Sheriff's Communications Dispatch Manager - Promotional

Position Information

This recruitment is promotional only. You must presently be a full or part‑time regular or probationary County of Sonoma, Community Development Commission, Sonoma County Fairgrounds, or Sonoma County Water Agency employee in order to apply for this position.

The Sheriff's Office has requested a county‑wide promotional certification to fill a Sheriff's Communications Dispatch Manager position. Qualified County employees who wish to be considered for future positions should consider applying to this recruitment. This employment list may also be used to fill future full‑time positions as they occur during the active status of the list. The Civil Service title for this position is Communications Dispatch Manager.

• Supervising, training, evaluating, and supporting dispatch personnel and supervisory staff
• Ensuring compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, policies, and operational standards
• Overseeing quality assurance, performance metrics, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Managing dispatch technology systems, including computer‑aided dispatch (CAD), 911 telephone, and radio communications
• Preparing and managing budgets, staffing plans, and administrative reports
• Coordinating with allied agencies and serving as a liaison during major incidents or critical events
• Providing strategic leadership, contributing to policy development, and making recommendations to executive staff

• Leadership experience in a 911 dispatch, emergency communications, or law‑enforcement setting
• Experience managing daily operations, staffing needs, and service demands
• Strong performance‑management skills, including evaluations, feedback, and corrective action
• Familiarity with labor agreements, personnel rules, and established policies
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports and recommendations
• The ability to foster accountability, teamwork, employee wellness, and continuous improvement

Note: Individuals are required to undergo and maintain a Sheriff's Office background clearance.

Experience: Any combination of paid work experience that demonstrates possession of the knowledge and abilities listed. Normally, five years of emergency dispatch experience in a public agency dispatching the full range of public safety personnel would provide this opportunity. Two years of this experience should be in a position comparable to Supervising Communications Dispatcher.

Education: Any combination of educational coursework and training that would provide the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed.

License: Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level, including special endorsements as required by the State of California, may be required depending upon assignment to perform the essential job functions of the position.

• Thorough knowledge of the operations of varied and complex public safety radio systems, 911 systems, telecommunications, and telephone equipment used by the Sheriff's Dispatch Bureau; functions of the Sheriff's Department and other public safety agencies; applicable rules, regulations, and procedures, including those of the Federal Communications Commission.
• Knowledge of streets, roads, major buildings, and geography of Sonoma County.
• Working knowledge of principles and practices relating to modern budget, programs, and systems management; county government operations; research methodology, report writing, and basic statistics.
• Ability to plan and organize research and statistical work; interpret and apply rules, regulations, ordinances, and legislation; communicate orally and in writing; establish effective working relationships with Sheriff's department personnel, other public safety agencies, community organizations, and the public.
• Accurately dispatch public safety equipment and personnel in a coordinated manner; speak clearly and concisely in English; react quickly, effectively, and calmly in an emergency situation and adopt an effective course of action.
• Perform data collection, interpretation, and evaluation pertaining to administrative, fiscal, and management matters; analyze administrative problems, budgets, and various programs, systems, and procedures.

Applications and supplemental questionnaire responses are evaluated throughout the selection process.

The County of Sonoma is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.