DEFINITION

To supervise, plan, organize, and coordinate the operations of the City's Communications Center, and to provide responsible, professional and technical staff assistance and project management.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED

General direction is provided by the Public Safety Lieutenant assigned to the Information Services Bureau. Exercises technical and functional supervision over Communications staff. This is a single supervisory position.

Responsibilities include the management of employees, programs and services within the Communications Dispatch Center. The incumbent is in a position of trust and confidence that has been given the authority to supervise all aspects of the Communications Center.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Plan, organize, coordinate, and direct the operations and activities of the Communications Center; direct and participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies and procedures of the City's communications operations; meet with staff and identify and resolve problems; assign work activities and projects; monitor work flow; select, supervise, train, and evaluate staff, assure proper training of Communications personnel; approve staffing schedules for the Communications section; counsel employees regarding work performance and documents disciplinary actions; investigates complaints against assigned personnel and responds in a manner resulting in appropriate complaint resolution; attend and participate in professional group meetings; direct and participate in the development of, implementation, and maintenance of automated systems within the Communications Center including files that support systems in other areas; management of 9-1-1 Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP); interpret and implement Department policies and changes in Federal Communications Commission; evaluate equipment, maintenance procedures, operational statistics, and requirements and make recommendations for change as necessary; prepare and administer the Communications Section budget; perform limited troubleshooting of radio equipment malfunctions and coordinate maintenance activities performed by contractors; prepare specifications for communications equipment; coordinate Communications section operational procedures to respond to needs of the department and other users of City radio networks; participate in development, evaluation, and testing of Communications section emergency and disaster operating procedures in conjunction with other departments of the City and other agencies involved in disaster planning; may perform the full range of dispatch duties in situations where there is insufficient staff to cover the volume of calls, or in an emergency or disaster situation; perform related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience/Education/Training Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: five years of increasingly responsible experience in a communications environment which includes dispatching the full range of public safety personnel and equipment; and any combination of educational course work and training which would provide the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed. Equivalent to completion of two years of college with major course work in a field of related work.

Knowledge/Skill/Ability

Knowledge of modern principles and methods of supervision, management, organization, administration, and personnel management; operation of computerized public safety information systems, radio equipment, telephone systems, alarm systems, and other communications equipment utilized by the City of Rohnert Park; principles, laws, policies, methods, practices and regulations pertaining to the dispatch of emergency equipment; Police and Fire Department systems and practices; basic budgetary principles; knowledge of the geography of Rohnert Park. Ability to plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the activities of the Communications Center; delegate authority and responsibility and schedule work; communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing; address and mediate workplace conflict; establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, employees, and others utilizing the services of the Communications Center; identify, coordinate and resolve a wide variety of issues related to emergency dispatch operations; supervise, train and evaluate subordinate employees; analyze administrative and related problems, develop sound alternative and recommend effective courses of action; exercise independent judgment within established procedural guidelines; performing emergency dispatch duties on a relief basis.

Working Conditions

Position requires prolonged sitting, extended reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement, and fine coordination in the taking of case reports and data, using a computer keyboard. Additionally, the position requires near vision in viewing security monitors, using the computer, and reading written informational materials. Excellent hearing and clear speech is required for communicating over the phone and radio equipment.

License/Certificate

Possession of a basic dispatcher certificate issued by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST).

EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVE PAY

This position is currently eligible for Stipend Level II Bachelor of Science

degree only.