Position Information

Arlington County's Department of Public Safety Communications and Emergency Management (DPSCEM) is hiring a Public Safety Watch Desk Manager to supervise the work of six (6) Watch Officers. The Watch Desk is often the first point of contact for ACG personnel and Arlington residents in an emergency. The position works with regional partners to identify areas of collaboration for shared systems on everyday operations and ensures the accurate and timely collection, analysis and dissemination of critical communications/information to the DPSCEM, County Leadership Command staff of the Police and Fire Departments, first responders, and Arlington Alert/EAS subscribers on a 24/7/365 basis. The position will also be responsible for monitoring emergency communications from multiple sources and sending notifications using multiple alerting systems to include the Fire Mutual Aid Radio System (FMARS), Police Mutual Aid Radio Systems (PMARS), National Warning System (NAWAS), Computer Aided Dispatch systems (CAD), local and national media, and other local, state, and federal systems.

To learn more about our department, please visit DPSCEM

Responsibilities include:

• Motivating, training, evaluating performance, counseling, disciplining and scheduling staff on and Watch Officers on 24/7/365 shifts.
• Analyzing impact of incidents and assisting the Emergency Management department with coordinating and deploying the County's emergency response;
• Implementing standard operational policies, procedures and guidelines to support emergency preparedness;
• Recommending cutting edge technology and informational systems to ensure the Watch Desk remains agile and responsive to the public safety environment and managing the implementation and integration of new systems;
• Developing and maintaining close working relationships with Emergency Communications Center (ECC), Police and Fire supervisory personnel, and other County agencies to promote communication and emergency message dissemination and exchange; and
• Participating in Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activations and planned event Unified Command (UC) and/or Tactical Operations Command (TOC).

The ideal candidate will have proven experience working in emergency management (including EOC operations), alert and warning/public information dissemination, and/or public safety plans and practices; working with disaster recovery, hazard mitigation, exercise planning and coordination; and ability work calmly and effectively with people and resources in rapidly changing and potentially stressful situations.

Selection Criteria

Minimum:

• Bachelor's degree in Emergency Management, Public Safety, Public Administration, or a related field; and
• Considerable professional level experience in program administration and/or management which includes experience working with emergency management planning.

Substitution: Additional professional level emergency management experience may substitute for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis. A graduate degree in Public Administration, Emergency Management, or a related field may be substituted for one year of work experience.

Desirables: Preference will be given to candidates with the following experience:

• Working with and developing relationships with Police operations, Emergency Communications Centers, and Fire Departments;
• Knowledge of Police operations and Emergency Communication Center/PSAP;
• Working in an Emergency Communications Center or a call center environment; and/or
• Training others in work procedures.

Special Requirements

A complete application includes an attached letter of interest to the hiring manager which describes how your background and experience align with the qualifications of the position.

Certifications:

• Emergency Management Institute (FEMA) Incident Command Systems (ICS) 100, 200, 700 and 800 (or current versions). ICS 300 and 400 within six months of hire.

Background check: This position requires a comprehensive background check and will require a polygraph examination.

Applicant must possess, or obtain by time of appointment, a valid motor vehicle operator's license from the applicant's place of residence or the applicant must have the ability and willingness to use alternative methods of transportation to perform assigned duties and responsibilities at locations other than the primary worksite. The applicant must authorize Arlington County to obtain, or the applicant must provide, a copy of the applicant's official state/district driving record. Any offer of employment may be contingent upon a favorable review of the applicant's driving record.

A pre-employment criminal records check will be conducted. It may include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You may be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information.

COVID-19: Arlington County Government is committed to the health, safety and wellness for all staff. In support of that commitment, all current and newly hired employees are required to provide proof of Covid-19 vaccination. For those qualified employees with a disability or sincerely held religious belief which prohibits them from receiving a vaccine, you will be able to contact the Office of Human Rights to request a reasonable accommodation. Adherence to this policy is a condition of employment.

Additional Information

Work hours:

The is a full-time position which requires the incumbent to be flexible and available as emergent situations demand.

This position is not a remote opportunity. Occasional telework may be permitted with prior approval from the supervisor.

Your responses to the supplemental questionnaire are considered part of the selection process and are required for this position. Please do not give “see resume” as a response to the questions. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The work is classified as an Emergency Management Specialist II.

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