County of Santa Barbara
Communications Dispatch Manager
County of Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California, us, 93190
SALARY
$120,103.36 - $153,279.36 Annually
Are you ready to take your leadership to the next level? We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking professional to serve as the
Communications Dispatch Manager
for our growing
Regional Fire Communications Center (RFCC) . This is a dynamic opportunity to shape the continued development of a relatively new regional fire-rescue-EMS communications program. In this pivotal role, you will lead a team of supervisors and dispatchers, drive innovation, and help cultivate a culture rooted in excellence, inclusion, collaboration, and strategic planning. If you’re passionate about public safety and thrive in a fast-paced environment, we invite you to join us in strengthening emergency response for our community. We are accepting applications to fill
one (1) full-time
Communications Dispatch Manager
vacancy in Santa Barbara, California for the Santa Barbara County Fire Department
(County Fire Protection District). This position is "At-Will" and exempt from Civil Service protections.
ABOUT THE RFCC:
The Regional Fire Communication Center (RFCC) is a secondary PSAP serving the Santa Barbara County region dispatching fire-rescue resources for all cities (4) and fire protection districts (3) and for the Santa Barbara County contract ambulance provider and is a 24-hour / 365-day operation. It is a partnership between member agencies and administered by the Santa Barbara County Fire Department. The partners provide input to the RFCC business plan through its Joint Executive Committee (JEC) and to daily operations through the Joint Operations Committee (JOC). The RFCC is the dispatch center for the Santa Barbara County Operational area of the California OES Fire & Rescue Mutual Aid System. It is also responsible for ordering, dispatching, and tracking resources including engines, crews, dozers, aircraft, and overhead personnel as required through the Santa Barbara County Fire Department’s contract with CalFire. The RFCC interacts frequently with other agencies including CalFire, California OES, California State Parks, National Park Service, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Air Force, and U.S. Forest Service. To learn more about the Fire department, please visit: SBCFire.com
Benefits Overview:
Vacation: 12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment Holidays: 12 days per year Sick Leave: 12 days sick leave per year. Unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement. Health Plan: Choice of medical and dental plans (with vision care). County contributes toward the employee’s premium. Life Insurance: $20,000 Term Life Insurance Retirement: The County offers a Defined Benefit Plan and eligibility to participate in 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan. The County contributes 0.24% of base salary to a 401(a) Deferred Compensation Plan. For more information on benefits please click
here . In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for: Retirement reciprocity Time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate. Note: The County may provide reimbursement for reasonable relocation expenses, and at the discretion of the CEO, can provide cash incentives and/or time off advanced accruals in the interest of attracting the best talent to the organization. THE POSITION :This role is responsible for the management of the Santa Barbara County Fire Department’s Regional Fire Communications Center (RFCC). Under the general direction of the Division Chief over Support Services, the Communications Dispatch Manager is responsible for the planning, organizing and management of the RFCC. As a member of the Fire Department’s management team, the selected candidate will be responsible for providing vision and guidance to a relatively new regional fire-rescue-EMS dispatch center. IDEAL CANDIDATE POSSESSES:
Experience as a supervisor or manager in a multi-disciplinary public safety dispatch center. Strong interpersonal and communication skills to facilitate effective work teams and groups with internal and external partners. Strategic thinking and problem solving to implement solution focused approaches and implementation of new technologies. Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal skills. Experience and knowledge of emergency Sheriff, Fire, and EMS dispatch systems, a Public Safety Dispatch Center environment, and emergency telecommunication systems. These examples are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job, and not all duties listed are necessarily performed by each individual. Serves as a member of the County’s management team by planning, organizing, coordinating, and directing the activities of the Center and assigned area of responsibility. Supervises and evaluates the work of five (5) Communications Dispatch Supervisors and ensures highquality customer service is delivered by subordinate staff. Leads teams, units, sections, and/or significant departmental projects; sets team/project goals and measurements; takes full leadership responsibility for assigned teams and projects; obtains and deploys resources necessary to manage team/project; and assumes full accountability for team/project outcomes. Directly or through subordinate supervisors, organizes and plans the work of a County Dispatch Center; is responsible for conducting performance evaluations, employee development, hiring, discipline, and termination procedures. Develops and administers budgetary and procurement processes; manages contracts; researches and analyzes financial information; makes resource allocation recommendations; develops on-going fiscal plans and implements resource allocation decisions. Meets with representatives of user agencies and affiliates to ensure that Center operations reflect their policies and standards and respond to their needs. Responds to citizens’ concerns about public safety and emergency communications. Acts as liaison between user agencies, affiliated agencies, and other local, state and federal agencies in matters related to emergency communications and public safety dispatching. Ensures, directly or through subordinate supervisors, security of access to restricted telecommunications terminals. Maintains knowledge of ongoing technical and legal developments and meets with representatives of local, state, and federal governments to guarantee the Center’s ability to meet current and future needs and ensure compliance with applicable laws concerning emergency communications, telecommunications, training, and other areas relating to public safety dispatch. Meets with technical system vendors to upgrade or replace equipment as needed. Troubleshoots and resolves program or work unit issues and keeps higher-level management informed of issues/resolution. Oversees the preparation of (and/or prepares) contracts, reports, records, plans, and other documents involved in managing the area of assignment; oversees (and participates in) the research and analysis of policy and related information; and/or makes recommendations to higher-level management staff. Coordinates work with the general public, County staff, external agencies, etc.; may represent the County on various professional committees; and may prepare and make presentations to the public, elected officials, boards, and/or other stakeholders. Performs other related duties as required. Minimum Qualifications: Education and Experience The knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below may be acquired through various types of training, education, and experience. A typical way to acquire the required knowledge and abilities would be: Equivalent of a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in business or public administration, communications, or related field,
AND Five (5) years of dispatching experience in an emergency communications center, including two (2) years supervising Emergency Telecommunicators in a Public Safety Dispatch Center with both 9-1-1 phone lines and radio traffic from first responders. Licenses and Certificates For specific positions, possession and maintenance of a valid California driver's license and the ability to meet automobile insurability requirements of the County or the ability to provide suitable transportation needs as a condition of continued employment. Knowledge of: Principles and practices of public sector organization, emergency services, public safety communications, emergency management, program operations, and effective customer service Principles and practices of public administration and program management, including strategic planning, implementation, and evaluation Modern administrative methods and procedures, business correspondence and report preparation Management principles, practices, and techniques Principles and practices of fiscal managementandbudgeting Principles and practices of program planning and administration Personnel management principles and practices, including employee supervision, training, and evaluation Principles and practices of group facilitation, conflict resolution, and consensus building Principles and practices of procurement and contract administration Application and interpretation of policies and procedures as well as local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to the program area Effective research and record keeping methods and techniques Applicable communications dispatch systems and protocols The operations of complex 9-1-1 or other multi-agency, multi-discipline public safety dispatching centers or emergency communication systems The use of Computer Assisted Dispatch systems The operations of fire, law enforcement, medical, and other public safety agencies and their affiliates Current and pending technical developments and issues relating to telephone, telecommunications, and radio systems Technical systems and terminology related to public safety dispatch operations Pending issues pertaining to public safety dispatching and the functioning of radio, telephone and computer systems Principles and practices of supervision, budget preparation and administration Ability to: Apply critical thinking, problem solving, and collaborative approaches to improving program services Manage and evaluate assigned staff, including training, coaching, participating in the development of goals and strategic objectives, coordinating deadlines, prioritizing work demands, and assigning/monitoring work Analyze situations thoroughly, identify potential problems, and find effective solutions; resolve complex problems within area of assignment Prepare and present written correspondence, reports, and materials in clear, correct, and comprehensible terms from general notes and concepts Apply appropriate independent initiative, discretion, judgment, and organizational skills to a variety of projects, assignments, and situations Understand and execute complex oral and written instructions Apply available guidelines, policies, or procedures in extremely diverse and politically sensitive situations Develop and implement appropriate goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards related to public safety dispatch operations Establish and maintain working relationships with public agencies, regulatory bodies, other County employees, and members of the community Research, analyze, and develop solutions to administrative and technical problems Represent the department with tact and diplomacy Manage assigned operations/programs Ensure ongoing compliance with strategic objectives and performance measures Develop and implement policies and procedures Analyze and evaluate operational programs, projects, and procedures Plan, organize, coordinate, and supervise changes and improvements in public agency projects and studies Manage budgets, contracts, grants, and resource allocation Interpret, monitor, and report financial information and statistics Oversee the implementation of, and adherence to, quality assurance activities and standards Research, recommend, and implement industry trends, solutions, and best practices Prepare and oversee the preparation of reports, grant proposals, documents, and presentations Make presentations to stakeholders, elected officials, County leadership, etc. Collaborate with program stakeholders, elected and appointed boards, the public, and internal leadership Interpret and apply applicable laws, codes, regulations, and standards Communicate effectively, clearly, and concisely Establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse range of individuals, including but not limited to coworkers, subordinate staff, supervisors, other managers, professional agencies, the general public, etc. Additional Requirements: Incumbents must be able to travel independently throughout the County of Santa Barbara Light travel will be necessary to represent the Dispatch Center by attending conferences/trade show events and meetings with vendors and affiliated agencies Must be able to adjust work hours as necessary and be available for call-out in event of emergencies Completion of a background investigation to the satisfaction of the County may be required for some assignments APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS: Review applications and supplemental questionnaireto determine those applicants who meet the employment standards. Candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list. Recruiters will communicate with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process . Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines. FIRE BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION PROCESS: The Fire Department's background investigation includes an interview and in-depth background investigation of police records, personal and virtual character check, military, and employment histories; inquiry of persons who know you and evaluate whether you respect the law and rights of others; are dependable and responsible; have demonstrated mature judgment in areas such as the use of drugs and intoxicants; are honest; and is a safe driver.
The following shall commence upon accepting a conditional offer of employment: Live Scan : A Live Scan is electronic fingerprint scanning that is certified by the State Department of Justice. Further instructions about when and how to complete the Live Scan will be included in the offer letter. Psychological Examination is administrated by a licensed psychologist. You will be evaluated on the psychological factors related to successful performance to determine if you are presently suited for the difficult and stressful job of a dispatcher and to otherwise ensure that the candidate is capable of withstanding the psychological demands of the position. Physical Examination. The medical evaluation or examination shall commence once you accept a conditional offer of employment. You will be evaluated on the physical factors related to successful performance to determine if you are presently suited for the physically demanding job of a dispatcher. REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of accommodation needed from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider or a learning institution. Disaster Service Worker:
Pursuant to Governmental Code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities that may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law. The County of Santa Barbara provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any type with regard to any characteristic or status protected by any federal law, state law, or Santa Barbara County ordinance. The County continues to be committed to a merit-based selection process and to eliminating barriers to attracting and retaining top qualified candidates. The County has a long-standing practice of providing a work environment that respects the dignity of individual employees and values their contributions to our organization. APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE:08/21/2025at 4:59 PM PST.
Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.sbcountyjobs.com.
Erin Kuhn, Talent Acquisition Analyst II, erkuhn@countyofsb.org #J-18808-Ljbffr
Are you ready to take your leadership to the next level? We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking professional to serve as the
Communications Dispatch Manager
for our growing
Regional Fire Communications Center (RFCC) . This is a dynamic opportunity to shape the continued development of a relatively new regional fire-rescue-EMS communications program. In this pivotal role, you will lead a team of supervisors and dispatchers, drive innovation, and help cultivate a culture rooted in excellence, inclusion, collaboration, and strategic planning. If you’re passionate about public safety and thrive in a fast-paced environment, we invite you to join us in strengthening emergency response for our community. We are accepting applications to fill
one (1) full-time
Communications Dispatch Manager
vacancy in Santa Barbara, California for the Santa Barbara County Fire Department
(County Fire Protection District). This position is "At-Will" and exempt from Civil Service protections.
ABOUT THE RFCC:
The Regional Fire Communication Center (RFCC) is a secondary PSAP serving the Santa Barbara County region dispatching fire-rescue resources for all cities (4) and fire protection districts (3) and for the Santa Barbara County contract ambulance provider and is a 24-hour / 365-day operation. It is a partnership between member agencies and administered by the Santa Barbara County Fire Department. The partners provide input to the RFCC business plan through its Joint Executive Committee (JEC) and to daily operations through the Joint Operations Committee (JOC). The RFCC is the dispatch center for the Santa Barbara County Operational area of the California OES Fire & Rescue Mutual Aid System. It is also responsible for ordering, dispatching, and tracking resources including engines, crews, dozers, aircraft, and overhead personnel as required through the Santa Barbara County Fire Department’s contract with CalFire. The RFCC interacts frequently with other agencies including CalFire, California OES, California State Parks, National Park Service, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Air Force, and U.S. Forest Service. To learn more about the Fire department, please visit: SBCFire.com
Benefits Overview:
Vacation: 12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment Holidays: 12 days per year Sick Leave: 12 days sick leave per year. Unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement. Health Plan: Choice of medical and dental plans (with vision care). County contributes toward the employee’s premium. Life Insurance: $20,000 Term Life Insurance Retirement: The County offers a Defined Benefit Plan and eligibility to participate in 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan. The County contributes 0.24% of base salary to a 401(a) Deferred Compensation Plan. For more information on benefits please click
here . In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for: Retirement reciprocity Time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate. Note: The County may provide reimbursement for reasonable relocation expenses, and at the discretion of the CEO, can provide cash incentives and/or time off advanced accruals in the interest of attracting the best talent to the organization. THE POSITION :This role is responsible for the management of the Santa Barbara County Fire Department’s Regional Fire Communications Center (RFCC). Under the general direction of the Division Chief over Support Services, the Communications Dispatch Manager is responsible for the planning, organizing and management of the RFCC. As a member of the Fire Department’s management team, the selected candidate will be responsible for providing vision and guidance to a relatively new regional fire-rescue-EMS dispatch center. IDEAL CANDIDATE POSSESSES:
Experience as a supervisor or manager in a multi-disciplinary public safety dispatch center. Strong interpersonal and communication skills to facilitate effective work teams and groups with internal and external partners. Strategic thinking and problem solving to implement solution focused approaches and implementation of new technologies. Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal skills. Experience and knowledge of emergency Sheriff, Fire, and EMS dispatch systems, a Public Safety Dispatch Center environment, and emergency telecommunication systems. These examples are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job, and not all duties listed are necessarily performed by each individual. Serves as a member of the County’s management team by planning, organizing, coordinating, and directing the activities of the Center and assigned area of responsibility. Supervises and evaluates the work of five (5) Communications Dispatch Supervisors and ensures highquality customer service is delivered by subordinate staff. Leads teams, units, sections, and/or significant departmental projects; sets team/project goals and measurements; takes full leadership responsibility for assigned teams and projects; obtains and deploys resources necessary to manage team/project; and assumes full accountability for team/project outcomes. Directly or through subordinate supervisors, organizes and plans the work of a County Dispatch Center; is responsible for conducting performance evaluations, employee development, hiring, discipline, and termination procedures. Develops and administers budgetary and procurement processes; manages contracts; researches and analyzes financial information; makes resource allocation recommendations; develops on-going fiscal plans and implements resource allocation decisions. Meets with representatives of user agencies and affiliates to ensure that Center operations reflect their policies and standards and respond to their needs. Responds to citizens’ concerns about public safety and emergency communications. Acts as liaison between user agencies, affiliated agencies, and other local, state and federal agencies in matters related to emergency communications and public safety dispatching. Ensures, directly or through subordinate supervisors, security of access to restricted telecommunications terminals. Maintains knowledge of ongoing technical and legal developments and meets with representatives of local, state, and federal governments to guarantee the Center’s ability to meet current and future needs and ensure compliance with applicable laws concerning emergency communications, telecommunications, training, and other areas relating to public safety dispatch. Meets with technical system vendors to upgrade or replace equipment as needed. Troubleshoots and resolves program or work unit issues and keeps higher-level management informed of issues/resolution. Oversees the preparation of (and/or prepares) contracts, reports, records, plans, and other documents involved in managing the area of assignment; oversees (and participates in) the research and analysis of policy and related information; and/or makes recommendations to higher-level management staff. Coordinates work with the general public, County staff, external agencies, etc.; may represent the County on various professional committees; and may prepare and make presentations to the public, elected officials, boards, and/or other stakeholders. Performs other related duties as required. Minimum Qualifications: Education and Experience The knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below may be acquired through various types of training, education, and experience. A typical way to acquire the required knowledge and abilities would be: Equivalent of a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in business or public administration, communications, or related field,
AND Five (5) years of dispatching experience in an emergency communications center, including two (2) years supervising Emergency Telecommunicators in a Public Safety Dispatch Center with both 9-1-1 phone lines and radio traffic from first responders. Licenses and Certificates For specific positions, possession and maintenance of a valid California driver's license and the ability to meet automobile insurability requirements of the County or the ability to provide suitable transportation needs as a condition of continued employment. Knowledge of: Principles and practices of public sector organization, emergency services, public safety communications, emergency management, program operations, and effective customer service Principles and practices of public administration and program management, including strategic planning, implementation, and evaluation Modern administrative methods and procedures, business correspondence and report preparation Management principles, practices, and techniques Principles and practices of fiscal managementandbudgeting Principles and practices of program planning and administration Personnel management principles and practices, including employee supervision, training, and evaluation Principles and practices of group facilitation, conflict resolution, and consensus building Principles and practices of procurement and contract administration Application and interpretation of policies and procedures as well as local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to the program area Effective research and record keeping methods and techniques Applicable communications dispatch systems and protocols The operations of complex 9-1-1 or other multi-agency, multi-discipline public safety dispatching centers or emergency communication systems The use of Computer Assisted Dispatch systems The operations of fire, law enforcement, medical, and other public safety agencies and their affiliates Current and pending technical developments and issues relating to telephone, telecommunications, and radio systems Technical systems and terminology related to public safety dispatch operations Pending issues pertaining to public safety dispatching and the functioning of radio, telephone and computer systems Principles and practices of supervision, budget preparation and administration Ability to: Apply critical thinking, problem solving, and collaborative approaches to improving program services Manage and evaluate assigned staff, including training, coaching, participating in the development of goals and strategic objectives, coordinating deadlines, prioritizing work demands, and assigning/monitoring work Analyze situations thoroughly, identify potential problems, and find effective solutions; resolve complex problems within area of assignment Prepare and present written correspondence, reports, and materials in clear, correct, and comprehensible terms from general notes and concepts Apply appropriate independent initiative, discretion, judgment, and organizational skills to a variety of projects, assignments, and situations Understand and execute complex oral and written instructions Apply available guidelines, policies, or procedures in extremely diverse and politically sensitive situations Develop and implement appropriate goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards related to public safety dispatch operations Establish and maintain working relationships with public agencies, regulatory bodies, other County employees, and members of the community Research, analyze, and develop solutions to administrative and technical problems Represent the department with tact and diplomacy Manage assigned operations/programs Ensure ongoing compliance with strategic objectives and performance measures Develop and implement policies and procedures Analyze and evaluate operational programs, projects, and procedures Plan, organize, coordinate, and supervise changes and improvements in public agency projects and studies Manage budgets, contracts, grants, and resource allocation Interpret, monitor, and report financial information and statistics Oversee the implementation of, and adherence to, quality assurance activities and standards Research, recommend, and implement industry trends, solutions, and best practices Prepare and oversee the preparation of reports, grant proposals, documents, and presentations Make presentations to stakeholders, elected officials, County leadership, etc. Collaborate with program stakeholders, elected and appointed boards, the public, and internal leadership Interpret and apply applicable laws, codes, regulations, and standards Communicate effectively, clearly, and concisely Establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse range of individuals, including but not limited to coworkers, subordinate staff, supervisors, other managers, professional agencies, the general public, etc. Additional Requirements: Incumbents must be able to travel independently throughout the County of Santa Barbara Light travel will be necessary to represent the Dispatch Center by attending conferences/trade show events and meetings with vendors and affiliated agencies Must be able to adjust work hours as necessary and be available for call-out in event of emergencies Completion of a background investigation to the satisfaction of the County may be required for some assignments APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS: Review applications and supplemental questionnaireto determine those applicants who meet the employment standards. Candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list. Recruiters will communicate with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process . Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines. FIRE BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION PROCESS: The Fire Department's background investigation includes an interview and in-depth background investigation of police records, personal and virtual character check, military, and employment histories; inquiry of persons who know you and evaluate whether you respect the law and rights of others; are dependable and responsible; have demonstrated mature judgment in areas such as the use of drugs and intoxicants; are honest; and is a safe driver.
The following shall commence upon accepting a conditional offer of employment: Live Scan : A Live Scan is electronic fingerprint scanning that is certified by the State Department of Justice. Further instructions about when and how to complete the Live Scan will be included in the offer letter. Psychological Examination is administrated by a licensed psychologist. You will be evaluated on the psychological factors related to successful performance to determine if you are presently suited for the difficult and stressful job of a dispatcher and to otherwise ensure that the candidate is capable of withstanding the psychological demands of the position. Physical Examination. The medical evaluation or examination shall commence once you accept a conditional offer of employment. You will be evaluated on the physical factors related to successful performance to determine if you are presently suited for the physically demanding job of a dispatcher. REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of accommodation needed from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider or a learning institution. Disaster Service Worker:
Pursuant to Governmental Code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities that may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law. The County of Santa Barbara provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any type with regard to any characteristic or status protected by any federal law, state law, or Santa Barbara County ordinance. The County continues to be committed to a merit-based selection process and to eliminating barriers to attracting and retaining top qualified candidates. The County has a long-standing practice of providing a work environment that respects the dignity of individual employees and values their contributions to our organization. APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE:08/21/2025at 4:59 PM PST.
Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.sbcountyjobs.com.
Erin Kuhn, Talent Acquisition Analyst II, erkuhn@countyofsb.org #J-18808-Ljbffr