DEPUTY CHIEF OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT & CONTINUITY OF GOVERNMENT - 40011453

General Description

The Deputy Chief of Emergency Management & Continuity of Government oversees the day-to-day operations of the EM program to include supervising staff, ensuring operational readiness, overseeing/performing emergency management preparedness and response functions in a variety of natural, technological, and man-made threats and hazards in and around the County, support recovery and mitigation for these threats and hazards, and serving as a back-up in the absence of the Chief Emergency Manager.

Essential Functions

• Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff, processing employee concerns and problems, directing work, counseling, disciplining, and completing employee performance appraisals.
• Covers, assigns, and reviews work; maintains standards; monitors status of work in progress; inspects completed work assignments; answers questions; gives advice and direction as needed.
• Lead multiple project initiatives, based upon the local threat profile, concerns raised by Board and Council, recent events, time delineate weather events, planned Special Events in the City and/or County of Durham, and unplanned emergency/disaster events.
• Aid in developing the Division’s Capital Improvement Plan and Budget, related performance measures, coordinating purchase, monitoring budget and expenditures, and appropriately tracking and documenting grants.
• Integrate key governmental preparedness doctrines such as the National Response Framework (NRF), the National Incident Management System (NIMS), the Incident Command System (ICS), and the Continuity of Government (COG) principles into daily organizational practices.
• Perform the role of EOC Manager or Deputy EOC Manager when the EOC is activated.
• Facilitate and guide work groups, meetings, and strategy sessions for emergency scenarios.
• Review and analyze data to help guide decision-making and support recommendations to elected officials.
• Provide oversight of standard operating procedures (SOP) development and review to close programmatic gaps.
• Develop tailored training and education for community partners, community members and the Board and Council.
• Develop and refine sheltering, evacuation, reunification, and recovery plans, as needed.
• Support community outreach, state-led events/programs, and VIP visits.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of federal, state, and local emergency management policies, procedures, laws, and operations.
• Knowledge of the Robert T. Stafford Act for mitigation and recovery operations.
• Knowledge of computers, software applications, and the use of social media in Emergency Management operations.
• Knowledge of governmental structures and resources.
• Knowledge of Emergency Management.
• Skilled in planning, organizing, and monitoring personal workload and employee work assignments.
• Skilled in preparing clear, accurate, and concise reports and presentations.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Ability to make sound decisions.
• Ability to motivate, guide, and direct staff to achieve organizational goals and maintain high level of performance.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, community partners and agencies, and public.
• Ability to perform effectively in physically and mentally demanding emergency situations for extended periods of time.

Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Emergency Management, Public Administration, or related field from an appropriately accredited College or University.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible emergency management experience at the coordinator level or higher including at least two years of supervisory experience.

Special Requirements, Certifications and Licenses

• Must possess and maintain a valid NC Class C driver’s license with an acceptable three-year driving history.
• Must be available for call-back during significant emergencies and disasters.
• Must obtain certification as a Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) with the International Association of Emergency Managers or certification as a NC Executive Emergency Manager by the NC Training and Standards Advisory Board within two years of employment.