Joining the team at Gaston County Government means being part of a community that is dedicated to improving the lives of its citizens. We are a dynamic organization that values innovation, collaboration, and commitment to service.
As an employee of Gaston County, you will have the opportunity to make a difference in your community every day. Whether you are working in public safety, social services, or administration, your contributions will help improve the lives of our residents and build a better future for our county.
Description
The Gaston County Office of Emergency Management provides planning, coordination, and resources necessary to enable our emergency responders and citizens to work together to mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from incidents that may threaten or occur in Gaston County.
Examples of Duties
The duties listed below are not all of the duties that may be assigned but are those that are considered as essential for an employee to perform.
- Research, formulate, and execute various disaster and emergency preparedness plans along with operational procedures to ensure effective response and operations during both man-made and natural disaster incidents.
- Direct planning and coordination meetings and develop multi-agency operational plans for large-scale events and incidents throughout the county, including workshops, functional courses, and full-scale exercises for local, state, and regional partners in both the public and private sectors.
- Lead planning sessions and either conduct or supervise public education presentations to ensure comprehensive community preparedness.
- Responsible for direct and effective supervision and administration for the Division Chiefs of both the Emergency Management and Fire Services Divisions to include performance management, employee relations, prioritizing and assigning work and related activities.
- Assist with preparing budgets and monitoring operating funds such as appropriated funds, grants, etc.
- Collaborate with federal, state, and local partners to optimize efficiency and responsiveness in public protection. Contribute to committees, boards, or related activities focused on establishing goals, objectives, and policies for enhanced countywide public safety.
- Assist in the coordination of emergency services at the Emergency Operations Center in the event of an incident or event.
- Demonstrate the ability of establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with law enforcement, EMS, and other fire, emergency management, and county agencies/departments.
- Oversee and guide the coordination of recovery initiatives to reinstate services and operations, while also ensuring the well-being of affected citizens.
- Serve as the Deputy Fire Marshal.
- Report directly to the Director and perform other duties as assigned. Assume the roles and responsibilities of the Director in their absence.
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Associate's Degree in a Fire or Emergency Management related field
- Minimum of 15 years of experience in public safety
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in a public safety leadership role
- Must have a valid Driver's License
- Must be certified in: ICS 100, ICS 200, ICS 300, ICS 400, ICS 700, ICS 800, Certified Fire Fighter II, and Haz-Mat Ops.
Preferred Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in a Fire or Emergency Management related field (or Master’s degree in any field)
- Level II Fire Inspector Certification
- Certified Fire Investigator
- Associate Emergency Manager Certification
Must be capable in computer operations, word processing, spreadsheet/database development, GIS programs and internet. Must be able to perform work in day, night, heat, cold, ice, snow, and at times in dangerous or hostile situations.
Additional Information
The applicant selected must undergo and pass a drug screening test prior to employment.
At Gaston County, we are committed to providing equal opportunity to all employees, job applicants, and members of the community we serve. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.
We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable laws.
Gaston County will not sponsor applicants for work visas.
Full-Time employees are eligible for the total compensation package which includes:
- Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Retirement Savings Plans
- Pension
- 401K (with 5% county contribution annually)
- Flexible Work Schedules
- Professional Development Opportunities
- Discounted YMCA Membership
Part-Time employees are eligible for certain benefits as a part of employment with Gaston County such as:
- Pro-Rated Sick and Annual Leave
- Professional Development Opportunities
- Local Government Retirement Plan
- Employee Assistance Program
Half-Time employees are not eligible for benefits.
To learn more details about the many benefits we provide view our Employee Benefits Guide.
Overall, if you are looking for a challenging and rewarding career with competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package, Gaston County is the place for you.
01
Do you have valid driver's license?
02
Which statement below best describes the highest level of education you have completed?
- High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (GED)
- Associate degree
- Bachelor's degree
- Master's degree
- Professional degree
- Doctorate degree
03
Do you have at least fifteen (15) years of experience in public safety?
04
Do you have at least ten (10) years of experience in a public safety leadership role?
05
Do you possess all of the following certifications?: ICS 100, ICS 200, ICS 300, ICS 400, ICS 700, ICS 800, Certified Fire Fighter II, and Hazmat Ops.
