Central Dispatch Director

APCO International; Hillsdale (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

APCO International is seeking a Director to lead Hillsdale County Central Dispatch, overseeing 9-1-1 service and agency coordination. The role requires strategic planning, budget management, and ensuring compliance with national and state regulations.

The Director will supervise staff, collaborate with the ETSB, and represent the dispatch center to agencies and the public, fostering professional development and high standards of service.

Qualifications

• Minimum two years in public administration, budgeting, and working with public boards at local, state, and federal levels.
• Thorough knowledge of communication and computerized equipment required to operate an emergency communications system.
• Knowledge of public safety communications system operations and administration.
• Knowledge of FCC rules, regulations and related statutes.
• Managerial and supervisory principles and personnel laws, rules, and regulations.
• Knowledge of FOIA, Open Meetings Act and related laws.
• Ability to make quick decisions and stay calm during crises.
• Computer skills: OS, networks, word processing, spreadsheets, databases.
• Strong written and verbal communication; excellent organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Implement the 9-1-1 service plan for Hillsdale County.
• Develop and operate Hillsdale County Central Dispatch / 9-1-1.
• Prepare and manage Central Dispatch budget under the ETSB.
• Coordinate dispatch services for law enforcement, fire, and EMS.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations; participate in professional groups.
• Approve work orders for equipment repair and maintenance.
• Promote coordination among served agencies and the public.

Skills

Public administration

Budget management

Crisis decision making

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Computer skills

FCC rules interpretation

CJIS compliance

Tools

CJIS compliance

Job description

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

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.
• Computer skills - knowledgeable in operating systems, networks, word processing, spreadsheets, databases, etc.
• 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.)