Job Specification Details

The Vermont Emergency Management Planning Section Chief is responsible for coordinating and supervising the day-to-day planning activities and all aspects of emergency management preparedness of the Division of Emergency Management, Department of Public Safety. Supervision is exercised over professional and technical staff. Extensive interaction with a variety of business, community and government officials is involved. Work is performed under the general direction of the Emergency Management Deputy Director.

Plans, organizes, and assigns day-to-day operations of the Planning section. Oversees the functions of staff through review and technical assistance. Serves as source of emergency management information for local groups and the media. Oversees the design and development of state emergency plans. Develops testing and evaluation methods to be used in determining appropriateness of state and local disaster preparedness plans. Ensures that division disaster records are maintained. Develops processes that utilize resources during disaster situations. Prepares and administers budgets to comply with statutory mandates. May serve as a Watch Officer.

Through effective supervision and management of program operations and coordination with other providers and agencies, both public and private, ensures maximum delivery of all-hazards planning activities with available resources. Through extensive networking, obtains the involvement of all major stakeholders in the assessment of community needs, the development of state, federal, and community resources to meet those needs, and the promotion and achievement of all-hazards planning goals at the community level. Participates in statewide program planning efforts to address all-hazards planning issues. Through review and analysis of workload data, program planning, outcomes, and reporting requirements, assures quality and quantity of services delivered. Provides policy interpretations that cannot be made at a lower level. Reviews staff assignments, performance, training needs, and coordination with other priories and make adjustments necessary to achieve a balanced program. Oversees selection, orientation, training and evaluation of assigned staff. Performs related duties as required.

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.

Normal office working conditions generally prevail with some required travel to various localities throughout the State for which private means of transportation must be available. Emergency management drills and actual emergencies require performance outside of normal duty hours. On-call status may be required during certain periods.

Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of public safety pertaining to radiological programs.

Working knowledge and experience in the incident command system, NIMS and the National Response Plan.

Working knowledge of public safety promotion programs, practices and strategies.

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 or higher in emergency management, homeland security, public health, or related field AND three (3) or more years of experience involving emergency management and exercising, safety program planning, or related field INCLUDING at least one (1) year or more of supervisory experience.

OR

Six (6) or more years of experience involving emergency management and exercising, program planning, or related field INCLUDING at least one (1) year or more of supervisory experience.

Master’s degree

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