Assistant Administrator for Emergency Communications
Frederick County Government, Maryland
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
Frederick County Government in Maryland seeks a professional to assist the Administrator for a DEC section, supervising Emergency Communications Specialists and Managers. The role oversees day-to-day operations, policy communication, and coordination with partner agencies, ensuring performance and compliance.
This exempt, full-time position offers a comprehensive benefits package, retirement options, training opportunities, and potential for internal advancement within the Department of
Qualifications
- Associate’s degree in Public Administration, Public Safety, or a related field.
- Minimum 7 years emergency communications center work experience with 3 years supervisory experience.
- Possession of a valid driver’s license.
Responsibilities
- Monitor and evaluate day-to-day operations; recommend workflow improvements.
- Plan, coordinate, and execute functions of the Emergency Communications Center.
- Oversee scheduling and coverage to ensure adequate staff.
- Review payroll activities and timesheets with administration.
- Coordinate with partner agencies and internal stakeholders on policies and training.
- Develop and update protocols and trainings; assist Administrators with QA and compliance.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
JOB INFORMATION
Exempt; full-time; 40 hours per week; varied days and weeks; full benefits; subject to specialty reassignment
This professional and supervisory position within the Department of Emergency Communications (DEC) assists the Administrator assigned to a particular section of the Department with the overall management of day-to-day operations of that section. This position will report to an Administrator assigned to one of the Department sections consisting of operations, training, technology, or quality assurance. Supervision is given to Emergency Communications Specialists and Managers. Direct supervision is received from the Administrator, with oversight provided by Assistant Director or Director of Emergency Communications.
NOTE: The upper pay range reflects possible wage rates for internal County transfers and promotions, which are calculated per County policy. For external hires, offers are made at the base wage rate, with limited exception.
Frederick County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how highly we value our employees. The following is what you can expect in your first year as a full-time benefited Frederick County Government employee.
- 11 days of Vacation leave with increase after 2 years of employment
- 15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover
- 11 paid holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays (10 and 11 month employees may not receive all holidays)
- Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan options to include generous County Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan). This is part of a full range of benefits including Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending
- Employee Health Center with no or low-cost primary and urgent care
- 100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) benefit
- County and Employee funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan
- Vesting after 5 years of service
- Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc.
- Work/Life balance programs include: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness Program
- Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program
- Other employee-paid benefits such as Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Lifetime Benefit with Long Term Care plan
NOTE: Benefited employees will accrue service and leave based on the FTE and/or hours worked per calendar year.
For more information, visit our benefits page on the Frederick County Government job opportunities webpage.
- Monitor and evaluate day-to-day operations; provide recommendations to Administration for improvements in departmental workflow, policies, and procedures; assist in the communication and maintenance of policies, procedures, and information for the 911 Center internally and to local agencies
- Plan, coordinate, and execute functions of the Emergency Communications Center
- Coordinate support operations to agency partners i.e. Board of Education, Red Cross, Parks and Recreation, Fleet Services, Maintenance, Highway Operations, Municipalities etc.
- Oversee the scheduling, preparation, and coordination of shifts to ensure adequate coverage
- Review previously approved payroll activities or timesheets with administration
- Collect and relay statistical information as required; prepare departmental reports
- Coordinate and conduct random and special case reviews to measure protocol compliance; complete protocol case review and provide feedback to Administration
- Assist with collecting records pertaining to Freedom of Information Act requests and Department compliance
- Review cases and records within the Quality Assurance Program for compliance to established standards; assist with development of quality assurance bulletins and report
- Develop and update protocols and trainings; consult with Administrators on suggested updates
- Identify trends in performance, alert management to the need for remedial training or operational changes
- Serve on the Dispatch Review Committee
- Work with the technology group on data collection, entry and management within CAD, VESTA, and other associated emergency communications center systems
- Coordinate with Administrators and assist in the development of and administration of intra-departmental training programs; provide required instruction
- Assist with continuing education and re-certification by creating, tracking and entry, utilizing Virtual Academy and the IAED site
- Represent the Department as necessary at public hearings and meetings with various internal and external groups, councils, municipalities, associations, and boards
- Participate in the recruitment and selection processes for new Emergency Communications Specialists; coordinate and development new recruit academy materials
- Drive County vehicle to offsite meetings and trainings
- Plan and schedule trainings and special events, as needed
- Perform other departmental related duties as assigned
To perform this job successfully, an employee must be able to perform all essential functions satisfactorily. Any employee's position may not be assigned all functions or equipment listed above, and the examples may not cover all functions or equipment that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform their essential functions.
The qualifications/requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical requirements or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job
- Associate’s degree in Public Administration, Public Safety, or a related field
- Minimum of 7 years emergency communications center work experience performing duties in 911 call taking, and all dispatch disciplines to include, police dispatch, fire dispatch, and emergency medical dispatch which must include 3 years of Emergency Communications Center supervisory work experience
- Possession of a valid driver's license
Substitutions for the above-listed required education and experience are High School Diploma (or equivalent) with 9 years work experience as described above which must include 3 years of Emergency Communications Center supervisory work experience.
A successful incumbent operating in this role displays the following:
- Advanced knowledge of Local, State and National laws and standards as they apply to the field of Emergency Communications and 911 Emergency Communications Centers
- Advanced knowledge of emergency communications center operation and general industry standards related to working operational policies, procedures, and protocols
- Advanced knowledge of Fire-Rescue, Medical, Police and other partnering agency disciplines
- Advanced knowledge of current aspects of computer hardware and software as they apply to emergency communications
- Knowledge of Frederick County geography and surrounding areas
- Knowledge of communications equipment including 800 MHZ "trunked" radio systems and digital communications
- Strong and effective spoken and written (English) communication skills, including the ability to speak clearly and distinctly, and to accurately summarize and describe information with correct, precise terminology
- Ability to perform all duties associated to the Emergency Communications Managers position
- Ability to obtain the following certifications within 180 days of employment: IAED EMD, EFD, and EPD certification or comparable Call Taking certifications for Medical, Fire, and Police Dispatch (expired certifications may be considered); CN2 NCIC access level certification, Maryland Institute of Emergency Medical Services (MIEMSS) certification in Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD); Communications Training Officer (CTO) certification, and IAED certification in EMD-Q, EFD-Q; and EPD-Q or comparable quality assurance certification for Police, Medical and Fire (expired certifications may be considered)
- Ability to perform quickly and effectively in emergency situations
- Ability to effectively supervise and direct the work of others
- Ability to maintain County Authorized Driver privileges
- Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, managers, general public and a diverse group of user agencies
- Additional education in any field of study
- While working in this position, the employee is required to constantly sit and perform repetitive motions
- While working in this position, the employee is required to constantly work indoors and occasionally work in a noisy environment
- Employees in this classification are designated as Essential. An Essential Employee means the employee is considered necessary for the operation of County services. Essential Employees are required to report to work in the event of a weather incident, general emergency, or disasters when County offices are closed. They may be required to work overtime with little or no advance notice and may be required to report to work in emergency situations and/or after hours.
- Failure to meet or maintain the minimum qualifications or additional requirements may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.
- Ability to work all shifts as assigned, including weekdays, weekends, nights and holidays
- This position is subject to random drug testing
- The probationary period for this position is 12 months (internal employees will undergo a 3-month probationary period)
- Current FCG employees who will meet or exceed the experience requirements by the close of the application period, will be considered for evaluation and testing.
- An evaluation of training and experience
- A written examination
- Skills testing
- One or more interviews
- A pre-employment psychological examination
- A pre-employment drug test
Frederick County Government is committed to providing an inclusive work environment and complies with all applicable laws and regulations regarding workplace accommodation, including for individuals with disabilities. Applicants who require reasonable accommodation during the application and hiring process may contact the Talent Acquisition section of Human Resources. Inquiries about accommodations can be sent to Recruitment@FrederickCountyMD.gov
A defined benefit retirement plan is provided for all regular County employees. Employees are automatically enrolled in either the Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting) or the Non-Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting, effective 07/01/2024) depending upon position classification. The majority of support for the plan is provided by the County; however, employees are required to make a mandatory pre-tax contribution towards their benefit. Retirement benefits are payable at normal, early or delayed retirement. Retirement benefits are also payable upon termination and in the event of death or disability.
County employees have a choice of two medical insurance plans, an In-Network (HMO) Plan or a High Deductible medical plan with a Health Care Savings Account, to provide coverage for medical and surgical expenses, hospital and emergency care expenses, mental health expenses and prescription drugs. The County and participants share in the cost of the health insurance with the employee having the benefit of pre tax contribution deductions. Medical insurance goes into effect on the first day of active employment.
Employees may select coverage from one of three dental plan options, ranging from a PPO plan to a dental HMO plan. Coverage includes preventive care, fillings, crowns, bridges and dentures, and the cost of dental insurance is shared by both the County and the employee. Dental insurance goes into effect on the first day of the month that follows the eligible employee's completion of 30 days of active employment
NOTE: Employees working 75% or greater of a 35 or 40 hour position are eligible for health & dental insurance.
The Flex Spending plan allows employees to pay health and day care expenses with pre-tax dollars. Employees may set aside part of their salary in a special account that can be used throughout the year to reimburse themselves for out-of-pocket medical expenses. The maximum contribution is $3,400 per year for Health Care Spending and $7,500 for Dependent Care Spending (work-related day care expenses). Examples of expenses that can be reimbursed for Health Care Spending include, but are not limited to: deductibles, co-payments, dental fees, chiropractors' services, and eyeglasses / contact lenses.
Employees are insured for 2 times their annual salary in case of death plus 2 times their annual salary for accidental death. Employees do not contribute to the premiums for this coverage. A Supplemental Life Insurance is also offered to regular County employees. The plan allows employees to purchase individually owned term life insurance for themselves, their spouse, and their dependents.
The County offers a Section 457 Plan. Deferred compensation plans allow participants to save for retirement in either a pre tax or post tax (Roth) investment account. Contributions are invested at the employee's direction into one or more of the variety of investment options offered by the plan. Changes may be made to the contribution levels, investment options, etc. at any time. Contribution maximums are set each year by the IRS.
County employees who have successfully passed their probationary period may apply for education reimbursement for courses that can improve or develop an employee's capabilities related to their current job or for a promotional opportunity within Frederick County Government. The benefit also covers the costs of job-related non-credit courses. If the employee receives a grade of at least a C, or successfully passes a non-credit course, the County reimburses the employee 75% of the costs of tuition, fees and books. If an employee doesn't remain employed with Frederick County Government for two years after a class is taken, the benefit needs to be reimbursed to FCG.
This confidential assessment, referral and counseling service is available at no cost to all employees who may need help with a personal or job-related issue or concern.
Leave
Annual Leave – Employees are eligible to use Annual Leave after their 6 month probationary period. Annual Leave accrues as follows: Years of service days per year
0 – 2 years 11 days
2 – 10 years 17 days
10 + years 24 days
Sick Leave - Employees will earn sick leave at a rate of 15 days per calendar year.
Sick Leave may also be used for illness of an employee's child, dependent, spouse, parent or parent-in-law. There is no limit on the amount of sick leave accumulated. Unused Sick Leave may be used for additional credit in the pension plan at the time of retirement.
NOTE: Regular benefited part-time employees earn annual and sick leave on a pro-rated basis based on their actual number of hours worked biweekly up to their assigned number of regularly scheduled work hours.
Other available types of leave include, but are not limited to, Family Medical Leave, Bereavement, Jury, and Military.
The County observes 10 holidays every year and 11 are observed on years of General Elections.
For additional information on Frederick County Government's benefits package, please visit the Division of Human Resources website at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov.
All hires before January 1, 2012, will follow the benefit and leave rules as described in the Personnel Rules amended October 3, 2013.
01
Your application, which includes any associated supplemental questions, must be complete at the time of submission and must clearly articulate the required work experience relevant to the position for which you are applying. The experience you indicate in your responses to the supplemental questions must also be described, in detail, on the Work History section of this application. Your application may be considered incomplete if vague descriptions of experience are included or if you cite experience in your supplemental question response that is not included on the Work History section of this application. When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience based on the information submitted, or if you state "see resume" as your response, you will not be considered further.
- I have read and acknowledge the above instructions.
02
Which best describes your level of education?
- Less than High School Diploma or the equivalent
- High School Diploma or the equivalent
- Associate's degree received
- Bachelor's degree received
- Advanced degree received
03
If you have earned a college degree, was it in Public Administration, Public Safety, or a related field?
- Yes
- No
04
Do you have possession of a valid driver's license?
- Yes
- No
05
How many years of emergency communications center work experience performing duties in 911 call taking, and all dispatch disciplines to include, police dispatch, fire dispatch, and emergency medical dispatch do you have?
- Less than 7 years of work experience
- 7 years of work experience
- 8 years of work experience
- 9 or more years of work experience
06
Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed. NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be considered further.
07
What call taking and dispatching discipline(s) is your work experience in? Please select all that apply.
- Police Dispatch
- Fire Dispatch
- Emergency Medical Dispatch
- I do not have this experience
08
Does your emergency communications center work experience performing duties in 911 call taking, and all dispatch disciplines to include, police dispatch, fire dispatch, and emergency medical dispatch include at least 3 years of Emergency Communications Center supervisory work experience?
- Yes
- No
09
Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed. NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be considered further.
10
The timeline below provides a tentative schedule for the Emergency Communications Assistant Administrator selection process. By selecting "Yes", you understand the time commitment required by each qualified candidate. - Skills testing orientation: Week of November 2nd - Administration of skills tests: Week of November 9th
- Yes
- No
- Required Question
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