Under general direction, directs the daily operations of the Communications Center, performing a variety of supervisory and administrative duties for the City.

(Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The list of tasks is illustrative only, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.)

Directs and supervises the Communications Center's personnel on an assigned shift, ensuring that the Center is sufficiently staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Responsible for reviewing procedures, rules and regulations on a continual basis and making decisions for modification, improvement or change. Prepares and maintains procedures and related materials for operating and training purposes.

Supervises and directs the activities of assigned staff; makes recommendations regarding hiring, discipline, termination or advancement of employees. Schedules employees, assigns work, and monitors progress; guides, trains and develops employees in the accomplishment of their duties and professional growth; evaluates performance.

Responsible for the training of Communications Center personnel.

Monitors and maintains accurate 911 information for ANI/ALI (Automatic Number Information/Automatic Location Information) and works cooperatively with adjoining agencies on misrouted, incorrect or incomplete information.

Monitors the handling of emergency and routine calls for service and compliance with department rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Maintains and updates the master street index.

Responsible for maintenance of citywide radio system including: technical programming of various radios, researching and recommending new equipment, arranging installations and repairs of mobile and portable radios, and monitoring the status of radio-related issues.

Responsible for maintaining and updating CAD including setting up new personnel and providing various security access for employees.

Updates city addressing plats for business and residential addresses in CAD. Reviews plats and makes recommendations to the appropriate city department staff. Works cooperatively with the Fire Department, Information Technology and City Development staff to ensure consistent addressing.

Responsible for monitoring center equipment, initiating repairs and/or necessary replacements.

Assists Communications Center Manager in making recommendations for the yearly budgetary needs of the Communications Center.

Assists with radio and dispatching coverage. Fills in as a Communications Specialist when the need dictates.

Maintains confidentiality according to federal, state and local laws.

Responsible for ensuring accurate and timely production of audio recordings for use by courts, citizens, Police and Fire.

Participates in strategic planning activities.

Receives and addresses citizen complaints.

Attends meetings as directed.

Works a varying schedule and/or shift.

May be required to work overtime.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Education/Experience:
High school diploma or GED; three years' public safety (police and/or fire) dispatching communications experience, including one year of lead or supervisory experience. Bachelor's degree in related field preferred. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Licensing/Certification Requirements:
Ability to obtain and maintain Colorado certification of CCIC/NCIC, Emergency Medical Dispatching certification (EMD), CPR, and First Aid certification within six months of employment. Ability to obtain and maintain NIMS 700/800, ICS 100/200/300/400, and Communications Center Supervisor certification within 12 months of employment. Emergency Number Professional (ENP) Certification desirable.

May need the ability to travel to various locations in a timely manner as the job requires.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of the policies, procedures and goals of the city of Thornton and the department.
Knowledge of city of Thornton Police Department Standard Operating Procedures.
Knowledge of city of Thornton Fire Department and EMS pertinent directives, guidelines and standards.
Knowledge of computer hardware components and equipment, various software applications such as Excel, Word and Outlook, and knowledge of Microsoft Windows operating system.
Knowledge of Motorola 700/800 MHz radio system. Technical knowledge of programming procedures, processes and necessary equipment.
Knowledge of Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) System operations.
Knowledge of computer terminal procedures for both Colorado Crime Information Center (CCIC) and National Crime Information Center (NCIC).
Knowledge of emergency communications system and its relationship to police, fire and ambulance operations.
Skill in establishing and maintaining control of situations as they develop, reacting quickly and calmly in emergency situations, and making reasonable and effective decisions.
Skill in handling complaints with objectiveness and fairness.
Skill in the operation of all communication equipment including CCIC/NCIC systems, telephony systems, radio systems and computer databases.
Skill in directing and supervising Communications Specialists.
Skill in performing multiple tasks simultaneously.
Skill in the operation of a 2-way radio.
Ability to promote and provide quality customer service.
Ability to understand and carry out written and oral instructions and communicate clearly, concisely and effectively in stressful and/or emergency situations both orally and in writing with various audiences.
Ability to work with minimal supervision and make empowered decisions with organizational goals and objectives in mind.
Ability to effectively and efficiently interview people in a state of crisis via telephone or Teletype Device for the Deaf (TDD).
Ability to monitor radio and computer telecommunication systems under stressful and demanding emergency situations.
Ability to communicate calmly and concisely over the radio and telephone.
Ability to rapidly gather factual information and enter it into the CAD system.
Ability to handle a high volume of calls at any given time.
Ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion.
Ability to work various days/shifts, nights, weekends and holidays as essential personnel.
Ability to supervise, direct, and train employees.
Ability to relate and interact with others in a positive, tactful and courteous manner that results in cooperation, positive morale, mutual respect and common benefit.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, fellow employees and the public.
Ability to attend continuing education training to include off-site training programs.
Ability to testify in court by subpoena as required.

Physical and Mental Requirements:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for long periods of time during routine, emergency and stressful conditions, stand, walk, demonstrate manual dexterity, talk, hear and see. The employee must have the ability to: retrieve information from various locations in the center when needed; operate radio, telephone and computer systems under routine, emergency and high-stress conditions; work various shifts with infrequent breaks; and reach for materials and computer keyboards/mouse to access radio, telephone and/or CAD system. The employee may be exposed to a darkened environment, air conditioning, and dust. The employee is occasionally required to kneel, squat, stoop, and perform light lifting.

Examinations may include but are not limited to application screening beyond minimum qualifications; written, oral, practical exercise or any combination thereof or other job related assessment deemed appropriate by Human Resources.

Your application will be used as a screening tool. Completeness and accuracy are important! Any false or untrue statements or material omissions in the application and related paperwork or during the selection process could disqualify you from consideration.

As a condition of employment, the city of Thornton conducts background investigations for all positions which may also include a review of credit report and/or driving record. A drug screen, physical, and/or psychological examination administered by a city-designated provider will be required for pre-determined positions.