Attachment B
CITY OF SANTA MARIA, CALIFORNIA
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
JOB TITLE: Public Safety Communications
Manager
DEPARTMENT: Police Department
CLASSIFICATION: Exempt UNIT: NMAC GRADE: TBD
UPDATED: August 2026 LEVEL: Middle Manager
SUMMARY / IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS:
Under general administrative direction, supervises the operation of the Communications Center, providing leadership, accountability, and strategic oversight of operations and staff.
The Public Safety Communications Manager is a Middle Manager role that provides systems support, supervision and mentoring. Their role enables the Santa Maria Police Department to achieve its main goal of keeping the community safe by providing high quality services offered by the Santa Maria Police Department.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
Coordinates and oversees the day -to-day operations of the Communications Center , including participation in the development of division goals objectives, budget, and policies and participate in county wide committees pertaining to emergency service issues. Plans, coordinates and reviews the work plan for assigned projects and responsibilities, provides administrative and technical direction to dispatch staff, including assigning work, preparing performance evaluations, employee development, hiring, disciplinary recommendations, etc. Coordinates and supervises the preparation of work schedules to achieve operational efficiency, staffing strategies to provide for adequate coverage on all shifts, and ensure standardized data driven processes.
Monitor combined communication center equipment needs, research dispatch equipment, make recommendations on equipment purchase; work with vendors to secure best product and pricing Reviews, implements, and interprets operating procedures and submits recommendations for change.
Understand state 911 funding availability and policies and develop a working relationship with state reps to secure available funding and opportunities. Supervises formalized training programs for Communications personnel within P.O.S.T. guidelines; supervises maintenance of records and files; prepares summary reports of dispatch activity. Scope of assigned area will depend on departmental structure and is at the discretion of the department director.
Upholds the values of the organization and has strong customer service orientation. Performs other related projects and duties as assigned. Demonstrates regular, reliable and punctual attendance.
Attachment B
CITY OF SANTA MARIA, CALIFORNIA
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
CORE COMPETENCIES:
Middle Manager:
Incumbents should have a solid foundation of Individual Contributor and Front -line Supervisor core competencies identified by the organization, as well as the following core competencies identified as essential for Middle Manager (click the hyper link to see the full definition Middle Manager Competencies):
Talent Development - Effective performers keep a continual eye on the talent pool to monitor skills and needs of team members. They expand staff skills through training, coaching, and development. They evaluate and articulate present performance and future potential. Organizing & Planning - Effective performers have strong organizing and planning skills that allow them to be highly productive and efficient, manage time wisely, and effectively prioritize multiple competing tasks.
Organization Knowledge - Effective performers understand the workings of a municipal organization, formal and informal policies, and structures, and know "how the place works." Relationship Building - Effective performers understand that a primary factor in success is establishing and maintaining productive relationships. They interact with people and are good at it. They devote appropriate time and energy to establishing and maintaining networks. Results Orientation - Effective performers m aintain appropriate focus on outcomes and accomplishments, are motivated by achievement, and persist until the goal is reached. Industry Knowledge - Effective performers understand the general workings of local government within which the organization functions and maintain a current knowledge base. Written Communication - Effective performers write clearly and concisely, composing informative and convincing documents. They use written language to convey substance and intent with simplicity, accuracy, and clarity.
Financial Acumen - Effective performers understand the financial framework of the organization.
They are cost conscious and fiscally responsible and use financial data to make informed business decisions.
Change Agility - Effective performers are adaptable, are effective in the face of ambiguity, and support an orientation for change.
Technology Savvy - Effective performers use technology to be successful in their organizational role. They value technology and leverage existing and new technology to achieve efficiency.
QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE:
Ideally, five years of public safety dispatching experience with a police and/or fire agency, preferably in a consolidated emergency communications center including three years in a supervisory capacity; and
Graduation from high school.
Current technical/professional knowledge of complex principles, methods, standards and techniques associated with the scope of work of a recognized profession, such as:
Attachment B
CITY OF SANTA MARIA, CALIFORNIA
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
o Principles of leadership, coaching, mentoring, training, and performance evaluation o Organization, procedures, and operating details of the emergency communication function o Basic laws and procedures relating to police and fire field operations o CAD/RMS systems and related hardware that affect operational and technical issues of a public safety communications environment.
An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above. Desired licenses and/or certifications associated with the assignment. o Possession of, or ability to obtain a Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) Basic Public Safety Dispatcher certificate, or equivalent. Post Supervisory Certificate and/or Post Management Certificate is desirable.
Possession of a valid and appropriate Driver License. Must have and maintain a satisfactory driving record and meet City liability requirements to drive for City business. Requires completion of a background investigation to the satisfaction of the City. The incumbent must meet the physical requirements of the job class and have mobility, balance, coordination, vision, hearing and dexterity levels appropriate to the duties to be performed.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
May require completion of a pre-employment physical to the satisfaction of the City. Reasonable accommodation(s) for an individual with a qualified disability will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
CITY OF SANTA MARIA, CALIFORNIA
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
EMPLOYEE CONFIRMATION
☐I have read and understand the job description for my position. I am able to perform all the essential functions of this position. I agree to comply with City policies and all laws, rules, regulations and standards of conduct related to my position.
Employee Date