Emergency Management Coordinator

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

This professional position provides comprehensive support in planning, training, operations, and recovery for Highlands County Emergency Management. The Emergency Management Coordinator develops and maintains emergency plans and training programs, conducts public outreach, supports disaster response and recovery efforts, and ensures compliance with local, state, and federal emergency management standards. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Supports compliance with Florida Statutes, Florida Administrative Code, and other relevant state and federal laws, regulations, and guidelines. Supports and maintains the county's Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP), Continuity of Operations Plans (COOP), Local Mitigation Strategy (LMS), and other required plans. Develops and maintains emergency mitigation, response, and recovery plans for events such as hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes, hazardous materials incidents, and terrorism. Reviews and maintains Standard Operating Procedures and Emergency Support Function plans. Provides technical assistance and reviews for residential, healthcare, and development emergency plans. Develops, implements, and evaluates comprehensive training programs aligned with emergency management best practices. Designs instructional materials, simulations, drills, and assessments for emergency management training. Conducts engaging training sessions for employees and partners on emergency procedures, ICS/NIMS, response protocols, and documentation. Conducts evaluations of training programs and implements changes to improve outcomes. Designs and facilitates realistic emergency exercises (tabletop, functional, and full-scale); evaluates outcomes and creates After Action Reports (AARs) and Improvement Plans (IPs). Participates in and supports external agency drills and statewide/regional exercises. Coordinates and supports the county's Special Needs Sheltering Program, including education, registration, transportation, and response planning. Provides severe weather notifications and updates to personnel, departments, schools, and partners via various communication systems. Assists with emergency communication systems, including Alert Highlands and communication tower coordination. Supports organizations through program facilitation, information exchange, and dissemination of promotional materials, educational opportunities, and training offerings. Conducts public outreach presentations, preparedness seminars, and participates in expos for businesses, nonprofits, civic organizations, and the public. Participates in the Local Mitigation Strategy Workgroup, LEPC, COAD, and other local/state/national emergency management associations. Supports the routine maintenance and testing of Public Safety generators and designated shelters. Identifies and supports grant opportunities and related administrative activities. Maintains accurate training and planning documentation for auditing and compliance purposes. Participates in updates to the CEMP and other plans to reflect changes in structure, resources, and regulations. Maintains a professional and safe unit/work area and follows all safety and operational policies. Serves as on-call Emergency Management Duty Officer on a rotating basis for nights, weekends, and after-hours emergencies. During Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activation, may serve as Incident Commander or as Plans, Operations, Logistics, or Recovery Section Chief on day or night shift. Fosters strong working relationships with public safety agencies, community partners, government departments, and emergency responders. Maintains current knowledge of best practices, laws, and issues in emergency management; attends training and educational events as approved. Responds productively to change and performs other related tasks and duties as directed. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

In-depth understanding of emergency management principles, practices, and strategies including mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. Strong knowledge of regulatory compliance including FEMA, NIMS, ICS, Florida Statutes (Chapter 252), and other applicable federal, state, and local emergency management policies. Knowledge of instructional design, adult learning theory, and training delivery methods. Proficiency in developing and delivering emergency management training, including materials, curricula, simulations, and assessments. Ability to conduct effective training sessions and exercises for personnel at all levels, both internally and externally. Skill in evaluating training program effectiveness and implementing improvements. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to assess needs, evaluate plans, and respond to emergencies. Ability to remain calm, focused, and make sound decisions under extreme stress and during crisis scenarios. Knowledge of local geography, transportation networks, and emergency services available within Highlands County including cities, towns, and unincorporated areas. Ability to design and revise plans and standard operating procedures in alignment with evolving threats, legal standards, and operational needs. Familiarity with emergency communication systems including alert and notification technologies. Proficiency in assessing risks and vulnerabilities and applying that knowledge to planning, training, and response. Ability to analyze and compile technical and statistical information and prepare accurate, comprehensive reports. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to maintain effective relationships with co-workers, county leadership, elected officials, emergency responders, healthcare providers, and the general public. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing, including presenting information to a wide range of audiences. Skilled in use of various computer software programs, including word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, and emergency management systems. Effective time management and organizational skills to manage multiple priorities, projects, and documentation responsibilities. Able to work independently with general supervision and collaboratively within a team. Ability to adapt to changing circumstances, emergency activations, and evolving organizational needs. Ability to provide and receive constructive feedback, participate in continuous learning, and demonstrate initiative in professional development.                                                          

PHYSICAL SKILLS:

Must be able to remain seated or standing for long periods, including while using a computer. Frequently bends, reaches, or kneels to access files, equipment, or supplies. Requires the ability to read and assess electronic and written communications. Regularly communicates with a variety of individuals and must exchange accurate information. Operates standard office equipment such as computers, phones, printers, and copiers. Occasionally climbs stairs and lifts up to 25 pounds independently or 50 pounds with assistance. May drive a County vehicle for up to four hours for field work, meetings, training, or emergencies. Works in both office and outdoor settings, sometimes in inclement weather or hazardous conditions. Must be able to work under high-stress conditions during emergencies and be available outside normal business hours, including nights, weekends, holidays, and extended shifts. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Graduation from an accredited high school.  Bachelor's degree in Emergency Management, Public Safety, Homeland Security or a related field preferred. A minimum of two (2) to five (5) years of experience in emergency management, disaster preparedness, emergency planning, training, or exercise design is preferred. Experience in healthcare emergency plan review, communications systems, or emergency operations center (EOC) functions is highly desirable. 

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, OR REGISTRATIONS:

 Must possess and maintain a Valid Florida Driver's License. Must have completed the following FEMA Independent Study courses within the past five years: IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, IS-800. Completion of the FEMA Professional Development Series (PDS) is required within 60 days of hire if not already completed. Must possess or be able to obtain EVOC certification. Additional certifications may be required. 

OTHER JOB-RELATED REQUIREMENTS:

      Must complete FEMA courses G-300 and G-400 within 12 months of hire. Disaster Essential.

THE HIGHLANDS COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERSDoes not Discriminate on the basis of age, race, sex, religious belief, color, national origin, disability/handicap, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetics or any other legally protected group/class. We are proud to be a drug free workplace. Screening tests for illegal drug use may be required as a condition of employment

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