Public Safety Communications Operations Commander

Buncombe County Government•Woodfin, NC

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Buncombe County Public Safety Communications is seeking a strong, people-centered leader to serve as our next Operations Commander—a newly titled role that reflects the critical leadership behind our daily operations. This position reports directly to the Operations Division Manager and plays a key role in guiding shift supervisors and frontline telecommunicators who serve our community 24/7. The Operations Commander will primarily work a consistent schedule aligned with operational needs, with flexibility required for on-call response, critical incidents, and organizational priorities. This position is based on-site at our communications center, where leadership presence, visibility, and accessibility are essential to both staff support and operational success. In this role, you will oversee day-to-day operations, support and develop supervisors, ensure adherence to policy and performance standards, and help drive a culture of accountability, professionalism, and service. You’ll lead a team of supervisors, working across multiple shifts in a fast-paced, high-impact environment where your leadership directly affects both employee well-being and community outcomes. We anticipate beginning the hiring process in the first two weeks of April, with the goal of selecting a candidate who is ready to step into a role that blends operational excellence with forward-thinking leadership. The purpose of this position is to perform administrative and supervisory duties in directing 911 telecommunications operations, supporting the Operations Division Manager in advancing high-performance strategies and achieving departmental priorities, goals, and objectives.

Requirements

Associate degree in a related field and a minimum of five (5) years of experience in emergency services, including at least three (3) years of relevant supervisory and/or management experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
DCI Module 1, 2, 3, and 6 as well as ATAC certification or the ability to attain same within 90 days.
Knowledge of Federal Communications Commission rules and regulations concerning radio communications.
Thorough knowledge of state and federal laws concerning use of criminal records.
Thorough knowledge of departmental policies and procedures.
Knowledge of the operation of a wide variety of communications equipment.
Knowledge of the locations and capabilities of available fire, rescue, emergency medical units, and law enforcement units.
Knowledge of the geographical layout of the County as to location of streets, important buildings and other landmarks.
Knowledge of the principles and techniques of supervision;
Ability to supervise and coordinate the work of subordinates in a 24X7 operation.
Ability to select appropriate emergency and non-emergency units to respond to situations in given areas of the county.
Ability to communicate effectively with the public, maintain professional demeanor, and patiently give instructions.
Ability to elicit information from callers and officers, including properly and quickly document information and actions.
Ability to prioritize calls and requests.
Ability to use a variety of computer and communications systems.
Ability to make quick decisions based on information from callers and law enforcement officers.
Ability to solicit information from and relay information to callers and law enforcement officers.

Nice To Haves

40-hr NC Telecommunicator certification preferred or the ability to attain same within 180 days.
Emergency Management and Center Manager Certification and/or CJLeads Administrator certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Direct activities of the communications division’s operations by scheduling and assigning work, determining methods for doing work, checking quality of work, answering questions, handling personnel issues, and monitoring workflow to ensure timely completion of activities.
Oversee Compliance with divisional policies, procedures, and protocols, by reviewing procedures and operations and making recommendations for modification and improvements; prepare and maintains procedures manuals for operating and training purposes; Maintain all directories and databases required for operations of the 911 Communications division.
Compile and maintain various files and records telephone and radio communication and respond to public and subpoenaed requests for records. Prepare various regular systems reports.
Oversee operations of computer system and communications equipment, maintaining standards of operational capacity and ease of workflow; participates in planning and research to identify newly available software applications and their application to department needs. Serve as liaison for repair work to the equipment and the facility.
Serve as a Division of Criminal Information Assistant Terminal Agency Coordinator (ATAC).
Receive and investigate complaints pertaining to conduct of subordinate personnel, programs, procedures, etc. and interviews various parties and reviews reports and prepares verbal and/or written responses and recommendations, as appropriate, prepares reports as requested.
Prepare, and disseminate CAD call history records, and phone recordings for official court requests, internal, or public release.
Administer or makes recommendations for routine personnel matters affecting subordinates, including recruiting, interviewing, hiring, training, assigning, scheduling, granting leave, appraising, and disciplining, and submitting such records as required by department management.
Perform other related duties as assigned.

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