Emergency Preparedness Specialist

Loudoun County Government has been named one of Forbes' 2025 Best Large Employers. We’re proud to be recognized nationally for our commitment to employee satisfaction and excellence in public service. At Loudoun County, we bring together talented professionals from all backgrounds to make a meaningful impact in a dynamic, growing community.

About the role

The Loudoun County Office of Emergency Management, Safety & Security (OEMSS) is seeking a qualified candidate to fill the role of Emergency Preparedness Specialist. Through partnerships and collaboration, OEMSS is responsible for facilitating, maintaining, and enhancing a comprehensive and integrated emergency management program to build a more resilient community.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and develop training and exercise activities.
• Develop, implement, and maintain local and regional emergency management plans.
• Conduct research on emergency management best practices.
• Facilitate meetings with internal and external stakeholders.
• Participate in prevention, protection, mitigation, response, and recovery initiatives, as directed.
• Support emergency incidents in accordance with OEMSS policies and procedures.
• Comply with policies and procedures of the County as well as state and federal regulations.
• Represent Loudoun County with federal, state, regional, and local organizations and agencies.
• Monitor and document compliance with local, state, and federal statutes across divisional workstreams.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Emergency Management, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Three (3) years of related work experience in emergency management, disaster mitigation, preparedness, and/or emergency response/recovery activities; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Previous experience in emergency management at the local, state, or federal level preferred.
• Virginia Professional Emergency Manager (PEM) or International Association of Emergency Managers Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) preferred.

Skills

• Knowledge of emergency management principles, theories, and practices.
• Ability to efficiently manage projects.
• Ability to effectively communicate.
• Ability to collaborate with diverse groups on complex projects.
• Willingness to assist on a variety of projects and initiatives that span the emergency management spectrum.

Job Contingencies and Special Requirements

• Completion of FEMA IS courses 100, 200, 700, and 800, and the FEMA HSEEP Course (E0146) within one (1) year of hire.
• This position is considered mission critical and will be required to serve during emergency incidents, including natural and human-caused disasters, planned events, and other situations requiring Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activation.
• Expected to fulfill assigned roles in the EOC during activations. EOC staff work twelve (12) hour shifts, which may include day or night assignments, weekends, holidays, and extended hours as necessary to support sustained operations.
• Successful candidates will undergo background checks as required.