EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST V - DIAMOND HEAD CRATER - KAIMUKI, OAHU

This recruitment is for permanent full-time positions with the Department of Defense, State of Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA). The posting will remain open until 30 applications are received and may close at any time.

Pay

$6,221 to $7,568 per month (SR-24, Step D to I). Hiring rates depend on availability of funds, applicant qualifications, and other relevant factors.

This recruitment may also be used to fill future temporary full-time positions. Employees appointed to temporary positions may gain civil service membership after a six-month probation period, unlocking promotion, transfer opportunities, and other rights and benefits (except return and placement rights during a reduction-in-force).

About the Role

The State of Hawaii’s emergency management programs aim to prepare for, mitigate against, respond to, and recover from emergencies and disasters. This role focuses on planning for natural and human-caused incidents, ensuring operational continuity before, during, and after emergencies. Responsibilities include coordinating emergency operations, managing emergency centers, and evaluating disaster requirements from state departments and county agencies.

Responsibilities

• Lead or supervise complex professional emergency management programs, projects, or teams.
• Facilitate collaboration with state agencies, local jurisdictions, federal agencies, private sector partners, and other states/counties.
• Serve as a State Emergency Response Team (SERT) member during activations of the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC).
• Manage budget, human resources, financial grants, awards, procurement, fiscal compliance, and reporting.
• Ensure adherence to regulations, policies, and timelines in emergency management operations.
• Develop and improve emergency management services for future responses.
• Coordinate emergency warning systems, telecommunications, and logistics.
• Implement and maintain emergency management plans in alignment with county, state, and federal laws.
• Establish and coordinate partnerships with community agencies, public/private entities, and organizations for emergency preparation, warning, sheltering, and assistance.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, nationality, permanent residency, or eligibility for unrestricted employment in the U.S.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university.
• Three and one-half (3-½) years of progressively responsible professional emergency management experience in mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery, including:
  • Planning, training, and exercising emergency management operations.
  • Emergency response, disaster recovery, and mitigation requirements.
  • Emergency warning/siren systems, telecommunications, and logistics.
  • Implementation and maintenance of state emergency management plans under county, state, and federal laws.
  • Coordination of community agencies and organizations for emergency preparation and assistance.
  • Administrative actions, including budget, grants management, financial services, and human resources.
• Demonstrated experience in:
  • Independently performing assigned tasks with proficiency and competence.
  • Advising, facilitating, and coordinating agencies to mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.
  • Developing, delivering, and evaluating emergency management plans, training, exercises, and operations to improve readiness and minimize loss of life, property damage, and environmental impacts.
• Knowledge of emergency management principles, problem-solving skills for high-stress situations, adaptability, and critical thinking to anticipate hazards and manage crises.
• Supervisory aptitude (actual supervisory experience not required if potential is demonstrated).
• Valid driver’s license at the time of appointment.

Benefits

• Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program, which forgives federal student loan balances after 120 qualifying payments while employed by a qualifying public service employer.