Public Safety Communications Supervisor – Department of Emergency Management (8239)

Company Description

Job announcement was amended and re-issued on April 29, 2025 to reflect changes to the Minimum Qualification section. 

This is a Position-Based Test conducted in accordance with CSC Rule 111A. Learn more about the City’s hiring process here: https://careers.sf.gov/knowledge/process/.

Specific information regarding this recruitment process is listed below:

• Application Opening: April 4, 2025 (re-issued April 29, 2025)
• Application Deadline: Interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. Application filing will be open through May 4, 2025 at 11:59pm PT.
• Recruitment ID: PBT-8239-146548

The San Francisco Department of Emergency Management (DEM) leads the City in planning, preparedness, communication, response, and recovery for daily emergencies, large scale citywide events, and major disasters. In charge of the city's 911 dispatch center and large-scale emergency operations, DEM is the vital link in emergency communication between the public and first responders, and provides key coordination and leadership to City departments, stakeholders, residents, and visitors. For more information on the Department of Emergency Management, please visit: http://www.sfdem.org/.

Job Description

Under general supervision, the Public Safety Communications Supervisor is a first-line supervisor responsible for providing working supervision, direction, and technical assistance on an assigned shift to subordinate staff engaged in the operation of emergency 9-1-1 telecommunications, computer aided Police, Fire, and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) dispatch, and two-way radio communication equipment. 

Essential functions include:

• Staff Supervision: Conduct quality assurance feedback and coaching sessions of subordinates through monitoring at regular intervals; direct and coordinate subordinates’ work assignments; conduct performance evaluations; train, coach and counsel subordinates; assist in the assignment of work schedules, rest and meal periods to assure constant coverage of positions; instruct and brief staff on new policies and procedures.
• Receive reports on fires, critical incidents and other major emergencies and pursue proper course of action; coordinate dispatch of multiple emergency services including Police, Fire, and EMS upon receipt of report of emergencies.
• Stay abreast of police, fire and emergency medical services (EMS) department rules and regulations, Federal Communications Commission regulations, and knowledge of major streets, highways and public buildings.
• When necessary, conduct internal investigations.
• Prepare reports and records of shift activities; prepare, present, and maintain departmental reports and records; assemble statistical data and prepare operational summaries as required; prepare and maintain operations manuals; report needed repair of equipment used in the performance of telecommunications duties.
• Operate a Police, Fire, and EMS two-way radio, computer dispatch terminal, and call evaluation equipment as needed.
• Maintain working knowledge and understanding of public safety policies and procedures for the Department of Emergency Management, Police, Fire, and EMS through prompt attention to department issued emails and attending training courses; maintain working knowledge of major streets, highways and public buildings.
• Promote and maintain a safe and healthy work environment.
• Perform related duties as required.

Nature of Work: Public Safety Communications Supervisors routinely work in a fast-paced environment under pressure caused by the circumstance, nature, and number of emergency and non-emergency calls received. Supervisors must be able to multitask and prioritize.  The work requires considerable manual dexterity.  Supervisors are required to work day, evening, night shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed; may be required to work shifts of more than 8 hours and must be willing and able to respond, report, and mobilize as necessary.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants must meet the minimum qualification requirements by the final filing date unless otherwise noted.

Education:
High school diploma or equivalent (GED or High School Proficiency Examination).

Experience:
Five (5) years of public safety dispatch experience using computer aided dispatch systems in a primary Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) or 911 Center in a large metropolitan area. Experience must be within the last ten (10) years, and include a minimum of four (4) years in the field of law enforcement dispatch,