Salary: $28.85 Hourly
Location : Council Bluffs, IA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 2025-013
Department: Emergency Management Agency
Opening Date: 03/03/2025
Closing Date: 3/13/:59 PM Central
ANNOUNCEMENT & PURPOSE OF POSITIONThe Pottawattamie County Emergency Management Agency is announcing the hiring of a full-time Emergency Management Specialist.
Under general supervision, an individual in this position provides program and administrative support for Pottawattamie County's Emergency Management Agency including supporting work to the planning and coordination of mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery activities. Assists in program development and maintenance; provides training and technical assistance to local agencies for plan development, recovery, and response activities; facilitates maintenance of records/data bases; assists with preparation/maintenance of program budgets; assists with interagency projects; maintains records/prepares reports in compliance with instructions, laws, regulations, grant requirements/procedures; coordinates volunteer services and performs other essential or required functions as assigned.
Submission of a Resume and Cover Letter are required with application in order to be considered for this position ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Assists in the preparation of the County's Comprehensive Emergency Plan (CEP), and other emergency and disaster related response, mitigation, and recovery plans; assists in the planning/implementation of emergency management projects and programs.
Maintains various databases and record keeping systems that provide for proper evaluation, control, and preservation of pertinent information; conducts research, gathers, organizes, analyzes, and interprets data relevant to program activities.
Promotes partnerships with private sector/non-profit organizations; aids local agencies for plan development, recovery, and response activities; works with local agency and organizational representatives to develop awareness of hazards to respective communities; develops support and participation for identified programs; coordinates volunteer services.
Maintains communications with local governments, first responder agencies, and stakeholders throughout the county; assists in coordination, participation, and evaluation of exercise scenarios/drills with area response organizations to test emergency management and response plans.
Promotes appropriate emergency management training programs to public/private sector individuals and organizations; conducts/arranges training sessions, workshops, and awareness programs for the public related to hazards/protective measures; assists in preparation/distribution of publications, brochures, videos; maintains supplies, makes presentations to various government/community groups including use of charts, graphs, and complex graphics.
Provides staff support to identified stakeholder organizations the agency facilitates; schedules appointments, arranges meetings/conferences, prepares agendas/notices, takes minutes at meetings; prepares correspondence, memorandums, statistical reports, forms, lists, tables, and other specialized documents utilizing a personal computer and word processing, spreadsheet, and/or database software programs; gathers/analyzes information, prepares reports that are used as a basis for decision making; prepares graphs, charts, and tables summarizing results; makes formal presentations; develops/prepares ad hoc and management statistical reports upon request.
Assists in the preparation/administration of program or grant budgets/fund disbursements ensuring federal/state requirements are met; utilizes the county's accounting system to properly account for fund activity; assure funds are properly expended; maintain statistical/fiscal records; prepares financial reports; assists in preparation of grant applications; tracks/monitors assigned grant project expenditures; ensures compliance with assigned grant reporting requirements.
Assists in the coordination and operations of on-scene and emergency operations center activities related to response/recovery operations in the event of emergency, disaster, or pre-planned events. Subject to 24/7 emergency call-out and duty officer requirements.
Participates in and reports on assigned committees.
Attends classes, seminars, conferences, and meetings related to the emergency management program.
Prepares operations-based technical reports and maintains records/maps during response and recovery activations.
Performs other duties as may be required.
ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND ABILITY Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws/regulations pertaining to emergency management.
Knowledge of the policies applicable to local emergency management programs.
Knowledge of the principles/practices of emergency preparedness including local, state, and federal guidelines.
Knowledge of the principles/practices of emergency contingency planning.
Knowledge of hazard identification/risk assessment.
Knowledge of Iowa Fire and EMS rules, regulations, reporting requirements and system development.
Familiarity with the structure/purpose of local, state, and federal public safety agencies/organizations including volunteer/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, draws logical solutions, and makes sound recommendations.
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 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 public.
Ability to work non- standard hours 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
ESSENTIAL EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION AND/OR LICENSES Training and Experience: Documented National Incident Management System and Incident Command System training.
An associate degree or higher in Emergency Management, Community/Regional Planning, business administration, Fire Service, Emergency Medical Services, Healthcare or another related field, and;
One year experience in public sector emergency management, private sector contingency planning/risk management, military disaster preparedness operations, or;
Three years' experience in public sector emergency management, private sector contingency planning/risk management, military disaster preparedness operations, or related field, or;
Any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Certification 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 and drug screening.
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.
Pottawattamie County provides a wide range of employee benefits to support health and well-being, and work/life balance. Benefits can vary depending on collective bargaining agreements. Pottawattamie County's competitive benefit package includes:
- Health, Dental, Life & Long Term Disability Insurance
- Voluntary Vision Plan
- Iowa Public Employee's Retirement System (IPERS)
- Paid vacation days
- 11 paid holidays
- Paid sick leave
- Worker's Compensation
- Employee Assistance Program