Polk County Emergency Management has an opening for an Emergency Management - Program Assistant
Visit http://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/hr/job-opportunities/ to apply today!
Job Title: | Emergency Management - Program Assistant |
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Closing Date/Time: | Mon. 01/18/16 11:59 PM Central Time |
Salary: | $51,164.00 - $67,194.00 Annually |
Job Type: | Full-Time Regular |
Location: | Emergency Management, 1907 Carpenter Ave., Des Moines, Iowa |
Department: | Emergency Management |
Bargaining Unit: | Professional Excluded |
Salary Grade: | 16 |
Hours: | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Distinguishing Features of the Class:
Under general supervision of the Emergency Management Director, coordinates the development/implementation of a countywide comprehensive hazard plans for incorporated municipalities/unincorporated areas of Polk County, IA in accordance with federal/state legislation and regulations; develops programs and coordinates/ facilitates resources to minimize the impact of emergencies/disasters on people, property, the economy, and the environment; provides training/technical assistance to local agencies for plan development, recovery, and response activities. Reports to the Emergency Management Director under the direction of the Polk County Emergency Management Commission as proscribed by Iowa State Code Chapter 29C.
Illustrative Examples of Work:
- Assists in Developing/maintaining Polk County Hazard Analysis identifying types/frequencies of hazards, past disasters, and vulnerability of general population related to specific hazards identified; evaluates/prioritizes risks.
- Works with multiple city/county departments as directed including public works, engineering, law enforcement, building and zoning, and floodplain management to identify natural, man-made and technological hazards; gathers/organizes data from disaster related professionals, government authorities; analyses, interprets, and organizes data to develop integrated, cost effective, and technically feasible plans.
- Participates in the development/implementation of the Comprehensive Plan required by the State of Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division; assists in developing goals, strategies, and time frames for implementing identified programs.
- Works with political representatives/appointed officials to develop awareness of hazards to respective communities; develops support/obtains approval for identified programs; provides technical assistance to local agencies for plan development for mitigation, recovery, and response activities; maintains communications with local governments and first responder agencies throughout the county.
- Develops/maintains computer mapping/database programs identifying critical/vulnerable facilities and locations such as hospitals, nursing homes, childcare centers, law enforcement and fire stations, railroad right-of ways and chemical facilities, located within the geographical boundaries of Polk County.
- Promotes appropriate local, state, and federal emergency management training programs to public/private sector individuals; conducts/ arranges training sessions, workshops, and awareness programs for the general public related to the identified hazards/appropriate protective measures; assists in preparation/distribution of publications, brochures, videos; maintains supplies.
- Develops, coordinates, participates in, and evaluates exercise scenarios/drills for area response organizations to test emergency management plans; coordinates the planning of an integrated response/capability with federal, state, local and private agencies.
- Makes presentations to various government/community groups including use of charts, graphs, and complex graphics.
- Coordinates the establishment/maintenance of local/regional mutual aide agreements; promotes partnerships with private sector/non-profit organizations; coordinates volunteer services.
- Assists the Emergency Management Director with on-scene and Emergency Operations Center activities related to response/ recovery operations in the event of a disaster.
- Participates on committees and attends classes, seminars, and meetings related to the emergency management program as directed.
- Prepares technical reports and maintains records/maps.
- Performs other duties as may be required in support of the emergency management program.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Knowledge of emergency preparedness fundamentals including local, state, and federal guidelines.
- Knowledge of the principles/practices of emergency contingency planning.
- Knowledge of hazard identification/risk assessment.
- Knowledge of policy development/implementation, program evaluation, and coalition building.
- Knowledge of statistics/research methodologies.
- Familiarity with the structure/purpose of local, state and federal public safety agencies/organizations including volunteer or other nongovernmental disaster services related agencies.
- Skill in the use of personal computers and word processing /spreadsheet/database software applications including Word, Excel, Power Point, Arc View/CAMEO GIS mapping programs.
- Ability to conduct research, gather/analyze data, observe/evaluate trends, draw logical solutions, and make sound recommendations.
- Ability to develop risk profiles/impact projections.
- Ability to develop, plan, implement, and evaluate emergency drills/exercises.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with a broad scope of agencies.
- Ability to prepare comprehensive technical reports including use of maps, charts, and complex graphics; prepare technically competent, feasible and realistic emergency operational plans/procedures.
- Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply regulations, procedures, and legislation related to emergency management.
- Ability to make clear/understandable presentations of technical information to governmental agencies/departments, professional organizations, and to the general public.
- Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely in both oral and written communications.
- Ability to use tact, diplomacy, and persuasion to resolve disputes/gain consensus.
- Ability to establish/maintain effective working relationships/rapport, with co-workers, other departments, other governmental agencies, public officials at all levels of government, the private sector, and the general public
- Ability to work non standard hours in order to attend meetings, participate in scheduled activities, and respond to actual emergencies.
- Ability to obtain/maintain a valid Driver’s License issued by the State of Iowa
Training and Experience:
- An Associate degree in Emergency Management, Community /Regional Planning, business administration, or other related field, and
- Two years experience in public sector emergency management, private sector contingency planning / risk management, military disaster preparedness operations, or related, or
- Bachelor’s Degree in a related field, or
- Four years related experience, or
- Any equivalent combination of education and experience that will have provided the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Certification
- Certification as an emergency manager or contingency planner is preferred.
- Completion of the following five (5) FEMA Independent Study classes: Emergency Program Manager, Emergency Preparedness USA, Radiological Emergency Management, Hazardous Materials Citizen’s Orientation, and Citizen’s Guide To Disaster Assistance within first year of employment.
- Completion of at least three (3) training classes from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Professional Development Series or Applied Practices Series curriculums within two (2) years of employment.
Special Requirements
- Must pass a criminal background check.
- Individual will be required to be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week by telephone, radio, or pager to provide support to emergency management operations; may require extended absences from home.