Public Safety Communications Director

NATURE OF WORK
Managing, planning, and direction of staff, equipment, and budget of the City’s Communication Dispatch Center which receives and dispatches calls from emergency (911) and non-emergency telephone lines from residents requesting police and fire services. This position is assigned to a Communication Dispatch Center which is a twenty-four, seven days a week operation.
 
SUPERVISION RECEIVED/REVIEW OF WORK 
Works under the general supervision of the Chief of Police.The duties listed are intended only as Illustrative examples of the various types of work that may be performed by individuals in this classification. Any of the following duties may be performed. These examples are not necessarily performed by all incumbents and do not include all specific essential functions and responsibilities the incumbent may be expected to perform.

• Manage, evaluate and oversee the 911 Communication Dispatch Center’s overall operation, including call taking, emergency dispatch, shift scheduling, training, and/or revised procedures and work methods based on user needs and service provider requirements; oversee the implementation of operational directives to ensure efficiency; provide technical project oversight; troubleshoot problems and provide appropriate solutions;
• Evaluate trends, legislation and other relevant changes that require prompt adjustments; and perform administrative functions including performance evaluations; investigate reported deficiencies of employee performance and recommend progressive discipline when necessary;
• Have the ability to be a positive team leader, communicate in a positive manner with subordinates and facilitate staff development. Staff development may include but is not limited to advancing employee certifications, employee recognition, regular mentoring and development of individual employee career goals.
• Develop and administer the department’s budget, including, goals, long range plans relating to public safety communications improvements and preventative maintenance, objectives and performance standards. Develops, implements, and manages special projects and/or programs.  
• Oversees and/or conducts citizen or user group member complaint investigations.
• Manages goals, objectives, policies and procedures of the dispatch center. 
• Evaluates and updates dispatch procedures and training materials as needed. 
• Oversees and manages dispatcher training program, ensures state mandated training and certification maintenance requirements are met.
• Plans, develops, and implements staff scheduling and work assignments, ensures adequate staffing levels. 
• Promotes and maintains effective labor relations. 
• Perform other duties as needed and/or assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High School diploma or GED is required. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is preferred. Public Safety Dispatch experience will be considered in lieu of a bachelor’s degree.  
• Minimum of five years’ experience in Public Safety Dispatching operations is preferred.  Experience must include a combination of call-taking and dispatching for Law Enforcement, Fire and Emergency Medical Services.
• Three years supervisory experience is preferred.
• Any equivalent combination of experience and education will be considered.  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Thorough knowledge of the state and federal laws, and statutes governing management of emergency response services.
• Advanced knowledge of public safety communications principals, practices, methods, techniques, and equipment. 
• Ability to assure regulatory compliance. These may include but are not limited to: agency CJIS information, Agency Licenses, Federal Communication Commission Rules and regulations, Local, State, and Federal mandates.
• Ability to administer written directives. 
• Skilled in all aspects of call-taking, and dispatching with the ability to perform the duties of a call-taker and/or dispatcher if/as needed.
• Possess well-developed leadership skills and the ability and desire to supervise others.
• Ability to develop, implement, evaluate, and review annual work plans.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. 
• Ability to effectively organize multiple tasks, change priorities, and meet stringent deadlines.
• Ability to develop and maintain a long-term strategic plan.
• Ability to develop and manage the department budget. 
• Ability to perform liaison functions, collaborate with both internal and external agency customers and represent the agency at meetings.  
• Ability to comply with the Freedom of information Act, and relevant local and state laws, and manage the public disclosure process. 
• Ability to manage agency contracts and other written agreements (i.e., memoranda or agreement, memoranda of understanding, interlocal agreements, employment/labor contracts, etc.).
• Ability to administer the performance appraisal process.
• Ability to learn regional geographical area, road systems, and the locations of landmarks and buildings in the County. 
• Ability to develop and administer work schedule and oversees payroll process for the department. 
• Promote goals and priorities, and comply with all policies and procedures of the City.

 SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Ability to obtain and maintain all required state certifications and licenses by the end of the probation period including:
  • Certification as DPSST Basic, Intermediate, or Advanced Telecommunicator
  • Certification as DPSST/IAED Emergency Medical Dispatcher
  • LEDS Inquiry/Entry level Certification
  • First Aid/CPR Certification
• Department of Public Safety and Training (DPSST) Management certification (within 2 years of employment) 
• Ability to pass a Department of Public Safety and Training (DPSST) medical examination that includes vision and hearing tests, and a psychological examination.
• Must successfully pass a drug screen.
• Ability to successfully pass a comprehensive background investigation including criminal history check and obtain an Oregon State Police Criminal Justice Information Systems clearance. 
• Possess and maintain an Oregon Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record.
• Must be as least 21 years of age.
• Demonstrable commitment to sustainability.
• Ability to work rotating shift work and/or compressed work schedule, including nights, weekends and holidays on an as needed basis.
• The individual shall not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of the individual or others in the workplace.

This is a management position. This position supervises assigned employees which includes scheduling and assigning work; mentoring, coaching, and training; developing work plans and reviewing work for completion; evaluating performance and providing necessary feedback to employee; setting work standards; imposing or effectively recommending necessary disciplinary action; and making or effectively recommending hiring and termination decisions.

Salary : $96,948 - $130,884