Description
Salary package includes generous benefits, vacation accrual, partial relocation reimbursement, and no state income tax.
Learn more about the Deputy Director of Emergency Management here
Position Summary
Pierce County is looking for a dedicated Deputy Director of Emergency Management who has:
- Emergency Management leadership and proven strategic oversight of daily operations, personnel, and complex programs, including preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery.
- A deep knowledge of long-term planning, managing diverse funding sources—including general funds and grants—and overseeing internal budget processes and decision packages.
- Excelled at fostering strong relationships with elected officials, first responders, and partner agencies while advancing emergency preparedness and public safety goals.
- The industry knowledge and people-first mentality to act in the absence of the Director of Emergency Management and play a key role in maintaining operational excellence and organizational readiness.
Our Strategic Leader Will Focus On
- Furthering comprehensive expertise in emergency management operations, including planning, budget oversight, and interagency coordination.
- Proven leadership skills with experience guiding cross-functional teams, managing complex projects, and driving strategic initiatives.
- Cultivating strong relationships with demonstrated success engaging elected officials, emergency responders, community groups, and agency partners.
- Supporting the Director of Emergency Management with a deep understanding of public budgeting processes, grant funding, and policy development in a government setting.
- Serving as a trusted advisor and operational leader, acting on behalf of the Director and assuming full responsibility in their absence or as delegated.
A complete classification can be found here.
Emergency Management Highlights
- Mission and Vision: Create resilient communities and enhance public safety by empowering the whole community in Pierce County to prevent, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from all types of hazards, emergencies, and disasters. A prepared Pierce County that is resilient to all hazards.
- Nationally Accredited and Award-Winning: Achieved Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP) certification, showcasing excellence in emergency management. Also home to Washington Task Force 1, the state’s only FEMA Urban Search and Rescue team.
- Innovative and Data-Driven: Uses data, evidence-based practices, and continuous innovation to enhance safety and resilience.
- Comprehensive Mission: Focused on preventing, mitigating, preparing for, responding to, and recovering from hazards to protect Pierce County communities.
- Community Outreach: Hosted 219 disaster preparedness events in 2023 to boost public readiness.
- Strong Partnerships: Engages over 900 volunteers and collaborates with organizations like search and rescue teams, medical corps, and neighborhood emergency teams.
- Leadership in Key Projects: Delivered initiatives like the Mt. Rainier Hazard Plan, hosted a Safety Summit, and managed critical emergency operations.
Learn more about your career at Pierce County at http://www.piercecountywa.gov/ExecutiveCareers
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
- A bachelor’s degree in business or public administration, or a closely related field, including specialized training in emergency management and preparedness; and,
- Five (5) years of progressively responsible supervisory/management experience in an emergency management, homeland security organization is required.
- Additional education and/or related emergency management experience may substitute for the education recruiting requirements.
Special Requirements:
- A valid Washington State driver’s license is required.
- Ability to obtain a security clearance from state and or federal departments and agencies; must pass job-related tests.
- Applicants may be subject to a background investigation.
As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case basis and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.
Supplemental Information
About Pierce County
Pierce County is a vibrant region where career opportunities intersect with an exceptional quality of life. With stunning natural landscapes, from the shores of Puget Sound to the majestic Mt. Rainier National Park, the area offers endless outdoor activities, including hiking, boating, and golfing on nationally ranked courses. Urban amenities abound as well, with thriving arts, cultural, and culinary scenes that complement the area’s natural beauty. As one of the fastest-growing counties in Washington State, Pierce County is a hub of innovation and community collaboration, making it an exciting place to grow your career and make a lasting impact.
Pierce County is committed to a "Forward Together" mission that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion while tackling critical community challenges. The focus on affordable housing, reducing homelessness, expanding behavioral health services, and creating good-paying jobs ensures a high quality of life for all residents. This dedication to fostering inclusive communities, safe infrastructure, and equitable access to opportunities makes Pierce County a place where careers thrive, and individuals can make meaningful contributions to a resilient, vibrant future.
We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.
