Central Dispatch Director

Benzie County is accepting applications for a Central Dispatch Director.

Benzie County Central Dispatch is the public safety answering point (PSAP) for emergency and non-emergency telephone requests for public safety services as well as dispatching the appropriate jurisdictional law enforcement agency, fire department and emergency medical service (EMS). The Dispatch Center is a 24/7 operation and supports multiple agencies, township, village and city contacts after normal business hours.

Under the direction of the County Administrator or his/her designee, directs a 911 emergency telephone system and centralized emergency communication center responsible for dispatch all police, fire, and ambulance services within Benzie County. Responsible for the maintenance of all communications and related equipment. Responsible for all administrative functions of the department including financial, personnel, and preparation and administration of the budget. The Director provides strategic direction for the department, under the general supervision of the County Administrator and consistent with the County’s overall mission and policies.

This position may require irregular hours and may also require working as an Emergency Communications Specialist, in an emergency. This position serves in an “on-call” 24/7 capacity to support operations.

Knowledge of:

-Federal, state, and local legislation, regulations, ordinances, protocols, etc. relevant to 9-1-1.

-Procedures, policies, practices, and fields of knowledge related to 9-1-1, Police, Fire, and EMS operations as well as general county operations and organization.

-County functions, organizations, and the department’s role and relationship with other agencies/jurisdictions.

-Applicable policies and procedures governing the hiring, employment, and separation of employment.

-Governmental accounting, budgeting, financial management, and procurement.

-Knowledge and ability to use computers and other departmental technology to prepare reports, maintain records, search for and compile data.

-Police, fire, and emergency medical procedures and protocols pertinent and applicable to dispatch operations.

-Knowledge and skills to perform the duties of an Emergency Communications Specialist.

-Geographic information systems (GIS) and technologies.

-Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems and technologies.

-911 industry trends and best practices, including Next Generation 911 technologies and concepts.

Skills and Abilities to:

-Advanced Collegiate proficiency in English grammar, spelling, punctuation and mathematical functions such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, ratios, etc.

-Advanced interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with citizens, co-workers and representatives of other agencies.

-Skill in assigning, prioritizing, monitoring and reviewing work assignments; mentoring and training of personnel with varying education and aptitudes.

-Ability to lead with vision and demonstrate strong leadership qualities.

-Ability to identify and resolve problems that may impact the mission of the department and the County.

-Ability to coordinate, develop, communicate, and implement departmental procedures and operations.

-Ability to appropriately and effectively represent the County at a variety of community events and activities in support of positive public relations initiatives and develop liaison relationships between the community and the County.

-Ability to interpret and explain complex policies, processes, regulations, and applicable laws in understandable terms.

-Ability to accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files.

-Ability to maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries.

-Ability to work under stressful conditions and to adapt positively to changing circumstances and/or priorities.

Education, Training, and Experience:

-Bachelor’s degree in public safety communications or related field

-Three (3) years of directly related, progressively responsible experience, including one (1) years of supervisory or managerial experience.

-NENA Emergency Number Professional (ENP) preferred.

-Two additional years of supervisory experience can be substituted for the Associates Degree.

Licensing and Other Requirements:

-Must have a valid Driver’s License and personal vehicle insurance

-Achieves and maintains professional, national or State of Michigan certifications and standards as necessary or required (examples: NAED, NENA, MCDA, APCO)

-LEIN Certified or the ability to be LEIN Certified

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $65,920.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person