County of Alameda

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

The Fire Department Emergency Communications Assistant Director is a single-position classification within the Alameda County Fire Department (ACFD) reporting directly to the Fire Department Emergency Communications Director. The employee in this position will serve as the second-in-command within ACFD’s dispatch operations center. Responsibilities will include providing overall day-to-day supervision and management of subordinate dispatch supervisors, as well as assisting the Fire Department Emergency Communications Director with division projects and duties.

1. Provide leadership and direction for day-to-day dispatch operations across all shifts. 
2. Authorize shift coverage, approve schedules, and ensure operational readiness.
3. Exercise independent judgment in managing live incidents and high-risk operational scenarios.
4. Serve as incident support lead during major or complex dispatch events.
5. Ensure compliance with established emergency communications procedures and regulatory standards.
6. Has authority to act as a delegate of the Fire Department Director, Emergency Communications. 
7. Assist in the development of new and revised policies and procedures.
8. Lead, coordinate, and evaluate all onboarding and ongoing training programs.
9. Authorize shift coverage, approve schedules, and ensure operational readiness.
10. Oversee quality assurance programs and policy compliance measures. 
11. Direct employee performance evaluations and coordinate coaching, counseling, and disciplinary actions. 
12. Support succession planning and staff development strategies. 
13. Act as a principal liaison to regional emergency response agencies, technical partners, and internal ACFD leadership. 
14. Communicate key updates, initiatives, and operational changes to executive leadership and dispatch teams. 
15. Represent ACRECC in interagency meetings, operational briefings, and policy discussions as assigned.

Possession of an associate degree in Public Safety, Emergency Management, or a closely related field.  

AND 

The equivalent of five (5) years of experience in ACRECC or another similar multi-jurisdictional environment, within the last seven (7) years, including at least three (3) years of supervisory experience.

Licenses & Certifications:

• Ability to obtain and maintain DOE (Q) security clearance. 
• Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD)
• Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD)• ICS/NIMS (100-200, 700/800)Preferred Certifications
• APCO Registered Public-Safety Leader (RPL)
•  NENA Emergency Number Professional (ENP) 

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the Minimum Qualifications at the announcement of an examination. 

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to the duties listed under the "Example of Duties" section of this specification.

• Public safety communication systems, including Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) and radio dispatch platforms. 
• Emergency communications policies, procedures, and compliance frameworks. 
• Multi-agency coordination, mutual aid procedures, and emergency response standards. 
• Employee development, supervision practices, and labor regulations applicable to dispatch operations.