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 TLong 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: www.longbeach.gov .
T H E D E P A R T M E N TThe 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 click here .
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
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 EThe 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. H owever, 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 three (3) years of experience in a medium to large municipal emergency communications center, with one (1) year of supervisory experience.
Additional Requirements: - Recent POST and/or Fire Emergency Medical Dispatch certification. (Proof is required at the time of application submittal)
SELECTION PROCEDURE
A P P L I C A T I O N P R O C E S S This recruitment deadline was extended to close at
11:59 PM on Saturday, May 4, 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 www.longbeach.gov/jobs .
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.
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 https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act
The City of Long Beach offers its employees opportunities to grow personally and professionally.As a permanent employee, you are eligible to receive fringe benefits that include:
Retirement:California Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) defined benefit retirement plan, which is coordinated with Social Security. The benefit is 2.5% or 2.7% (depending on hire date) @55 for "Classic" members and 2% @62 for new members as defined by PEPRA, subject to the compensation limitations set by PERS. Both the City and the employee contributes toward CalPERS retirement contributions. The city also participates in Social Security.
Health and Dental Insurance:The City offers the choice of HMO and PPO plans. The city pays major portion of the premium for employee and dependents depending on the health/ dental plan selected.
Life Insurance:City-paid term life insurance policy equal to three (3) times annual salary to a maximum of $500,000.
Disability Insurance:City-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance.
Management Physical:Annual City-paid physical examination.
Vacation:Twelve (12) vacation days after the first year of service; 15 days after four years, six months of service; 20 days after 19 years, six months of service.
Executive Leave:Forty (40) hours Executive Leave per year. The City Manager has discretion to grant an additional 40 hours each 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.
Transportation Allowance:Monthly allowance is allocated by classifications below;
- Department Head $650.00
- Deputy Director/Manager/Director (Harbor/Utilities) $550.00
- Division Officer/Superintendent/ Chief of Staff / Administrator / Principal DCA $450.00
- Assistant to Executive / Executive Assistant / Executive Secretary/ Executive Support Staff $300.00
Deferred Compensation Plan:Optional for employee contribution to a supplementary retirement savings program available through Mission Square Retirement formerly ICMA-RC Retirement Corporation).
- Classic CalPERS Members: The City will contribute a maximum of up to two percent (2%) of base salary* for all qualified Classic CalPERS members.
- Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) CalPERS Members: Effective the second full pay period following City Council adoption, the City contribution will increase from two percent (2%) to three percent (3%) of base salary* for all qualified PEPRA CalPERS members.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA):Optional election for employees to reduce taxable income for payment of allowable childcare or medical expenses.
Flexible/Hybrid Work Schedule:Available (subject to City Manager approval).
Paid Parental Leave: The City provides one hundred and sixty (160) hours of Paid Parental Leave at 100% of salary, for the birth, adoption or foster placement of a child, regardless of the gender, marital status or sexual orientation of the parent.
Closing Date/Time: 5/4/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
