Chief - Emergency Communications Division

Manatee County Public Safety Emergency Communications Center Director

Responsible for all operations of the Manatee County Public Safety Emergency Communications Center (ECC), a 24/7 9-1-1 operation center which received emergency and non-emergency calls and dispatches public safety resources to the community. Leads all elements of Division functions, including operations, training, technology, and administration.

Maintains all records regarding FCC licensing requirements, 911 Telecommunicator certifications, and Emergency Medical Dispatcher certifications to ensure compliance with State and Federal regulations.

Coordinates with 911 network/services providers in the product migration strategies for the County's computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system and 911 telephone switching systems, call logging systems, ancillary technology devices such as AVL, and data communications between remote first responder stations and the ECC.

Configures and manages a sophisticated 911 switching system, ensuring efficient operation.

Formulates, updates, plans, and implements Division goals and projects, ensuring efficient, timely completion.

Oversees the design and deployment of County policy with respect to Emergency Medical Dispatch protocols, including strategic planning, technology planning, and results measurement.

Develops, analyzes, and implements policies and procedures related to the division. Creates, distributes, and enforces Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the ECC and staff.

Maintains liaison with localities, law enforcement, Sheriff's department, fire and emergency service providers, and other state and local agencies impacted by the emergency communications center.

Manages applicable contracts, which includes preparing RFPs, recommending, and participating in the selection of vendors, and monitoring contract compliance.

Manages emergency communications disaster plans and activities to include development and update of the ECC Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP). Coordinates with other public safety agencies and government offices in overall county emergency preparedness efforts.

Serves in the role of ESF2 (emergency support function), providing communications coordination and expertise during Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activations.

Provides direction to subordinate managers. Mentors and coaches those managers. Builds and sustains an operational culture that empowers, enables, encourages, and educates staff to succeed in a public safety emergency communications environment.

Ensures all shifts are appropriately staffed 24 hours per day, 7 days a week, and all authorized positions are filled as soon as possible.

Ensures coordinated training of new communications staff and continuing training of established staff. Ensures quality assurance processes are followed and integrity of the ECC system is maintained.

Develops annual budget based on division needs. Monitors revenue and expenses and ensures fiscal resources are allocated appropriately.

Performs budget preparation and monitoring, including budgetary impact considerations and revenue analysis. Creates capital budget projects. Orders equipment and oversees installation and acceptance, including related employee training and general successful deployment.

Investigates, responds to, and documents complaints, problems, and incidents, ensuring prompt and satisfactory resolutions are reached.

Represents the department and Manatee County at meetings, conferences, etc. Makes public presentations as required.

Responsible for regulatory compliance to ensure that all work is completed in accordance with applicable laws and government regulations.

Serves as an active member of the Public Safety Department Command Staff/Senior Leadership Team.

May act as Public Safety Deputy Director in the absence of the Deputy Director.

Maintains knowledge and understanding of current best practices, trends, laws, and issues affecting area of expertise. Attends educational events that will increase professional knowledge and be otherwise beneficial to the County.

In case of an emergency or crisis situation (hurricane, flood, etc.), the position must respond/perform recovery duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor. All employees will be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location, and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration, public safety administration, emergency management, criminal justice, or a related field.

Five (5) years of experience working in a fast-paced, high call volume commercial or government public safety dispatching/call-taking facility, to include experience working in a labor union environment.

Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in a…