Fire Communications Assistant Manager​/Fire Communications Manager

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 $0.69 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: Tuition Reimbursement, Disability Plans, Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance, Wellness Program.

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 210,000 calls 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…