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Distinguishing Features | Examples of Work | Qualifications Requirements

Distinguishing Features

Chief of Communications is a highly responsible administrative, managerial, and supervisory position involving all phases of planning and directing the operations of the Shreveport Fire Department Communications Division Emergency Communications Center (ECC). This position:

• monitors ECC compliance with regulatory standards and statutes to maintain required certifications for systems operation, and represents the ECC in relations with regulatory agencies.

• is knowledgeable of NFPA standards, state and federal laws, and city ordinances that affect the operations of the ECC.

• reports directly to the Fire Chief and subject to the Fire Chief's approval plans, coordinates and/or otherwise manages all aspects of the operations of the Fire Emergency Communications Center.

• coordinates the emergency communications activities between and between other City and Parish public safety.

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Examples of Work

(NOTE: The following examples show only the general type of work performed in this position and is not intended to restrict duties to only those listed.)

• Assesses the need for and coordinates the development of Standard Operating Procedures used to operate the Emergency Operations Center.

• Directly responsible for evaluation, performance of and provides direct supervision to the class of Assistant Chief of Communications and Administrative Assistant.

• Responsible for long range planning

• Develops staffing analysis reports to meet the demands of substantial changes in workloads and justifies revisions in staffing levels, work priorities and deadlines.ensure the appropriate number of personnel is available at all times to support emergency operations.

• Develops and monitors the communication division's annual budget and expenditures.

• Approves duty rosters, vacation schedules, sick call lists, extra duty board.

• Evaluates the need for, and approves funding for additional staffing when necessary

• Uses computer technology to develop response models for use in defining emergency response districts

• Manages a Quality Improvement Program

• Prepares agendas, conducts monthly staff meetings, and ensures the distribution of meeting minutes to all Communications personnel.

• Serves in organizations and on boards and committees in such a manner to promote the best interest of the department, division, and service

• Ensures that all systems, programs, and equipment; 1) meet the Departments needs in the most economical manner consistent with budget limitations, 2) meets operational needs, and FCC Rules and Regulations

• Consults with all user agency officials and provides recommendations and guidance where appropriate

• Manages and coordinates all FCC licensing activities and represents the Fire Department in frequency allocation issues

• Appoints committees as required and evaluates committee recommendations

• Oversees the applicant evaluation process and approves suitable applicants for employment

• Prepares specifications for the purchase of communications equipment, identifies deficiencies in systems hardware and administers service contracts to maintain equipment

• Represents the Communications Division in meetings with public Boards and organizations, the news media, etc., as requested for public distribution of information about the emergency communications system, and in resolving complaints

• Establishes funding formulas which details financial arrangements and suggests funding resources

• Oversees the development and provides overall management of a structured, documented training program for communications center personnel

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Qualification Requirements

• Must meet all requirements of the Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service Law, including being a citizen of the United States, being a qualified elector of the State of Louisiana, and passing a civil service examination for the position.

• Must have a high school diploma or a valid certificate of equivalency issued by a state department of education.

• Applicants must submit a resume to the Fire Chief.

• Before admission to the test, must pass a medical examination designed to show good health and physical abilities sufficient for the performance of required duties.

• Before admission to test must have successfully completed the following Association of Public Safety Communications Official's training courses and/or programs:

  • APCO Fourth Edition Telecommunication Course

  • APCO Emergency Medical Dispatch Course

  • APCO Communications Center Supervisors Course

  • APCO Communications Training Officer (CTO) Course

  • APCO EMD Manager Course

  • APCO ADA Summary Course

  • APCO Advance Fire Dispatch Course

• Before certification in the position must show:

  • personnel management skills sufficient to maintain a high level of satisfaction among personnel in the ECC who are subject to high stress.

  • project management skills necessary to effectively initiate and manage major projects such as the development of new communications and computer systems and modifications to existing systems.

  • good speaking ability and facility with words; tact; full understanding of telecommunications theory and application.

  • show extensive management skills in administering established policy, establishing goals and meeting objectives.

  • the ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.

• Should have experience in planning, developing and implementing communications systems.

• Must have five (5) years of progressively responsible full-time paid experience in a fire and emergency medical service Emergency Communications Center.

• Should have a comprehensive knowledge of theories, principals, techniques, and practices of the public safety communications environment.

• Should be able to conceptualize.

Applicants' resume should reflect the applicant's efforts to participate in Management Sciences Curriculum such as Planning, Problem Solving, Statistical Analysis, Budgeting, and Communications.

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