Chief Public Safety Officer

This position provides assistance and coordination with the daily operations of Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Management Department, 911 and Fire Services.  Works closely with all designated departments carrying out administrative duties for the County to provide assistance with specialized tasks, providing guidance, leadership and mentoring necessary to successfully achieve the goals of each department; streamlining management systems, monitoring budgets, and improving business efficiency throughout; and deals courteously and professionally with coworkers and the public. 
 
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:  

• Provides leadership and direction to EMS, EMD, 911 and Fire in matters pertaining to the day-to-day operations of such departments.   
• Works with the Sheriff’s Office to assist in meeting the needs of the Sheriff’s Office when appropriate.  
• Helps support with activities directly related to providing services across all County departments.
• Provides special projects and strategic planning support to include conducting research and analysis and preparing recommendations and reports.
• Consult with elected officials, administration, directors, and vendors to exchange information, present new approaches, and to discuss changes to improve efficiency of County operations.
• Develop and direct the strategic and tactical goals, policies and procedures for various departments related to the operation of the County. 
• Aides in the preparation of budgets for approval, including those for funding and implementation of programs.
• Assess and anticipate projects and recommend appropriate actions and resources. 
• Identify administrative departmental needs and resolve problems.
• Provides the direction and strategy for initiatives for various departments in the County.
• Represents Berkeley County at local and state meetings and events.
• Responds and provides on operational and command support to emergencies, including fires, various types of accidents, hazardous materials incidents, and life-saving and rescue operations.
• Performs Firefighting duties including interior, exterior, vehicle, wildland firefighting as well as performing any other duties on the fire ground as assigned by the Incident Commander. 
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in a related field;
• Ten (10) years of related experience;
• Five (5) years supervisory experience;
• Or equivalent education, and/or experience.

Special Requirements: 

• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license for South Carolina with safe driving record.
• Must maintain all necessary recertification training based on the position and job description. 
• Must maintain any other professional certifications or credentials emergency management
• Departmental testing may be administered during interview;
• A criminal background check will be completed on selected applicant if a current one (less than 3 years old) is not on file.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Knowledge and experience with local government policies and procedures.
• Skill in using personal computers, including Word, Excel and HRIS software.  
• Skill in resolving and preventing problems by determining root causes through investigation and action to resolve current and prevent future issues.
• Skill in excellent oral and written communications.
• Skill in performing supervisory duties.
• Skill in organization, detail orientation and multi-tasking.
• Ability to produce procedures and reports.
• Ability to manage the budget.
• Ability to lead and supervise different teams and departments throughout the county.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and work in a fast-paced stressful environment. 
• Ability to multi-task, have good interpersonal skills, decision making and accountability; commitment to continuous improvement; personal and work ethics.  
• Ability to make budget recommendations and manage the budget.

This position requires the employee to sit, stand, kneel, balance, climb and crouch; use hands to handle objects and reach, feel and grasp with hands and arms; use mental acuity and repetitive motion; walk, talk and hear. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to one hundred eighty (180) pounds with one assistant. The employee must be able to walk or stand during an emergency/exercise and use considerable skill, adeptness and speed in the use of fingers, hands or limbs in tasks involving close tolerances or limits of accuracy. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. Must certify a fit test with full face respirator SCBA mask as well as complete full NFPA firefighter physical including an in-house physical agility test. The work is regularly performed in an environment with crisis situations that require the ability to make major decisions involving people, resources, and property. Thirty-seven and one half (37.5) hours per week. Normal operating hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. with the ability to work flexible hours when necessary. Must be able to work flexible hours including hours outside of normal business hours and during emergency situations when necessary. Scheduled hours/days, job location, duties and any other information contained herein is subject to change. Must be able to attend evening and weekend meetings as required. Must be able to respond to any emergencies that arise. Travel outside of the county may be required. Must be able to attend evening and weekend meetings/training as required. Duty Officer responses to emergency scenes is required outside of normal business hours. This position may involve special rescue situations or hazardous material situations where personal protective equipment must be used.