Public Safety Dispatch Supervisor - Full-time

About the Department

Sign-on bonus is available depending on qualifications and experience, subject to certain provisions.

The primary purpose of this position is to supervise and manage the employees who perform the dispatch, communications, and records work related to public safety services consistent with SPD policies and procedures.

Under the direct supervision by the assigned Lieutenant, the employee works independently on assigned duties and responsibilities. In the absence of the Multi-Service Officer or Office Administrator, an employee in this position may assume responsibility for some or all duties of those job classes.


• Manages dispatch operations and all staff associated with dispatch of routine and emergency calls for public safety service
• Ensures accuracy and serves as quality control of the work performed by all dispatchers
• Prepares, updates, and evaluations dispatching policies and procedures for efficiency and training and makes recommendations to Lieutenant
• Completes submissions for the National Incident Based Reporting System (“NIBRS”) and Felony Sexual Offender Data Base and other required public safety data base entries
• Ensures all computer systems and software used in the communication system are operational
• Coordinates the work of Dispatcher Trainee, Dispatcher, and any other SPD employee performing dispatching work in the communications center
• Participates in the selection of subordinate personnel
• Establishes the work schedule and assigns daily work
• Responsible for inspecting work for accuracy and completeness and evaluates work techniques and methods for conformance to established work standards
• Recommends corrections to performance and input regarding performance, and recommend counseling or disciplinary action
• Provides training and instructions to subordinates and answer questions
• Acts as the Local Area Security Officer (“LASO”) for Alaska Public Safety Information Network (“APSIN”)
• Perform other duties as assigned


Position Duties

Knowledge of:
• Police, fire, and emergency medical services operations
• SPD computerize dispatching and data systems such as Computer Aided Dispatch (“CAD”) and Report Management (“RMS”) complies with Criminal Justice Information System (“CJIS”) regulations, including 911-system operation
• Court filings procedures
• Operational principles and practices regarding release and maintenance of police records and files
• General office, records management, and administrative policies and procedures  
 
Skills In:
• Operating a personal computer and Microsoft software such as Word, Excel, and Outlook and any specialized software for public safety operation  
• Performing computer entry duties with speed, efficiency, and accuracy
• Reading, writing, and mathematics, such as would have been obtained at a high school level
• Multi-tasking efficiently and effectively
• Organizing, prioritizing, and evaluating the work of others
 
Ability to:
• Recognize and maintain confidential information
• Work under extremely stressful situations which result from responding to emergency situations, including the responsibility for remaining calm and carrying out all duties with the recognition of the threat to life and property
• Work within a command structure requiring strict adherence to the following of orders
• Dealing with a variety of people calmly and professionally in a customer service situation, including times when the situation may be stressful
• Make decisions, sometimes quickly, as to the best course of action for responding to emergency situations
• Communicate well with others, both orally and in writing, using both technical and non-technical language
• Understand and follow oral and written policies, procedures and instructions
• Prepare and present accurate and reliable reports containing findings and recommendations
• Use logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions according to written specifications and oral instructions
• Perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines
• Quickly learn and put to use new skills and knowledge  

Minimum Qualifications
• High School diploma or a GED, some college credits; preferred; and
• Three years of increasingly responsible work experience involving the operation of a public safety communications center; and
• Any combination of education, experience, and training that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities.


• Possession of, or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire, a valid driver’s license issued by the State of Alaska
• Possession of, or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire, the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (“APSCO”) supervisory certification
• Must maintain Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) and Alaska Public Safety Information Network (APSIN) access, emergency medical dispatch certification, and security clearance while employed by SPD
• Demonstrated ability to type 35 correct words per minute
• Will be required to pass background check and drug screen
• Must wear uniform within specified standards
• Employees will be required to work different 12-hour shifts including early mornings, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays and be on-call for 24 hours when necessary


Other Qualifications

Working Conditions:  
• Primarily works in an office work environment at the Police Station
 
Specific Physical Requirements:  
• Frequently stands, sits, and walks
• Occasionally bends, stoops, reaches, and grasps
• Occasionally balances, crouches, climbs, and crawl
• Regularly operates office equipment requiring repetitive hand and arm movement and coordination using a computer and keyboard
• Occasionally lifts, pushes, or pulls up to 20 pounds  
• Occasionally lifts, pushes, or pulls up to 50 pounds, with or without the assistance of proper equipment or the help from another
• Hearing acuity that demonstrates in both ears no hearing loss greater than 40 decibels at 500 hertz, 1000 hertz, 2000 hertz, and 4000 hertz, with or without the use of a hearing aid  
• Visual acuity of at least 20/40 in each eye, with or without corrective lenses;  
• Peripheral field vision of at least 70 degrees in the horizontal meridian in each eye
• Visual acuity that permits the recognition of and the ability to distinguish gross colors including red, yellow, green, blue, white, and black.
 
General Physical Requirements:
• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities which permits the employee to communicate effectively during emergency  
• Sufficient vision or other powers of observation which permits the employee to review documents in electronic and hardcopy form and to manage multiple screens and communication devices at a time
• Sufficient manual dexterity which permits the employee to operate computers and related communication equipment  
• Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes which permits the employee to function in an office and police/jail environment