Hybrid EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLANNER (SC- NATURAL HAZARDS) Pay Grade 24 AFSCME Local 3109 na New Castle County Government, DE

About the Department

In accordance with the Merit System Rules and Regulations, an eligible list, which will be valid for a one-year period, and which will be used to fill vacancies during that period, is being established for this classification.  Applicants on the eligible list will be certified in accordance with the Merit System and appropriate union contracts.    
    
Candidates may submit online employment applications using the NEOGOV online application system available at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/nccde.  
    
EXAMINATION PROCESS: The examination process for this posting may include an evaluation of training and experience, a written examination, a computerized exam, an oral board interview examination, a performance examination or any combination of the above in order to qualify applicants for placement on the eligible list.  The eligible list will be used to fill vacancies that occur within the next year.   The appropriate number of names on the eligible list as prescribed by Merit System Section 26.03.505 will be certified to the hiring department for consideration to fill the vacant position(s).
    
New employees are generally hired at the starting salary and may be eligible for merit increases each year upon receipt of a satisfactory performance evaluation, up to the maximum salary.  

Position Duties

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:  Performs a wide range of responsible planning and field work pertaining to emergency preparedness, natural hazards planningleading countywide mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery initiatives for weather-driven and other natural threats (e.g., flooding, severe storms, winter weather, extreme heat, wildfire exposure, drought), and serves as the subject-matter resource on National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and Community Rating System (CRS) compliance, response, training, and property protection; does related work as required..

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:  An employee in this class is assigned to plan, research and organize tasks relating to the mitigation of, preparation for, response to and recovery from natural and technological disasters and major emergencies.   Duties include natural-hazard risk assessment, NFIP/CRS administration, hazard-mitigation planning, severe-weather situational awareness and outreach. It also functions as secondary/back-up planner for man-made and technological hazards to ensure cross-disciplinary coverage of all emergency-management mission areas; field and office investigative work including emergency response to incidents as required. This employee serves as the Department of Public Safety’s primary representative to incidents involving hazardous materials and medium to large scale disasters and serves as the alternate to the Emergency Management Coordinator/Assistant Chief of Emergency Management in managing the Emergency Operations Center during major emergencies and disasters. The Department of Public Safety operates 24/7 and this employee may be required to work extended hours such as early mornings, nights, and weekends. This employee works under the supervision of the Emergency Management Coordinator/Assistant Chief of Emergency Management but exercises considerable judgment in the performance of duties.

EXAMPLES OF WORK:  (Illustrative only)

• Develops, maintains, and prepares assigned portions of comprehensive emergency operation plans and reviews plans for conformity to emergency management principles and to principles of good planning;
• Develops and maintains an emergency information system pertaining to the availability of resources and facilities for use during disasters and emergencies;
• Develops standard operating procedures for emergency management functions;
• Consults with emergency care, response, and planning agencies to assist in developing and maintaining integrated emergency operation programs;
• Coordinates emergency staff support for emergency operations, drills, and exercises;
• Researches special unmet needs of the population required during emergencies and develops strategies to meet such needs;
• Serves on emergency planning committees;
• Coordinates the set-up and staffing of the Emergency Operations Center in times of critical incidents;
• Gives public presentations and lectures;
• Locates, collects, compiles, and organizes statistical and other data essential to various emergency management planning efforts;
• Prepares and reviews hazardous vulnerability studies;
• Maintains records of shelters, warning systems, training and radiological protective equipment;
• Develops and provides training programs for emergency response personnel;
• May assist or participate in the supervision of designated staff;
• Leads development, maintenance and five-year updates of the County’s FEMA-approved Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP), ensuring compliance with 44 CFR 201 and EMAP Standard 4.2.
• Serves as the County’s CRS Coordinator; assists the County Floodplain Manager with flood-plain management activities, maintaining Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) data, and preparing annual CRS recertification packages to maximize flood insurance discounts for residents.
• Provides daily severe-weather monitoring using NWS, NHC, SPC, USGS and private-sector feeds; issues internal and external situation reports; and recommends protective actions or EOC activation thresholds.
• Coordinates post-storm Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDA) teams for natural incidents and prepares supporting documentation for state or Federal disaster declarations.
• Implements public-outreach campaigns on hurricane preparedness, flood insurance, winter-storm safety, extreme-heat cooling strategies and emergency notification systems.
• Designs and conducts table-top, functional and full-scale exercises that test natural-hazard response procedures.
• Provides back-up planning support for radiological, hazardous-materials, terrorism or cyber events; cross-trains with the Technological Hazards Planner to ensure seamless coverage.
• Promotes an ongoing attitude of dedication to excellent public service and ensures that external and internal customers are provided with the highest quality of service;
• Operates a personal computer and other related equipment in the course of the work

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:   Good knowledge of planning concepts and emergency management principles; good knowledge of emergency services and resources; ability to utilize multiple technologies and communication devices to efficiently perform duties; skill in report writing and in preparing written plans, charts and graphs; good knowledge of chemical, biological, and radiological monitoring and detection; some knowledge of Federal, State, and local Homeland Security operations; ability to perform independent research and to draw valid conclusions; ability to develop and conduct training programs; ability to communicate courteously and effectively, both verbally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, , outside agencies and the public.. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  At least two (2) years of experience in emergency management and possession of a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university; or an equivalent combination of experience, education or training directly related to the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:  Completion of ICS 100 & 200 Level Courses. . Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) credential and/or Certified Emergency Manager (CEM).

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:  Must pass a Class III and HAZMAT County physical examination and background check. Possession of a valid Delaware Class D driver’s license or its equivalent. The employee shall complete the Emergency Vehicle Operators Course and License within 6 months of date of hire and complete the Hazardous Material Technician Certification prior to the end of the probationary period.  The employee shall take the following Federal Emergency Management Agency sponsored training during the course of employment as funds and scheduling permit:  

Incident Response to Terrorism Series

• ICS Advanced Courses (300 & 400 level)

• NWS SKYWARN® spotter training.

• FEMA L-273 Managing Floodplain Development through the NFIP.

• FEMA National Emergency Management Basic Academy.

Minimum Qualifications

Meaghan McPherson
Human Resources Technician
[email protected]