Job Opportunities API

Description Position Summary The EMA Operations and Training Officer / Deputy Coordinator leads and supports emergency management preparedness, response, and recovery activities for Northumberland County. Responsibilities include hazardous materials planning (Act 165/SARA Title III), emergency operations training and exercises, coordination with first responders, industry, municipalities, and state/federal partners, and operational leadership within the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The role requires strong project management skills, broad emergency management knowledge, and 24/7 availability for emergent incidents. The Officer serves as Deputy Coordinator upon completion of required PEMA certification. Requirements Key Responsibilities 1. Operations and Emergency Response • Support and take direction from the Director of Public Safety/EMC within the NIMS/ICS structure. • Respond 24/7 to emergency or disaster incidents including fires, floods, hazardous materials events, radiological incidents, severe weather, pandemics, evacuations, sheltering, and other all-hazards events. • Assist in coordinating county resources, developing Incident Action Plans, performing incident reviews, critiques, and damage assessments. • Act as Emergency Management Officer when the Director is unavailable. • Staff and support the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), including activation, coordination of emergency functions, and supervision of EOC operations. • Assist County and municipal departments with continuity planning, emergency procedures, and essential services support. 2. Hazardous Materials / Act 165 Responsibilities • Conduct site visits, coordinate with municipalities and emergency services, and maintain accurate off-site response plans. • Assist industry in developing disaster and emergency response plans. • Plan, coordinate, and observe facility exercises required under SARA Title III. • Attend and support Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) meetings and subcommittees. 3. Training Coordination • Develop a county-wide three-year emergency management training schedule. • Identify, deliver, and coordinate training opportunities for responders, officials, volunteers, NGOs, critical infrastructure, and the public. • Facilitate partnerships with training agencies at local, state, federal, nonprofit, and private-sector levels. • Ensure departmental compliance with National Incident Management System (NIMS) requirements. • Recruit, train, and exercise volunteers and county staff for disaster response roles. 4. Exercise Coordination • Develop and maintain a county-wide three-year exercise schedule. • Lead orientation, tabletop, functional, and full-scale exercises; coordinate with departments, regional/state agencies, and partners. • Develop measurable objectives, evaluate performance, write after-action reports (AARs), prepare improvement plans, and integrate lessons learned into county plans. • Participate in regional exercises and maintain coordination with county and state exercise initiatives. 5. Radiological Preparedness • Coordinate training and exercises involving radiological response and nuclear power plant (SSES) preparedness. • Attend regional meetings with utilities and PEMA; update and test county radiological plans. • Provide training and briefings for EOC staff and volunteers. • Participate in bi-annual evaluated exercises. • Maintain radiological equipment, calibration schedules, and related records. 6. Administrative and Technical Duties • Prepare correspondence, reports, plans, spreadsheets, policies, and training materials. • Maintain hazardous materials, radiological, emergency plans, and emergency services records. • Use Microsoft software, WebEOC, Crisis Track, and emergency communications equipment. • Maintain inventories of emergency management equipment; coordinate procurement and distribution. • Assist with grants including EMPG, HMEP, RERF, and HMRF (applications, tracking, purchasing, documentation). 7. Additional Functions • Support the update of the Hazard Mitigation Plan every five years. • Complete annual HAZMAT assessments with the Director. • Coordinate warming and cooling shelters during extreme weather events. • May serve as a 911 telecommunicator if required. • Perform special projects and duties as assigned. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge • Emergency Management laws and regulations including PEMA, FEMA, DCNR, Title 35, Act 165, and Act 147. • Community disaster planning, county geography, emergency response capabilities, and departmental programs. • National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS). • Hazardous materials operations and emergency planning requirements. Required Certifications To be obtained within specified timeframes: • Within 6 months: ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-700, ICS-800. • Within 1 year: ICS-300, ICS-400. • HAZMAT Operations 24-hour (NFPA 472). Skills • Effective written and verbal communication. • Ability to read and interpret technical materials and regulations. • Report writing, procedure development, public presentations. • Typing, computer literacy, and use of emergency management software. • Basic math and analytical skills. Working Conditions • Work outside regular hours including nights, weekends, and emergencies. • 24/7 on-call status with frequent overtime during incidents. • Travel for training, meetings, site visits, and emergency response. • Interaction with distressed or upset individuals during emergencies. • Possible exposure to hazardous materials during facility support or incident response. Physical Demands • Periodic lifting up to and over 50 lbs. • Standing for extended periods during training, operations, and drills. • Work in extreme heat or cold during incidents or exercises. • Ability to drive emergency management vehicles and trailers. Disclaimer This description outlines the general nature and responsibilities of the position and is not intended to be a comprehensive list of duties. Responsibilities may be modified or expanded as needed.