Public Safety Director

Summary:

The Director of Public Safety is responsible for overseeing and coordinating the consolidated functions of E-911, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and County Fire within Abbeville County, South Carolina. This leadership role requires strategic planning, effective management, and collaboration with various stakeholders to ensure the safety and well-being of residents and visitors.

This class formulates long-range goals for the organization, develop policy and position papers and negotiates with the chief administrative officer. Appointed and reports directly to the County Director in all matters.

Essential Duties

• Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff, processing employee concerns and problems, directing work, counseling, disciplining, and completing employee performance appraisals.
• Coordinates, assigns and reviews work and establishes work schedules; maintains standards; monitors status of work in progress; inspects completed work assignments; answers questions; gives advice and direction as needed.

• Develops a central control, internal procedures and staffing to permit the County Director and other County officials to control the emergency response and recovery of such events.
• Promotes the continued technology, rescue, and communication upgrades required to perform the duties and responsibilities associated with the mission of the County.

• Strategic Planning: Develop and implement strategic plans to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of public safety services in Abbeville County. Continuously assess and adapt strategies to address evolving community needs and emerging threats.
• Departmental Management: Provide leadership and direction to E-911, EMS, and County Fire personnel. Oversee the recruitment, training, and performance evaluation of departmental staff to maintain high standards of service delivery.
• Resource Allocation: Manage departmental budgets, equipment, and resources effectively to optimize service delivery and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. Identify opportunities for resource acquisition and grant funding to support departmental initiatives.
• Interagency Collaboration: Foster positive relationships and collaborate with local, state, and federal agencies, as well as community organizations, to coordinate emergency response efforts, share resources, and implement best practices in public safety.
• Emergency Response Coordination: Coordinate emergency response activities during major incidents, disasters, or crises, ensuring timely and effective deployment of personnel, equipment, and resources to mitigate risks and protect public safety.
• Policy Development: Develop and implement policies, procedures, and protocols governing E-911 operations, EMS response, and County Fire services, ensuring compliance with legal, regulatory, and industry standards that are in harmony with goals and directives of County Council and the County Director.
• Community Engagement: Engage with community stakeholders, including residents, businesses, and civic organizations, to enhance public awareness, education, and preparedness related to emergency response and public safety issues.
• Performance Monitoring: Establish performance metrics and benchmarks to assess the effectiveness of public safety programs and initiatives. Monitor key performance indicators and evaluate outcomes to identify areas for improvement and innovation.
• Crisis Management: Serve as a spokesperson and liaison for the Public Safety Department during crisis situations, providing accurate information, managing media relations, and representing the department’s interests to the public and other stakeholders in conjunction and accordance with the County Director.
• Professional Development: Stay informed about trends, developments, and best practices in the field of public safety through continuous learning, professional networking, and participation in relevant training opportunities.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Minimum Education and Experience Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Emergency Management, Fire Science, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Requires eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in public safety management, including experience in E-911, EMS, or Fire services or any combination of the above.
• Strong leadership abilities with a demonstrated track record of effectively managing teams, budgets, and resources.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to interact effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Knowledge of emergency response principles, protocols, and procedures, as well as applicable laws, regulations, and standards.
• Proven ability to think strategically, analyze complex problems, and develop innovative solutions.

Special Certifications and Licenses:

• Successful completion and maintenance of certifications as required.
• Currently certified NREMT-Paramedic and/or Firefighter II
• Instructor certifications through SC Fire Academy or EMT Instructor
• SC Certified Emergency Manager or IAEM Certified Emergency Manager
• FEMA Incident Command Certification at IS-100, 200, 300, 400, 700, and 800 within the first year.
• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license with an acceptable driving history.

Please submit resumes and applications to Abbeville County, Attn: David Garner, 903 W. Greenwood St., Suite 2800, Abbeville, South Carolina 29620.   Applications are available online at www.abbevillecountysc.com

Resumes/applications will be accepted until position is filled. Equal Opportunity Employer.