Final Filing Date: Open until filled with first review of applications on January 5, 2026. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible as this recruitment may close at any time.

Definition

The City of Cupertino’s City Manager’s Office is recruiting for an Emergency Manager (Assistant to the City Manager).

In alignment with the purpose of the City’s Office of Emergency Management and with State and Federal guidelines, the Emergency Manager manages and coordinates all aspects of the City’s emergency preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery programs. Under general direction, the Manager develops comprehensive emergency preparedness plans, conducts training and exercises, maintains the operational readiness of key facilities and systems for emergency operations, and manages compliance with the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and the Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS).

The position requires a high degree of professionalism, initiative, and independent judgement. It is anticipated that the Emergency Manager will spend a large portion of time and effort in preparedness planning, community engagement, outreach, training, and education. The Manager will have access to confidential information, government documents, and other sensitive material, requiring discretion, and adherence to rules and regulations for handling such data.

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

Develop, review, update, and implement relevant aspects of the City’s Emergency Operations Plan, Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, Community Wildfire Protection, Continuity of Operations Plan, associated annexes, and other emergency plans or other federal, state, or local requirements as appropriate.

Identify and analyze potential vulnerabilities to disaster and response capabilities and implement disaster mitigation plans and programs for a wide range of disaster risk.

Under general supervision, develops and implements the Office of Emergency Management’s emergency preparedness functions and programs.

Lead the development and maintenance of formal mutual aid agreements and cross-sector partnerships that enhance resource sharing and operational interoperability during regional disasters.

Develops, recommends, and implements revision of emergency response procedures based on regulatory changes, technological changes, or knowledge gained from outcomes of previous emergency situations.

Work collaboratively with City departments to review facility specific emergency action plans and procedures as they relate to emergency response. Prepares, conducts, and coordinates training for City employees and volunteers as it relates to emergency planning and preparedness. Maintains training records and volunteer databases.

Develops, conducts, and coordinates training and exercises of staff assigned to the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and other such key roles, including regular EOC training, drills, and exercises.

Participates in County led and Operational Area trainings, drills, and exercises.

Serves as the City’s representative to coordinate with the Operational Area, regional, state, and federal governmental agencies, the public, volunteer organizations, and stakeholders to establish and maintain effective working relationships and communication before, during, and after an emergency incident.

Works with all City Departments, private organizations, and non-profit organizations to coordinate protection of key infrastructure such as government facilities, schools, business campuses, and natural assets.

Works collaboratively with all City departments to provide facility specific emergency action plans and procedures.

Builds partnerships with private sector organizations and their emergency response teams.

Attends required meetings, trainings, seminars, and conferences related to emergency management and homeland security.

Prepares, attains, and distributes emergency planning and preparedness materials to business and residential communities.

Manages volunteer programs such as the Block Leader and Citizen Corps program, including, but not limited to, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), and ARES/RACES ham radio volunteers. This management may be overseen through a direct report.

Plans for, orders, and maintains equipment and supplies for the primary and alternate Emergency Operations Center.

Assesses the needs of the primary and alternate Emergency Operations Center and reviews new and accepted EOC procedures to keep the EOC current and efficient.

Supports the Logistics Function through the selection, identification, purchasing, and ongoing maintenance of Office of Emergency Management’s equipment and supplies.

Prepares the OES budget and manages financial administration of allocated resources.

Participates in Operational Area grant funding prioritization and project opportunities.

Assures conformity of City emergency preparedness with County, State and Federal requirements (NIMS, etc.).

Prepares FEMA reports and other grant proposals as needed.

Receives training and maintains certifications as required, including FEMA/DHS, NIMS, and other courses.

Oversees and supervises full-time and/or part-time OES staff.

Conduct and coordinate community outreach to increase awareness of emergency preparedness and the role of emergency management.

Coordinate with the City’s communications staff (or act as the primary point of contact, as needed) to develop and implement effective OES public communication strategies that include real-time updates, social media engagement, and clear messaging for diverse audiences. Prepare and submit progress reports as required; ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, including those under the Stafford Act.

Compiles reports, assists with developing presentations, and presents to Cupertino Public Safety Commission, Disaster Council, City Council, and other bodies as necessary. May serve as liaison to the Cupertino Public Safety Commission and the Disaster Council.

Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge Of

Federal, State, and other codes, laws, regulations, and protocols related to disaster management, including but not limited to:

California Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS), Incident Command System (ICS) and the National Incident Management System (NIMS).
Emergency Operations Center (EOC) structure and operating procedures, Department Operations Centers (DOCs), and Action Planning.
California Disaster Service Worker Program for government employees as well as the Disaster Worker Volunteer Programs. Best practices in public education and involvement such as Citizen Corps, MRC, CERT, and other programs.
Homeland Security Exercise Evaluation Program (HSEEP) and exercise design and conduct.

Principles and practices of emergency management including hazard identification and mitigation and disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.

Grant funding processes and procedures related to emergency management programs.

Principles of supervision and technical report writing.

Ability To

Establish and maintain effective working relationships which garner respect and promote leadership with department members, other City employees, commissions and committees, City Council, and members of the community.

Achieve professional confidence of others and elicit cooperation from others.

Coordinate a variety of complex tasks simultaneously.

Use public presentation and writing skills to communicate effectively and to assimilate and understand information, in a manner consistent with the essential job functions.

Conduct analysis of complex proposals and plans.

Plan, promote, coordinate, and implement programs.

Make sound decisions in a manner consistent with the essential job functions.

Provide training on various subjects related to emergency preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery.

Supervise, manage, mentor, and set priorities for junior staff.

Education And Experience

Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree with course work in emergency management, public administration, education, or a field of study that is related to the work. Additional qualifying experience may be substituted on a year for year basis for the required education. Experience substitutions are determined at the discretion of the City of Cupertino. A Master’s degree in emergency management is preferred.

Five (5) years of professional experience in emergency management, community education, program development and coordination, or related experience with at least two (2) years in a role addressing emergency management.

Licenses and Certifications

Must have completed required Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) courses IS 100, 200, 700, and 800 at the time of hire.
Must work to complete IS 300, IS 400, and California Specialized Training Institute’s Emergency Management Concepts courses within one year of appointment.
Must be First Aid and CPR/AED certified within one year of appointment.
Must complete a CERT training course within one year of appointment
Possession of a valid Class C California driver’s license is required.

Certifications in emergency management or additional emergency management course work is highly desirable and may be used as a substitute for the required education. An ideal candidate will possess the International Association of Emergency Management’s Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) designation; have attained or be knowledgeable of the California State Training Institute (CSTI) EOC Position Credentialing; have attained the CSTI Emergency Management Specialist Certificate; and have attained the FEMA Professional Development Series certificate (and/or the Advanced Professional Series certificate).

Application and Selection Process

If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit your City of Cupertino employment application to Human Resources. This recruitment is Open until filled with first review of applications on January 5, 2026. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible as this recruitment may close at any time.

Applications must be filled out completely. Failure to complete the supplemental application will disqualify the applicant from the recruitment process. Failure to list work experience or stating “See Resume” in the work experience section of the application will be considered an incomplete application and subject to rejection. Resumes may be attached separately. Electronic applications may be submitted online through the City’s employment page at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cupertino , or application materials may be submitted to: Human Resources, 10300 Torre Avenue, Cupertino, CA 95014. Late applications will not be accepted.

Applications will be screened according to the qualifications outlined in this job announcement. Applicants possessing the most desirable qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which may include a written examination and/or panel interview. An eligible list will be established as a result of this process and will remain in effect for 3 months from the date established.

Additional Information

The City of Cupertino is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of a person’s race, religion, color, sex (including gender and pregnancy), sexual orientation (including heterosexuality, homosexuality, and bisexuality), national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, uniformed service member status, marital status, age, medical condition, genetic characteristics, and physical or mental disability. Candidates with a disability, which may require special assistance in any phase of the application or testing process, should advise City of Cupertino Human Resources upon submittal of application. Documentation of the need for accommodation must accompany the request.

The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

City of Cupertino

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