Communications Chief

General Description

Manages the operations of the emergency communications center.

This is a "Mandatory Testing" position that requires Drug Testing.

Essential Job Functions

Essential functions are fundamental job duties. They do not include marginal tasks which are also performed but are incidental to the primary functions. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position, nor does every position allocated to the class necessarily perform every duty listed. Personal characteristics required of all employees such as honesty, industry, sobriety and the ability to get along with others, are presumed qualities and may not be listed specifically.

• Supervises and evaluates staff; provides input in hiring, termination and disciplinary action decisions.

• Schedules communications personnel to ensure adequate coverage of shifts and management staff; may fill in as a communications specialist during staffing shortages.

• Monitors and tests communications and recording equipment and reports problems to appropriate personnel.

• Monitors various trouble alarms and takes appropriate action as directed by operational policies and procedures.

• Creates and maintains programs to improve and enhance the operations of the emergency communications center.

• Establishes and maintains operating procedures and policies for daily operations; administers and proposes revisions to the county emergency services system medical and operational protocols and other enactments pertaining to emergency services.

• Develops and maintains quality assurance programs for all emergency service departments and agencies.

• Reviews call information for complaints or recognition.

• Investigate complaints about emergency services and coordinates responses with appropriate agencies.

• Serves as the liaison between the county and contracted emergency medical services provider; works with medical director.

• Reviews and makes recommendations for improvement to the system status management plans.

• Recommends and assists in the preparation of new equipment; coordinates installation.

• Purchases equipment, software and supplies for daily operations.

• Assists in budget preparation.

• Assists in training programs.

• Coordinates with neighboring counties as needed.

• Coordinates activities of the emergency communications center during emergencies.

• Prepares and maintains statistical data.

• Prepares and maintains payroll records.

• May be required to work in remote communications command post areas.

• Interacts with the public in an effective and courteous manner.

• Must demonstrate commitment to our mission, vision, values and goals and represent the County in a professional, dignified manner at all times both in actions and appearance.

• May have a role in the County's disaster preparation and/or disaster recovery efforts, as designated in the County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan; may be required to work before, during and/or after an emergency.

• Must be able to meet minimum attendance standards; required to be on-call and work shifts to include weekends and holidays.

• Performs related duties as required.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL, VISUAL AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS:

The physical requirements are that of sedentary work and include exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Walking and standing are required occasionally. Requires repetitive motion of the wrists, hands and/or fingers. Requires fingering to include picking, pinching, typing or otherwise working primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand as in handling. Required to operate a motor vehicle to travel to remote sites.

Requires close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures. Transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading; visual inspection involving small defects, small parts, and/or operation of machines (including inspection); using measurement devices; and/or assembly or fabrication parts at distances close to the eyes. Requires the ability to differentiate between colors or shades of color.

Requires the expression or exchange of ideas by means of the spoken word. Those activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to others accurately, loudly or quickly. Requires perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction. Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication and to make the discriminations in sound.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

The working environment involves everyday risks or discomforts that require normal safety precautions and is nearly absent of potentially disagreeable elements, such as irate customers, outdoor weather conditions, excessive noise, extreme temperatures, odors, dust, etc. The employee is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions (such as in typical office or administrative work). The worker may be exposed to emergency and stressful situations for long periods of time.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of the geographical layout of Santa Rosa County including major streets and roads, subdivisions, apartment complexes, schools, hospitals, nursing homes and shopping centers; tower site locations, communications equipment, buildings, critical facilities, shelters and major landmarks; operation of equipment used in communications and emergency operations; proper procedures of dispatching; FCC Rules and Regulations for public safety agencies; principles, practices, procedures and operations of local fire departments, emergency medical services, emergency management and search and rescue; Santa Rosa County and Florida EMS regulations.

Required to operate a personal computer calculator and word processing, spreadsheet and/or database programs; computer aided dispatch system; operate multi-line telephone and multi-channel radio equipment; creative writing, public speaking, business writing; proofreading and editing.

Required to efficiently organize and write clear, concise technical reports, plans, procedures or guidelines; read and comprehend maps; quickly and calmly in emergency situations; work long shifts over extended periods of time during the threat and recovery of an emergency situation; make quick and accurate decisions; wear a headset for extended periods of time; effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations; effectively represent the County and the department in answering questions, responding to inquiries, providing assistance, and dealing with concerns from the public, community organizations, other County staff and other agencies; express ideas effectively both orally and in writing; establish and maintain working relationship with businesses, government agencies, military organizations, civic groups, employees and public.7

Minimum & Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Emergency Management, Public Administration or closely related field; supplemented by a minimum of five (5) years of emergency services experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. A minimum of two (2) years of supervisory experience is required. Must be computer literate. Requires a minimum typing speed of 20 cwpm. May be required to pass additional background screening and/or fingerprinting for related functions at Public Safety Answering Points (PSAP's).

LICENSURE AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS:

Requires a valid driver license at the date of hire and maintain said license while employed in this position. Requires a current CPR certification, Florida First Responder, Emergency Medical Technician or Paramedic License. TTY/TDD certification, National Academy of Emergency Medical Dispatch certification, Florida 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator certification and department approved Communications Training Officer certification must be obtained within one (1) year. All certifications must be current.

Supplemental Information

Applicants must have at least the minimum educational documentation and/or certifications (requested within the job description) uploaded with their application to be eligible for consideration. Documentation may be uploaded at the time of application, scanned and emailed, faxed, or hand-delivered.

NOTE: The information given on your application will be evaluated against the minimum qualifications of the job description. After all applications are evaluated, your name will be placed on the employment list and sent to appropriate hiring authority for consideration.

The online application and complete job descriptions can be viewed at www.santarosa.fl.gov Complete job descriptions may also be obtained at the Human Resources office located at 6495 Caroline Street, Suite H Milton, FL 32570.

Candidates may be asked to demonstrate knowledge and skills related to the position during the interview process.

A Drug Free Workplace/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER /Veteran's Preference will be given in accordance with Florida Statutes.