Senior Emergency Planning Coordinator

Description

Under direction, to plan, organize, coordinate, and maintain emergency management operations and disaster preparedness for Santa Clara County.

Typical Tasks

The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

• Plans, formulates, promotes, coordinates, and implements programs to integrate various existing emergency preparedness and operational plans and procedures for the County with other government agencies, community-based organizations, volunteers, service agencies, and private and non-profit sector-resource agencies; and ensures that such plans are in compliance with government requirements;

• Prepares correspondence, procedures, project applications, and program reports associated with emergency management, as required;

• Implements, maintains, and provides planning assistance in establishing program goals, objectives, and priorities;

• Confers with management to formulate and implement policies, plans, and procedures for carrying out functions of the program;

• Researches, develops, and maintains comprehensive emergency plans; conducts technical studies in disasters and major emergencies;

• Develops, administers, coordinates, and presents community emergency preparedness programs, Disaster Service Worker (DSW) training for County employees, and emergency preparedness training for Emergency Operations Center (EOC) staff;

• Plans, executes, and evaluates drills and exercises that validate the effectiveness and operational readiness of DSWs, EOC staff, and emergency support teams, such as Functional Access Support Teams (FAST);

• Prepares, conducts, and evaluates emergency drills, functional tests, and scenario discussions and simulation exercises to test the effectiveness of emergency plans and communication systems;

• Maintains the readiness of the County's emergency response at all times and provides expertise, knowledge, and ability during an emergency;

• Determines whether proposed mitigation measures are consistent with Federal, State, and County disaster preparedness information requirements and advises contract cities of local obligations or opportunities;

• Safeguards and ensures accurate administrative records and inventory control of disaster equipment, such as emergency communications equipment and emergency shelter supplies;

• Prepares internal memoranda and external agreements in support of emergency preparedness plans and operations;

• Develops, administers, and coordinates programs that support the department's day-to-day operations and/or strengthen the County's or residents' ability to respond to emergencies;

• Will be assigned to the Emergency Operations Center, when activated;

• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker (DSW), as required*;

• Performs other related duties, as required.

Employment Standards

Sufficient education, training, and experience to demonstrate the ability to perform the above tasks, plus the possession and direct application of the following knowledge and abilities:

Training and Experience Note: The required knowledge and abilities are attained through training and experience equivalent to a Bachelor's Degree, preferably in Emergency/Disaster Management, Political Science, Public Administration, Business Administration, Urban Planning, Environmental Sciences, or a related field. Relevant analytical, administrative, lead, supervisory, or management experience that includes interpreting rules and regulations, gathering data and formulating recommendations, and report writing can substitute for education on a year-for-year basis;

and

Two (2) years of full-time experience performing analytical or administrative duties in emergency management planning with training and knowledge in national emergency management systems guidelines and protocols (including ICS, NIMS, and SEMS).

Federal or State sponsored coursework in Emergency Preparedness is desirable.

Any of the following Professional International, Federal, or State certifications or credentials are desirable: International Association of Emergency Managers Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) or Associate in Emergency Management (AEM) designations; FEMA Professional Development Series Certificate, FEMA Advanced Professional Development Series Completion; Emergency Management Institute (EMI) National Emergency Management Academy (Basic, Advanced, or Executive); California Specialized Training Institute (CSTI) Emergency Management Specialist certificate; CSTI EOC Position Specific Credentials; CSTI Emergency Management Certification (Basic, Intermediate, or Advanced).

Special Requirements

• Ability to travel to alternate locations in the course of work. If driving, possession of a valid California Driver's License prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County driver authorization.

• *As a condition of employment, pursuant to California Government Code Sections 3100-3109 and Local Ordinance, all County of Santa Clara employees are designated Disaster Service Workers (DSWs), including extra help. A DSW is required to complete all assigned DSW-related training, and in the event of an emergency, return to work as ordered.

• While on Duty Officer assignment, the Duty Officer must always respond to an emergency call within five (5) minutes and must be within sixty (60) minutes physical response time to the County Office of Emergency Management.

• Be available to report for duty on a 24-hour-a-day basis when needed.

Knowledge of:

• Federal, State, and County regulations pertaining to emergency management and response;

• Principles, concepts, and terminology of emergency management and response;

• Community and governmental organizations and resources;

• Principles of training and education;

• Issues related to Emergency Preparedness for natural and human caused disasters, such as earthquakes, hazardous materials incidents, civil defense, and floods;

• Principles and techniques used in the development and utilization of emergency response and disaster preparedness systems, including but not limited to the Incident Command System (ICS), State Emergency Management Systems (SEMS), and the National Incident Management System (NIMS);

• Principles of effective written communication, including the preparation of clear and concise reports, documentation, and revisions to procedures and plans.

Ability to:

• Plan, promote, coordinate, and implement programs for emergency preparedness for the Santa Clara County Operational Area;

• Work with and secure the cooperation of diverse groups, including volunteers;

• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures;

• Maintain effective public relations with public safety organizations, city and county officials, and others;

• Provide training on emergency preparedness and the Incident Command System;

• Analyze administrative problems and conduct studies in disaster planning;

• Maintain records and controls and prepare correspondence and reports;

• Work independently to identify needs and emergency management system deficits and recommend improvements of emergency management planning operations;

• Use independent judgment and initiative.

Physical Requirements

• Required to work nights, weekends, and holidays, when necessary, due to EOC activation and/or while fulfilling the role of Duty Officer.