The purpose of this position is to manage, direct and lead Grapevine's Emergency Communications Center (ECC) for the Fire Department, Police Department and all other City Departments who utilize the City of Grapevine's communication system. The Emergency Communications Manager is responsible for leading and directing all aspects of the emergency communications center, while effectively utilizing leadership skills, resources, and partnerships to successfully provide emergency services to the City of Grapevine.

1. This position is responsible for all aspects within the emergency communications center including proficiency and the abilities to perform all duties in the emergency communications center.

2. This position is a member of the Command Staff for the Police Department and is expected to be a leader, contributing to the improvement and development of the organization and City.

3. Acts as a liaison with other departments, city leaders, and citizens.

4. Prepares and manages the annual operating budget for the Communications division.

5. Responsible for evaluating performance of subordinate personnel, monitoring quality and accuracy of work. Using chain of command, assigns tasks, commends and disciplines employees.

6. Prepares and recommends yearly performance goals and operating budget for the Communication Center.

7. Works with the hiring section for recruitment, testing, and hiring of new communication center employees.

8. Oversees continuing education, training and professional development of employees ensuring that State mandates are met and records maintained.

9. Oversees the development of the staffing schedule to reflect optimal operations and proper coverage within the center based on analysis of call volume and calls for service.

10. Performs duties as the Terminal Agency Coordinator (TAC) and Local Agency Security Officer (LASO). Responsible for all audits, CJIS compliancy and training within the agency and contractors. Ensures compliance with local, state and federal regulations in regards to dissemination of CHRI. Analyzing data for completeness and accuracy of public safety information entered into regional, state and federal databases.

11. Coordinates between Police and Fire departments to evaluate and recommend operational changes to adhere to changing policies, laws, and technology to ensure efficient operations and resources.

12. Oversees standard operating procedures to ensure they reflect accurate operations and compliance with Department General Orders.

13. Oversees curriculum and lesson plans for the training of communications staff.

14. During an emergency situation, coordinates the activities of the Communications section. Responds to after-hours needs as necessary to ensure smooth operations, address operational or mechanical disruptions, or any other need the communication center may experience.

15. Oversees compliance with all National Standards such has APCO, NENA and NFPA 1221 and 1061.

16. Coordinates maintenance and operation of audio recording equipment.

17. Custodian of records for 9-1-1 calls, signing affidavits and testifying in court as required. Facilitates making audio recordings as requested.

18. Approves payroll, vacation, compensatory time, sick time, and training requests for Emergency Communication Supervisors.

19. Ensures that radio operations are compliant with FCC rules and regulations.

20. Oversees radio programming operations to ensure radio communications accurately reflect the identity of the user.

21. Requests radio channel assignments for special operations.

22. Responsible for the computer operations of the Computer Aided Dispatch system.

23. Performs related duties as directed when such duties are a logical and appropriate assignment to the position.

24. Regular and timely attendance are required for this position.

25. Interacts professionally and respectfully with the public, coworkers and others in the course of daily work.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Must be a demonstrated leader who understands the role of guiding and developing employees, creating a professional and effective work environment that can adapt positively to internal and external change.

• Capable of networking with peers in various agencies to build professional relationships and be willing to further professional development through various learning opportunities.
• Must have sound and contemporary knowledge of Police and Fire emergency operations, Computer Aided Dispatch, Records Management Systems, and Enhanced 9-1-1 phone and mapping systems.
• Must possess a high level of understanding of the Criminal Justice Information Security (CJIS) System.
• Foster and maintain effective, productive and professional relationships with both internal and external customers and personnel.
• Demonstrate fiscal responsibility.

• Must have a working knowledge of current industry standards and demonstrate the ability to meet and/or exceed performance standards. • Must be able to communicate effectively in both verbal and written forms using the English language.

• Working knowledge of the Motorola 800 Mhz Trunked Radio system and FCC regulations.
• Ability to assess and/or analyze data and submit recommendations for improvement based on assessment.
• Must have the ability to learn additional applications and stay current with technology changes/trends.
• Requires strong organizational skills, ability to prioritize work, meet deadlines, remain flexible and adaptable to changing needs without loss of efficiency or composure.

Requires high school diploma or GED plus six years of progressively responsible experience as a call taker and dispatcher in a Public Safety Answering Point. A Bachelor’s degree is desired, but not required.

The applicant must have four years of supervisory experience in an Emergency Communications Center preferably a multi-disciplined agency (Police/Fire/EMS). This supervisory experience should directly precede application with Grapevine Police Department.

Must have an advanced knowledge of the use and application of computer software relevant to this position. Must successfully complete a supervisory training program during the first two years in the position.

The following certifications are required within one year of employment:

Current telecommunicator license or certification issued by the state of residence. If not issued by Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE), applicant must obtain TCOLE license within one year of employment,

Texas Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (TLETS) and Texas and National Crime Information Center operations (TCIC/NCIC),

Must pass a Federal/National criminal background check and credit check. Must have a valid Texas driver's license with an acceptable driving record as defined by City policy.

Due to Criminal Justice Information Security (CJIS) requirements, the candidate must never have been convicted, put on court-ordered community supervision, or probation for any criminal offense above the grade of Class B misdemeanor or a Class B misdemeanor within the last ten years from the date of the court order. Class A Misdemeanor Conviction, Deferred Adjudication, or Felony Conviction are permanent disqualifiers.

Must pass a pre-employment physical, drug screen, Titmus vision screening, Ishihara vision screening, and audio (whisper test) screening. Must pass a full background investigation, polygraph exam, and psychological exam.

WORKING CONDITIONS

While performing the essential functions of this position the employee is rarely exposed to disagreeable environmental factors.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is regularly required to perform light to medium work that involves walking or standing, use the computer keyboard and mouse, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, talk and hear, stand, walk, and stoop, or crouch. This position requires occasionally lifting and/or moving up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. This job requires the ability to work in an office environment where the noise level is usually moderate.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and the job requirements change.

Regular full-time employees are assigned to work at least 40 hours per week, and are eligible for the City's benefit package, subject to the conditions and limitations of each program.

The City of Grapevine offers a generous and comprehensive benefit package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, life insurance. Please click HERE to view more information.