Communications director resigns
By Steve Herring
Published in News on December 11, 2009 1:46 PM
Wayne County is looking for a new emergency communications director to replace Delbert Edwards, who resigned from that post Nov. 18.
County Manager Lee Smith said he could not discuss the resignation since it is a personnel matter.
"We do not have a person in mind, but we are hopeful we will find a candidate(s) with the background and experience to assist with the 911 system and to aid in managing the county communication system," Smith said.
An advertisement for the vacancy was posted Dec. 1 and, per county policy, will run for a minimum of seven working days.
"At that point we assess the applications received and make a decision regarding whether we need to broaden our search," said Human Resources Director Sue Guy.
Edwards worked with the Sheriff's Office from April 15, 1990, until May 28, 2001. He had worked in the 911 call center from June 1, 2001, until his resignation on Nov. 18.
The salary grade and range for the position are Grade 68 and $34,548.42-$53,883.74. Edwards' salary was $44,225 per year.
"Wayne County Office of Emergency Services is in the process of filling this important position," Emergency Services Director Joe Gurley said. "In the interim, the daily duties of the E-911 communications center and the ongoing (communications system) project have been divided and assumed by various members of the emergency services staff that have expertise and experience in specific areas."
Under general supervision, the emergency communications director performs specialized E-911 communications work for the Emergency Services Department, serving in several different capacities.
The director is responsible for implementation, operation and maintenance of any computer-aided dispatch programs used in the communications center. Other duties include maintaining state-mandated files for the Division of Criminal Information for each telecommunicator and serving as terminal agency coordinator for the center; and maintaining and ensuring all certifications are current and acceptable through the Sheriff's Standards Division.
The director also supervises the general work performed by the 911 telecommunicators as it relates to shift scheduling, time off and training as well as performing the duties to cover scheduled time off and/or emergency situations, through and with the shift supervisors. Other supervision duties include in-house training for new telecommunicators as well as continuing education for current employees. The director reports to Gurley.
According to the posting, the applicant must be a high school graduate and have "some related experience or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities. Some related experience in supervision or coordination of employees."
Special requirements include being certified by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation's Division of Criminal Information for operation of the Division of Criminal Information Network and the ability to be certified as a basic telecommunicator and as an emergency medical dispatcher.
The applicant must meet all criteria of the Sheriff's Standards Division and be at least 21 years of age and possess a valid North Carolina driver's license.