Emergency Management Director, Assistant

New Hanover County is seeking a dedicated and experienced Assistant Emergency Management Director to join our team! This role oversees the day-to-day operations of the Emergency Management Department to include supervising staff, serving as back-up in the absence of the director, and overseeing/performing emergency management preparedness and response functions for a variety of natural, technological, and man-made threats and hazards in and around the County, and supports recovery and mitigation projects for these threats and hazards.

New Hanover County Emergency Management works year-round to build a resilient community that is prepared to respond quickly and efficiently to natural and man-made disasters. During emergency events, the department partners with local, state, and federal agencies to keep the county's residents and visitors safe. The department also facilitates recovery efforts to rebuild our community following disasters.

Reporting to the Emergency Management Director, the Assistant Director will work closely with a diverse group of community and emergency management partners both in New Hanover County and the surrounding area including city, state, and federal agencies. The ideal candidate is a proactive, decisive leader who is a solution-oriented and resourceful problem-solver. He or she must be equally adept at working under pressure in a fast-paced environment while also having the ability to manage projects and develop and maintain emergency plans, procedures, policies, and contacts to include making an estimation of the County's risk and vulnerability. A collaborative mindset with the ability to build, develop, and maintain effective working relationships is vital in this role.

Essential Duties include:

• Supervises staff, prioritizes and assigns work; conducts performance evaluations; ensures staff is trained; and makes hiring, termination, and disciplinary recommendations.
• Oversees daily operations of the Emergency Management Division, develops and recommends departmental policies/procedures.
• Creates, writes, maintains, trains internal and external staff and, and exercises emergency plans, policies, procedures.
• Identifies and develops preparedness, training, and exercise grant application opportunities.
• Participates in various committees, work groups, and task forces to represent emergency management objectives.
• Identifies and projects strategic plans and future budgetary needs.
• Formulates and analyzes emergency preparedness and response plans for a wide variety of natural, technological, and man-made threats and hazards that could affect the County using appropriate threat and risk analysis processes.
• Responds to emergency scenes and serves within the Unified Command structure.
• Supports partner departments and agencies on disaster recovery and mitigation projects for a wide variety of natural, technological, and man-made threats and hazards that could affect the County.
• Interprets and serves as authority on federal, state, and local regulations regarding a wide variety of natural, technological, and man-made threats and hazards preparedness and response efforts.
• Serves as a liaison to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Weather Service and other credible weather information partners to develop and maintain relationships supporting natural/weather phenomenon preparedness, response, and recovery for planned events and unplanned incidents.
• Reviews maps of subdivisions, land use plans, and construction projects, and ensures access by emergency response equipment and prompt evacuation during emergencies.
• Interprets nuclear power plant response status and emergency conditions in addition to regulatory changes that affect off-site emergency preparedness and response efforts and population protection preparedness, response, and planning efforts and programs.
• Addresses inquiries posed by the media and the public regarding emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation programs and operations.
• Establishes and directs the County Emergency Operations Center during emergencies, disasters, and planned events, including a determination of local, state, volunteer, and/or federal response and support is needed.
• Develops, executes, and evaluates Emergency Management and Emergency Operations Center related training and exercise needs and serves as department's primary point of contact for training and exercise development and opportunities.
• Performs work with regular and predictable attendance consistently meeting the scheduling needs as required by the county.
• Performs work during emergency/disaster situations.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED

Knowledge of emergency management methods and theories, doctrine, principles, and practices related to addressing a wide variety of natural, technological, and man-made threats and hazards; considerable knowledge of and application of the Incident Command System (ICS) and the National Incident Management System (NIMS) to include successful completion of current IS 100, IS 200, ICS 300, EOC 2300, ICS 400, EOC position specific courses, IS 700 and IS 800, knowledge of current Comprehensive Planning Guide 101 (CPG101) and Threat Hazard Identification and Risk Analysis (THIRA) theory and processes; concepts of the Homeland Security Exercise Evaluation Program (HSEEP). knowledge of Federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations with regard to emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation, knowledge of County departments, local agencies, state and federal agencies, and their roles and responsibilities with regard to local emergencies/disasters and delivery of services, knowledge of research methodology, statistical analysis, and survey design, local, state, and federal processes and opportunities for budgetary needs, EPA and OSHA regulations in the area of hazardous materials; NIMS/ICS; general knowledge of public health, environmental health or industrial hygiene.

Skilled in effective methods of establishing and maintaining working relationships, using computers and applicable software; utilizing research methodology and statistical techniques to strategically plan, analyze, and compile diverse data into technical reports and information packages for staff and public use, designing, implementing, and monitoring diverse emergency management programs. writing plans and procedures, develop training programs; conducting training seminars; supporting mass casualty response events, and communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, stakeholders, and the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

New Hanover County is dedicated to the recruitment and recognition of a talented and diverse workforce that is committed to public service. Our shared values of professionalism, innovation, equity, integrity, stewardship and accountability guide the way we conduct ourselves and deliver services to our customers. Supported by the work of our Office of Diversity and Equity, New Hanover County celebrates diversity in our employees' backgrounds, beliefs, identities, and abilities, while supporting growth opportunities for all. Our talented team has a passion for providing care and services that effect change on the everyday lives of the citizens they encounter. The differences that unite us are a reflection of the community we serve. If this sounds like an organization that models the values you uphold, we invite you to join our team at New Hanover County.

• Employer paid 401k contributions;
• Retirement plan through the NC Retirement system;
• Flex time and telework availability, depending on your position;
• Paid sick and personal leave + 13 paid holidays per year;
• Paid parental leave;
• Paid community services leave to give back to our community;
• Education leave to obtain a degree within your line of work;
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance + many other insurance options;
• Onsite, employer-paid health and wellness center;
• Professional development trainings & leadership initiatives;
• Opportunities to make a difference in your community;
• And so much more!

Bachelor's Degree in Emergency Management, or related field, and six (6) years emergency management field and administrative work experience, including one (1) year of lead experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the specific position as listed above.

• Valid Driver's License (from any state) and good driving record required at time of application.
• Valid North Carolina Driver's License required by first date of employment with good driving record.

• NCEM Executive Emergency Manager or IAEM Certified Emergency Manager
• Managing Land Search Operations
• Basic CPR certification;
• Hazardous Material Level 1 Responder;
• FEMA Radiological Core Concepts
• NC Class A Drivers License

This posting is open until filled. Priority consideration will be given to candidates who submit an application by Friday, January 31, 2025.

Residing in New Hanover County, North Carolina: Embrace an outstanding quality of life in New Hanover County, enriched by its charming coastal setting. Enjoy the stunning beaches, water activities, and a variety of recreational opportunities right at your doorstep. Immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture, relish a range of culinary delights, and embark on explorations of historical sites. The county is known for its strong sense of community, excellent schools, and a thriving arts scene. With a focus on good governance and a commitment to customer service, New Hanover County provides an ideal environment for both personal and professional growth.

Applicant Information: After the closing date for this position, applications will be screened by Human Resources. Applicants referred to the department will receive an email requesting important information pertinent to the position applied for. All updates regarding an application can be viewed through your applicant portal.