Communications Supervisor - 911 Dispatch (Sheriff's Office)

Salary: $31.37 - $41.11 Hourly
Location : Elkhorn, WI
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 2026-00043
Department: Sheriff's Office (Non-Sworn)
Division: Communications
Opening Date: 04/02/2026
Closing Date: Continuous


An Equal Opportunity Employer

Position Summary
This role involves overseeing shift operations within the Communications Division, leading and guiding the communications team while fostering positive organizational culture through behavior, demeanor, and example. Additionally, the Communications Supervisor needs to be capable of fulfilling the core responsibilities of a Communications Officer and will serve as a Communications Officer on their assigned shift regularly to maintain shift minimums.
SUPERVISION

This position supervises communications staff on their assigned shift and carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.
Hours of Work: This hourly position normally works a rotating schedule of 5 days on, 2 days off, 5 days on, 3 days off for an 8.25 hour shift. Shift hours are 6:45 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. for 1st shift, 2:45 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. for 2nd shift, and 10:45 p.m. - 7:00 a.m. for 3rd shift. The selected candidate will likely be placed on 2nd or 3rd shift.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
This job description reflects management's assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.
Provide coaching, leadership, and mentorship to the Communications Center staff.
Keep the Operations Manager informed of all aspects of the operations of the Communications Division including, but not limited to, service complaints, personnel problems, equipment problems, etc. Contact the Operations Manager in the event of major emergencies.
Assist the Operations Manager in the development and implementation of agency goals, objectives, policies, and procedures. Assist the Operations Manager in gathering Communications Division statistics, analysis, and reports.
Oversee and supervise the communications team. Ensure appropriate staffing levels for each shift by maintaining the schedule. Make necessary adjustments to shift schedules as needed. Submit work schedules that account for overtime, holidays, and training to the Operations Manager. Ensure that weekly timecards are completed accurately.
Ensure that proper action is taken in the event of equipment failure with ability to troubleshoot problems and determine who to call for problem solving. Oversee the staff's use of the equipment to ensure its adequate use and maintenance to maximize the life of the equipment and proper operation.
Assist in the training of new employees and developing and implementing staff training programs.
Assign work and set priorities. Oversee the operations, activities and personnel of the communications center to ensure the compliance of established guidelines, procedures and policies.
Receive, review, investigate and handle problems and complaints regarding specific incidents and/or employees as assigned. Investigation includes reviewing tapes, answering questions, duplicating appropriate master tapes relating to investigations and submitting findings in a written report to the Operations Manager. Recommend disciplinary action or commendations and perform as directed.
Monitor potential problem areas (i.e. continuing problems on radio, personality conflicts, attendance, etc.). Counsel employees regarding work habits, behavioral problems and other issues affecting the employees work performance and may issue discipline in the form of oral and written reprimands as directed.
Maintain a high level of knowledge and skill regarding the equipment, policies, procedures and techniques of 911 call-taking and dispatching.
Complete a variety of reports and correspondence relating to shift and personnel activities including preparation of documentation for court purposes.
Represent the division, as assigned, at meetings and conferences. Attend and participate in employer sponsored training. Ensure up-to-date knowledge of relevant issues, legislation, procedure or policy changes affecting the Communications Division.
Actively seek ideas and promote ways to raise the standards of the division.
Participate with the Operations Manager in the development, implementation and review of procedures, policies and training programs.
Maintain professional relationships with team members, understanding the leadership hierarchy, and fostering a culture of professionalism within the agency. Recognize the dynamics of the supervisor-employee relationships.
Proficient in all related duties of a Communications Officer. Serve as a Communications Officer on designated shift to maintain shift minimums.
Maintain confidentiality.
Follow the Sheriff's Office chain of command policy. Support Administration, even if they do not agree with directions or decisions.
Instill trust by following through with directions, and complete requests in an acceptable manner.
Respond to emergencies during off time arising from inclement weather, equipment failure, personnel issues, or other natural or manmade incidents to provide additional staffing as required.
Demonstrate a commitment to county safety and risk management efforts.

Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and/or Experience

High school diploma plus two additional years of formal preparation and four to five years of relevant prior experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience in public safety dispatching. Proven experience with legal, medical, law enforcement and fire/rescue terminology.
Certificates, Licenses and Registrations

Advanced TIME Operator Certification

Emergency Medical Dispatch Certification


If either of these certifications are not held at time of hire, they must be obtained within twelve (12) months of the date of hire as a condition of continued employment; failure to obtain said certifications will be grounds for termination.

Felony convictions in any jurisdiction are disqualifying.

Ability to work in stressful conditions, with others in a fast-paced environment and to work different hours and shifts, including late night and/or early morning hours.
Interactions & Communication

Provides specialized information and/or recommendations to others regarding an area of expertise.
Decision Making

This position has authority to make decisions that are within general procedures and protocols; supervision is available as required or requested. These decisions directly impact performance in the job and/or work unit within a department and information is provided with additional research and observations which contributes to the decision-making process.
Thinking & Problem Solving

In relation to established procedures, protocols and policies of the County, challenges in this position tend to be diverse, but are typically covered by precedent or established practice.
Tools and Equipment Used

Telephone

Calculator


Alarm Panel

Voice Loggers

Copy Machine

TDD/TTY machine

FAX Machine

Radio/Telephone consoles

Personal Computer/Printer

Mobile Data PC
WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Selection Process
TO INCLUDE:

Formal Walworth County Electronic Application

Employment History Review

Oral Department Interview
Law Enforcement Suitability Test

Background Investigation

Reference Check

Post Offer Psychological Evaluation

Post Offer Physical Exam

Drug Screen
Other job related tests may be required.
WALWORTH COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFIT SUMMARY
H - Non-Represented Hourly Employees
BARGAINING UNIT: Non-Represented Hourly Employees Hired on or after January 1, 2012


DATE: January 1, 2019


EMPLOYMENT STATUS: All employees of Walworth County are at-will employees.


BASIS OF PAYMENT: You are paid for actual hours worked plus pay for any accrued benefit time for which you are eligible. You are eligible for overtime or compensatory time in accordance with provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act.


SCHEDULED TIME OFF: Accrued based on straight-time hours paid each pay period. All accrued scheduled time off hours are available for use, subject to approval of your supervisor. As a full-time employee you earn scheduled time off (pro-rated for part-time) equivalent to the following:

10 days per year after 1 year of Walworth County Service
15 days per year after 5 years of Walworth County Service
20 days per year after 15 years of Walworth County Service
PERSONAL TIME OFF: Employees will receive 64 hours of personal time off as a lump sum at the beginning of each year (pro-rated for part-time and newly-hired employees). At the end of each calendar year, an employee may request to move remaining personal time off hours to the extended sick leave bank. If no request is made, any remaining hours shall be paid out on the employee's last pay date of the calendar year.


EXTENDED SICK LEAVE BANK: Used for time off of work for more serious health conditions that require three or more consecutive days off or when on an approved leave of absence.


HOLIDAYS: Ten paid holidays each year. As a part-time employee, you receive pro-rated holiday pay based on your positions budgeted FTE.


INSURANCE: Employees hired into a .75 FTE or higher position are eligible for Health, Dental, Life, Vision, Short-Term Disability and Long-Term Disability insurance benefits on the first of the month following 30 days of service provided you complete enrollment forms within 30 days of hire. Employees hired into a .50 FTE or higher position are eligible for all benefits listed below except Health insurance. Employees hired into a .49 FTE or less position are eligible to participate in Short-Term Disability only.
Health Insurance: You can choose Tier 1 or Tier 2. Tier 1 is a standard co-pay plan. Tier 2 is a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with a Health Savings Account (HSA). The County will contribute an amount approved by the County Board, payable as a lump sum to your HSA for Tier 2. You may also elect to contribute to your HSA up to the IRS maximum. You may elect either family or single coverage. The monthly premium will be split between the County and the employee.


Dental Insurance: You may elect either family or single coverage. The county shall pay 100% (single or family) of the premium for a full-time and 50% (single or family) of the premium for a part-time employee enrolled in dental insurance.


Life Insurance: The County provides you with term life insurance in an amount equal to $25,000. You have the option of purchasing additional coverage for yourself, spouse, and/or dependent children.


Short-Term Disability Insurance: The County provides you with Short-Term Disability Insurance with premiums paid by the employer.


LTD Insurance: The County provides you with Long-Term Disability Insurance. The monthly premium is 0.83% of your insured monthly wages. The County shall pay 67% of the premium & employee shall pay 33% of the premium.


Vision Insurance: You may elect to participate in Vision insurance. The employee electing coverage shall pay 100% (single or family) of the premium for vision insurance.
WISCONSIN RETIREMENT: You are covered under the Wisconsin Retirement System if you are expected to work a minimum of 1200 hours per year for a period of one year or more. The WRS provides you with separation, disability or retirement benefits upon termination. The payment is split between the county and employee, as prescribed by state law. Employees expected to work less than 1200 hours per year will not receive this benefit.


EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE: After completing 6 months of employment, you are eligible to participate in the Educational Assistance Program and receive partial reimbursement for tuition upon completion of approved courses.


TAX-SHELTERED BENEFITS: You may elect to participate in the following tax-sheltered benefits:

Deferred Compensation (S457 plan)
Medical Spending Account (S125 plan)
Dependent Care Plan (S125 plan)
Health Savings Account (S223 plan)
WORKERS COMPENSATION: You are covered by Workers Compensation for any illness or injury arising out of your employment. Medical expenses and compensation for lost time are paid from the workers' compensation plan. In addition, the County will supplement the workers' compensation lost-time payment for up to 1 year, making you whole on a "net-check" basis.


DIRECT DEPOSIT: You are required to participate in direct deposit of your paycheck to a banking institution of your choice.


EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: You and your family are encouraged to use the Employee Assistance Program for help in addressing confidential family and financial matters. EAP services are provided through Curalinc. Please call View phone number on click.appcast.io for help.


BEREAVEMENT LEAVE: You will receive pay for up to 3 days for the purpose of bereavement over the death of your spouse, child, step-child, parent, step-parent, brother, sister, grandparent, grandchild, mother-in-law, father-in-law, or other member of the immediate household (excluding renters).


You will receive up to 1 day of pay for the death of your brother-in-law, sister-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, aunt, uncle, niece or nephew.


JURY DUTY: Your regular wages will be made-whole for any time you are required to serve on jury duty.


MILITARY LEAVE: Your regular wages will be made-whole for up to two weeks for you to meet your annual two-week reserve duty obligation. Extended military leaves are provided in accordance with state and federal laws.


LEAVE OF ABSENCE: You are required to request a leave of absence in writing and a minimum of 15 calendar days prior to your expected absence. All leaves are subject to approval of the Human Resources Department and are at the discretion of the County's representative, except as otherwise required by law. Under emergency situations, the leave papers must be submitted within 5 days after the absence begins. Periods of absence less than 5 days may be approved by your department head.
Note: This Summary provides only a brief outline of your benefits. All benefit terms and conditions are subject to the specific provisions of plan documents, policies, and/or legal rules and regulations. These benefits are subject to change from time to time by action of the County Board and/or Human Resources Committee.