Description

NATURE OF JOB:

Performs highly responsible professional work and is responsible for the development, direction, and control of County Emergency Management, EMS, Fire Services, E-911, and Emergency Services Communications programs necessary for managing community-scale emergencies.  Work requires the exercise of considerable judgment and initiative in emergency situations.  This position requires administrative, management, and technical skills and works under the direction and supervision of the County Manager.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES:

        Directs and oversees the various Emergency Services departments and divisions which include: Fire Rescue (Fire/EMS), E-911, Emergency Management, and Communications.

        Coordinates the Emergency Management capabilities of each element of local government to ensure the community at large is able to contribute the human and material resources necessary to limit and recover from the damage effects caused by disasters of all types.

        Coordinates the development and implementation of the community Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan as approved by the political subdivision, the State and the Federal government.

        Establishes, maintains and exercises the community’s emergency services organizations and appropriate disaster services utilizing all elements of city and county government augmented from the community in general as required.

        Supervises the development and implementation of a county wide training program for all elements of the County's Emergency Management organization in emergency services and operations.

        Coordinates operations during activation of the County Emergency Operations Center (E.O.C.).

        Plans, schedules, and implements disaster preparedness educational programs for the public.

        Serves as the department’s Senior Public Information Officer, providing information regarding incidents, policies and procedures to the news media, other agencies, and the general public. 

        Works closely with counterparts through the medium of work sessions and conferences and specifically, serves as the city and county's Emergency Management representative.

        Initiates actions to obtain appropriate matching funds when a disaster is declared authorizing federal assistance.

        Prepares an annual budget for local, state, and federal approval.

        Fulfills the general duties of Emergency Management Director and Fire Chief as prescribed in the Local Code, State laws, and Federal Directive. 

        Responds to and commands, as necessary, major emergencies and disasters to include fire scenes.

        Maintains and promulgates necessary department rules, policies and procedures in accordance with County policy, NFPA, FEMA, DOT, and FDEM through monitoring of Federal and State legislation regarding emergency services.

        Establishes policies that provide for adequate management team development and capable management succession. 

        Provides to others: advice, guidance, direction, and authorization to carry out major plans and procedures that agree with established policies. 

        Ensures that the responsibilities, authorities and accountability of all direct subordinates are defined and understood. 

        Establishes and maintains an effective system of communications throughout the organization. 

        Develops and maintains a system for immediate radio broadcast of emergency information and instruction to the public through the Emergency Alert System.

        The employer may add to or change duties at any time and as determined by the County and its leaders to best ensure that the public is served through the work of the Department.

        Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

        Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in fire science, public or business administration, or related field, including courses in social and natural sciences; AND 

        Ten (10) years’ experience in public or business administration associated with career, volunteer, or combination emergency service departments, with a minimum of five (5) years in a supervisory position; AND

        Extensive training in emergency service administration, Incident Command Systems (ICS), and Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction response required. 

        Completion of the Executive Fire Officer Program from the National Fire Academy is preferred. 

        A comparable amount of training and/or experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications

LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS:

        Possession of or ability to obtain and maintain a valid Florida driver license upon offer of employment with a driving record acceptable to the County Driving Policy and insurance program.

        Must be a Florida certified fire fighter under the laws of the State of Florida (Florida Statutes 633.34 or Florida Administrative Code Rule 4A-37.054) within one year of hire as a condition of employment.  

        Current certification by the State of Florida as an EMT or Paramedic is preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:

        Knowledge and/or experience in communications operations highly desirable.

        Knowledge and understanding of the harmful effects of hazardous materials.

        Knowledge of administration, principles, policies, regulations and procedures to administer contracts.

        Knowledge of contemporary leadership practices and principles applicable to a modern, decentralized, service-oriented organization. 

        Knowledge and skills to present or express technical information and ideas clearly and concisely in written or oral form.

        Knowledge of data processing systems, telephone systems, and communications systems.

        Knowledge of radio systems and planning of system design.

        Knowledge of current methods, techniques, practices, developments, literature, and State/Federal laws regarding all aspects of Emergency Service’s implementation and Management. 

        Knowledge of the Incident Command System (ICS).

        Proficient in MS Word, Excel, and Outlook. 

        Knowledge of project management and organizational skills.

        Ability to have excellent oral and written communication skills.

        Ability to work and maintain reliable full-time attendance.

        Ability to comprehend, speak, and read the English language.

        Ability to have and maintain good interpersonal and communication skills to deal with the public.

        Ability to be an effective change agent driven to inspire and implement change with excellent customer service, leadership, and communication skills. 

        Knowledge to advocate building organizational culture through aligning decisions with core values including: integrity, honesty, respect, diversity, innovation, accountability, and communication. 

        Ability to maintain good interpersonal and communication skills to deal with public.

        Must be able to speak, write, and comprehend English language.  Ability to set a vision for the future.

        Ability to build a strong leadership team that is capable of implementing the vision and goals of the County.

        Ability to analyze and solve administrative problems.

        Ability to prepare and analyze operating procedures and administrative reports.

        Ability to represent the County at public speaking events. 

        Ability to maintain an enthusiastic, self-reliant, and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountability. 

        Ability to anticipate work to be done and initiates proper and acceptable direction for completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.

        Ability to deal tactfully and persuasively in controversial situations. 

        Ability to plan, organize and coordinate the work of others.

        Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others, especially in sensitive relationships with representatives of other agencies or governmental units, employee associations, and citizen groups. 

        Ability to exercise considerable initiative and judgment in carrying out position responsibilities and duties.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

Work is primarily performed indoors but requires some exposure to environmental changes (e.g., outdoor weather and/or field conditions, etc.) or irate customers, extreme noise, odors, heights and/or dust.

This is primarily office work requiring limited physical effort.  This position requires stooping, crouching, walking, pulling, lifting, grasping, hearing, visual acuity (i.e. seeing up close, seeing far away, depth perception), kneeling, reaching, pushing, talking, standing, climbing, finger movement, repetitive motions.  Frequent lifting of 10 to 15 pounds; occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds, and may require lifting up to 50 lbs.  

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

        An incumbent in this position will be required to file a financial disclosure statement (Form 1) with the Supervisor of Elections in their county of residence in compliance with Florida Statutes, Chapter 112, Part III. 

WORK LOCATION:

Remote Eligible - This position is assigned to a county worksite. However, in the sole discretion of Bay County BOCC, this position may be eligible for telework within the State of Florida.