Nature Of Work
The employee in this class is directly responsible for the
day-to-day operation and supervision of the Communications Section as well as management of emergencies which occur. Under general direction,
the employee is responsible for planning, directing, supervising,
and reviewing the work of subordinate employees. Work
is
of considerable
difficulty, requiring the employee to
possess a comprehensive knowledge of
pertinent ordinances, laws, rules, regulations, and standard operating
procedures. An important
aspect of the section’s work involves
serving as liaison between public safety
personnel on the job and the general public. The employee
is required to exercise considerable initiative and independent judgment in providing advice and
assistance to lower level employees in emergency situations. Employees might be
required to work nights and weekends
if circumstances demand. The employee
performs personnel administration tasks such as reviewing all employee
evaluations, disciplinary actions,
responding to grievances, commendations,
and training programs. Because of the nature of work performed, it is extremely
important that employees react in a
timely and controlled fashion. Work is reviewed through
observation of services rendered and periodic assessment of
work performance.
Examples of Duties
- Provides immediate supervision of the three communications shift supervisors; provides leadership, guidance, and direction in day-to-day matters dealing with policies, procedures, rules and regulations, and the prevailing labor contract.
- Provides input in the preparation of the department budget, addressing the needs of the Communications Section; oversees the compilation the monthly and annual statistical data pertaining to the Communications Section.
- Facilitates the interview and selection process for new employees; reviews all employee evaluations, disciplinary action, commendations, formal suggestions, and policy recommendations submitted by lower level communications supervisors; evaluates and identifies training needs and ensures the effectiveness of training programs and methods for the training of new employees, ensures that mandatory re-certification training is scheduled and remedial training is provided as needed.
- Performs continuous evaluation and assessment of the Communications Center’s computer network; maintains familiarity with the operations of the Hillsborough County E-9-1-1 Emergency Network, as it relates to the operations of a Public Safety Answering Point; serves as department custodian of record for the communications audio (telephone and radio) tapes.
- Investigates and responds to citizen and departmental inquiries in regard to job performance and delivery of service of the Communication Section and its personnel; serves as liaison between the department and other city departments, contractual companies, and vendors providing services for communications equipment, computer equipment, and operations; administers and regulates the wrecker rotation system and resolves any conflicts that arise;
- Performs related work as required.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Extensive knowledge of: radio transmitting equipment operating methods; pertinent ordinances, laws, rules, regulations, and standard operating procedures; computer aided dispatch and enhanced 9-1-1 systems; effective supervisory and training techniques.
Considerable knowledge of: effective communications and records keeping techniques.
Working knowledge of: budget preparation and management.
Ability to: react quickly, calmly, and rationally in emergencies; speak clearly and communicate effectively; interpret ordinances, regulations, rules, and standard operating procedures in a clear, concise manner; plan, schedule, assign, supervise, train, and review the work of others; establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, officials, and the general public; deal courteously and firmly with the public and maintain good public relations; prepare administrative and technical reports and papers; operate video data terminal, teletype, and radio dispatching equipment, when required.
Skill in: the use and care of radio dispatching and related equipment, when required.
Minimum Qualifications
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree and five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in a communications center of comparable size for a high volume or highly critical dispatch or emergency services operation; or an associate’s degree and seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in a communications center of comparable size for a high volume or highly critical dispatch or emergency services operation; or ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in a communications center of comparable size for a high volume or highly critical dispatch or emergency services operation; including three (3) years in related supervisory or management experience.
Licenses or Certifications
State of Florida certification as a Public Safety Tele-communicator is preferred.
Possession of a valid Florida drivers license is required.
Examination
Evaluation of education and experience. Drug testing is included in all pre-employment processing.
Comments
Note: Strong computer skills and knowledge of computer technology are a must. Preference will be given to individuals with computer-aided dispatch and enhanced 9-1-1 systems experience.
During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.
Conclusion
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