Chief of Emergency Communications & 911 Operations

Manatee County Government; Bradenton (FL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 119,000; Full time

Job summary

Manatee County Government seeks a senior executive to lead the Public Safety Emergency Communications Center (ECC), a 24/7 9-1-1 operation. You will oversee operations, training, technology, and administration, ensuring regulatory compliance and effective service delivery.

You’ll coordinate with 911 providers, manage SOPs and budgets, and guide staff through complex certification requirements. Expect extended hours during emergencies and strategic planning for county public safety communications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, public safety administration, emergency management, criminal justice, or a related field.
• Five (5) years of experience in a fast-paced, high call volume dispatching/call-taking facility, including labor union experience.
• Three (3) years of progressively responsible supervisory experience in public safety administration and communication center operations.
• Valid Florida Driver’s License and driving record acceptable to the insurer.
• Must possess and maintain NIMS certifications (ICS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, 800) within one year of employment.
• Must possess and maintain Florida Public Safety Telecommunicator Certification within six months.
• Must possess and maintain CPR, EMD, EPD, and EFD certifications within six months.
• Must pass NCIC/FCIC background check.
• Must complete FBI CJIS Security Awareness Training within six months.
• Position may require psychological and medical examinations.
• Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for all operations of the Manatee County Public Safety Emergency Communications Center (ECC), a 24/7 9-1-1 operation center.
• Leads all division functions including operations, training, technology, and administration.
• Maintains records for FCC licensing, 911 Telecommunicator, and Emergency Medical Dispatcher certifications.
• Coordinates with 911 providers on CAD and 911 switching, call logging, AVL, and data comms.
• Configures and manages a 911 switching system.
• Develops, updates, and implements division goals and projects.
• Oversees policy deployment for EMS dispatch protocols and SOPs for ECC staff.
• Maintains liaison with localities, law enforcement, fire and emergency providers.
• Manages contracts, RFPs, vendor selection, and contract compliance.
• Manages ECC disaster plans including COOP and coordination with agencies for emergency preparedness.
• Acts as ESF2 during EOC activations.
• Mentors and coaches managers; fosters an operational culture.
• Ensures 24/7 staffing and ongoing training; QA processes.
• Develops annual budget and monitors revenue and expenses.

Skills

Leadership

Public safety operations

Budgeting

Regulatory compliance

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, public safety administration, emergency management, criminal justice, or a related field

Master’s Degree preferred

Tools

CAD

911 systems

MSAG/PSAP systems

GIS

Job description

Manatee County Government seeks a senior executive to lead the Public Safety Emergency Communications Center (ECC), a 24/7 9-1-1 operation. You will oversee operations, training, technology, and administration, ensuring regulatory compliance and effective service delivery.

You’ll coordinate with 911 providers, manage SOPs and budgets, and guide staff through complex certification requirements. Expect extended hours during emergencies and strategic planning for county public safety communications.