EMERGENCY SERVICES COMMUNICATIONS TECHNICIAN SUPERVISOR 75052

03/16/94 C

This is the second and supervisory level class in the Emergency Services Communications series. Positions in this class provide first level supervision for the Commonwealth's Emergency Operations Communications and Warning Center. Positions maintain the agency's statewide communications and warning capability. This class is distinguished from the Emergency Services Communications Technician by its responsibility for supervising the latter in the Emergency Operations Communications and Warning Center.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of moderate difficulty, supervising Emergency Services Communications Technicians to ensure that operational and security procedures are performed as required at the 24-hour communications center that receives and processes warnings and emergency communications to all levels of government and private organizations. Systems used include Emergency Broadcast System, National Weather Service, flood warning system, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) communications systems, Emergency Medical Services Med-Flight dispatch program, and the Emergency Medical Services Advanced Life Support/Basic Life Support communications system. Duties include implementing and maintaining standing operating procedures (SOP) for the communications center, making staff assignments for 24-hour coverage of the center, field responses, special assignments, and providing in-service training to employees. Other duties include acting in the absence of the supervisor, providing liaison with other branch supervisors, and writing reports. During emergencies, serves as a shift officer-in-charge in the communications center.

Supervision Given: Supervises Emergency Services Communications Technicians assigned to the communications center. May supervise Civil Air Patrol, Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service, or other volunteers during emergencies.

Supervision Received: Receives general supervision from an Emergency Services Operations Supervisor or other higher level agency manager.

Scope: Work affects the agency's ability to receive and process emergency warning and communications at the state level for state and federal agencies, local governments, and various private agencies. Work affects state agencies and local governments' ability to obtain emergency services assistance in preparation for, response to, and recovery from emergencies and disasters.

Impact of Actions: Prompt response to warnings affect the entire state, potentially saving lives and preventing property damage. Efficient receipt and relay of emergency communications enables the agency to respond to the needs of state agencies and local governments. Failure to ensure that standards are met and failure to adequately supervise the communications center staff could endanger the lives and property of Virginia citizens.

Personal Contacts: Frequent internal and external contact with all levels of government, private and volunteer organizations, the general public, the National Weather Service, FEMA, other states, the National Attack Warning Centers, to provide warnings and emergency communications and technical assistance.

Knowledge: Working knowledge of Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules and regulations on public safety, local government, aeronautical, maritime, amateur, and disaster communications; Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) procedures; and National Warning System procedures. Some knowledge of the state's Emergency Operations Plan and Communications and Warning annexes; operations of state communications systems and equipment; and the state Emergency Broadcast System plan.

Skills: None identified for this class.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to supervise and train professional and technical staff; operate all communications equipment in the Emergency Operations Center and in mobile command vehicles; respond to emergencies in accordance with agency SOP's; evaluate, analyze, and report data affecting the Communications Center program; operate all agency vehicles and mobile command post; operate a personal computer; and operate radio/telephone communications consoles.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

License or Certification: Federal Communications Commission Restricted Radio/ Telephone Operator's permit. Virginia driver's license. Must obtain VCIN certification and Department of Criminal Justice Services Dispatcher certification within one year of employment.

Other Requirements: Qualify for federal government SECRET security clearance. Must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years of age, and have no felony or serious misdemeanor convictions.

Education or Training: Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent.

Level and Type of Experience: Public safety communications and emergency management operations experience.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

This class was established as a result of a request by the Department of Emergency Services in response to action by the 1993 General Assembly. It was updated in March, 1994.