Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY:
This position assists with the administrative oversight, leadership, planning, coordination, and management of the Emergency Communications Center within the Support Services Division of the Sheriff's Office. The position oversees the Emergency Communications Center by developing policies and operational goals, analyzing data, managing communications systems, coordinating with municipalities and public safety agencies, and performing related duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Provides leadership, supervision, and direction to Emergency Telecommunicators and Emergency Telecommunications Supervisors, including hiring, training, assigning work, reviewing performance, providing coaching and feedback, completing performance evaluations, and making recommendations regarding employee transfers, promotions, discipline, and other personnel actions.
• Develops and recommends the annual division budget to the Sheriff; forecasts funding needs for staffing, equipment, materials, and capital improvement plans; and monitors expenditures throughout the year.
• Directs countywide emergency communications system operations; serves as liaison between the Emergency Communications Center and law enforcement, fire, EMS, and other public safety agencies; supports interoperability initiatives, including MABAS (Mutual Aid Box Alarm) capabilities; and monitors service quality and effectiveness.
• Develops, updates, and implements department policies and procedures; evaluates emerging technologies and operational needs; provides technical guidance to staff and partner agencies; and participates in training and information-sharing activities.
• Manages emergency communications equipment programming, allocation, maintenance, coordination, and operational readiness.
• Ensures compliance with Wisconsin Department of Justice TIME System requirements and related law enforcement information-sharing regulations.
• Ensures functionality of the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system and maintains advanced knowledge of system capabilities and operational needs.
• Ensures compliance with FCC licensing requirements, records retention requirements, and applicable communication regulations.
• Coordinates emergency support services with county departments, municipalities, townships, and public safety partners; investigates and resolves complaints from the public and partner agencies.
• Maintains operational readiness and activates the county backup 911 Center and Mobile Communications vehicle when needed.
• Serves as County Warning Officer and ensures emergency communication capabilities for the Emergency Management Operations Center.
• Researches and provides incident audio recordings while maintaining confidentiality and ensuring on-going investigations are not compromised.
• Manages the Mass Alert Notification System for St Croix County and evaluates the connectivity and functionality of the Outdoor Weather Warning system "link" to these systems.
• Manages the Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) Quality Assurance process for the 911 Center.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
This section details the essential competencies required to perform the job effectively, including a mix of technical knowledge, practical skills, and personal attributes.

• Ability to provide accurate, professional, and credible testimony in judicial or administrative proceedings when required.
• Knowledge of public safety communications systems, including NG911 systems, Microwave systems, Simulcast Radio systems, Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), and other related emergency communications technologies.
• Knowledge of Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) quality assurance processes, evaluation methods, and continuous quality improvement practices.
• Knowledge of strategic planning principles, including short-term and long-range operational planning, program development, and organizational improvement.
• Knowledge of Master Street Address Guide (MSAG) requirements and emergency communications addressing systems.
• Knowledge of leadership, management, supervision, employee development, and performance management principles.
• Ability to analyze complex operational, administrative, and technical information; identify issues; evaluate alternatives; and develop effective recommendations and solutions.
• Ability to plan, develop, implement, manage, and evaluate departmental programs, projects, operational improvements, goals, and objectives.
• Ability to provide effective customer service and interact professionally, respectfully, and tactfully with employees, partner agencies, elected officials, and members of the public.
• Ability to provide leadership and direction during emergency situations, operational challenges, and changing circumstances.
• Ability to lead, supervise, coach, train, and develop employees through work assignments, performance feedback, and professional development activities.
• Ability to apply ethical judgment and maintain confidentiality regarding personnel matters, emergency communications records, reports, and other sensitive information in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and county policies.
• Ability to manage employee-related responsibilities, including assigning work, establishing priorities, participating in hiring decisions, evaluating performance, maintaining personnel records, and making employment-related recommendations in accordance with county policies and procedures.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, including the ability to prioritize work, meet deadlines, adapt to changing priorities, and perform work accurately under demanding time constraints with minimal supervision.
• Understanding of the structure, functions, and procedures of county, state, and federal government agencies, particularly as they relate to public safety communications and county operations.
• General knowledge of standard office procedures, practices, equipment, and administrative support techniques.
• Ability to perform work with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail, including the preparation and review of reports, documentation, and operational information.
• Ability to prepare, analyze, and review operational, administrative, and performance reports using available data and research.

LANGUAGE SKILLS
This section outlines the communication abilities necessary for effective performance. These skills reflect the need to interact with the public, colleagues, and other stakeholders in a clear, professional, and effective manner.

• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing, with a wide range of individuals, including the public, colleagues, and supervisors.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply information from complex documents such as laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and reports.
• Ability to engage with the public, handle inquiries, resolve conflicts, and build positive relationships with a diverse population.
• Ability to explain complex or technical information in a clear, understandable manner.
• Ability to listen actively and accurately understand verbal instructions or concerns.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

• Ability to perform mathematical calculations and interpret numerical data related to budgeting, financial reporting, operational statistics, quality assurance metrics, inventory management, and program performance.
• Ability to prepare, recommend, monitor, and reconcile an operating budget, including forecasting expenditures, tracking line-item budgets, and analyzing financial information to support operational decisions.

REASONING ABILITY
This section outlines the cognitive skills required to perform the job effectively. This includes the ability to apply logic, make decisions, solve problems, and understand complex information.

• Ability to interpret and apply county policies, procedures, state laws, regulations, and public safety requirements to support sound operational decision-making and compliance.
• Ability to identify and define problems, evaluate information, consider alternatives, and develop effective solutions in a variety of operational situations.
• Ability to make sound, timely decisions while remaining composed and adapting effectively during emergency situations, high-pressure events, and changing operational conditions.
• Ability to collect and analyze information, establish facts, exercise sound judgment, and draw appropriate conclusions to support operational decisions.
• Ability to interpret complex operational, technical, and regulatory information, recognize patterns and trends, and understand the implications of decisions on emergency communications services, personnel, and public safety operations.
• Ability to analyze situations, consider multiple perspectives, anticipate potential issues, and make recommendations or decisions based on logical reasoning.

PHYSICAL AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The physical and work environment characteristics described in this description are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions or as otherwise required by law. Employees needing reasonable accommodation should discuss the request with the employee's supervisor.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work may involve occasional exertion of up to 50 pounds of force; work regularly involves sitting, frequently involves standing and performing fine motor skills and repetitive motions, and occasionally involves walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and reaching above shoulder level or below the waist.
• Visual ability to perform tasks such as reading documents, operating vehicles, using computer screens, monitoring communication systems, and working with detailed data.
• Ability to communicate and exchange information effectively with others, including coworkers, public safety personnel, and members of the public, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods while monitoring emergency communications systems and performing computer-based tasks.
• Ability to safely climb and use a ladder up to six (6) feet in height to perform required communications infrastructure maintenance or related operational duties.
• Ability to safely operate an emergency vehicle when required to perform assigned duties.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work is primarily in an office setting, with occasional travel to communication sites, tower locations, emergency scenes, and other field locations, as required, including the deployment of the mobile communications vehicle.
• Ability to work the regularly scheduled hours of the position and respond to urgent or emergency situations outside of regularly scheduled hours, as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• 60 College credits or an Associates/Technical degree in emergency management, business administration, public administration, criminal justice, law enforcement, or relevant field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience working in an emergency communications position.
• Minimum of three (3) years of supervisory experience.
• Experience in project management preferred.
• The following certification/training must be completed within one (1) years of employment:
  • TIME System Certification I
  • TIME System Certification Advanced
  • TAC certification
  • MABAS Certification
  • EMD Certification
  • ICS 100, 200, 247A, 247B, 300, 400 and 700
  • CPR
  • Emergency vehicle operations training per department policy

Starting pay is determined within the expected hiring range based on qualifications, directly related experience, and internal equity. Employees may advance through the full salary range in accordance with County policy.

Expected Hiring Range: $77,792 - $88,005/year

Full Salary Range: $77,792 - $108,368/year

FTE: 1.0

Department: Sheriff's Office - Emergency Support Services