Executive Director- Public Safety

Discover a rewarding career with us!

Our full-time positions come with an array of excellent benefits including comprehensive healthcare coverage, a pension plan, flexible spending accounts and even a student loan forgiveness program.

At Lancaster County, we understand the importance of work-life balance. That's why we offer paid time off for sick, vacation and holidays, an employee assistance program, and family medical leave.

If you're passionate about making a difference, apply today to join us in serving the community!

JOB SUMMARY

The Executive Director directs the administrative management of the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and its four divisions: 9-1-1 Operations, Public Safety Technology, Public Safety Training Center and Emergency Management staff, all of which provide communications, training, planning, disaster coordination and administrative support to police, fire, emergency medical and emergency management departments and agencies. They ensure the department and each of the divisions are working in a cohesive manner toward a shared vision with the goal of achieving excellent outcomes for the safety of Lancaster County.

The Executive Director develops and periodically updates department goals, oversees development, management and coordination of individual division goals with division deputy/directors. Promotes department policies and projects with public safety agencies, elected officials and community leaders.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Interacts with elected and appointed officials at the local, county, state and federal level regarding homeland security, crisis management, emergency planning, grants budgeting, technology, etc.

• Promotes the proper use of the 911 system to County residents and visitors.

• Promotes stakeholder engagement through meetings, committees, policy recommendations, training, planning, etc. Provides information to the media utilizing press releases, social media, on air (radio and television) in preparation for incidents and during emergencies.

• Reviews and adjusts policies and procedures, researches and implements best practices, and advances technology within the division with clear direction.

• Responds personally to major incidents and ensures proportionate and prompt assistance and support to local jurisdictions in the resolution of those incidents.

• Represents (or delegates representation of) the County and Commissioners on numerous boards and committees, such as the Schools Safety Committee, Local Emergency Planning Committee, 911 Advisory Committee, police, fire and EMS association committees, etc.

• Serves as the primary representative of the Commissioners to the South-Central Task Force.

• Exercises authority for requesting emergency resources from PEMA/FEMA.

• Coordinates and supports emergencies involving more than one municipality or as requested by a municipality.

• Prepares for and manages the planning, response to and recovery from major emergencies and disaster(s). Coordinates development of preparedness plans for all hazard type emergencies, including severe weather, floods, nuclear plant, terrorism, civil unrest, utility disruption, violence, etc.

• Evaluates and adjusts the organizational structure of the department to achieve ultimate efficiency and effectiveness in mission achievement.

• Develops and supports specialized teams for crisis and consequence management.

• Prepares, through team members, training programs for police, fire, rescue, EMS and hazmat disciplines.

• Serves on the Public Safety Advisory Boards for various colleges and industries as requested.

• Prepares and delivers high level briefings to County Commissioners and other senior officials.

• Establishes professional relationships with other public safety, law enforcement, homeland security officials, hospital and school administrators, medical professionals, private sector executives to further the public safety mission.

• Oversees the preparation and administration of the department's budget by participating in the development of divisional budgets, reviewing purchases and bids, and on-going monitoring of department resources, facilities, projects, operational and administrative practices.

• Promotes staff development through coaching, counseling, delegation and by example.

OTHER SPECIFIC TASKS OR DUTIES

• Possess proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with staff, public safety agencies, governmental officials and the general public.

• Ensures 911 Coordinator and Emergency Management Coordinator are compliant with PEMA requirements.

• Possess proven ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical personnel in writing and orally

• Possess proven ability to work with, train, manage and motivate personnel, and to relate to, and work with other County departments, local government agencies, volunteer agencies and related State and Federal agencies.

• Must obtain and maintain career development program goals as required in the Pennsylvania Emergency Management (PEMA) Services Code by obtaining basic PEMA certification within one year of employment as Director and obtaining advanced PEMA certification within three years of employment as Director.

• Administers the division's budget by participating in the development of departmental budgets, reviewing purchases and bids, and on-going monitoring of department resources, facilities, operational and administrative practices.

• This position is designated an "essential employee" with the County of Lancaster which may require extended work hours of operations.

• Other duties as required

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree required in Emergency Preparedness/Management or related field, or five years administrative experience in a public organization.

• Eight (8) years of experience at a management level.

• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be substituted year for year   

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Required to work outside of normal business hours to attend meetings or in an emergency situation.

• Must be able to provide your own transportation to meetings, trainings, appointments and able to access those locations with reasonable accommodations

• This position requires a thorough knowledge of the methods, practices, and equipment used in a modern communications center.

• Proficiency in the operation of computer hardware, software and telephone equipment

REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS/CLEARANCES

• Must maintain certifications in CPR, IS-100, IS-200, ICS-200, ICS-300, ICS-400 & ICS-800.

• Emergency Number Professional within three years of employment as Director.

• Must possess a valid Pennsylvania Class "C" operator's license.

• Successful completion of background checks, to include: criminal review, drug test, credit check and drivers history.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• An employee in this class must be able to sit, stand, walk, reach and twist frequently and for extended periods.

• Ability to lift a minimum of 20 pounds

• During emergency situations, ability to work 12+ hour shifts (Operational Periods)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The County of Lancaster offers comprehensive benefits to our employees. Read more about our benefits here.

Lancaster County Government provides Equal Employment Opportunity for all persons regardless of race, religion, age, sex, national origin, genetic information or disability. The County also observes all applicable laws regarding Veterans status. The County reflects this action in all areas of employment and compensation practices and policies. Employment with the County is based upon the ability to perform the job as well as dependability and reliability once an individual is hired.