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Director - Public Safety/Director Emergency Communications (9-1-1)

Job Title:
Director - Public Safety/Director Emergency Communications (9-1-1)
County Name:
Centre County
Job Title:                 Director - Public Safety/Director Emergency Communications (9-1-1)
Department:            Emergency Communications 911
Pay Grade:              SG-20
Pay Rate:                $85,508.80-$102,627.20 (based on experience)
FLSA Status:          Exempt
Employment Status: Full-time
Location:                 420 Holmes St. Bellefonte, PA 16823
Reports to:              County Administrator
Supervises:             Emergency Communications staff and Director of Emergency Services

Position Overview:
This position plans, organizes, directs, and coordinates a comprehensive Public Safety program which may include, but is not limited to Emergency Services and Emergency Communications (9-1-1). To direct and provide leadership, strategic planning, and support in developing, implementing, and evaluating effective procedures and programs to ensure the safety of Centre County residents.

Essential Job Functions:
  1. Directs overall operation of the Emergency Communications department including, policies, procedures, and guidelines for the department.
  2. Directs, supervises, and assigns work to coordinators and all staff.
  3. Prepares annual personnel, operations, and capital improvement budgets by monitoring the Centre County 9-1-1 plan and preparing required annual reports.
  4. Maintains compliance with state laws and regulations regarding emergency services, health, and safety issues.
  5. Advises and/or approves recommendations on specifications for various communication and telephone equipment.
  6. Authorizes work schedules and assignments and develops plans for crisis staffing and operations of 9-1-1 center.
  7. Reviews bid packages and recommends awards.
  8. Oversees all emergency communication equipment to ensure proper maintenance and operation as it pertains to the 9-1-1 center.
  9. Acts as liaison between County and community/communication-related activities and organizations pertaining to 9-1-1 functions only.
  10. Serves on committees and task forces as requested.
  11. Attends meetings and training sessions as required.
  12. Performs other job-related duties as required.

Supervision Received:
Receives occasional instruction and limited supervision from County Administrator in regard to daily work duties.

Supervision Given:
Supervises Emergency Communications staff and Director of Emergency Services.

Working Conditions:
  1. Works indoors in adequate workspace with adequate temperatures, ventilation, and lighting.
  2. Works with average indoor exposure to noise, disruptions, and above average stress.
  3. Normal indoor exposure to dust/dirt.
  4. Potential for exposure to hazardous materials incidents.
  5. Periodically works beyond normal work hours or works on-call or on an as-needed basis.
Physical and Mental Conditions:
  1. Must be able to sit for long periods throughout the workday, with intermittent periods of standing, walking, bending, twisting, and reaching as necessary to carry out job duties.
  2. Dexterity requirements range from simple to coordinated movements of fingers/hands, feet/legs, and torso as necessary to carry out job duties.
  3. Light work with occasional lifting/carrying of objects with a maximum weight of 10 pounds.
  4. Must be able to cope with the physical, mental, and emotional stress of the job.
  5. Must be able to pay close attention to details and concentrate on work.
  6. Maintains emotional stability during stressful situations.

Education/Training Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in public administration, management, community planning, communications or another related field.  Computer training and telecommunication skills required. 

Work Experience:
Five (5) years working experience, preferably in communications area and/or with government agency, with at least two to three (2-3) years supervisory management experience necessary.

Residency Requirement:
Must reside within Centre County OR a radius of 45 minutes response to the facility, following posted speed limits. This will be determined using www.google.com/maps. The individual selected will have three to six (3-6) months to comply with this requirement.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:
  1. Must be able to speak and understand the English language in an understandable manner in order to carry out essential functions of job.
  2. Must possess effective oral and written communication skills.
  3. Must possess initiative and problem-solving skills.
  4. Must possess a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license and a willingness to travel as needed.
  5. Must have flexibility, personal integrity and the ability to function independently.
  6. Must possess some knowledge of County geography.
  7. Must possess the ability to develop budgets and to coordinate expenditures and perform accounting functions.
  8. Must possess the ability to interact effectively with public media and conduct effective public relations programs.
  9. Must possess knowledge of federal, and state civil service rules and regulations and ability to assure compliance with same.
  10. Must possess knowledge of emergency communications equipment, systems, procedures, and practices.
  11. Must possess knowledge of and ability to develop and implement plans to deal with natural disasters and/or emergencies to plan and carry out programs, to develop local resources, and to coordinate and direct such resources during emergencies and disasters.
  12. Must possess ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with governmental agencies, officials, staff, volunteers, and general public.
  13. Must possess knowledge of emergency management systems, procedures, and practices.
  14. Must possess ability to supervise employees and manage activities of several functional areas of county and state public safety programs.
  15. Must possess the ability to evaluate, revise, and recommend changes/improvements to standard operating procedures.
  16. Must possess the ability to develop and implement effective procedures to meet local needs and to effectively participate in policy planning and implementation.
  17. Must possess the ability to act quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
Posting Date:
Thursday, September 17, 2026
Expiration Date:
Open
Contact Name:
Centre County Human Resources
Address:
420 Holmes St Suite Bellefonte, PA 16823
Phone:
(814) 355-6748