OPENING DATE: 03/16/09

CLOSING DATE: Fri. 05/01/09 5:00 PM Pacific Time

THE POSITION

The Emergency Communications Manager will be responsible for directing, managing, supervising, and coordinating the activities and operations of the Emergency Communications Division within the Communications and Technology Department. The Emergency Communications Division is a Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) accredited organization providing emergency communication services for multiple law and fire agencies within Washoe County. Emergency medical dispatching may be added in the near future. The individual selected will also be responsible for providing regional emergency communication services to the City and County including the operation of the 9-1-1 system and computer-aided dispatch center and providing highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Director of Communications and Technology.

NOTE: This is an at-will appointive position exempt from the City of Reno’s Civil Service system.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Assume management responsibility for assigned services and activities of the Communications Division including electronic facilities, programs, equipment and personnel.

Manage and participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies and priorities for assigned programs; recommend and administer policies and procedures.

Monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of communication systems, programs, and equipment; recommend, within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels.

Plan, direct, coordinate and review the work plan for communications and dispatch staff; assign work activities, projects and programs; review and evaluate work products, methods and procedures; meet with staff to identify and resolve problems.

Select, train, motivate and evaluate public safety dispatch personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline procedures.

Administer terms of labor agreements; investigate and respond to labor grievances. Participate in formulation of labor relations policy and may serve on the management bargaining team in contract negotiations.

Oversee and participate in the development and administration of the annual budget; participate in the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; monitor and approve expenditures; examine grant opportunities; implement adjustments.

Serve as the liaison for the Communications Division with other divisions, departments and outside agencies; negotiate and resolve sensitive and controversial issues.

Coordinate the design, construction, maintenance, repair and utilization of radio transmitters, receivers, testing equipment and all other equipment at the dispatch center.

Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of emergency communications and public safety dispatch.

Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.

Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

Operational characteristics, services and activities of a comprehensive emergency communications and public safety dispatch program.
Current technological trends affecting the operations of public safety dispatch systems.
Enhanced 9-1-1 and NG 9-1-1 operations and concepts.
Principles and practices of program development and administration.
Principles of business letter writing and report preparation.
Principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration.
Principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation.
Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) policies and procedures.
Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations including Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules and regulations.
Management skills to analyze programs, policies and operational needs.

Ability to:

Oversee and participate in the management of a comprehensive emergency communication and public safety dispatch program.
Plan, organize, direct and coordinate the work of assigned staff.
Select, supervise, train and evaluate staff.
Analyze and recommend the use of new technology for emergency communication and dispatch improvements.
Ensure operations adhere to applicable FCC rules, regulations and guidelines.
Participate in the development and administration of division goals, objectives and procedures.
Prepare and administer large program budgets.
Prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports.
Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
Research, analyze and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques.
Interpret and apply Federal, State and local policies, laws and regulations.
Work in a team based environment to achieve common goals.
Coordinate multiple projects and complex tasks simultaneously.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Meet the physical requirements to safely and effectively perform the assigned duties.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The position requires five years of increasingly responsible experience in emergency communications or public safety dispatch including two years of administrative and supervisory responsibility. A Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in business administration, public administration or a related field is also required. Masters degree is preferred.

4 years of current experience as a 911 Emergency Communications Dispatch Supervisor may substitute for a Bachelors degree; 6 years of current experience may substitute for a Masters degree.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

THE COMPENSATION

The City of Reno is offering an excellent salary and benefit package. The salary range is $71,259 to $93,284 under a pay for performance plan which offers the potential to earn an additional bonus up to $102,613.

THE SELECTION PROCESS

Based on a training and experience evaluation of the applications submitted the most qualified candidates, as determined by the City, will be invited to participate in the assessment process in Reno. The assessment will consist of a series of exercises and interview with a panel of subject matter experts. The top candidates as determined by the assessors will be recommended to the Director of Communications & Technology for final consideration and possible appointment.

THE COMMUNITY

Reno, The Biggest Little City in the World, is the largest city in northern Nevada and the third largest in the state with a population of 220,600. The metropolitan area, with a total population of nearly 418,000, is located on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains at an elevation of 4,500 feet. Reno’s location provides a temperate climate year round characterized by sunshine more than 80% of the year.

The surrounding area provides unlimited indoor and outdoor recreational activities. Within a fifty-mile radius lie spectacular Lake Tahoe and one of the largest concentrations of ski areas in the world. Boating, camping, hunting, fishing, and mountain climbing are all available within a thirty-minute drive. Reno’s appeal, however, is not just limited to recreational activities and entertainment. The highly rated educational system includes the University of Nevada, Reno, with 15,000 students who provide a positive ambiance to the community’s culture and diversity.

Reno also hosts many conferences and special events throughout the year, such as “Artown� (the largest single cultural event in America), Hot August Nights, the Balloon Races, and the Air Races. Reno has experienced significant growth during the past several years and has invested a significant amount of funding in the downtown area to modernize and beautify the infrastructure and facilities.

The region’s major industries include gaming, outdoor recreation, retail sales, technology, tourism, transportation, and warehousing. With an increasingly diversified economy, the region is strategically located along major transportation links. The enviable situation of no corporate or personal state or municipal income tax also adds to the attractiveness and appeal of the City of Reno.

THE ORGANIZATION

Reno is a full-service city with a total budget of $478.1 million and has approximately 1,600 full-time employees. The City has a Council-Manager form of government. The City Manager, Charles McNeely, has served the City since 1996. Mr. McNeely has facilitated organizational changes geared to make Reno a cutting edge city government. Major projects include a recessed railway, river front development, regional fiscal equity, and regional consolidation of services.

The Reno organization shares a vision that includes a strong focus on community service, neighborhood based services, value-appreciated employees, teamwork, and innovation. The values of the organization are based on four essential principles of respect, responsibility, responsiveness, and results. All departments operate on a program budget with 5-year business plans and the City has been successful in addressing operational efficiencies and improving service delivery effectiveness.

TO BE CONSIDERED

To receive first consideration for the screening process, you must submit completed resume packets no later than Friday, May 1, 2009 by 5:00 p.m.

Resume packets must include a “Letter of Interest and Intent�; a detailed resume and recent salary history, including current major fringe benefit history; and a completed City of Reno job application.

You may apply directly online, or obtain an application packet by contacting:

City of Reno
Department of Human Resources
Attn: Cara Stewart
1 East First Street, 4th Floor
Reno, NV 89501
(775) 334-2222
(775) 334-2045 (fax)
E-mail: stewartca@cityofreno.com
Website: www.cityofreno.com

When applying online you may attach the additional application materials to your application by using the "Attach Resume" function. If you do not have the capability to do so, please mail the additional application materials to the address listed above.

The City of Reno is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER TRAINEE

REQ NO: 08-ECO

LOCATION: Emergency Communications Center

STARTING SALARY: $32,385 (trainee)

SHIFT: Permanent Day, Evening, Midnight Shifts

CLOSING DATE: To be announced

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Pursuant to requirements of the Virginia Criminal Information Network, all persons selected for employment must be a U.S. citizen or have been a lawful resident of the United States for the past ten consecutive years. Applicants must be available to work any permanent shift assigned. High school diploma or GED; minimum 18 years of age; two years of continuous, stable employment (part-time employment would be considered); evaluation of typing (minimum typing speed of 30 words per minute preferred); vision abilities required including close vision and ability to adjust focus; ability to hear and readily relay information accurately; must pass pre-employment tests which include job compatibility assessment tools. Demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks and to make fast decisions. Must possess good customer service, oral/written communication skills and be knowledgeable with computers. Pre-employment drug testing, vision and hearing screening, pyschological evaluation and background investigation which includes polygraph required.