Job Specification Details

The Vermont Emergency Management Engagement Section Chief is responsible for all aspects of the state's emergency management training, exercise and community/regional planning functions. The position synchronizes and coordinates engagement activities with local, regional and state partners to assure alignment with divisional and state emergency management priorities. Management of Federal grant programs and extensive interaction with a variety of business, community and government officials is involved. Supervision is exercised over professional and technical staff. Work is performed under the general direction of the Emergency Management Deputy Director.

Provides strategic direction, coordination and oversight of specialized training to local jurisdictions and Vermont Emergency Management. Assesses local training needs and integrates information into the Statewide Training and Exercise Plan. Provides systems for managing training offerings. Fills training gaps. Ensures training program meets mandated budgetary requirements.

Supervises the coordination and delivery of exercises to local jurisdictions and Vermont Emergency Management according to the Statewide Training and Exercise Plan. Oversees the planning, conduct, and management of local governmental and private sector exercises, as executed by Regional Emergency Management Planning Coordinators (REMPCs), as well as synchronization of efforts with the Regional Planning Commissions to maximize impact on local emergency management partners. Ensures exercise program meets mandated budgetary requirements.

Manages field operations conducted by the REMPCs as they assist local jurisdictions in identifying and accessing training, equipment, planning, and assessment resources. Manages local field disaster response and recovery efforts by directing REMPCs. Assists local officials in assessing and meeting short- to mid-term recovery needs. Manages REMPC liaison with FEMA and other Federal partners, as necessary.

Develops and exercises program for Local Emergency Operations Plans (LEOPs), school crisis planning, governmental and private sector Continuity of Operations, and local volunteer outreach and support.

Manages federal grants and funds allocated for local and state training, education and engagement activities, submits grant plans, monitors performance and tracks progress of initiatives in relation to project plans.

Interacts with Statewide with local jurisdictions, private industry, non-profits, trade groups, and academia in order to define, refine and formalize Emergency Management strategic partnerships.

Develops and manages the Regional Planning Commission sub-grants from scope development and solicitation through execution and programmatic monitoring.

Staffs State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC), in the roles of EOC Manager, Deputy EOC Manager, Section Chief or other assigned role, to provide support to Vermonters in need during response and recovery operations.

Performs other duties and activities as assigned.

Work is performed in a standard office setting. High-stress environments are encountered frequently while working in the State Emergency Operations Center in support of regional and statewide events. Must be able to lift up to 30 lbs.

Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of emergency management.

Working knowledge and experience in the Incident Command System, NIMS and the National Response Framework.

Experienced in the use of facilitation skills and practices.

Working knowledge of public safety and emergency management exercise practices.

Working knowledge of training and development techniques.

Knowledge of budgeting principles and practices.

Considerable knowledge of supervisory principles and practices.

Awareness of public safety programs, resources, and strategies, with emphasis on targeted populations.

Ability to design, implement, and direct an effective action plan within an assigned area of responsibility.

Working knowledge of response planning.

Ability to analyze operating procedures, identify problem situations, and to design effective solutions.

Ability to interpret and explain public safety programs and issues to a variety of audiences.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships among diverse disciplines and a variety of individuals and groups.

Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in language tailored to the audience addressed.

Bachelor's degree AND three (3) years or more of experience at a professional level in program and policy planning, development, administration or evaluation including or supplemented by one (1) year or more of supervisory experience.

OR

Master's degree AND one (1) year or more of experience at a professional level in program and policy planning, development, administration or evaluation including or supplemented by one (1) year or more of supervisory experience.

Experience in emergency management or emergency services.

Note: Applicants will undergo a background check consisting of motor vehicle and criminal records.