Emergency Management Specialist (Planning)

About the role

This position plays a crucial role in managing New Hanover County’s emergency/disaster procedures and strategies. The incumbent will assist in and facilitate the development, review, and modification of the County’s emergency plans and its annexes. They will also serve as the primary project manager for internal and external training, development, and support of County exercises.

Responsibilities

• Assist in and facilitate the development, review, and modification of the County’s emergency plans and its annexes.
• Serve as primary project manager for internal and external training, development and support of County exercises.
• Serve as the liaison to bring critical courses to NHC EOC.
• Supports development, updating, and tracking of NHC Emergency Management training presentations.
• Develop and maintain strong collaborative relationships with preparedness and response partners internally and external to the County and with outside emergency management agencies.
• Serve as a critical team member under the Planning Section during County EOC activation.
• Attend and represent the department on various committees, work groups, and teams; cooperate with multi-jurisdictional and stakeholder coordination efforts to determine appropriate courses of emergency action, establish, or make recommendations for emergency planning guidelines, and ensure compliance with emergency management mandates.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Emergency Management, or related field, and two (2) years emergency management field and administrative work experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the specific position as listed above.
• Demonstrated knowledge of current emergency management planning methodology and theory, including hazard mitigation and recovery programming.
• Knowledge and understanding of the concepts of the Homeland Security Exercise Evaluation Program (HSEEP) in exercise planning.
• Project management experience includes the ability to manage multiple projects effectively with demonstrated ability to plan, manage and direct multi-disciplinary, multi-agency projects in collaboration with agencies not under direct supervision.
• Proven interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Proven effective presentation and organizational skills.
• Ability to analyze, develop and implement policies, procedures, plans and legislative actions; to plan and set objectives to achieve results.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products.
• Availability to work days, nights, weekends, and non-routine work hours with little or no notice during emergency incidents, planned events, and other disaster situations.
• Must be able to take rotating on call duties when not in disaster support mode.
• Ability to be in an after hours On Call status rotation to filter emergency management calls and potential response to incidents, supporting the county regarding emergency management operations.

Qualifications

• No degree in Emergency Management, Planning or a related field is acceptable.
• Completion of the FEMA Emergency Management Basic Academy is preferred.
• Holder of the Associate Emergency Manager (AEM) or Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) credential from the International Association of Emergency Managers is preferred.
• Successful completion of ICS 300 and ICS 400 is preferred.
• 3-5 years’ experience designing training programs and/or building and conducting exercise programs is preferred.

Skills

• Comprehensive knowledge of emergency management principles, practices, and methodologies, including preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation.
• Strong understanding of applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies governing emergency management, as well as the roles and responsibilities of County departments and local, state, and federal partner agencies during emergencies and disasters.
• Experience with the administration of federal, state, and local emergency management grant programs is highly desirable.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills are essential, with the ability to clearly convey technical information to County leadership, partner agencies, elected officials, and the public.
• The ability to interpret and apply applicable laws, regulations, and policies, develop and deliver training, assist others in emergency planning efforts, and remain calm and effective under stressful conditions is essential.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills are critical to supporting the County's emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts.

Benefits

• Employer paid 401k contributions;
• Retirement plan through the NC Retirement system;
• Flex time and telework availability, depending on your position;
• Paid sick and personal leave + 13 paid holidays per year;
• Paid parental leave;
• Paid community services leave to give back to our community;
• Education leave to obtain a degree within your line of work;
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance + many other insurance options;
• Onsite, employer-paid health and wellness center;
• Professional development trainings & leadership initiatives;
• Opportunities to make a difference in your community;
• And so much more!