Statewide Interoperability Coordinator
The Statewide Interoperability Coordinator (SWIC) serves as the cornerstone of the state's interoperability effort and is the state's subject matter expert, advisor and key contact to various groups on interoperable communications. These "communications" includes any technology (e.g. analogue, digital, voice, and data) affording the public to request emergency assistance, enabling emergency service provides to communicate among themselves, and tools enabling public alerts, warnings, and notifications.
The SWIC serves within the Department of Public Safety (DPS) Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM). Core to the SWIC's duties is partnership with local emergency communications stakeholders. This is formally done through the governance body known as the Statewide Emergency Communications Board.
The position of SWIC is encouraged by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and is nationally guided by Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). The SAFECOM Guidance on Emergency Communications Grants guides that emergency communications grants shall be reviewed by the state's SWIC for alignment with the guidance document.
The SWIC position is a part of a national network and is a member of the National Council of Statewide Interoperability Coordinators (NCSWIC). It is important that the SWIC interact with other SWIC's throughout the United States and participate in national/federal organizations to bring lessons learned, findings, and best practices back to Minnesota for incorporation and/or adoption in state-level interoperability initiatives.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
At least four (4) years of professional level experience* with the following:
- Knowledge of public safety agency communications system requirements; interoperable public safety communication and broadband technologies; telecommunications industry emerging technologies; National Emergency Communications Plan; Department of Homeland Security SAFECOM and Office of Emergency Communications; nationwide public safety broadband network; Federal Communications Commission role in communications.
- Working in a government entity or private organization that includes program and project management, strategic planning, emergency preparedness planning and response activities.
- Knowledge and experience overseeing program management support, including staffing, contracting, budgeting, technical resources and other administrative tasks.
- Experience developing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with a wide variety of local, state, federal and non-governmental organizations.
- Ability to work cooperatively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
*A bachelor's degree in communications, management, information systems security or a related field may substitute for one (1) year of professional level experience. A master's degree in a related field may substitute for eighteen (18) months of professional level experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- Masters degree in communications, management, information systems security or a related field.
- Experience in developing policies, coordinating projects, and maintaining governance structures.
- Experience in grants coordination, including applications and ensuring compliance with grant requirements.
- Experience with Public Safety Answer Point - 800 MHZ radio interoperability within the public safety discipline, management of communications systems, telecommunications, public administration, or related field.
- Five to seven years of experience in a related business or policy area and/or telecommunications field on an enterprise-wide basis with increasing responsibility for coordination, facilitation, and policy development.
Physical Requirements
Medium: Requires occasionally moving and transporting 50-pound items and frequently moving and transporting objects such as heavy tools and heavy file boxes. This job may require positioning self to move to a significant degree across rough terrain or may involve maintaining a stationary position for extended periods.
Additional Requirements
This position requires successful completion of the following:
It is the policy of the Department of Public Safety that all employees submit to a background investigation prior to employment, includes the following components:
- Criminal History Check
- Reference Check
- Driver's License Check
- Hearing and Vision Test
Application Details
How to Apply
Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
Contact
If you have questions about this position, contact Marcia Reding at marcia.reding@state.mn.us or 651-201-7296.
To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Marcia Reding at marcia.reding@state.mn.us.
About Public Safety Dept
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) is a diverse, complex agency dedicated to serving communities across the state. DPS has 10 public facing and four support divisions with about 2,200 dedicated employees operating programs statewide that all have one goal: Building a safer Minnesota.
Working together to improve the state we love.
What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?
- A sense of purpose in their work
- Connection with their coworkers and communities
- Opportunities for personal and professional growth
Benefits
As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.
Your benefits may include:
- Paid vacation and sick leave
- 12 paid holidays each year
- Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
- Fertility care, including IVF
- Diabetes care
- Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
- 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
- Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
- Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
- Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
- Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
- Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
Support to help you reach your career goals:
- Training, classes, and professional development
- Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:
- A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
- Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
- Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care
Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.