Communications Services Administrator - Arlington

Under general supervision, plans, organizes, directs and monitors the activities of the City's Emergency Communications Center.

• Direct, instruct, schedule, review and evaluate the work activities of subordinate personnel.
• Coordinate the purchasing of telecommunication equipment which includes determining needs, developing requests for bids, and conducting bid process in conjunction with the Fire Department Purchasing Coordinator.
• Approving invoices for payment, and maintaining records of maintenance, vendor performance and equipment inventory.
• Direct the development of operating procedures and manuals related to radio services as well as monitor user departments to identify training needs.
• Prepare, coordinate, and administer budget for the Communications Division.
• Manage all hardware, software, equipment, and technology associated with 24-hour emergency services communications, and ensure that interruptions in service are minimized.
• Oversee interviewing, testing, and selecting new personnel for the Communications Division.
• Ensure compliance of Communications Division personnel with laws, department policy, and standards of conduct. Oversee discipline in the Division.
• Lead and oversee the creation and maintenance of a positive work environment by modeling active listening, motivating staff, and directing the development of communications personnel.

• Oversee the radio license coordination which includes reviewing and disseminating new FCC or city rules and regulations concerning radio usage.
• Coordinating local, regional, state and federal frequency assignments and requests for new frequency assignments.
• Coordinating license renewals and modification.
• Support the Vision, Mission, Values, and Strategic Plan of the City of Arlington, as well as the Arlington Fire Department.
• Meet and maintain qualifications for Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) access.

• Knowledge of purchasing practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of office and administrative practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of instructional methods and training techniques, including but not limited to:
  • Curriculum design principles
  • Learning theory
  • Group and individual teaching techniques.
• Knowledge of FCC regulations concerning radio usage.
• Knowledge of computer aided dispatch (CAD) systems.
• Knowledge of telecommunications equipment.
• Knowledge of current word processing, presentation, spreadsheet, and database programs used by the city; also, state and federal computerized teletype TCIC/CIC systems.
• Knowledge of applicable laws, policies, procedures, and guidelines related to public safety dispatch.
• Skill with organization and attention to detail.
• Skill in using PC Software including current Microsoft Office Suite of applications.
• Skill in directing, controlling, and planning operations involving the activities of others or processes with which others are involved.
• Skill in communicating with City Council, city management and other city employees and vendors by oral and written means.
• Skill in communicating professionally and tactfully with other city employees and the public by oral and written means.
• Skill in budget preparation and accounting.
• Ability to work within a set schedule.
• Ability to work independently under general instructions.
• Ability to understand mathematical calculations involving fractions, percentages, and decimals.
• Ability to recognize or identify the existence of problems and generate or conceive new or innovative ideas or solutions to those problems.
• Ability to prioritize deadlines and tasks.
• Ability to plan, organize, monitor, and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to accomplish unit objectives.
• Ability to plan, organize, monitor and evaluate subordinates' work assignments to accomplish unit objectives.
• Ability to perform a variety of physical skills including but not limited to filing, pulling, seeing, sorting, squatting, standing, stooping, twisting body, typing, walking, and writing.
• Ability to operate a variety of office equipment including but not limited to telephone, computer, and mapping systems.
• Ability to learn new systems and procedures quickly.
• Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment utilizing knowledge of the organization's policies.
• Ability to develop future projections for budget and long-range planning purposes.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or another related field.
• Four years of related experience working with telecommunications equipment, such as radio systems, computer-aided dispatch equipment, MDC, or similar technologies.
• At least three years of management experience demonstrating progressive responsibility and advancement.