Division Chief of Emergency Communications - Public Safety Department

Escambia County, FL
Florida
Full Time

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Close Date: June 24, 2026

The Communications Division Chief is responsible for the leadership, management, and operational oversight of the Emergency Communications Center (ECC) and all 911-related services. This position ensures the reliable, efficient, and compliant delivery of emergency call-taking and dispatch services for law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services (EMS).

The Communications Division Chief serves as a critical leader in public safety, overseeing personnel, technology systems, and operational protocols while ensuring readiness for emergency and disaster response.

This role also functions as a key liaison between public safety agencies, government leadership, and the community. This position reports directly to the Director of Public Safety.

This is a "mandatory-testing" position that requires Drug Testing.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Directs and oversees all operations of the 911 Emergency Communications Center, including call-taking, dispatch, and support services

Manages supervisory staff and personnel by assigning work, evaluating performance, ensuring training, and enforcing policies and procedures

Establishes operational priorities and ensures appropriate staffing levels to meet service demands

Promotes a culture of professionalism, accountability, and high performance

Ensures the timely, accurate, and efficient handling of 911 calls and dispatching of emergency services

Oversees compliance with national, state, and local standards, including accreditation and quality assurance programs

Develops, implements, and updates standard operating procedures (SOPs) for emergency communications

Oversees the administration and maintenance of Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems, 911 telephony systems, radio communications, and related technologies

Coordinates with IT and vendors to ensure system reliability, upgrades, and cybersecurity protections

Manages communication infrastructure, including towers, radio systems, and backup systems

Directs training programs for telecommunicators, dispatchers, and supervisory staff

Ensures compliance with certification and continuing education requirements

Implements quality assurance and performance improvement programs

Serves in a leadership role during major incidents, disasters, and emergency activations

Coordinates communications support for Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activations

Ensures continuity of operations (COOP) and disaster recovery planning for communications systems

Collaborates with law enforcement, fire departments, EMS providers, and other public safety agencies

Represents the Communications Division at meetings, committees, and public safety initiatives

Maintains mutual aid agreements and interlocal coordination efforts

Develops and manages the division's budget, including personnel, equipment, and capital improvements

Oversees procurement, contracts, and vendor relationships

Prepares reports, presentations, and recommendations for executive leadership and governing bodies

Supports public education initiatives related to 911 usage and emergency preparedness

Assists with media communications related to emergency communications operations

Ensures compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and standards governing emergency communications

Investigates complaints, incidents, and operational issues; implements corrective actions

Performs other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics (KSAOs):

demonstrate knowledge of emergency communications operations, including call-taking and dispatch protocols

apply knowledge of public safety systems, including law enforcement, fire, and EMS operations

operate and maintain Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) and 911 telephony systems

manage radio communications systems and supporting infrastructure

ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and accreditation standards

administer budgets and support public sector administrative functions

lead, supervise, and develop teams

manage crises and make decisions under pressure

plan strategically and oversee operational activities

analyze data and measure performance outcomes

communicate effectively in verbal and written formats

lead complex, high-stress operations in a 24/7 environment

manage multiple priorities and critical incidents simultaneously

develop policies and procedures that enhance operational efficiency

build and maintain collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders

maintain composure and exercise sound judgment during emergencies

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

Training and Experience:

Bachelor's Degree in Public Safety, Communications, Emergency Management, Business Administration, or a related field, and a minimum of five to seven years of progressively responsible experience in Emergency Communications, including supervisory or management experience or a combination of education and experience equivalent to these requirements

Licenses and Certifications:

A valid driver's license from state of residence

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

County-wide Employee Responsibilities:

All Escambia County BCC employees must serve the public and fellow employees with honesty and integrity in full accord with the letter and spirit of Escambia County BCC's Employee Code of Ethics, gift, and conflict of interest policies.

All Escambia County BCC employees must establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, co-workers, elected and appointed officials and members of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, political affiliation, familial status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or gender identity and expression.

Emergency Management Responsibilities:

During emergency conditions, the incumbent of this position will automatically be considered an emergency service worker. This employee is subject to being called to work in the event of a disaster, such as a hurricane, or other emergency situation and is expected to perform emergency service duties, as assigned.

Physical Requirements:

Positions in this class typically require reaching, standing, walking, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions.

Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light.

Benefits/Compensation Package: