Emergency Communications Director

Salary: $104,399 – $117,500 annually

Position Summary:

The Emergency Communications Director serves as head of the Department of Emergency Communications and oversees the day-to-day operations of the 911 emergency communications center, including all aspects of emergency communications. The major areas of responsibility include: Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) and radio governance, personnel oversight, fiscal operations and planning, and communications systems operations. The Emergency Communication Director is also responsible for communicating with the Fire and Police agencies, associated committees, and the Board of County Commissioners.

Essential Functions:

• Acts as the chair of the technical advisory committee in developing policies and procedures to provide the best possible service while maintaining efficient PSAP operations and ensuring the safety of first responders.
• Oversees the management of PSAP operations, ensuring that supervision is in place and that adequate staffing is maintained at all times.
• Develops and implements department policies and procedures.
• Monitors compliance with established standards, policies, and procedures.
• Establishes short and long-term goals and objectives for the department and a strategic plan to accomplish those goals.
• Oversees and manages the implementation of department contracts, service agreements, and MOU’s with local and regional agencies, vendors, and suppliers.
• Monitors department performance and achievements.
• Prepares, reviews and/or develops reports regarding Department operations.
• Prepares and manages the annual operating budgets for the Department.
• Monitors and approves department expenditures.
• Pursues and administers grants and Capital funds for improvement projects.
• Plans for and manages technical projects including equipment and system replacement.
• Researches industry standards and best practices, by staying abreast of new and emerging technologies, and evaluates their appropriateness for the existing PSAP environment.
• Oversees all personnel related tasks including recruitment, hiring, retention, commendation, discipline, and termination.
• Creates a professional and effective work environment that can adapt positively to change.
• Oversees the development and implementation of training and evaluates its effectiveness fostering an environment of continuous improvement and education.
• Ensures and maintains PSAP accreditation in Fire, Police and EMS dispatch as required.
• Investigates citizen complaints, recommends policy and procedural changes if needed and, when necessary, mandates remedial training and/or discipline.
• Maintains a working relationship with other County departments, outside PSAP managers, community groups, and business partners.
• Participates in professional, industry-related conferences, seminars, and workgroups.
• Develops, implements and maintains the Division’s Emergency Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP).
• Ensures the continuous operation of CAD, RMS, and system operational activities for the Communications Center and the Public Safety User Agencies.
• Function as an Emergency Communications Officer as needed; answers multiple telephone lines and 911 communications; screens and monitors routine and emergency calls from the public and other safety agencies by radio and telephone; categorizes and prioritizes calls.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Communications or related field; Master’s preferred.
• Possess Emergency Numbers Professional certification or ability to obtain within 18 months of employment;
• Possess Idaho POST Basic/Intermediate certification or ability to obtain within 18 months of employment;
• Possesses APCO Public Safety Telecommunicator Certification or ability to obtain within 6 months of employment.
• APCO Public Safety Center Supervisor Certification or ability to obtain within 12 months of employment.
• 5-7 years of work experience in emergency services/communications supervisory/management capacity or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience managing a consolidated PSAP.
• Professional Accreditation such as the Center Manager Certification Program or Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Public Safety Communications Manager certification including certification in any dispatch protocols for Fire, Police or Emergency Management Services preferred.