Chief Emergency Communications Division

Posting number: 26-00374

Department: Public Safety

Job classification: CHIEF - EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION

Posting type: Open

Categories: Public Safety, Management, EMS, 911 Telecommunications, Emergency Management

Summary

Work Location: Manatee County Public Safety Center: 2101 47th Terrace East, Bradenton, Florida 34203

Work Hours: This is an exempt, salaried position based on a standard 40-hour administrative schedule (typically Monday–Friday), with the expectation of extended hours, evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed to support 24/7 ECC operations, including EOC activations and emergency response.

Expected Starting Salary Range: $89,760.52 - $118,932.69

Responsible for all operations of the Manatee County Emergency Communications Center (ECC), a NextGen 9-1-1 primary Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) fully migrated to the ESInet. Develops and implements strategic operating policy and procedures. Performs statistical and qualitative analyses. Contributes to annual budget preparation. Identifies innovations and advancements in technology and communications systems including Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) and remote call-taking/dispatch.

Note: This position is designated by the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners as serving at the will and pleasure of the County Administrator. Employment in this position is at will and may be terminated at any time, with or without cause or notice, in accordance with applicable federal and state laws. Nothing in this job posting, any application materials, or any related communications shall be construed to create a contract of employment or to limit the County Administrator’s authority to terminate the appointment at any time, with or without cause and with or without prior notice, subject only to applicable law.

Working Conditions
Typical indoor office environment. Sitting for long periods of time, working on computer. Lifting equipment or supplies up to 25 pounds alone and up to 50 pounds with assistance. Position requires visual acuity and depth perception, as well as ability to hear and identify sounds. Frequent high stress situations that may involve angry or frustrated citizens. Regularly required to work extended hours, flexible shifts, weekends, and holidays.

Examples of duties

Essential Functions These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.

Responsible for all operations of the Manatee County Public Safety Emergency Communications Center (ECC), a 24/7 9-1-1 operation center which received emergency and non-emergency calls and dispatches public safety resources to the community. Leads all elements of Division functions, including operations, training, technology, and administration.

Maintains all records regarding FCC licensing requirements, 911 Telecommunicator certifications, and Emergency Medical Dispatcher certifications to ensure compliance with State and Federal regulations.

Coordinates with 911 network/services providers in the product migration strategies for the County's computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system and 911 telephone switching systems, call logging systems, ancillary technology devices such as AVL, and data communications between remote first responder stations and the ECC.

Configures and manages a sophisticated 911 switching system, ensuring efficient operation.

Formulates, updates, plans, and implements Division goals and projects, ensuring efficient, timely completion.

Oversees the design and deployment of County policy with respect to Emergency Medical Dispatch protocols, including strategic planning, technology planning, and results measurement.

Develops, analyzes, and implements policies and procedures related to the division. Creates, distributes, and enforces Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the ECC and staff.

Maintains liaison with localities, law enforcement, Sheriff’s department, fire and emergency service providers, and other state and local agencies impacted by the emergency communications center.

Manages applicable contracts, which includes preparing RFPs, recommending, and participating in the selection of vendors, and monitoring contract compliance.

Manages emergency communications disaster plans and activities to include development and update of the ECC Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP). Coordinates with other public safety agencies and government offices in overall county emergency preparedness efforts.

Serves in the role of ESF2 (emergency support function), providing communications coordination and expertise during Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activations.

Provides direction to subordinate managers. Mentors and coaches those managers. Builds and sustains an operational culture that empowers, enables, encourages, and educates staff to succeed in a public safety emergency communications environment.

Ensures all shifts are appropriately staffed 24 hours per day, 7 days a week, and all authorized positions are filled as soon as possible.

Ensures coordinated training of new communications staff and continuing training of established staff. Ensures quality assurance processes are followed and integrity of the ECC system is maintained.

Develops annual budget based on division needs. Monitors revenue and expenses and ensures fiscal resources are allocated appropriately.

Performs budget preparation and monitoring, including budgetary impact considerations and revenue analysis. Creates capital budget projects. Orders equipment and oversees installation and acceptance, including related employee training and general successful deployment.

Investigates, responds to, and documents complaints, problems, and incidents, ensuring prompt and satisfactory resolutions are reached.

Represents the department and Manatee County at meetings, conferences, etc. Makes public presentations as required.

Responsible for regulatory compliance to ensure that all work is completed in accordance with applicable laws and government regulations.

Serves as an active member of the Public Safety Department Command Staff/Senior Leadership Team.

May act as Public Safety Deputy Director in the absence of the Deputy Director.

Maintains knowledge and understanding of current best practices, trends, laws, and issues affecting area of expertise. Attends educational events that will increase professional knowledge and be otherwise beneficial to the County.

In case of an emergency or crisis situation (hurricane, flood, etc.), the position must respond/perform recovery duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor. All employees will be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location, and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.

Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, public safety administration, emergency management, criminal justice, or a related field.

Five (5) years of experience working in a fast-paced, high call volume commercial or government public safety dispatching/call-taking facility, to include experience working in a labor union environment.

Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in a supervisory role in public safety administration and communication center operations.

Valid Florida Driver's License and a driving record acceptable to the insurance provider.

Must possess or obtain the required National Incident Management System (NIMS) certifications (Institute Incident Command Systems 100, 200, 300, 400, 700 and 800) within one year of employment.

Must possess and maintain the Florida Public Safety Telecommunicator Certification within six (6) months of employment.

Must possess and maintain Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification within six (6) months of employment.

Must possess and maintain Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD), Emergency Police Dispatch (EPD), and Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD) certifications within six (6) months of employment.

Must pass and maintain NCIC/FCIC criminal background check.

Must complete F.B.I CJIS Security Awareness Training within six (6) months of employment.

Position requires a psychological examination and a medical examination to determine fitness for duty.

Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications for this position.

Supplemental information

Association of Public Safety Communication Officials (APCO) Certified Public Safety Executive (CPE), APCO Registered Public Safety Leader (RPL), National Emergency Number Association (NENA) Center Manager Certification Program (CMCP), NENA Emergency Number Professional (ENP), or other equivalent certification in public safety communications leadership.

Master’s Degree preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

A logical, rational approach to problem solving, and an objective approach to situations and circumstances.

Ability to remain calm during stressful situations and maintain a professional attitude.

Excellent knowledge and operational understanding of Emergency Communications Systems (hardware and software) including computerized 9-1-1 phone system, voice logging recorder, MSAG 911, CAD (Computer Aided Dispatch) Systems, radio systems (hardware and software), GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and applications in CAD, Records Management Systems, and alarm monitoring systems.

Excellent knowledge and understanding of principles and practices applied in a medium-sized 911 system and emergency communications center.

Excellent knowledge and understanding of systems and technology necessary to provide effective 9-1-1 services.

In depth knowledge of federal, state, and local procedures, standards, and regulatory requirements regarding a PSAP (Public Safety Answering Point).

Excellent knowledge and understanding of regulatory compliance necessary to successfully perform job duties, including local, state, and federal statutes, rules, and regulations governing 9-1-1 public safety communications services.

Excellent knowledge and understanding of computer applications and software programs required to perform job duties, including specialized Emergency Communications systems.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills, including public presentation skills, to be able to interact professionally and effectively with staff, executive management, government agencies, civic groups, the general public, and other stakeholders. Able to influence others regarding policies, practices, and procedures.