Charleston County is looking for a well qualified candidate to become Director of the newly agreed-upon Charleston County Consolidated 911 Center. Located in the Deep South in beautiful Charleston, South Carolina, this new center will bring together the 911 and emergency dispatch operations for Law Enforcement, EMS and fire operations for multiple jurisdictions operating within Charleston County.
HIRING SALARY RANGE: $83,179.20 – $102,273.60 with excellent benefits
(starting salary dependent upon applicant job qualifications)
Charleston County
The new Charleston County Consolidated 911 Center will be located in Charleston County, South Carolina which has a population of 330,000 and is comprised of diverse communities representing a wide variety of interests and cultures. Charleston County's rich blend of culture, economic activity, environmental beauty and historic tapestry makes it one of the most distinguished counties in the nation. A proud community striving to protect both its historic treasures and its environment, Charleston County continually keeps an eye toward future development and citizens' needs. This 100 mile long County contains several beaches and rivers and offers a wide variety of recreational activities. The Partners for Livable Communities, a Washington, D.C. based non-profit foundation, included Charleston in its top ten "most livable places" in the United States. The Charleston area has the state aquarium, a world class orchestra, the North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center, several museums including Patriot’s Point Naval and Maritime Museum which is home to aircraft carrier USS Yorktown, several golf courses, and the Medical University of South Carolina. See www.charlestoncounty.org for more.
The Position
This position is a ground floor opportunity for the right person to successfully guide the transition process to consolidate multiple emergency dispatch operations within Charleston County (population 330,000). Charleston County’s new Director will develop a cutting edge department with an annual operating budget of approximately $10 Million and a projected staff of 150 employees. This position will be responsible for cooperatively developing strategic and operational plans, policies and procedures, determining personnel and budgetary requirements, and acquiring and implementing appropriate technology and equipment. Hiring staff members and establishing a “readiness” program for dispatchers in participating agencies will be a priority for the Consolidated 911 Center Director. Once the consolidation has been fully implemented, this position will also be responsible for attaining CALEA accreditation for the consolidated 911 center within three years. The position reports directly to the County Administrator and is responsible for following County policies and procedures. The Director will also work closely with a multi-jurisdictional and multi-disciplinary Consolidated Dispatch Board which has authority for operational protocols. The Board will have significant input on budget, technology, Director evaluation and other operational matters. The Director will be an excellent team leader and will be responsive to input from all agencies served through User Groups and other means in order to meet the public safety communications needs of Charleston County.
Challenges
The Director will be instrumental in the transition of at least nine emergency 911 and dispatch centers into one new Charleston County Consolidated 911 Center. Ensuring that emergency dispatch operations continue seamlessly while consolidating separate emergency response communications from various jurisdictions will be a top priority.
The new Director will address complex challenges raised by the next generation 911 technology and the increased need for interoperability and improved interagency communications. Additionally, the Director will embrace the challenge of the new center becoming a regional emergency information-sharing hub involving all levels of government.
The new Director will also face complicated workforce challenges such as recruitment, hiring, training and retention of staff and developing the appropriate readiness program, hiring standards and compensation for job positions to be filled by dispatchers currently working in the participating agencies. Quality assurance will be a priority of the new Charleston County Consolidated 911 Center, and achieving CALEA accreditation will be critical in continuing to meet the broadening service expectations from the public.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will be an effective leader with exceptional planning and organizational skills. He or she will have the ability to motivate dispatch staffs throughout this consolidation effort. The ideal candidate will also have extensive experience in emergency service dispatch operations, multi-disciplinary consolidated dispatch operations and the process of consolidating, as well as a depth of technical expertise. Additionally, the ideal candidate will be an effective communicator and will build rapport and strong working relationships with the Consolidated Dispatch Board, the various jurisdictions and agencies to be served, as well as the citizens of Charleston County.
Qualifications
Position requires: A Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Business Administration or related field required. Masters Degree preferred. Successful and current certification as a NENA Emergency Number Professional (ENP) is highly desired. Minimum of five (5) years public safety communications management experience in an environment comparably sized to Charleston County. Experience in the process of consolidating emergency dispatch operations and/or managing a consolidated 9-1-1 Center is highly desired.
Other Requirements:
Knowledge of: the principles and practices of public safety computer-aided dispatching methods, record management systems and equipment; radio systems and vehicle communication devices with special emphasis on digital trunked radio and mobile data; administrative, managerial, and supervisory principles and practices including budgeting, planning, program valuation and employee supervision.
Ability to: pass an extensive background check; effectively organize, direct and manage a large 9-1-1 Center serving multiple jurisdictions; develop and implement policies and operating procedures.; communicate effectively with groups and individuals in both formal and non-formal situations via writing and oral presentations; establish and maintain professional and effective working relationships with staff, Board members, emergency personnel, outside agencies/organizations, the media and the public; prepare and administer an operating budget; maintain confidentiality.
Demonstrated ability to: utilize personal computers and various software applications including but not limited to; electronic spreadsheets, word processing and department specific software packages; manage, develop and lead others in achieving organizational goals. Must possess a valid SC driver’s license, or the ability to obtain one upon acceptance of the position is required.
The Selection Process
For more detail on requirements and expectations, and to apply for this position using our online application system, click here and scroll down the job listing page.
When applying for this job, please complete the online application first and then submit the application for Position #CA100011.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: June 6, 2008.
If you wish to submit a hard copy of the application, you may print a copy of the online application form or call the HR Department at 843-958-4700 and request a copy. Candidates may submit their application by mailing it to:
Mr. Robert Rubritz
HR Specialist
Charleston County
Human Resources Department
4045 Bridge View Drive, Suite B207
North Charleston, SC 29405-7464.
Charleston County is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.