Full-Time Communications Commander

GENERAL PURPOSE

Performs a variety of managerial, supervisory, and technical duties related to coordinating, implementing and monitoring the day‑to‑day city communication and emergency dispatch functions and programs.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Monitors and coordinates the daily operation of the communications division; determines and assigns work schedules and coordinates radio dispatch personnel; implements standard operating procedures; evaluates work in progress to assure timely and effective completion; assures operations, records and communications conform with established federal, state and local regulations.

Assists in the selection process and makes recommendations on hiring and firing; reviews subordinate performance; determines efficiency and effectiveness of the worker and makes recommendations affecting personnel status, such as retention, promotion, discipline and discharge.

Attends various administrative, task force or advisory board meetings; participates in problem solving activities and negotiations; represents the communications division concerning issues related to communication operations and service agreements; apprises management of issues requiring immediate resolution.

Prepares the annual division budget; monitors fiscal activity and various programs to minimize operating expenses; maintains record of expenditures; orders supplies and equipment.

Maintains contact with agencies and jurisdictions receiving 911 emergency dispatch services; resolves problems by implementing changes in equipment, policy and procedures to better serve clientele.

Monitors all logs, documents, records and information processed by the division to assure correctness and accuracy; initiates change as needed

Performs dispatch duties as needed; receives and coordinates law enforcement, fire and other emergency assistance requests for participating agencies; relays instructions to radio units concerned.

Maintains communications equipment and ensures equipment is in proper working condition; enters records into computer; retrieves information as necessary to assist in investigations; trains personnel in the proper use of computer.

Maintains necessary logs, records and reports including incoming and outgoing calls.

Performs other related duties as required.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Education and Experience:

Graduation from college with degree in general education, communications or related field;

AND

Ten (10) years of experience in public safety/911 radio and telecommunications and record keeping. Two years of qualifying experience must have been in a mid- to upper-level supervisory or managerial position.

OR

An equivalent combination of education and experience.

 

2. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Working knowledge of basic management practices and procedures; principles of supervision; communication equipment; legal and liability issues common to emergency dispatch; city geography; radio dispatch procedures and radio codes; BCI systems and codes and related city system; proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation; standard office practices and procedures related to records filing and office maintenance; interpersonal communication skills; telephone etiquette; operation of a variety of types of standard office and work processing equipment and machines.

Skill in word processing and computer data entry; skill in the use of law enforcement and fire radios.

Ability to understand and operate a variety of radio communication equipment; think clearly and act quickly in emergency situations; deliver understandable and complex verbal instructions; perform work requiring good hearing, good diction and a clear voice; establish and maintain effective working relationships with law enforcement officers, fire fighters, and other agencies and the public; supervise and assign work to subordinates performing similar duties.

 

3. Special Qualifications:

Ability to obtain and maintain employer-provided certifications within 6 months of hire date, including:

Utah Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Dispatcher

Emergency Medical Dispatcher

Utah Criminal Justice Information System User

CPR

Must be 18 years of age or older.

Must be a U.S. Citizen or a lawful resident of the United States for at least five years and have legal authorization to work in the United States.

Must be able to type 40 wpm.

Must be able to successfully pass a comprehensive background check.

 

4. Work Environment:

Incumbent of the position performs in a typical office setting with appropriate climate controls. Tasks require variety of physical activities, generally involving muscular strain, such as walking, standing, stooping, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing and seeing. Continuous sitting a requirement of the job. Common eye, hand, finger, leg and foot dexterity exist. Mental application utilizes memory for details, verbal instructions, emotional stability and discriminating thinking, creative problem solving.