Salary: $103,020.00 – $153,162.79 Annually
Location : City of Long Beach, CA
Job Type: Unclassified – Full-Time, Permanent
Job Number: DC23-007
Department: Disaster Preparedness & Emerg Communications – (UC)
Opening Date: 10/26/2023
Closing Date: 11/25/2023 11:59 PM Pacific
DESCRIPTION
T H E C O M M U N I T Y
Ideally located on the Pacific Ocean south of Los Angeles, adjacent to Orange County, the City of Long Beach, California (population 470,000) is frequently described as a series of strong, diverse interwoven smaller communities within a large city. Enjoying an ideal Southern California climate, Long Beach is home to an abundance of cultural and recreational options. The Long Beach Convention Center, Aquarium of the Pacific, Queen Mary, and the annual Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, plus a wide variety of other attractions (two historic ranchos, three marinas, and five golf courses) serve to draw 6.5 million visitors a year. The City is also home to California State University, Long Beach, and Long Beach City College. Cal State Long Beach is the second largest university in the state and was recently ranked the No. 3 best-value public college in the nation. Covering approximately 50 square miles, Long Beach is supported by a wide mix of industries with education, health and social services, manufacturing, retail trade, and professional services comprising the highest representation.
Known for its livable and desirable neighborhoods, Long Beach was named by America’s Promise Alliance as one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People two years in a row. While it offers all the amenities of a large metropolis, many say Long Beach offers the added benefit of having maintained a strong sense of community and cohesiveness despite its growth. A superb climate, quality schools, a vibrant downtown, and a wide variety of neighborhoods help make Long Beach one of the most livable communities in the country.
C I T Y G O V E R N M E N T
Long Beach, a charter city formed in 1897, is governed by nine City Council Members elected by district and a city-wide elected Mayor. Other elected officials include the City Attorney, City Auditor, and City Prosecutor. The elected officials are elected to staggered four-year terms. The City Council appoints the City Manager and City Clerk. The City Manager is responsible for the efficient administration of all City departments, excluding those under the direction of a separately elected official, Board or Commission. Long Beach is one of only three cities in California with its own Health Department and one of the very few municipalities with its own Utilities Department (Water and Gas) and Energy Resources Departments.
The City is supported by a FY 2024 total budget of approximately $3.3 billion with a General Fund budget of $719 million. More than 6,000 full and part-time employees support municipal operations with the vast majority being represented by twelve employee associations. To learn more about the City of Long Beach, go to:
T H E D E P A R T M E N T
The City of Long Beach is served by an Emergency Communications Center (9-1-1 Center) which functions as a primary PSAP and dispatch center for police, fire and Emergency Medical Services response. The 9-1-1 Center functions within the Department of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Communications (DPEC) and serves a City population of approximately 470,000, answering nearly 660,000 calls and dispatching more than 295,000 emergency response units. The 9-1-1 Center operates 24/7 on a schedule of 5 shifts. The Department of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Communications has 91 employees with a budget of approximately $14.4 Million. The Emergency Communications Division has 80 employees and an operating budget of over $11 Million. The Emergency Communications Division is one of three divisions in the Department.
This position qualifies for a Recruitment Incentive of $6,000. For more information on the City of Long Beach’s Recruitment Incentive Program please .
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Recruitment Brochure: Click HERE
T H E P O S I T I O N
The City of Long Beach is seeking an exceptional candidate to serve as its next Communications Center Officer. The Communications Center Officer leads the 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Division and is an at-will management position reporting directly to the Director of Disaster Preparedness & Emergency Communications. This position oversees the daily operations of the Emergency Communications Center to ensure that timely, effective, and efficient services are provided to the City’s residents and Fire, Police, and Emergency Medical personnel. The position directly supervises the Administrative Coordinator, Operations Coordinator, and Systems Coordinator, indirectly supervises 76 Public Safety Dispatchers, and interacts with the Department’s entire management team.
Specific duties include:
- Ensure that call-taking time standards and protocols are met.
- Maintain an effective new employee and continuing education training program.
- Develop effective operational and administrative policies and procedures, with a focus on incentivized recruitment and retention of the City’s 9-1-1 Public Safety Dispatchers.
- Resolve citizen complaints in a timely, and effective manner.
- Prepare the 9-1-1 Center for the implementation of Next Generation 9-1-1 technology.
- Provide oversight for the cross-training of Fire and Police 9-1-1 dispatchers.
- Maintain a positive and effective relationship with regulatory agencies, Police and Fire Command Staff, and labor representatives.
- Manage confidential information and participate in discussions and agreements with the union.
- Implement strategies from the recently completed staffing and operations study.
- Ensure the operational readiness of 9-1-1 Center equipment and technology.
- Oversee the recruitment and training of new employees.
T H E I D E A L C A N D I D A T E
The ideal candidate will possess operational and administrative experience in a medium to large municipal emergency communications center; knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal laws, and rules and regulations as they apply to public safety emergency communications operations; knowledge of the technical systems required for day-to-day operations; and, knowledge of human resource policies, labor contract provisions and safety policies.
In addition to emergency communications operational expertise, the ideal candidate will be a strong manager who leads by example. The ideal candidate will be a detail-oriented, hands-on manager, capable of adhering to multiple deadlines in a fast-paced work environment while maintaining effective working relationships at all levels of the organization. The successful applicant will be expected to pass an extensive background investigation, including a polygraph and psychological exam, and must possess a valid state-issued driver’s license by the date of appointment.
REQUIREMENTS TO FILE
M I N I M U M R E Q U I R E M E N T S
The Department of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Communications invites candidates to apply who meet the following minimum requirements:
Education:
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in a closely related field. However, candidates may substitute experience offering specific and substantial preparation for the duties of the position for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
Experience:
At least five years of supervisory experience in a medium to large municipal emergency communications center, or an equivalent combination of training and experience. A valid Emergency Number Professional certification may be substituted for up to one year of the required supervisory experience.
Desirable Qualifications:
Recent POST and/or Fire Emergency Medical Dispatch certification.
SELECTION PROCEDURE
A P P L I C A T I O N P R O C E S S
This recruitment will close at 11:59 PM on Saturday, November 25, 2023. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants must submit an online application, including a resume and cover letter that reflect the scope and level of their current/most recent positions and responsibilities, proof of education (degree or transcript), and if applicable a copy of recent POST and/or Fire Emergency Medical Dispatch certification. Candidates must also complete the online supplemental questionnaire. Online applications can be filed at
Following the close of filing, applications will be reviewed and those candidates determined to be the best qualified will be invited to participate in the selection process, which will include an oral interview by a selection panel. The selected candidate will be required to undergo a thorough background and reference check. Incomplete applications or candidates who clearly do not meet the minimum requirements of the position will not be considered.
This information is available in an alternative format by request to the Administration Bureau at (562) 570-9250. If you require accommodation because of a disability in order to participate in any phase of the application process, please request an accommodation when submitting your application or call (562) 570-9250.
E Q U A L O P P O R T U N I T Y
The City of Long Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value and encourage diversity in our workforce. The City of Long Beach is committed to creating a workplace where every employee is valued for who they are. Having our workforce reflect the diversity of our community at various levels of the organization is a continuous goal embraced by our departments, management staff, and policymakers. To support efforts of fairness and diversity, City Leadership is committed to incorporating equity and inclusion into our work by supporting staff and community partners. We are committed to promoting transparency by publishing updated demographic information for employees, including workforce diversity data and pay by race and gender.
The City of Long Beach will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You are not required to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until you receive a conditional job offer. If the City of Long Beach has concerns about a conviction that is directly related to the job after making a conditional job offer and conducting a background check, you will have the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide evidence to mitigate concerns, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting
Retirement – City Offers CalPers with a benefit of 2.5% of 55 for Classic members or 2% at 62 for new members as defined by PEPRA, subject to the limitations set by PERS. Employee pays the employee portion. The City also participates in Social Security.
Vacation – Twelve (12) days after one year of service; 15 days after four years, six months of service; 20 days after 19.5 years of service.
Executive Leave – Forty (40) hours per year.
Sick Leave – One day earned per month; unlimited accumulation; conversion upon retirement to cash credit toward health and/or dental insurance premiums, or to pension credits.
Holidays – Eleven (11) designated holidays per year, plus four personal holidays to be used at the employee’s discretion.
Monthly Auto Allowance
Health Insurance – Two plans are available: one HMO, and one PPO plan. The City pays major portion of the premium for employees and dependents depending on the health/dental plan selected.
Dental Insurance – Two dental plans are available for employee and dependents.
Life Insurance – City-paid term life insurance policy equal to three times annual salary to a maximum of $500,000.
Disability – City-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance.
Management Physical – Annual City-paid physical examination.
Paid Parental Leave – After six (6) months of City employment; up to 30 calendar days (160 hours/192 hours for sworn platoon) of PPL, taken in full-day increments, in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child, up to the age of seventeen (17).
01
INSTRUCTIONS: The purpose of these supplemental questions is to derive more specific information about the qualifications of applicants for this position. Applicants must clearly demonstrate their qualifying experience. These questions will serve as the basis for qualifying candidates for advancement into the selection process. Do you understand the information in the statement above?
- Yes
- No
02
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Did you graduate from an accredited four-year college or university in a closely related field? Candidates may substitute experience offering specific and substantial preparation for the duties of the position for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
- Yes, I graduated from an accredited four-year college or university as noted above.
- No, I did not graduate from an accredited four-year college or university, but I have at least nine (9) years of experience to substitute for possession of a bachelor’s degree.
- No, I did not graduate from an accredited four-year college or university, and I have less than nine (9) years of relevant experience.
03
Do you have at least five (5) years of supervisory experience in a medium to large municipal emergency communications center or an equivalent combination of training and experience? A valid Emergency Number Professional certification may be substituted for up to one year of the required supervisory experience.
- Yes
- No
04
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Do you hold a recent POST and/or Fire Emergency Medical Dispatch certification?
- Yes
- No
05
Describe your relevant supervisory or management work experience with a medium to large Emergency Communications Center. Please include experience related to: public safety staff retention; managing shift schedules; mitigating overtime; managing employee rewards, recognition, and discipline; implementing new policies and programs; and utilizing software and technology for shift development and scheduling.
06
Describe the approach you would take to build support and consensus among public safety staff for the cross-training of Police and Fire Dispatchers within the Department.
07
Describe how you would manage staffing levels in the Emergency Communications Center to ensure performance standards and cost efficiency. Please include any experience you may have with utilizing staff scheduling software programs or other similar technology.
08
Please give an example of how you have implemented new programs and policies within a public safety organization. What steps did you take and what challenges did you have to overcome?
09
The application process for this position requires that you attach: (1) a cover letter, (2) a resume, (3) proof of education(degrees or transcripts), (4) if applicable proof of certification. Did you attach all of these documents?
- Yes
- No
10
I understand that required documents, such as resumes, cover letters, degrees, transcripts, certificates, or licenses, must be uploaded to my online application in PDF format at the time of filing. I also understand that any proofs submitted must contain either my name or other identifying characteristics on the form, and that proof of education for degrees or units outside the United States must include proof of educational equivalency.
- Yes
- No
11
I hereby certify that all information provided in my online application, including the Supplemental Questionnaire, is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I acknowledge that the department may contact my current and past employers or educators to verify that I have provided in my application. I understand that any falsification or omission of material facts disqualifies me from further consideration for this recruitment. To certify the above statement, please type your full name below.
Required Question