Fire Communications Chief

Salary : $88,886.98 – $114,766.60 Annually

Location : City of Las Vegas, NV

Job Type: Full-Time

Job Number: 23OCT80110-O

Department: Fire and Rescue Department

Division: FR – Fire Communications

Opening Date: 10/16/2023

Closing Date: 10/30/2023 11:59 PM Pacific

Bargaining Unit: IAFF

About the Position
Career Opportunity
The City of Las Vegas invites applications for Fire Communications Chief. This position plans, directs, supervises and evaluates the activities and personnel of the Combined Communications Center, a multi-agency public safety communications center that handles all fire and medical 9-1-1 calls for Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Clark County and the Mount Charleston Fire District.

The purpose of this recruitment is to establish an eligible list for current and/or future openings.

Supervision Received and Exercised

Receives general direction from the assigned Deputy or Assistant Fire Chief.

Exercises direct supervision over technical and clerical staff.

TYPE OF EXAMINATION: A civil service examination will be conducted in accordance with the Civil Service Rules of the city of Las Vegas. The supplemental questions are the examination. Falsification of information may result in disqualification from a recruitment or removal from a City position. Additional information will not be accepted after the closing date. The supplemental questions are weighted 100% for placement on an eligible list, and must be worked on individually by the applicant only. The supplemental questions of all qualified applicants will be reviewed for placement on an eligible list

FINAL SELECTION PROCESS: Final candidate selection will be in accordance with the current collective bargaining unit agreement between the City of Las Vegas and IAFF, local 1285, and may include a hiring interview.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES

Essential Functions:

1. Plan and manage all fire department public safety wireless communications systems associated with the operation and dispatch of emergency equipment and personnel; monitor and evaluate technical capabilities of existing equipment; research newly developed communications software and hardware for possible use; recommend changes, enhancements, and/or the need for new equipment; and coordinate the implementation of computer, telecommunications and radio technology.
2. Supervise the Combined Communications Center; directly supervise the Fire Communications Supervisor, Communications Quality Improvement Coordinator, Fire Communication Training and Development Coordinator, the mapping section and staff involved with maintenance and repair of communication systems.
3. Participate in the development of goals and objectives as well as policies and procedures; make recommendations for changes and improvements to existing standards, policies, and procedures; participate in the implementation of approved policies and procedures; monitor work activities to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures.
4. Ensure compliance with the ISO communication requirements; establish operational protocol.
5. Plan and manage the updating of district maps.
6. Ensure all dispatchers meet training requirements for Emergency Medical Dispatching and other training requirements.
7. Make presentations to outside agencies regarding 911 and other public safety dispatching topics as necessary.
8. Develop and monitor the division budget; approve all billings to other local government entities for their share of the operation and maintenance of the Center.
9. Plan and coordinate work schedules and projects for the division; plan or coordinate staff training; work with employees to develop short and long term goals, monitor accomplishments, establish performance requirements and personal development targets and provide coaching for performance improvement and development.
10. Consult with and provide guidance to fire and rescue divisions concerning department needs for new programs and systems using the most current radio, telephone, cellular, pager, mobile data and vocal system technology available.
11. Maintain all F.C.C. licensing for all Center communication transmitting equipment; ensure compliance with all state and federal laws and regulations concerning radio and telecommunications facilities and services of the department.
12. Record all problems associated with the computer-aided dispatch systems and report to Clark County Fire computer personnel.
13. Responsible for the maintenance and operation of all recording systems.
14. Attend and participate in professional group meetings; maintain awareness of new trends and developments in the field of public safety dispatching; incorporate new developments as appropriate into programs.
15. Prepare a variety of analytical and statistical reports and correspondence on operations and activities.
16. Manage filing systems of all fire department communication equipment and department personnel.

Marginal Functions:

1. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Experience:

Five years of responsible emergency communications dispatching experience including two years of lead or supervisory experience. Experience in a multi-agency public safety communications center is desirable.

Training:

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major in computer science, business administration, public administration, fire science, communications, EMS or a field closely related to the assignment. A combination of formal education and directly related work experience may substitute for the degree. The city assesses 1.5 years of fulltime experience as equivalent to one year of education.

License or Certificate

Possession of at least one of the following within one year of the date of hire:

• Communications Center Supervisor certification from the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO)
• Emergency Medical Dispatch Manager certification from APCO
• Communication Center Managers certification from the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

Services, activities and operations of an emergency dispatch and communication center using current technology.

Operations and capabilities of radio, telephone, mapping, computer-aided dispatch, and other communication systems and equipment in an emergency communications center.

Pertinent local, state and federal laws, codes and regulations.

Budget preparation and control.

Computerized record keeping and filing systems.

Principles and practices of supervision, training and performance evaluation.

Ability to:

Schedule and lay out work.

Supervise, train and evaluate employees.

Motivate employees; create and maintain a positive working environment including recognizing exemplary performance and positive counseling.

Plan and organize work to meet changing priorities and deadlines.

Perform administrative work involved in the management of the communications center, including budget preparation, evaluation of personnel and equipment needs, report preparation, and policy review and preparation.

Plan, coordinate and supervise the operation of the fire and rescue communication center and all other communications systems of the fire department.

Research, review and recommend new communications and computer filing technology.

Learn the requirements of the National Fire Protection association and Insurance Services Office, a national rating agency for municipal fire departments.

Use initiative and independent judgement within established guidelines.

Interpret, apply, explain and enforce applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures.

Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, recommend best options and implement approved solution in support of goals.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for:

— Making observations;

— Communicating with others;

— Reading and writing; and

— Operating assigned equipment.

Maintain mental capacity which allows the capability of:

— Making sound decisions;

— Effective interaction and communication with others; and

— Demonstrating intellectual capabilities.

Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include the following:

— Sitting for extended periods of time; and

— Operating assigned equipment.

Competencies:

In addition to Core Workforce Competencies:

Supervisor Competencies

Professionalism – Models core values by being honest, respectful and positive; continuously demonstrates the core values of the city; supervisory actions are collaborative whenever possible and intended to grow the city’s capacity at an individual, unit, division and/or department level.

Managing Performance – Takes responsibility for own and assigned employees’ performance, by setting clear goals and expectations, tracking progress against the goals, ensuring regular feedback, and addressing performance problems and issues promptly.

Decisiveness – Willingness to make difficult decisions in a timely manner.

Developing and Empowering Others – Willingness to delegate responsibility; coaching assigned employee to develop their capabilities.

Facilitating Partnerships – Builds community and partnerships both inside and outside the organization.

Forward Thinking – Anticipating the consequences of situations and decisions; taking appropriate action to be prepared for possible changes.

Providing Support – Provides the tools and creates a supportive environment that allows others to successfully complete their work.

CITY OF LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

IAFF Compensation and Benefits – 2023

COMPENSATION

• Negotiated as part of the collective bargaining process.
• Step (Merit) Increase – typically awarded on the anniversary date of hire, up to range maximum
• Number of Steps:
  • Tier 1 – 10 steps
  • Tier 2 – 11 steps

BENEFITS

Uniform Allowance

• The City initially provides employees with uniforms. Thereafter, quarterly uniform maintenance allowance is currently $450.

Tool/Equipment Allowance

• City provides required tools, equipment and personal protective equipment.

Retirement (PERS)

• Eligible employees participate in the Public Employees’ Retirement System of Nevada (PERS). PERS, a statewide defined benefit plan, calculates retirement benefits based on 2.5 percent (current percentage for employees hired 1/1/10 and after) for each year of service, applied to the
  employee’s highest consecutive 36-month average salary. PERS also requires that employees share 50 percent of the PERS contribution, which is implemented by reducing the City’s salary ranges. The highest consecutive 36-month average salary is increased commensurate with the
  salary range reductions required by PERS.

Deferred Compensation

• The city offers a 457(b) Plan which is a government deferred compensation plan similar to a 401(k) plan. It offers both pre-tax and after-tax savings and investment options.

Medical, Dental and Vision Health Insurance

• Health insurance is currently provided by Las Vegas Firefighters Health & Welfare Trust. The City makes a contribution per employee per pay period to the health and welfare trust. Insurance start dates and premium rates are determined by the trust.

Voluntary Life Insurance: Available for purchase.

Shift Differential: Available for some classifications.

Tuition Reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program

VACATION (Hours/Year, for 56-hour personnel)

• Year 1: 120 hours
• Years 2-4: 192 hours
• Years 5-10: 264 hours
• Years 11-15: 288 hours
• Year 16 and Over: 312 hours
• Maximum Accrual: 2 times accrual rate if hired after 7/1/13.
• Sell-Back: Up to 10 shifts each year.

HOLIDAY

• City provides 12 paid holidays plus a birthday holiday.

SICK LEAVE (for 56- hour personnel)

• Sick Leave: 288 hours per year.
• Maximum Accrual: 1920 hours; hired after 07/01/2013.
• Sick Leave Bonus: Negotiated sick leave bonus available.
• Payout at Separation: see contract

NOTE: Benefits subject to change
Revised 01/2023

01

Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the application screening and selection process. The information you provide will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in DISQUALIFICATION from the selection process.Do you agree to answer each supplemental question truthfully and that your responses can be verified from information included within the application?

• I agree to answer each supplemental question truthfully and that my responses can be verified from information included within the application.

02

What is the highest level of education you have completed?

• None
• High School Diploma or Equivalency
• Associate’s Degree
• Bachelor’s Degree
• Master’s Degree or higher

03

Please disclose the discipline of your degree. Type N/A if you do not have a degree.

04

How many years of responsible emergency communications dispatching do you have?

• None
• Less than 5 years
• 5-7 years
• 8-10 years
• 11 years or more

05

SUPPLEMENTAL EXAMINATION: Questions 6 through 11 below are the examination for this recruitment. Your responses to the following questions will be read and scored by a Subject Matter Expert (SME). While reviewing your responses, the SME will not have access to your application/resume. Although you may have some of this information on your application, you will need to answer the questions completely. In order to give the SME the best opportunity to evaluate your responses, please make sure you read the question carefully and fully answer all the questions asked. This is your only opportunity to provide detailed information. Failure to provide full and complete answers may affect the outcome of your score and placement on the eligibility list. PLEASE DO NOT COPY AND PASTE YOUR RESUME.

• I have read, understand and will comply with the above information.

06

Please describe your experience using current technologies with services, activities and operations associated in an emergency dispatch and communications center.

07

Please describe your knowledge of pertinent local, state and federal laws, codes and regulations associated with emergency communications.

08

Please describe your experience with computerized record keeping and filing systems.

09

Please describe your experience with supervision, training and performance evaluation

10

Please describe any previous experience you have with multi-agency public safety communication centers.

11

Please describe your experience with radio, telephone, mapping, computer-aided dispatch, and other communication systems and equipment in an emergency communications center.

Required Question