The City of Overland Park has a full-time Emergency Management Specialist position available in the City Manager's Office.
JOB SUMMARY:
The Emergency Management Specialist will prepare the Overland Park community for future emergencies and disasters through the development of programs and policies relating to public education, training, and exercises. This position is responsible for fostering a relationship with the community through engagement initiatives such as the Community Emergency Response Team, Faith-Based Partnerships, and private sector integration.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Thrives in a fast-paced environment and brings a ‘whatever it takes’ mindset to the mission. This role requires schedule flexibility, including after hours, weekend, and holiday commitments to meet critical deadlines or respond to operational needs.
- Success in this role relies heavily on the ability to collaborate effectively within a highly dynamic team environment. This includes working closely with cross-functional partners, seamlessly sharing information, pivoting when priorities shift, and contributing to a shared mission.
- Must be highly comfortable with public speaking and delivering clear, effective briefings under pressure, occasionally with little to no notice or prior preparation.
- Coordinate the development and implementation of an effective city wide community preparedness and public education program designed to increase the community's overall preparedness and reduce the vulnerability from the impacts of disaster.
- Develop, manage, and maintain a robust Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program, actively leading team members through continuous instruction, performance, evaluation, ongoing coaching, and strategic talent development.
- Create community partnerships with non-profit faith-based organizations, NGOs, and the private sector to improve preparedness.
- Develop departmental goals, strategic initiatives, and comprehensive policies-including establishing protocols for the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), creating operational plans to seamlessly integrate volunteer staff into city emergency workflows.
- Serve in Duty Officer Rotation, initiate Emergency Operations Center Activations, and effectively communicate with Emergency Management Coordinator and city leadership.
- Assist the Emergency Manager with a training program and provide courses of instruction to city staff and community members.
- Assist the Emergency Manager with the procurement and allocation of critical resources during declared disasters and citywide operations, including emergency subsistence (food/water), specialized supplies, personal protective equipment (PPE), and coordinated regional assets.
- Continually evaluate the preparedness gaps of the community and devise strategies to address the gaps.
- Inform the community of mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery initiatives by leveraging a wide variety of technologies and tactics including but not limited to: social media, websites, videos, notifications systems, broadcast media, print media, community presentations, and dissemination through partner agencies and community organizations.
- Must work the days and hours necessary to perform all assigned responsibilities and tasks.
- Must be available to communicate with the Emergency Manager and city leadership on a 24/7 basis.
- Assist the Emergency Manager with management and administration of city wide notification and tracking systems including Everbridge, WebEOC, GIS, and Salamander.
- Possess a general understanding of meteorological concepts to include interrupting radar data.
Requirements:
EDUCATION & SPECIAL LICENSE(S)/CERTIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in Emergency Management, Disaster Management, Public Administration, Criminal Justice, Business Administration, Political Science or a related field of study.
- Must possess a valid driver's license and maintain an insurable driving record.
- Must possess certificates for ICS 100, 200, 700, 800 or obtain within 6 months of hire.
- Completion of FEMA Community Emergency Response Team Program Managers course preferred.
- Additional FEMA course(s) as directed by the Emergency Manager.
- A Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) certification is required within five years from date of hire.
- Hold a minimum of a Technician Class Amateur Radio License or be able to obtain within 1 year from date of hire.
- Possession of a current FAA Part 107 Pilot License or be able to obtain within 1 year from date of hire.
- Completion of Johnson County Emergency Communications Service Storm Spotter training or be able to complete within 1 year from date of hire.
- Access to the Kansas Criminal Justice Information System (KCJIS) is required, so the following KCJIS requirements apply: must be at least 18 years of age; must not have been convicted of a felony; must not have been convicted of a serious misdemeanor; and must not have an arrest history the nature and severity of which warrant disqualification.
EXPERIENCE:
- Five years of experience in emergency/disaster management, military, fire services, emergency medical services, or law enforcement is preferred; however, candidates will be assessed on their potential to learn and their effective communication skills.
- Relevant experience should include emergency planning, implementation of plans and procedures, training and exercises, and emergency communications.
SKILLS:
- Emergency planning and operations' management.
- Coordinating disaster recovery operations.
- Operating Emergency Operations Center.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Public Speaking.
- Requires proficiency in spreadsheet and word processing software applications.
- Effective listening skills.
- Effective interpersonal skills.
- Organization and presentation skills.
- Leadership skills.
- Conduct research.
- Training & exercise development.
- Adaptability and agility in a fluid and rapidly changing environment.
- Rapid information synthesis.
- Highly organized and detail oriented.
- Highly self-initiated.
MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Knowledge of local, state and federal laws, regulations and directives relating to emergency planning and preparedness is preferred.
- Knowledge of Emergency Management software and applications including: Everbridge, Commander, CommanderOne, and WebEOC is preferred.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
- Ability to evaluate emergency situations and recommend courses of actions.
- Ability to recognize and protect confidential information.
- Ability to act quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
- Abstract and logical reasoning.
- Ability to train and guide others.
- Ability to organize and retrieve data effectively.
- Alpha and numeric recognition.
- Ability to meet deadlines.
- Ability to quickly learn and implement numerous existing and emerging technologies.
- Ability to adapt quickly to a dynamic environment.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Hand and eye coordination adequate for computers and office equipment.
- Ability to identify and distinguish colors.
- Visual stamina and acuity adequate to review alpha/numeric data.
- Ability to attend/conduct meetings and be attentive for extended periods of time.
- Ability to make and receive phone calls.
- Ability to speak clearly.
- Ability to operate city vehicles.
- Ability to work extended hours for an extended period of time.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY (Direct & Indirect):
- Volunteers.
- Qualified CERT personnel.
The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job
No City residency requirement.
Must successfully pass a background check, drug screen, physical exam and essential functions test.
Normal Work Hours: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Mon.-Fri.
Salary Range: Grade H, $76,083.41 - $104,657.72
Application Deadline: Open until filled
Benefits: Full-time
All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the United States and proof of eligibility must be provided if selected for hire.
EO/M/F/D/V
