Full-Time Communications Commander

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Requirements

• Graduation from college with a 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.

Skills

• 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 word 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.

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.

Work Environment

Incumbent performs in a typical office setting with appropriate climate controls. Tasks require a variety of physical activities, generally involving muscular strain, such as walking, standing, stooping, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing, and seeing. Continuous sitting is 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.