Fire Communications Assistant Manager/Fire Communications Manager

Job Description:

Fire Communications Assistant Manager/Fire Communications Manager

Description

Description

WHAT WE OFFER

The County of Ventura offers an attractive compensation and benefits package. In addition to the salary, an employee within this position will also be eligible for the following:

• General Salary Increase: A general salary increase of 3.5%, effective December 20, 2026, and 3.5% effective December 19, 2027.
• Educational Incentive: may be eligible for 2.5%, 3.5%, or 5%, based on completion of an associate, bachelor's, or graduate degree from an accredited institution, not required for the position.
• Bilingual Incentive - Proficiency levels by exam are $.69 per hour (Level I), $1.00 per hour (Level II), or $1.32 per hour (Level III).
• Annual Leave Accrual - New regular, full-time employees in this classification will earn 208 hours per year, increasing to 288 hours after 5 years of service.
• Annual Leave Redemption - An employee may elect to "cash in" or redeem up to 100 hours of vacation accrued in the same year after using 80 hours of vacation in the preceding 12 months.
• Holidays: 13 paid days per year, including 1 floating holiday to use at your discretion.
• Health Plans: Medical, dental, and vision plans for you and your dependents. A flexible credit allowance of up to $1,024.11 biweekly.
• Deferred Compensation - Eligible to participate in the County's 401(k) Shared Savings Plan and/or the Section 457 Plan. This position is eligible for up to a 3.00% match on your 401(k) contributions.
• Pension Plan - Both the County and employees contribute to the County's Retirement Plan and to Social Security. If eligible, reciprocity may be established with other public retirement systems, such as PERS.
• Additional Benefits Available - Tuition Reimbursement, Disability Plans, Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance, Wellness Program.

THE POSITION

Are you a public-safety professional who thrives in a fast-paced, service-oriented environment? Do you enjoy leading teams, solving complex challenges, and supporting the systems that keep our communities safe? If so, the Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) invites you to explore leadership opportunities within our Fire Communications Center (FCC).

The FCC delivers county residents the latest technology for fast, efficient handling of their 911 fire and medical calls. There are five fire agencies and three ambulance providers serving more than 823,000 people who call Ventura County home. All fire- and medical- related calls are managed by the FCC trained emergency medical dispatchers. On average, FCC dispatchers answer approximately 575 phone calls a day-more than 210,000calls each year. They also send emergency personnel to more than 400,000 incidents a year.

The VCFD is seeking to hire a candidate to lead the FCC. The selected individual will be appointed at the level that best matches their qualifications, either as Fire Communications Assistant Manager or Fire Communications Manager.

The ideal Fire Communications Assistant Manager will bring supervisory experience within a communications environment, familiarity with dispatch protocols, and an understanding of training, Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Improvement (QI), and daily operational workflows. Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD)/Emergency Fire Dispatcher (EFD) certifications are preferred.

The ideal Fire Communications Manager will demonstrate strong senior-level leadership with responsibility for personnel, budgeting, long-range planning, and major technology initiatives. While communications center experience is valuable, we also welcome candidates with broader public-safety leadership experience who have managed complex operations and can bring strategic insight, organizational discipline, and a commitment to modernization.

Across both roles, we seek adaptable, collaborative leaders dedicated to advancing FCC excellence, supporting our teams, and strengthening the mission of the Ventura County Fire Department. These roles demand adaptability, quick decision-making, and the ability to work effectively under pressure to ensure the safety and well-being of those in need.

The position may be required to work varied shifts including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Telework or remote work arrangements are not available for this role.

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL BE

• Committed to fostering a positive leadership culture that supports and uplifts the team.
• Skilled in coaching and guiding personnel.
• Knowledgeable in core communications technologies.
• Consistent in upholding and maintaining policies and standards.
• Engaged in QA/QI and operational performance improvement.
• Effective in communicating with team members and stakeholders.
• Committed to operational excellence and readiness.

PAYROLL TITLES AND APPROXIMATE SALARIES

Assistant Emergency Communications Manager: $ 54.27 to $ 75.98 hourly.

Fire Communications Manager: $ 4,749.04 to $ 6,648.66 biweekly.

The Assistant Emergency Communications Manager is a Management Classification and is eligible for overtime compensation.
The Fire Communications Manager is a Management Classification and is not eligible for overtime compensation.

DEPARTMENT/AGENCY - Ventura County Fire Department
The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill current and future Regular, Temporary, Fixed-term, Intermittent, or Extra Help vacancies for this position only. There is currently one (1) Regular vacancy.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
OPENING DATE: February 26, 2026
CLOSING DATE: March 12, 2026

Examples Of Duties

Duties for the Fire Communications Assistant Manager may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Manages FCC Public Safety Dispatch Supervisors, as assigned, which includes directing, supervising, evaluating, and fostering their growth and development.
  
• Oversees daily operations in the FCC which includes monitoring workflow, communication, and shift alignment to ensure operational continuity.
  
• Oversees performance monitoring, coaching, and conflict resolution to support a positive work environment.
  
• Ensures consistent application of SOPs, policies, directives and procedural changes across FCC.
  
• Directs the implementation, programming and maintenance of technology, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems, including GIS/CAD testing, documentation, troubleshooting, and deployment of new equipment.
  
• Manages projects and participates in workgroups to support alignment and organizational consistency.
  
• Prepares and presents operational data, reports, and recommendations to support informed decision-making.
  
• Oversees FCC training programs, including new-hire training, continuing education, and QA/QI for fire/EMS call-taking.
  
• Oversees Fire GIS and CAD personnel, and their associated systems.
  
• Acts as a liaison for representatives from other agencies, departments, telephone companies and the California 911 Branch. Answers inquiries from staff, members of the public, vendors and contractors regarding 911, CAD and intelligent workstation equipment, including one hundred telephone lines, call routing and jurisdictional boundary issues.
  
• Manages the Ventura County Master Street Address Guide (MSAG) and prepares the emergency service number (ESN) assignments to the public safety answering points in the county.
  
• Conducts training sessions for the police and fire department personnel throughout the County.
  
• Maintains a variety of records and produces management reports using automated systems, manuals and other reference materials and provides staff reports or position papers and makes recommendations based on analysis of research findings.
  

In addition to the above, the Fire Communications Manager duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Leads long-range planning, modernization efforts, and major FCC initiatives.
  
• Develops and monitors the FCC and Fire GIS budgets, analyzing operational and financial data to improve efficiency and service delivery.
  
• Develops administrative policy and operational documentation, consults with executive management, and negotiates contracts and agreements with external partners.
  
• Directs FCC technology systems, including GIS, CAD, MDC/AVL interfaces, radio systems, and dispatch resource files, ensuring regulatory compliance and operational relevance.
  
• Manages hardware, software, and infrastructure needs, establishing procedures for system failures, repairs and maintenance.
  
• Investigates service concerns and evaluates emerging technologies, recommending improvements to FCC operations.
  
• Prepares and presents formal presentations and written reports for leadership and stakeholders.
  
• Represents the FCC and Fire District in fire-communications with external agencies, departments, vendors, and the public.
  
• Keeps informed of emerging trends and technologies and, when appropriate, introduces them to the FCC.
  
• Consults with executive management regarding FCC and community needs and problems.
  
• Negotiates with outside vendors and other agencies for systems, contracts and agreements, particularly TriTech Systems on-site support.
  
• Coordinates regional dispatching services and long-term technology projects, supporting effective Fire/EMS communications.
  
• Ensures that all power, space and air conditioning requirements are anticipated and planned for. Develops documents and implements procedures for dealing with power failures, emergency repairs and scheduled preventive maintenance.
  
• Investigates citizens’ and other complaints regarding service delivery and follows up accordingly.
  
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

These are entrance requirements to the exam process and ensure neither continuance in the process nor placement on an eligible list.

EDUCATION, TRAINING and EXPERIENCE

Fire Communications Assistant Manager

Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in the field of communications dispatch for a public safety agency performing varied technical and/or administrative duties of which three (3) years included the supervision of subordinates. Experience must include updating, maintaining and troubleshooting problems with complex systems such as CAD, GIS, computerized telephone systems AND current certifications in International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) Emergency Medical Dispatch and Emergency Fire Dispatch;

Fire Communications Manager

Six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in the field of communications dispatch performing varied technical and/or administrative duties of which three (3) years included the supervision of subordinates. Experience must include updating, maintaining and troubleshooting problems with complex systems such as CAD, GIS, computerized telephone systems.

OR

Six (6) years of experience in a Command position, in the rank of Captain and above, managing complex operations, for a public safety agency to include only Law Enforcement and Fire Rescue operations performing varied technical and/or administrative duties of which three (3) years included the supervision of subordinates. Experience must include updating, maintaining and troubleshooting problems with complex systems such as CAD, GIS, computerized telephone systems.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Possession of, or the ability to obtain and maintain a valid California driver license.

DESIRED

• Current IAED ED-Q Certification
• Completion of any of the following dispatch center leadership certifications:
  • National Emergency Number Association (NENA) Emergency Number Professional Certificate (ENP)
  • NENA Center Manager Certification Program (CMCP)
  • Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) Registered Public Safety Leader Certificate.
  • National Academy of Emergency Dispatch (NAED) Communications Center Manager Certificate (CCM).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Thorough knowledge of:

• Public-safety communications operations, CAD/911 technologies, radio systems, and related regulatory requirements.
• Principles of leadership, supervision, training, customer service, and performance management.
• Workflow design, project management, and operational planning in a 24/7 emergency environment.
• Budget preparation and monitoring.

Thorough skills in:

• Leading and motivating teams in high-pressure and complex settings.
• Communicating clearly and professionally both verbally and in writing with staff, leadership, partner agencies, and the public.
• Analyzing operational data and providing operational reports and recommendations.
• Using modern dispatch technologies and standard office software; the use of various computer programs, such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel; the operation of CAD, computerized 911 telephone systems, computerized radio systems and voice logging recorders; and the operation of computer equipment and accessories.
• Building collaborative relationships and supporting positive team culture.

Thorough ability to:

• Interpret and apply policies, procedures, and regulatory standards.
• Troubleshoot operational and technology issues and coordinate resolutions.
• Support and oversee training, QA/QI, and staff development activities.
• Manage multiple priorities and projects in a dynamic environment.
• M aintain professionalism, sound judgement, and mission focus during interpersonal or operational challenges.

Recruitment Process

FINAL FILING DATE

Applications must be received by the County of Ventura Human Resources in Ventura, California, no later than 5:00 p.m. on March 12, 2026.

To apply online, please refer to our website at hr.venturacounty.gov. If you prefer to submit a paper application, please call (805) 654-5129 for application materials and submit them to County of Ventura, Human Resources Division, 800 S. Victoria Ave., Loc. # 1970, Ventura, CA 93009.

Note to Applicants: It is essential that sufficient information is provided under the Education/Work Experience portion of the application and supplemental questionnaire to thoroughly and accurately demonstrate your qualifications. A resume and/or other related documents may be attached to supplement the information in your application and supplemental questionnaire; however, it/they may not be submitted in lieu of the application.

APPLICATION EVALUATION - QUALIFYING

All applications will be reviewed to determine whether the stated requirements are met. Those individuals meeting the stated requirements will be invited to continue to the next step in the examination process.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE - QUALIFYING

All applicants are required to complete and submit the questionnaire for this exam at the time of filing. This supplemental questionnaire may be used throughout the examination process to assist in determining each applicant’s qualifications and acceptability for the position. Failure to complete and submit the questionnaire may result in the application being removed from consideration.

ORAL EXAMINATION - 100%

A job-related oral examination will be conducted to evaluate and compare participating examinees' knowledge, skills, and abilities in relation to those factors which job analysis has determined to be essential for successful performance of the job. Examinees must earn a score of seventy percent (70%) or higher to qualify for placement on the eligible list.

If there are three (3) or fewer qualified applicants, an Oral Examination will not be conducted. Instead, a score of seventy percent (70%) will be assigned to each application, and each applicant will be placed on the eligible list.

Applicants successfully completing the exam process may be placed on an eligible list for a period of one (1) year.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION

A thorough pre-employment, post offer background investigation which may include inquiry into past employment, education, criminal background information, and driving record may be required for this position.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The County of Ventura is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

CONTACT INFORMATION

For further information about this recruitment, please contact Lucy Fernandez by email at [email protected] or by telephone at (805) 389-9679.

YOUR BENEFITS AS A COUNTY OF VENTURA EMPLOYEE

MANAGEMENT

To learn more about Benefits, Retirement, and the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), see links below.

• Benefits website or you may call (805) 654-2570.
• Retirement FAQ's
• Memorandum of Agreement

Union Codes:MB3, MB4, MS, MT,MCC, MU

Closing Date/Time: 3/12/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

Salary:

$112,881.60 - $172,868.80 Annually