CENTENNIAL, COLORADO
MetCom
is seeking a
Professional Fire/EMS Communications Manager
to serve as their new
Communications Center Director
THE AGENCY/POSITION
Located in Centennial, Colorado, MetCom began operations in January, 2006 to provide a secondary public safety answering point for fire and emergency services in the Southeast Denver Metropolitan area. MetCom’s governing agency, South Metro Fire Rescue, is part of a Special Governmental District providing Fire Service/EMS communication services within a 75 square mile area. MetCom currently serves the communities of Cherry Hills Village, Centennial, Greenwood Village and Lone Tree, and also serves large portions of unincorporated Arapahoe and Douglas Counties. With its high quality facility, dedicated staff and state-of-the-art communication technologies, MetCom is well positioned to take advantage of a regionalized approach to the provision of Fire/EMS communication services in cost-saving partnerships with other agencies across the Denver Metropolitan area and beyond.
MetCom currently is expected to handle approximately 10,000 calls for service annually. With 10 dispatchers and two shift supervisors operating in a 24 hour, multi-agency setting, new leadership is needed to not only manage the day-to-day functions of the Center but help promote the Center’s assets to potential users seeking efficient emergency communications solutions beyond the district’s current boundaries.
General duties and responsibilities of the Communications Center Director:
Ž Lead, manage, plan, organize and direct all operations of the MetCom communications system for fire service and emergency response. Develop and implement protocols to ensure optimal operation of the Center. Recommends changes as appropriate through the governing agency.
Ž Develop and monitor Shift Supervisors in; operation of CAD equipment, management of personnel, operation of the training program and maintenance of security of the area and technology. Plan, schedule, assign and supervise the work activities of subordinates, including evaluating and reviewing work products and performance.
Ž Administer inventory and budgeting.
Ž Serve as the agency liaison with other public safety communications agencies and all members of MetCom, represent the MetCom Governing Board (five members) and meet with the public and other public safety departments and jurisdictions.
This is a non-sworn, civilian position. More specificity on the position’s qualifications and requirements are available through the formal job description which is available at www.southmetro.org.
MINIMAL EDCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
While a Bachelor’s degree in Fire Services, Public Administration, Public Safety Communications, Management or a related field is desirable, MetCom will consider qualified candidates with an equivalent combination of education and experience, with the expectation that completion of a formal Bachelor’s Degree by the successful candidate will occur after employment within a reasonable amount of time.
THE “IDEAL” COMMUNICATIONS CENTER DIRECTOR
While the new Communications Center Director will be required to have a minimum of nine years of full-time, professional-level experience in emergency dispatch operations and Communications Center management, the dispatch services provided by the Center are specifically Fire Service and EMS related; services provided by MetCom are not correlated to police dispatch. The successful candidate will therefore not only possess hard skills in terms of thorough knowledge of E-9-1-1 center technology systems, organization administration and the legal and regulatory environment of emergency dispatch, but a career path reflecting substantial involvement in a leadership capacity working with multiple Fire Service/EMS agencies.
Additionally, the “ideal” Communications Center Director will be someone who:
· Can take a leadership role in promoting the concept of regionalization
of Fire Service/EMS functions so that greater efficiency and cost-
savings can be realized by its partner agencies;
· Is a high energy self-starter with a sound work ethic;
· Considers himself/herself a contemporary manager with a strong understanding of Fire/EMS operations and a career path demonstrating a record of continued professional development;
· Has the maturity and ability to communicate courteously and
effectively and to work in difficult situations under time pressure;
· Focuses on empowering, mentoring and developing a high performing
team;
· Is flexible and adaptive to growth and changing conditions within a
team-oriented environment;
WHY THIS IS AN EXCEPTIONAL CAREER OPPORTUNITY
The Communications Center Director position is challenging and the agency’s growth is achievable through the offering of the highest quality professional and technology resources available; the District is open to working with new potential users to provide needed services and is strategically positioned to meet the demands of the booming economic growth exhibited in the region.
Additionally;
· The MetCom system was conceived of and built to the highest
standards with the ability to provide essential Fire/EMS emergency
communication services to multiple agencies from a regional
perspective;
· This is an opportunity to develop a high quality, new
Communications Center in an enterprising and entrepreneurial
fashion;
· Quality, motivated staff members are in place and the Center
is considered a highly desirable place to work;
· The MetCom’s Governing Board is open to new, fresh ideas and
approaches to growth and development from its leadership;
· MetCom and South Metro Fire Rescue are viewed as solid
organizations and enjoy excellent reputations;
· The Denver Metropolitan area, Arapahoe and Douglas Counties offer a superb quality of life and by any measure are exceptional places to live, work and play.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Both Douglas and Arapahoe Counties offer residents the opportunity for both urban and semi-rural living with a view of the mountains and convenience to places to work.
In Douglas County, to preserve the area’s natural environment, 70 percent of the corridor will retain agricultural, ranching, parks and open space uses. Recreational facilities include more than 146,000 acres of the Pike National Forest, two state parks and numerous local parks, trails and open space areas. Residents can enjoy a variety of housing options, ranging from affordable houses to million-dollar estates, single family homes to condominiums and modern apartment complexes. The median value of a single family home in 2000 was $236,000. Further information about residential property and incorporated communities within Douglas County may be found at town websites listed at: www.douglas.co.us/government/Other_Governments.html
The County is served by the Douglas County School District, providing some of the best learning experiences in Colorado and state-of-the-art instruction and facilities. The student/teacher ratio is just below 17% and annual spending per pupil is $4,924. With 39 elementary schools, 5 charter schools, 7 middle schools, 8 high schools and numerous preschool sites, along with special educational facilities such as the magnate school and university center, the DCSD is one of the largest and best-planned Districts in Colorado. Douglas County has earned distinction as one of the “top places to work in America” among national employers such as Kaiser Permanente, Cingular Wireless and the Harley-Davidson Motor Company.
In Arapahoe County, the western part is mostly urban with residential, retail, office and industrial areas while the eastern portion is relatively rural. There are nine school districts within Arapahoe County and 163 local improvement and service districts. Arapahoe County offers a variety of attractive residential choices and a moderate cost of living. Residents enjoy excellent parks, greenbelts and trail systems, superior public services and an inviting quality of life. For more information on Arapahoe County, please visit www.co.arapaho.co.us.
COLORADO AND THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS
Regional residents can take convenient, full advantage of the high quality of life offered in Colorado and the mountains. The cultural and urban sophistication of Denver and Colorado Springs and the historic and recreational delights of the mountains nearby are easily accessible. The University of Colorado has a campus and medical center in Denver. The University of Denver is a private institution of high national reputation. All provide the academic, cultural and athletic attractions of excellent universities.
The Denver Broncos of the NFL, Rockies baseball, Nuggets basketball and the Avalanche of the NHL are also supported by regional residents. The Denver Symphony, Denver Museum of Natural History, Denver Zoo and the State Capital are also nearby. World-class entertainment and Broadway shows are at the Denver Center theater complex year-round. The Colorado mountain country provides unparalleled winter sports, golfing, bicycling, kayaking and fishing opportunities, all within easy reach. Front range Colorado residents enjoy an active, varied quality of life in all seasons.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Location: MetCom is located within the Headquarters Administration Building of South Metro Fire Rescue in Centennial, Colorado.
Annual Salary: $75,000 - $94,000 (hiring range) – appointment can be made anywhere within the hiring range depending upon the candidate’s qualifications.
ICMA Retirement: 401(A) Money Purchase Qualified Pension Plan – District contributes 5.5% of employee’s gross income on a pre-tax basis with 100% vestment after 5 years of service. The District participates in Social Security.
Vehicle: Vehicle/Vehicle allowance provided.
Health Benefits: Medical, dental and vision plans provided. Pre-tax flexible spending accounts available.
Other Benefits: Deferred compensation programs (no District participation), employer paid life insurance, employee and college savings options, Employee Assistance Program, Peer Support Program, tuition reimbursement, severance benefits and a generous holiday/vacation package.
Schedule: As a member the senior management team, the Communications Center Director is expected to be available during normal business hours of 7:30 am to 4:30 pm, and also available on-call for any exceptional issues.
If you may be interested in being considered for this exceptional career opportunity, please forward a resume and cover letter explaining why you believe you would be a good fit for this position to:
Clark Wurzberger
Sr. Vice President
The Mercer Group, Inc.
P.O. Box 546
Weimar, California 95736-0546
Telephone: 530.637.4559
Fax: 530.637.1048
MetCom is committed to workforce diversity and is an
Equal Opportunity Employer