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Emergency Communications Manager - City of Irondale

The Personnel Board of Jefferson County Alabama
Full-time
On-site
Irondale, Alabama, United States
πŸ“£ Marketing Communications (MarCom)

πŸ“Œ Core Information

πŸ”Ή Job Title: Emergency Communications Manager - City of Irondale

πŸ”Ή Company: The Personnel Board of Jefferson County Alabama

πŸ”Ή Location: Irondale, Alabama

πŸ”Ή Job Type: Full-time

πŸ”Ή Category: Government Administration

πŸ”Ή Date Posted: April 27, 2025

πŸ”Ή Experience Level: 5-10 years

πŸ”Ή Remote Status: On-site

πŸš€ Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

  • Leading operations at a 24/7 911 call center
  • Overseeing dispatch staff and ensuring regulatory compliance
  • Managing communication systems and maintaining interagency coordination
  • Developing policies, training staff, managing budgets, and handling media relations

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to perform under pressure. A deep knowledge of public safety communication systems and a commitment to service excellence are essential.

πŸ“‹ Key Responsibilities

βœ… Monitor the hiring process to ensure successful recruitment, hiring, and onboarding

βœ… Monitor employee performance through active engagement, open communication, and ongoing feedback

βœ… Maintain an organized and efficient workplace by managing office systems, resources, and records

βœ… Monitor policies and procedures to ensure departmental compliance, efficiency, and effectiveness

βœ… Oversee tools and systems enabling 911 operators to manage emergency calls and communicate with first responders

βœ… Maintain leadership responsibility during emergency scenarios by directing operations, allocating resources, and making quick, informed decisions

βœ… Oversee information relevant to public relations by handling media inquiries and engaging with the public

βœ… Supervise staff by assigning and distributing work, directing staff in their job duties, monitoring progress, and providing feedback and/or training

βœ… Prepare, monitor, and recommend departmental or organizational budget by reviewing spending trends, expenditure reports, analyzing financial data, and ensuring expenditures are within annual budgetary limits

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high level of responsibility and requires strong leadership and management skills to ensure the smooth operation of the 911 call center and effective communication with first responders and the public.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: No specific degree required, but a Bachelor’s degree is preferred

Experience: 5-10 years of experience as a Public Safety Dispatcher and supervisory experience in a 911/call center environment

Required Skills:

  • Driver's license
  • ACJIC certification
  • NCIC certification
  • No felony convictions or misdemeanors involving violent offenses or issues of moral turpitude

Preferred Skills:

  • Relevant emergency dispatch certification (e.g., EMD, EFD, EPD)

ASSUMPTION: While a Bachelor’s degree is preferred, the most important qualifications for this role are the relevant experience and certifications in public safety communication systems.

πŸ’° Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $78,956 - $122,491 per year

Benefits:

  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Employer-Sponsored Retirement Plan
  • Paid Holidays
  • Sick Leave
  • Vacation Leave

Working Hours: Full-time, may involve rotating shifts, extended hours, weekends, and holidays

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on the information given in the job listing and is subject to change based on the employer's discretion.

πŸ“Œ Applicant Insights

πŸ” Company Context

Industry: Government Administration

Company Size: 5,001-10,000 employees

Founded: 1935

Company Description:

  • Connecting vibrant communities with secure and rewarding career opportunities since 1935

Company Specialties:

  • Recruiting
  • Training
  • Human Resources
  • Industrial Organizational Psychology
  • Employee Relations
  • Civil Service
  • and Government

Company Website: http://www.pbjcal.org

ASSUMPTION: The Personnel Board of Jefferson County Alabama is a government agency responsible for connecting communities with career opportunities in the public sector.

πŸ“Š Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level management

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the department head and oversees dispatch staff

Work Arrangement: On-site, with potential for rotating shifts and extended hours

Growth Opportunities:

  • Potential advancement to higher management positions within the department or related fields
  • Opportunities to develop and implement new policies and procedures
  • Chance to gain experience in emergency management and public relations

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the public safety and emergency management sectors.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Government office

Office Location(s): 2121 Rev. Abraham Woods Jr Blvd, Birmingam, AL 35203, US

Geographic Context:

  • Irondale is a suburb of Birmingham, Alabama, with a population of approximately 12,000
  • The area experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters
  • Irondale is known for its historic sites and outdoor recreation opportunities

Work Schedule: Full-time, with potential for rotating shifts and extended hours

ASSUMPTION: The work environment for this role is primarily indoors, in a dispatch call center setting, with the potential for exposure to stressful and emergency situations.

πŸ’Ό Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

  • Online application submission
  • Phone or video screening
  • In-person interview with the hiring manager and/or department head
  • Background check and reference checks

Key Assessment Areas:

  • Leadership and management skills
  • Problem-solving and decision-making abilities
  • Knowledge of public safety communication systems
  • Experience in emergency management and public relations

Application Tips:

  • Highlight relevant experience and certifications in public safety communication systems
  • Demonstrate strong leadership and management skills in your resume and cover letter
  • Prepare for behavioral interview questions focusing on problem-solving, decision-making, and leadership

ATS Keywords: Public Safety Dispatcher, 911/call center, emergency management, leadership, decision-making, problem-solving, regulatory compliance, communication systems, staff training, budget oversight, media relations, community outreach

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role may involve multiple steps, including an online application, phone or video screening, and in-person interviews. Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate their leadership and management skills, as well as their knowledge of public safety communication systems.

πŸ› οΈ Tools & Technologies

  • Multi-screen computer
  • Radios
  • Phone
  • Copier

ASSUMPTION: This role requires the use of standard office equipment, such as a multi-screen computer, radios, phone, and copier, to effectively manage the 911 call center and communicate with first responders and the public.

πŸ‘” Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

  • Connecting vibrant communities with secure and rewarding career opportunities
  • Excellence in public service
  • Integrity and accountability

Work Style:

  • Collaborative and team-oriented
  • Adaptable and flexible, with the ability to work rotating shifts and extended hours
  • Results-driven and focused on continuous improvement

Self-Assessment Questions:

  • Do you have a strong commitment to public service and connecting communities with career opportunities?
  • Are you adaptable and flexible, with the ability to work rotating shifts and extended hours as needed?
  • Do you have strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to perform under pressure and make quick, informed decisions?

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should assess their fit with the company's values and work style, as well as their ability to perform the required duties and responsibilities in a high-pressure environment.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

  • Exposure to stressful and emergency situations
  • Potential for rotating shifts and extended hours
  • High level of responsibility for ensuring the smooth operation of the 911 call center
  • Need to maintain regulatory compliance and manage budgets effectively

ASSUMPTION: This role involves potential challenges related to exposure to stressful and emergency situations, as well as the high level of responsibility required to ensure the smooth operation of the 911 call center and effective communication with first responders and the public.

πŸ“ˆ Similar Roles Comparison

  • This role is similar to other emergency communications manager positions in government agencies, but may have different reporting structures and work arrangements
  • Industry-specific context: Government agencies may have different hiring processes and requirements compared to private sector organizations
  • Career path comparison: This role may serve as a stepping stone to higher management positions within the department or related fields

ASSUMPTION: While this role shares similarities with other emergency communications manager positions, the specific context and requirements may vary depending on the organization and industry.

πŸ“ Sample Projects

  • Developing and implementing new policies and procedures for the 911 call center
  • Managing a budget and ensuring expenditures are within annual budgetary limits
  • Handling media inquiries and engaging with the public to promote a positive image of the department

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are representative of the types of tasks and responsibilities that may be required in this role, but the specific projects may vary depending on the organization and its needs.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

  • What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I best prepare to succeed in them?
  • How does this role fit into the overall organizational structure, and who will I be working with most closely?
  • What are the most important priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
  • How does the organization support the professional growth and development of its employees?
  • What are the most important qualities and skills you're looking for in a candidate for this role?

ASSUMPTION: These key questions are designed to help applicants better understand the role, the organization, and the expectations for the position, as well as to demonstrate their interest and enthusiasm for the opportunity.

πŸ“Œ Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

  • Submit your application through this link
  • Customize your resume to highlight relevant experience and certifications in public safety communication systems
  • Write a cover letter expressing your interest in the role and your qualifications for it
  • Prepare for behavioral interview questions focusing on problem-solving, decision-making, and leadership
  • Follow up with the hiring manager or department head within one week of submitting your application to confirm receipt and reiterate your interest in the position

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.