Communications Commander

General Overview

This role involves a broad range of supervisory, managerial, and technical duties aimed at overseeing and facilitating the everyday city communication and emergency dispatch services and programs.

Key Duties

• Oversee daily operations of the communications division, including scheduling and managing radio dispatch personnel.
• Develop and apply standard operating procedures ensuring timely and efficient workflow.
• Ensure all operations, documents, and communications comply with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Participate in recruitment, performance evaluations, and make recommendations regarding staff retention, promotion, discipline, or termination.
• Engage in administrative, task force, and advisory meetings; contribute to problem solving and represent the division on communication-related matters and service contracts.
• Coordinate annual budget creation, monitor financial activity to limit expenses, maintain expenditure records, and procure required supplies and equipment.
• Maintain relationships with agencies receiving 911 dispatch services, resolving issues by adjusting equipment, policies, or procedures to enhance service delivery.
• Verify accuracy of logs, records, and processed data, implementing necessary changes.
• Perform dispatch responsibilities, including handling emergency calls and coordinating assistance instructions.
• Maintain and ensure proper operation of communication equipment; manage computer record entry and retrieval to support investigations; provide training for staff on computer use.
• Document calls and communications diligently and perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in general education, communications, or a related area.
• Minimum ten years experience in public safety, emergency 911 communications, and recordkeeping, with at least two years in mid to upper-level supervisory or managerial roles.
• Alternatively, an equivalent mix of education and professional experience is acceptable.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong familiarity with management principles, supervisory practices, communication devices, and legal issues related to emergency dispatch.
• Thorough understanding of city geography, radio dispatch protocols, radio codes, BCI systems, and related municipal systems.
• Proficiency in correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, and standard office procedures pertaining to records and maintenance.
• Excellent interpersonal communication and telephone etiquette skills.
• Ability to use various office and word processing equipment and adeptness in word processing and data input.
• Skilled in operating law enforcement and fire radio equipment effectively.
• Capacity to manage multiple radio communication devices, think clearly under pressure, issue comprehensive verbal directions, and maintain clear voice and diction.
• Aptitude to build and sustain productive relationships with law enforcement, firefighters, public agencies, and the public.
• Competency to supervise and allocate tasks to subordinate personnel performing similar roles.

Special Certifications and Conditions

• Must acquire and uphold specific certifications within six months of employment, including: Utah Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Dispatcher, Emergency Medical Dispatcher, Utah Criminal Justice Information System User, and CPR certification.
• Minimum age requirement: 18 years.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or lawful resident with at least five years residency and authorized to work in the U.S.
• Typing speed requirement: 40 words per minute.
• Must successfully pass an in-depth background check.

Work Environment

The position operates in a standard office environment with climate control. It involves various physical activities such as walking, standing, stooping, sitting, reaching, speaking, hearing, and seeing. Continuous sitting is prevalent. Tasks require finger, hand, leg and foot dexterity as well as mental faculties including memory recall, verbal comprehension, emotional resilience, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving.