Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

Manager, lead and act as the technical expert in operational administrative procedural functions that directly support frontline policing radio and telephone public safety systems, including managing personnel involved in the direct support of plans/programs and major projects within the Provincial Communications Support Section for the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). To provide management expertise and manage internal staff/teams of highly skilled telecommunications specialists. To provide input into section, budget and operational plans and to oversee the preparation of requests for proposals (RFPs). Represents the needs and interests of the OPP, both internally and externally, through liaison with senior management, other OPP bureaus, ministries, private partners and clients.

Duties / Responsibilities :

As part of Communications and Technology Services Bureau (CTSB), which is responsible for the operations and maintenance of all public safety telecommunications systems used within the OPP, including police dispatch, radio, 911 and related telephone systems, and for the GMCB Public Safety Network (PSRN) project including other contracted agencies, the incumbent:

1. Provides technical leadership, direction and advice to the Unit, OPP Bureau, contracted service providers, Government Mobile Communication Branch (GMCB) personnel and consultants on the design, development, implementation and maintenance of OPP telephone systems and digital computerized radio networks by: overseeing the management of multi-disciplinary project teams comprised of unit, Bureau and external consultants/vendors, facilitating project stages and activities, monitoring project progress, and negotiating/implementing resolutions. Reviews quality of work and takes appropriate steps to ensure high standards are met by project teams; managing service providers contracts for and following up on deficiencies; assisting with the development of user equipment, systems and software: providing: providing leadership, advice and information on police matters and operations to technical and engineering staff; liaising with industry contractors regarding telecommunication equipment, systems and software. Managing and coordinating the activity of a team of experts in designing and implementing the integration of new telecommunications centres by analyzing current and future computer systems and technologies, space requirements, and availability of government-owned facilities.

2. Manages and coordinates project activity both within the Section, between the Section and Unit and, between the Unit and private/public sector partners e.g. PCC construction/design projects, GMCB Public Safety Radio Network (PSRN). Directly manages full-time staff, including monitoring daily activities, appraises performance, develops training and development plans, hires and disciplines staff, manages and unit's Attendance Support Program, preparing return to work plans, holding meetings, approves employee overtime, travel, related expenses and ensures that the Section functions effectively. Establishes Unit objectives and priorities that directly impacts objectives of the Client Management and Support Unit thereby requiring regular consultation with Unit manager.

3. As a member of the Unit management team, participates in Section and Bureau decision-making processes including strategic, financial and business planning, policy and standards development.

4. Provides OPP technical/operational position at various meetings with telecommunications companies, other ministries, and police services to update information, policing matters on new technology and changes in the field that may have a direct impact on OPP operations and policy. Manages vendor-client relationships, using project management methodologies to ensure compliance with contracts/RFPs. Maintains positive relationships with staff of the OPP, ministry and other police services and internal/external telecommunications vendors.

5. Coordinates and maintains administrative and operational support systems (e.g. monitor financial expenses/pressures, human resources utilization, information technology, etc.) for the unit by: maintaining mission critical computerized databases for a range of programs and special projects: assist in managing paper and electronic information systems, responding to internal and external requests for information and participating in the Business Planning Process.

6. Provides budgetary estimates and forecasts for multi-million dollar budgets and mission critical projects to unit Manager, including procuring goods and services, approves invoices and reconciles against approved budget. Assist in the development of fiscal plans and the acquisition, allocation and utilization of resources for the unit and the project. Facilitates and evaluates procurement/RFP process: oversees tendering process, receives quotes on submission, provides measure of risk and cost-benefit of acquiring new technology vs. existing ones and awards contracts.

7. Develops, coordinates and manages communications strategies, products and services to support/promote and GMCB: facilitate internal communications and ensure GMCB objectives, strategic plans and key messages are delivered to clients, ministry partners, front line employees and the public. Provide communication support services by developing communications tools and products such as background documentation, memos, face sheets, project news releases, questions and answers, etc.

8. Performs other duties, as assigned

Knowledge :

In-depth knowledge of OPP Provincial Communication Centres (PCC), Telephone and Mobile Radio Operations, the Ontario Provincial Police structure, procedures and knowledge of relevant Federal and Provincial legislation to provide leadership and advice on operational and administrative matters to the OPP, GMCB, front line members, PCC, all stakeholders and ministry partners. Advanced knowledge of public safety telephone systems, including telephone PBX and VOIP systems, 911 and associated networks. Symposium call management networks and infrastructure, digital and analog radio networks and the history to date and of existing legacy radio networks. Knowledge of and experience with all forms of structured cabling systems for the distribution of power, data and communications within the public safety communications centre environment. Knowledge of a wide variety of server and client based applications related to the emergency dispatch and call taking operations. Advanced knowledge of the OPP PCC operations and practical knowledge of police procedures, federal and provincial laws. Advanced knowledge of public safety telecommunications equipment including functionality of equipment to respond to requests for information. Position requires understanding of government financial/procurement policies to prepare cost benefit analyses, assist in the preparation of RFPs, manage the ongoing operating budget for the radio, telephone and other telecommunication systems, complete relevant technology evaluations, negotiate with various vendors on cost/service delivery and participate in the acquisition of new products/enhancements. Ability to manager, lead and coordinate multiple and competing priorities and mission critical projects with internal Section/Unit Managers, private sector partners and/or ministry partners or contracted services. Knowledge of OPPA civilian and uniform Memoranda of Understanding and of senior OPP and government financial and management policies; OPP procedures and policy to provide advice, to effectively manage human resources issues and to manage the various projects. Research and analytical skills to investigate resources and extract, analyze, and interpret information. Excellent Oral/written communication, consultation, presentation and advisory skills: to prepare communication material, business case reports and direction on operational and administrative issues to various levels of senior management and external agencies or ministries. Interpersonal skills and knowledge of group dynamics to work cooperatively with managers, manage field staff, technical consultants/engineers, and GMCB partners and to tackle project problems, coach and provide consultative advice. Broad knowledge of a range of communications options, techniques and ministry/government communications policies/procedures, and plain language principles in order to prepare news releases, memo, etc. Planning, analytical and problem-solving skills to identify issues and able to evaluate and monitor results. Knowledge of a variety of computer programs such as MS Internet Explorer, MS PowerPoint, MS Word, MS Excel, MS Mail/Exchange to support administration of the public safety radio and prepare reports and communications material.

Judgement :

The position works under the general supervision of CTSB Management. Work is performed within the framework of the Ontario Public Service, ministry, OPP and unit policies, procedures and governing legislation. Judgment is exercised in: the provision of strategic and tactical advice and support Bureau senior management and in the identification and assessment of relevant readiness and other complex telecommunications issues; analyzing the operational needs of various telecommunication systems to enhance related public safety service delivery and meet project targets: recommending procedures and processes to improve operational standards of the radio and telephone systems: communicating related key messages at the appropriate intervals. Decision-making involves balancing the operational needs of front line members with the allocated funds and contractual agreements tithing the BMCB radio and telephone unit contracts, budges: displaying a high level of initiative/ability to exercise judgment and make decisions on a wide range of critical operational and administrative matters. Judgment is exercised in project management so as to ensure that project schedules and legislated public safety standards, including officer safety are met, controlling resources, hiring and managing staff, advising client groups and promoting strategic alignment and collaborative initiatives.

Accountability - Programs :

The position is directly accountable for providing leadership, technical expertise, formulation of plans and/or acquisition, quality assurance and security of OPP public safety radio and telephone systems, disaster recovery planning, the formulation of plans for systems development and/or acquisitions, the identification of security and maintenance requirements for both existing and emerging OPP telecommunication's systems, and the recommendation of priorities and direction/advancement through supporting cost effective technologies that deliver improved public safety service levels to both the public and frontline officers. This position is directly accountable for ensuring that work is complete according to schedule, within budget and to a public safety standard.

Accountability – Personnel :

Manages full time staff members and is responsible for the provision of a wide variety of human resource services including staff development, performance appraisals, WDHP complaints and disciplinary action. Project manages multi-disciplinary teams consisting of: vendors, private/public sector partners, and ministry and OPP personnel.

Accountability - Finance and Materials :

Administration of approximately Multi-million dollar operating budget and the effective utilization of unit, section and bureau resources, vendor contracts and equipment. Input into the unit's funding allocation, including reconciliation and approval of expenditures submitted by employees and notification to supervisor of expenditures affecting the budget.

Accountability - Impact of Errors :

Errors in judgment may seriously affect the quality of service delivery to the general public and front line members thus contributing to the organization's failure to meet the policing needs of the province. Officer safety may also be adversely impacted. Inaccurate information, improper advice and poorly conceived strategies for the public safety radio network and/or Provincial Communications Centres 911 call centre management technologies/processes could seriously compromise the health and safety of the general public and front line service personal.

Contact - Internal :

Frequent contact with all levels of OPP managers, clients and stakeholders to advise on program activities to ensure consistency in application of policies, procedures and legislation.

Contact - External :

Regular contact with other police services, ministry/government personnel, private consortiums, partners and vendors to provide advice and direction.