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Supervises and directs the personnel and operations of the Emergency Communications Center (Comm Center); assists in hiring new employees; develops training procedures for new and existing staff and directs training activities; prepares work schedules; evaluates employee performance and takes corrective action with City approved performance management tools, when necessary, by assisting in the production of documentation and issuing such documentation; and makes recommendation to the appropriate manager regarding suspensions, demotions, and employee terminations. Collaborates with other Police Department supervisors to ensure quality service is provided for patrol, investigation, and records.  Meets regularly with the Police Support Services Manager to plan and discuss center operations and long term administrative strategies.  Informs communications personnel of notices and memos concerning operation of communications center and ensures compliance with established policy and procedure.  Also, responds to the Comm Center in the event of an emergency and functions in  "on-call" basis as needed for any Comm Center problems.  Assists in the emergency dispatch of public safety personnel as needed; operates the computer aided dispatch (CAD) system.  

Performs administrative functions related to the Comm Center; develops and implements policies and procedures; assists with budget and long-range planning; approves budget expenditures. Maintains Comm Center records; corrects improper entries and ensures that records are forwarded to proper areas for Police and Fire reports; maintains records of alarm locations and directs billing for false alarms; coordinates with other City personnel and outside agencies to ensure that location records are developed and maintained to allow for location verification in emergency operations. Collaborates with Police Records staff.

Performs routine installation, maintenance, and updates of Comm Center automated equipment and acts as application administrator for Comm Center software programs. Acts as liaison regarding Comm Center issues to the City's Information Services department, equipment vendors and service agents, and to relevant local, state, and federal agencies. Develops systems and strategies to comply with state and federal requirements while also providing the best possible service to communications center customers.

Each employee is expected to continually strive to bring shared values to life through our Excellence Through People organizational culture. ETP values include: committing to continuous improvement; inspiring creativity and innovation; being customer driven; making data-driven decisions; committing to diversity, equity and inclusion; championing employee involvement; striving for excellence; having fiscal stewardship; acting with honesty and integrity; exhibiting leadership; choosing a positive attitude; respecting one another; promoting safety and wellness; and cultivating teamwork. For leaders, this includes creating a work culture that brings these values to life. For all employees, this includes maintaining a Total City Perspective. The purpose of ETP is to deliver exceptional services to the public at the best price, and for employees to experience an enjoyable and stimulating work environment. 

Education and Experience: 
Associate degree in a relatable field of study and at least five years experience as a dispatcher in an emergency communications center; or equivalent combination of education and experience are required. Training or education in personnel management, emergency communications systems and operations, and computer applications administration is preferred.  Prior supervisory experience is also preferred.  

Licenses and Certification: 
Must obtain current IOWA/NCIC, CPR, and Emergency Medical Dispatching certifications and completion of System Administer training on CAD system within six months of appointment and re-certify or maintain as required. Must currently have equivalency for, or attend and successfully complete, the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy 40-hour training course for public safety telecommunicators within one year of appointment, and maintain during employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 
Comprehensive knowledge of or ability to learn the City of Ames including street, premise, and common names as well as basic response plans for Police, Fire and Medical emergencies. Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of modern emergency communications. Knowledge of the E-911 system. Working knowledge of or ability to learn the City's financial/payroll software and related operating systems. Knowledge of the rules and regulations of the Federal Communications Commission covering the operation of radio receivers and transmitters. Knowledge of the rules governing proper usage of state/federal computer terminal operations. Knowledge of supervisory principles and practices including those used in hiring, training, motivation, performance evaluation, and discipline. General knowledge of budget and planning principles and procedures.

Considerable skill in the application of practices and principles of emergency communication. Considerable skill in the operation of communication center equipment. Skill in preparing and presenting training materials and coaching employees. Skill in receiving and transmitting information quickly and accurately using the telephone and two-way radio.

Ability to perform the full range of duties of public safety dispatch personnel.  Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other department personnel, other City personnel, vendors, representatives from state/federal agencies, and the general public. Problem-solving skills in relation to employee issues as well as systems and policies. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing. Ability to analyze facts, arrive at sound conclusions and exercise good judgement in evaluating division needs and in making sound decisions and recommendations. Ability to develop policies and procedures to meet the division's service goals.  Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergency situations.                

Required Physical Activities:  Stooping, kneeling, crouching, finger dexterity, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.

Physical Characteristics of Work:  Work is primarily sedentary requiring the exertion of up to 25 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push pull or otherwise move objects. Requires exertion of 25 to 50 pounds of force infrequently. This work involves supervision of a 24-hour operation and will involve interaction with all work shifts. Work may also involve being called in to deal with problems.

Vision Requirements:  The minimum standard for use with those whose work deals largely with preparing and analyzing data and figures; and the use of a computer terminal.

Environmental Conditions: The work is performed inside and the worker is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.

Equipment Used to Perform Essential Functions:  Multi-line telephone, radio console, mapping software, copy machine, fax machine, pager, equipment for communicating with the hearing impaired, recorders, microphone, headset; computers, peripheral equipment, and software (such as "text to 911"); various operational manuals (both electronic and printed).            

Selection Process:
The selection process consists of an evaluation of education/experience; a written exam; a preliminary background check; a behavioral assessment; simulation testing; oral board interview, reference check, and an extensive background investigation (including criminal history, financial and employment verification, psychological exam (MMPI), finger printing, and physical exam (including a drug test). Candidates must successfully pass each component to continue in the process.
 
 All candidates will be notified by email of their application status.
 
 **Preference may be given to applicants possessing qualifications above the minimum.**