balance, request time off, bid on, trade, pick up shifts, punch in/out, and update availability. Android and iOS employee scheduling apps are available.
Ready to see Snap Schedule in action?
Our product specialists will customize a demo that addresses each challenge, question, and goal you have—all at your convenience.