Central Dispatch Director

County Of Hillsdale; Hillsdale (MI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Hillsdale seeks a Director to lead Hillsdale County Central Dispatch, overseeing 9-1-1 services for law enforcement, fire, and EMS. You will manage budgeting, coordination of dispatch operations, and compliance with applicable laws, while guiding staff and coordinating with the ETSB.

The role requires strong leadership, public administration experience, and deep knowledge of emergency communications and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• Public administration and budget management experience in local/state/federal government.
• Familiarity with emergency communications hardware and software.
• Knowledge of public safety communications operations and best practices.
• Understanding of FCC rules, regulations and related statutes.
• Strong supervisory and personnel law knowledge.
• Knowledge of FOIA and Open Meetings Act requirements.
• Ability to think quickly and stay calm in crises.
• Ability to communicate clearly in writing and speech.
• Excellent organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee implementation of 9-1-1 service plan for Hillsdale County.
• Develop and operate Hillsdale County Central Dispatch / 9-1-1.
• Prepare and manage Central Dispatch budget and report finances to ETSB.
• Coordinate dispatch services for law enforcement, fire and EMS in the county.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations; participate in professional groups.
• Approve work orders for equipment repair and maintenance.
• Lead problem resolution between agencies, public, and Central Dispatch.
• Develop long-range plans for dispatch equipment system improvements.
• Represent the department to communities and media to promote 9-1-1 usage.
• Pursue ongoing professional development in emergency communications.

Skills

Public administration

Budget management

Public boards experience

Emergency communications systems

FCC rules knowledge

Managerial/supervisory skills

FOIA/Open Meetings knowledge

Decision making under pressure

Clear communication (oral & written)

Job description

Salary Range: $72,134.40 To $72,134.40 Annually

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

Under the general supervision of the ETSB, the Director is responsible for the implementation, management and operation of the Hillsdale County Central Dispatch communications center which provides dispatch services for all law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical agencies in Hillsdale County.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.

Responsible for the implementation of the 9-1-1 service plan for the County of Hillsdale.

Responsible for the development and operation of Hillsdale County Central Dispatch / 9-1-1.

Prepares and manages Central Dispatch budget under the direction of the ETSB, maintaining an accurate accounting of all financial operations and reporting same to the members of the ETSB.

Coordinates dispatch services for law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical departments to all locations in Hillsdale County.

Ensures Hillsdale County Central Dispatch complies with changing legislation and regulations at both Federal and State levels regarding employment, training, compliance, communications and other issues by participating in professional groups and organizations where these topics are discussed and training is offered.

Determines the need for, and approves work orders for, equipment repair and maintenance.

Works to facilitate problem resolution between served agencies, the public and Central Dispatch.

Working with the ETSB, recommends and develops long range plans for communication and dispatch equipment system improvement and replacement.

Represents Hillsdale County Central Dispatch to private citizens, civic groups, emergency service agencies, governmental bodies, private businesses and news media through programs, press releases, interviews, etc. as requested or necessary to promote the knowledge of and proper use of 9-1-1 service in the community.

Pursues ongoing professional development to ensure current trends in communication, dispatch and emergency service practice are incorporated, when appropriate, by Central Dispatch.

Assists in the negotiation of labor contracts, has the authority to resolve grievances at the Director’s level and has the authority to terminate employment of employees as provided in negotiated labor agreements.

Confers with the ETSB on employee and labor relations issues.

Research funding opportunities through grants and other sources; submits documentation and application for these and assist local agencies, when possible, with same.

Communicate regularly with staff members via letters, memos, and e-mails and with staff meetings as necessary to coordinate services and to promote camaraderie and coordination amongst the staff.

Skillful in thinking and acting quickly and decisively in stressful situations.

Conducts themselves in a professional manner at all times and reflects standards of professionalism in appearance with neatness and cleanliness.

Maintains harmonious relationships with employees, other agencies, and the general public, even under stressful situations.

Able to discern what is considered confidential information and thereby maintain that confidentiality.

Responsible for training and equipping the Deputy Director, and shift supervisors to be able to address problems in the Director’s absence.

Must meet standards and maintain training for FBI Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) rules for State of Michigan LEIN access, Emergency Medical Dispatch, and State Telecommunicator designations.

Carries out such other responsibilities as may be delegated by the ETSB.

QUALIFICATIONS.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Minimum two (2) years’ experience in public administration, development and management of budgets, and working with public boards and governmental agencies at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Thorough knowledge of communication and computerized equipment required to operate an emergency communications system.
• Knowledge of principles, practices, technology and trends in public safety communications system operations and administration.
• Knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply FCC rules, regulations and related statutes.
• Substantial knowledge of managerial and supervisory principles and techniques and personnel laws, rules, and regulations.
• Substantial knowledge of the Freedom of Information Act, the Open Meetings Act and other similar laws, rules, and regulations.
• Must be able to make quick decisions and stay calm and collected during crises.
• Ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing.
• Excellent organizational skills.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must pass an employment physical, and drug screen performed by a doctor designated by the County.

Due to the nature of this agency, the office may become stressful and hectic at times. The Director must be able to work effectively and respond professionally even in those situations.

The Director may periodically travel long distances to attend meetings, training and other events.

This position may periodically require working nights and weekends sometimes after being in the office all day or all week.

Accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in case of emergency situations is expected. (County issued mobile phone.)