COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
Pay Range MSC MX4

INTRODUCTION

This classification serves as director of the emergency response communications system and, as department head, performs administrative and management duties involving planning, organizing, directing and evaluating the functions performed by the 9-1-1 Communications Dispatch Center. Serves as liaison between Douglas County, consultants, vendors, and various public and commercial agencies. 

EXAMPLES OF PRINCIPAL DUTIES

(Duties assigned to this classification include, but are not limited to, the following examples.)

1. Work with consultants and various agencies to plan, build and implement the Emergency Response Communication System to provide greatly expanded and improved emergency communications capabilities.

2. Interface with consultants, vendors, contractors, and end-users of the system, as well as coordinate with various County departments to comply with all legal requirements.

3. Negotiate long term leases with landlords and providers wishing to co-locate on county managed sites and/or towers.  Track such leases to prevent unplanned termination or expiration of leases.

4. Market tower sites to other governmental agencies and emergency providers such as Douglas Forest Protection Agency, as well as to commercial entities who wish to co-locate on towers within the County’s system.

5. Market and train providers of emergency services such as fire protection districts, to include them in this expanded network and provide them with state-of-the-art communications and devices.

6. Train end users of the system on the use of equipment and protocols, as necessary.

7. Set usage rates, with the approval of the Board of Commissioners.

8. Oversee operations of the County’s 911 Communications Center.  Coordinate with the present 911 Communications Supervisor to achieve efficient and accurate dispatching of emergency responders to emergency situations.

9. Develop and justify the budget for the 911 Communications Center.

10. Supervise staff through the Communications Supervisor; offer assistance as needed and determine best solution when issues arise.  Train staff and ensure compliance with standards.  Final approval of all selection, promotion and termination of employees.  Assume responsibility for work performed within the department.   Establish and interpret policy and procedures.

11. Serve as liaison between Douglas County, consultants, vendors, and various public and commercial agencies. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY REQUIRED BY THIS POSITION

Knowledge of:  Thorough knowledge of county, state and federal laws, rules, and regulations, and programs that relate to emergency response; considerable knowledge of emergency communications theory, practices and procedures to be able to identify needs, decide appropriate action and provide service; considerable knowledge of principles, methods of management and administration including public relations, personnel and fiscal management to develop, implement and evaluate services.  Skill in:  Matching available emergency response services to needs of communications users.  Ability to:  Communicate effectively in both oral and written forms; formulate and implement operational and administrative policies; plan and consult with source agencies, ability to relate to emergency responders and to service their needs; plan, develop and evaluate funding requirements; prepare and justify budget requests; perform short and long-range financial planning; analyze and evaluate operations and develop and implement corrective action to resolve problems; establish and maintain record keeping systems and reports; make decisions independently in accordance with established policies and procedures, establish new policies when applicable and use initiative and judgment in completing tasks and responsibilities; supervise, motivate and lead support staff; utilize problem identification and resolution techniques; remain calm and use good judgment during confrontational or high pressure situations; courteously meet and deal effectively with employees, Board of Commissioners, federal, state and county agencies, community resources, media and the public.

Education, experience and training:  Bachelor's degree in business administration or public administration and two years progressively responsible work related experience relating to emergency communications, one year of which should include supervisory/management experience OR any satisfactory equivalent combination of experience and training.  At time of appointment, must possess a valid Oregon driver's license.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS OF THIS POSITION

This classification is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the Board of Commissioners.

This classification supervises 911 Communications Center and has final responsibility for work performed by the department.

GUIDELINES

Work is performed within established department policy and procedures; federal, state and county statutes, rules, regulations, orders, resolutions and ordinances; management, personnel and financial theories, principles and practices.  Incumbent remains current on federal guidelines and utilizes seasoned judgment in interpreting and usage of appropriate guidelines.  As department head, can implement or revise department policies.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Regular and consistent attendance is required.  Work is typically performed in an office environment but some field work may be necessary; may involve hearing voice conversation, keyboarding, lifting up to 14 pounds, reaching, sitting, standing and walking.  A reasonable amount of driving is required.