Public Safety Communications Director

Salary : $96,948.00 - $130,884.00 Annually
Location : Prineville Police Department, OR
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 25-005
Department: 9-1-1-Emergency Dispatch
Opening Date: 03/28/2025
Closing Date: 4/13/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: NB
Salary Grade: FY25NB11

GENERAL DESCRIPTIONS
NATURE OF WORK
Managing, planning, and direction of staff, equipment, and budget of the City's Communication Dispatch Center which receives and dispatches calls from emergency (911) and non-emergency telephone lines from residents requesting police and fire services. This position is assigned to a Communication Dispatch Center which is a twenty-four, seven days a week operation.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED/REVIEW OF WORK
Works under the general supervision of the Chief of Police.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties listed are intended only as Illustrative examples of the various types of work that may be performed by individuals in this classification. Any of the following duties may be performed. These examples are not necessarily performed by all incumbents and do not include all specific essential functions and responsibilities the incumbent may be expected to perform.

• Manage, evaluate and oversee the 911 Communication Dispatch Center's overall operation, including call taking, emergency dispatch, shift scheduling, training, and/or revised procedures and work methods based on user needs and service provider requirements; oversee the implementation of operational directives to ensure efficiency; provide technical project oversight; troubleshoot problems and provide appropriate solutions;
• Evaluate trends, legislation and other relevant changes that require prompt adjustments; and perform administrative functions including performance evaluations; investigate reported deficiencies of employee performance and recommend progressive discipline when necessary;
• Have the ability to be a positive team leader, communicate in a positive manner with subordinates and facilitate staff development. Staff development may include but is not limited to advancing employee certifications, employee recognition, regular mentoring and development of individual employee career goals.
• Develop and administer the department's budget, including, goals, long range plans relating to public safety communications improvements and preventative maintenance, objectives and performance standards. Develops, implements, and manages special projects and/or programs.
• Oversees and/or conducts citizen or user group member complaint investigations.
• Manages goals, objectives, policies and procedures of the dispatch center.
• Evaluates and updates dispatch procedures and training materials as needed.
• Oversees and manages dispatcher training program, ensures state mandated training and certification maintenance requirements are met.
• Plans, develops, and implements staff scheduling and work assignments, ensures adequate staffing levels.
• Promotes and maintains effective labor relations.
• Perform other duties as needed and/or assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High School diploma or GED is required. Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university is preferred. Public Safety Dispatch experience will be considered in lieu of a bachelor's degree.
• Minimum of five years' experience in Public Safety Dispatching operations is preferred. Experience must include a combination of call-taking and dispatching for Law Enforcement, Fire and Emergency Medical Services.
• Three years supervisory experience is preferred.
• Any equivalent combination of experience and education will be considered.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Thorough knowledge of the state and federal laws, and statutes governing management of emergency response services.
• Advanced knowledge of public safety communications principals, practices, methods, techniques, and equipment.
• Ability to assure regulatory compliance. These may include but are not limited to: agency CJIS information, Agency Licenses, Federal Communication Commission Rules and regulations, Local, State, and Federal mandates.
• Ability to administer written directives.
• Skilled in all aspects of call-taking, and dispatching with the ability to perform the duties of a call-taker and/or dispatcher if/as needed.
• Possess well-developed leadership skills and the ability and desire to supervise others.
• Ability to develop, implement, evaluate, and review annual work plans.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to effectively organize multiple tasks, change priorities, and meet stringent deadlines.
• Ability to develop and maintain a long-term strategic plan.
• Ability to develop and manage the department budget.
• Ability to perform liaison functions, collaborate with both internal and external agency customers and represent the agency at meetings.
• Ability to comply with the Freedom of information Act, and relevant local and state laws, and manage the public disclosure process.
• Ability to manage agency contracts and other written agreements (i.e., memoranda or agreement, memoranda of understanding, interlocal agreements, employment/labor contracts, etc.).
• Ability to administer the performance appraisal process.
• Ability to learn regional geographical area, road systems, and the locations of landmarks and buildings in the County.
• Ability to develop and administer work schedule and oversees payroll process for the department.
• Promote goals and priorities, and comply with all policies and procedures of the City.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Ability to obtain and maintain all required state certifications and licenses by the end of the probation period including:
  • Certification as DPSST Basic, Intermediate, or Advanced Telecommunicator
  • Certification as DPSST/IAED Emergency Medical Dispatcher
  • LEDS Inquiry/Entry level Certification
  • First Aid/CPR Certification
• Department of Public Safety and Training (DPSST) Management certification (within 2 years of employment)
• Ability to pass a Department of Public Safety and Training (DPSST) medical examination that includes vision and hearing tests, and a psychological examination.
• Must successfully pass a drug screen.
• Ability to successfully pass a comprehensive background investigation including criminal history check and obtain an Oregon State Police Criminal Justice Information Systems clearance.
• Possess and maintain an Oregon Driver's License with an acceptable driving record.
• Must be as least 21 years of age.
• Demonstrable commitment to sustainability.
• Ability to work rotating shift work and/or compressed work schedule, including nights, weekends and holidays on an as needed basis.
• The individual shall not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of the individual or others in the workplace.

SUPERVISION/LEAD WORK EXERCISED

This is a management position. This position supervises assigned employees which includes scheduling and assigning work; mentoring, coaching, and training; developing work plans and reviewing work for completion; evaluating performance and providing necessary feedback to employee; setting work standards; imposing or effectively recommending necessary disciplinary action; and making or effectively recommending hiring and termination decisions.
The City of Prineville offers a generous benefits package for employees and eligible dependents.

This benefit package is for management and non-bargaining positions. For a complete and detailed overview of the benefits package
01

Are you at least twenty-one (21) years of age?

• Yes
• No

02

Select the appropriate range that reflects your words per minute typing proficiency. you may be asked to demonstrate your typing ability on further testing.

• Under 40
• 40-49
• 50-59
• Over 60

03

Can you provide documentary evidence of a high school diploma or successful completion of a General Education Development (GED) Test achieving a score no less than that required by the Oregon Board of Education before issuing an Oregon GED Certificate or a (GED) from another state consisting of official transcripts, diplomas or GED test report forms?

• Yes
• No

04

Can you work an 8-hour, 10-hour, or 12-hour shift?

• Yes
• No

05

Can you work all required shifts; day, swing, and night shifts?

• Yes
• No

06

Can you work all days of the week, which will include weekends and holidays?

• Yes
• No

07

Can you accept last minute changes in your work schedule?

• Yes
• No

08

Can you be subject to abusive and profane language and deal with it indifferently?

• Yes
• No

09

Can you be stationary for long periods of time at a console throughout your shift?

• Yes
• No

10

Do you comprehend that if you process a call incorrectly, it may contribute to loss/damage of property, or someone being seriously injured or dying?

• Yes
• No

11

Are you willing to be closely supervised and questioned about why you followed a certain course of action without taking it personally?

• Yes
• No

12

Can you copy information as it is being received, simultaneously assess what you heard, and respond immediately?

• Yes
• No

13

Can you deal calmly and respectfully with angry people when the issue at hand is not your fault?

• Yes
• No

14

Can you handle a crisis call where, for example, a child has died, and officer was injured, or a woman was assaulted; and then continue to calmly deal with the next call where an irate citizen complains of a barking dog?

• Yes
• No

15

Are you willing to work under constant electronic surveillance that records all telephone and radio communications?

• Yes
• No

16

Do you understand before being offered employment you must successfully complete and extensive process which may include; however, is not limited to skills testing, oral interviews, and a complete background investigation including criminal history check, fingerprinting, credit check, and may take up to three months to complete?

• Yes
• No

17

If you have been convicted of a crime, list the offense(s); date(s) of offense(s); and city & state offense(s) were given. If you have NOT been convicted of a crime, indicate "N/A".
18

Do you possess a Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, or Supervisory Telecommunication Certificate in Oregon, issued by the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training?

• Basic
• Intermediate
• Advance
• Supervisory
• NA

19

Do you possess any type of dispatch certification through any other state than Oregon?

• Yes
• No

20

Have you operated as a solo dispatcher in Oregon or any other state? (Type Yes or No) If yes, indicate what state and the duration.
21

Have you been terminated or, resigned in lieu of being terminated, from a law enforcement agency? Select all that apply:

• No
• Yes; within last 10 years
• Yes; more than 10 years ago

22

What is your education background? (select the highest level achieved))

• High School Diploma or GED
• Some secondary education (less than 40 credit hours)
• Business Trade School
• AA Degree Business Administration
• BA or BS Degree
• MA Degree
• PhD

23

What best describes your experience working with and maintaining confidential data?

• No experience
• Less than one year
• More than one year but less than three years
• More than two years but less than three years
• More than three years but less than five years
• Five or more years

24

Please describe your experience in handling sensitive and/or personal confidential information in an employment setting. If none, put N/A.
25

Please specifically explain how your prior work experience and education match the qualifications for this position. (600 characters or less)
26

Please describe how and where you gained your experience as a manager.
27

Please describe how and where you gained your fiscal and budget management experience.
28

Tell me about a time that you were assigned a project to manage and how you completed it. Was it a success or did you encounter roadblocks which you could no overcome.
29

Select the appropriate range that reflects your Supervisory experience.

• 0 experience
• 1 year experience
• 2 years experience
• 3-4 years experience
• 4-5 years experience
• More than 5 years experience

30

Are you fluent in any other languages? If so, please list languages. If no, use N/A
31

Do you have any Project Accounting Experience?

• Yes
• No

32

Please tell us about your experience training others. Include details regarding how long you have been training others and what agencies you worked for.
Required Question