Date: Jul 23, 2026
Location: Durham, NC, US, 27701
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Company: Durham County
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DEPARTMENT:
Fire Marshal/Emergency Mgmt
DATE POSTED:
June 24, 2026
CLOSING DATE:
Open Until Filled
HIRING RANGE:
$74,196 - $126,044
POSITION NUMBER:
40011453
JOB TYPE:
Full-Time, 37.5 hrs/week, Exempt
- This position is subject to close at any time and without prior notification*
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The Deputy Chief of Emergency Management & Continuity of Government oversees the day-to-day operations of the EM program to include supervising staff, ensuring operational readiness, overseeing/performing emergency management preparedness and response functions in a variety of natural, technological, and man-made threats and hazards in and around the County, support recovery and mitigation for these threats and hazards, and serving as a back-up in the absence of the Chief Emergency Manager.
This class works under general supervision of the Office of Emergency Services (OES) Division Chief of Emergency Management and Continuity of Government.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary.
- Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff, processing employee concerns and problems, directing work, counseling, disciplining, and completing employee performance appraisals.
- Coordinates, assigns and reviews work; maintains standards; monitors status of work in progress; inspects completed work assignments; answers questions; gives advice and direction as needed.
- Lead multiple project initiatives, based upon the local threat profile, concerns raised by Board and Council, recent events, time delineate weather events, planned Special Events in the City and/or County of Durham, and unplanned emergency/disaster events.
- Assist in developing the Division’s Capital Improvement Plan and Budget, related performance measures, coordinating purchase, monitoring budget and expenditures, and appropriately tracking and documenting grants.
- Integrate key governmental preparedness doctrines such as the National Response Framework (NRF), the National Incident Management System (NIMS), the Incident Command System (ICS), and the Continuity of Government (COG) principles into daily organizational practices.
- Perform the role of EOC Manager or Deputy EOC Manager when the EOC is activated.
- Facilitate and guide work groups, meetings, and strategy sessions for emergency scenarios.
- Review and analyze data to help guide decision-making and support recommendations to elected officials.
- Provide oversight of standard operating procedures (SOP) development and review to close programmatic gaps.
- Develop tailored training and education for community partners, community members and the Board and Council.
- Develop and refine sheltering, evacuation, reunification, and recovery plans, as needed.
- Support community outreach, state-led events/programs, and VIP visits.
- Performs related work as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Knowledge of federal, state, and local emergency management policies, procedures, laws, and operations.
- Knowledge of the Robert T. Stafford Act for mitigation and recovery operations.
- Knowledge of computers, software applications, and the use of social media in Emergency Management operations.
- Knowledge of governmental structures and resources.
- Knowledge of Emergency Management.
- Skilled in planning, organizing, and monitoring personal workload and employee work assignments.
- Skilled in preparing clear, accurate, and concise reports and presentations.
- Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
- Ability to make sounds decisions.
- Ability to motivate, guide, and direct staff to achieve organizational goals and maintain high level of performance.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, community partners and agencies, and public.
- Ability to perform effectively in physically and mentally demanding emergency situations for extended periods of time.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelor’s degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Emergency Management, Public Administration, or related field from an appropriately accredited College or University.
Five (5) years of progressively responsible emergency management experience at the coordinator level or higher including at least two years of supervisory experience.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS, CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:
- Must possess and maintain a valid NC Class C driver’s license with an acceptable three-year driving history.
- Must be available for call-back during significant emergencies and disasters.
- Must obtain certification as a Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) with the International Association of Emergency Managers or certification as a NC Executive Emergency Manager by the NC Training and Standards Advisory Board within two years of employment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.
- Performs medium work that involves walking, standing, stooping, jumping, dancing, stretching, or lifting all the time and involves exerting between 20 and 50 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or exceptional skill, adeptness and speed in the use of the fingers, hands or limbs in tasks involving very close tolerances or limits of accuracy.
UNAVOIDABLE HAZARDS (WORK ENVIRONMENT):
Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken.
- Involves routine and frequent exposure to:
- Bright/dim light; Dusts and pollen.
- Extreme heat and/or cold; Wet or humid conditions.
- Extreme noise levels, Animals/wildlife.
- Vibration; Fumes and/or noxious odors.
- Traffic; Moving machinery.
- Electrical shock; Heights.
- Radiation; Disease/pathogens.
- Toxic/caustic chemicals; Explosives; Violence.
- Other extreme hazards not listed above.
STANDARD CLAUSES:
May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays and emergencies (man-made or natural) to meet the business needs of Durham County.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions and responsibilities that are required of an employee for this job. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.
ESSENTIAL SAFETY FUNCTIONS:
It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses.
Every manager/supervisor is responsible for enforcing all safety rules and regulations. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that a safe work environment is maintained, safe work practices are followed, and employees are properly trained.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE:
Durham County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires Durham County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.
Nearest Major Market: Durham
Nearest Secondary Market: Raleigh
