Internal candidates will be considered before external candidates.
GENERAL PURPOSE The Director of Emergency Management Services position directs and plans all administrative and operational activities for the Emergency Management Services division. This position, under the guidelines of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), is responsible for all issues related to emergency management, emergency communications (911 public safety answering point and radio and computer-aided dispatch services for fire, law enforcement, and EMS response units), homeland security, and all countywide hazard prevention response and preparedness planning.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED This position reports directly to the County Administrator. This position is responsible for supervision over the following: Deputy Director of 911 Operations, Deputy Director of Systems Management, Operations Manager for 911, Quality Assurance Manager for 911, Training Manager for 911, Systems & Logistics Manager, Dispatch Shift Supervisor, Emergency Management Operations/Training Manager, Emergency Management Planning Manager, Hazard Mitigation Disaster Recovery Manager, Telecommunicator, and Clerical Specialist for 911.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF THE POSITION Maintains the County Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) in accordance with applicable Federal and state laws, regulations, and guidance. Coordinates updates with County departments, municipalities, and partner agencies. Coordinates all aspects of the County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP), Countywide Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP), and Continuity of Government Plan (COG). Includes the integration of the Pennsylvania Counter-Terrorism Task Force (Northeast PA Emergency Response Group -- NEPAERG) into all County emergency management and homeland security plans. Responsible for equipping, training, and exercising the County's Emergency Operations Center and the 911 Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP), including the continued maintenance and oversight of computer-aided dispatch systems. Coordinates with responsible agencies in the development of operating plans/procedures, database management, and equipment requirements. Manages the County response to disasters including supervision of the emergency operations center staff and the development and update of emergency plans on preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation for all possible disaster situations. Serves as liaison between County personnel and municipal, state, and Federal representatives regarding all Emergency Management related issues. Serves as County agent for Federal disaster cost recovery assistance programs. Represents the Emergency Management Services division at meetings, conferences, and seminars. Directs the ongoing evaluation of relationships with all disaster response agencies and organizations, both internal and external to the County. Responsible for researching, coordinating, developing, and implementing various emergency services and emergency preparedness plans/programs in accordance with state emergency services and disaster laws. Coordinates mutual support agreements with departments, schools, military installations, Red Cross, Salvation Army, welfare organizations, neighboring communities, and area disaster relief volunteer organizations as well as Federal, state, and County emergency services organizations. Develops, administers, and monitors the annual operating budget for the Emergency Management Services division, including Emergency Management, 911 operations, and related programs. Ensures appropriate allocation of resources, fiscal accountability, and compliance with County financial policies. Oversees the planning and monitors all activities related to the County multi-hazard disaster plan, preparedness, response, mitigation, and recovery programs. Assists the County Administrator with defining and formulating department and County poli ies, programs, goals, and objectives. Responsible for the overall management, supervision and evaluation of job performance for staff assigned to the Emergency Management Services unit and E-911 Operations Center.
Required Minimum Qualifications
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE -- Completion of a high school, or general equivalency diploma; AND at least twelve (12) years of full-time professional experience in a public safety agency (emergency management or 911), at least eight (8) years of which must include high level supervisory and administration experience; AND must successfully complete all required in-service training and continuing professional development as established by PEMA to maintain certification and eligibility for appointment; AND employee assigned to this title will be required to possess and maintain a valid and current motor vehicle operator's license. Must have an acceptable driving record; AND must be able to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours during emergency activations; AND must successfully complete a criminal background investigation as required by all applicable Federal, state, and County regulations/policies.
CERTIFICATION & LICENSING -- Must obtain and maintain PEMA Emergency Management Certification in accordance with Title 35 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes and applicable PEMA directives, including completion of required certification levels within prescribed timeframes; AND Must obtain and maintain compliance with Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Security Policy requirements, including completion of required CJIS security awareness training; AND Certification as a Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) through the International Association of Emergency Managers and/or Emergency Number Professional (ENP) certification through the National Emergency Number Association, is preferred.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Thorough knowledge of: the principles of management and their application to public emergency management operations and communications services, including the operation of a central 911 answering point, computer-aided central dispatch system, and emergency operations center; public administration principles and practices; the Incident Command System (ICS) under the National Incident Management System (NIMS). Knowledge of: governmental budgeting procedures and the ability to apply such knowledge as required; personnel management practices and procedures, including labor/management and collective bargaining. Ability to: negotiate and monitor contracts for supportive services including telephone and computer hardware/software providers, ensuring timely upgrades of 911 and dispatch systems; administer grant programs to enhance emergency management programs and activities; effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing, with executive level managers, senior government officials, and the general public which includes presentations, briefings, and interviews to further public education and awareness; manage the development and implementation of operational and administrative procedures, reporting requirements, and related activities; maintain administrative records and reports pertaining to emergency occurrences, 911 calls, and records of fire, law enforcement, and EMS response unit action. Provide procedures that collect and analyze reports of same; conduct thorough analyses of workload volume, recommending staffing levels to ensure adequate daily staffing for a continuous 24/7 operation; establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, officials of law enforcement, firefighting and emergency medical care agencies, representatives from other local, state, and Federal agencies, and the public; exercise considerable judgement in applying and interpreting departmental policies and procedures; work under str
