SUMMARY

The Montgomery County Department of Public Safety (MCDPS) works to mitigate, plan and prepare for emergencies; educate the public about preparedness; coordinate emergency response and recovery efforts; and develop tools and identify resources to support the overall preparedness of Montgomery County.

The Assistant Director of Emergency Management Planning is responsible for the creation, maintenance, coordination and implementation of applicable plans and procedures tasked to the Division of Emergency Management for execution.  This position will work directly with emergency preparedness specialists tasked with municipal preparedness planning, chemical safety planning, critical infrastructure planning and recovery planning to ensure all County, municipal and facility plans are valid and current.  In addition, the Assistant Director of Emergency Management Planning will also assist with coordination of emergency management training. This position will work with the Deputy Director of Emergency Management to develop operational budgets to support planning efforts.

During EOC activations, this position will serve as a Deputy EOC Manager. In this role, the Assistant Director of Emergency Management Planning will assist the County Emergency Management Coordinator (EMC) with support and coordination for all concurrent incidents within Montgomery County.    In times that the EMC and EOC Manager are not present, this position will act with their authority to ensure operation of the EOC.

The Assistant Director for Emergency Management Planning has responsibility to lead, evaluate, hire and educate the Community Resilience Program Manager, Training and Preparedness Coordinator and all Emergency Preparedness Specialists.  

Reports directly Deputy Director of Emergency Management.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide coordination for all county, municipal, critical infrastructure and other emergency planning.
• Coordinate yearly THIRA and SPR regional submission with Southeast PA Task Force.
• Identifies, recommends, and implements programs to reduce the frequency and severity of damage from all hazards and terrorism events.
• Coordinate and foster relationships with municipal, county and state emergency management partners to ensure informed comprehensive planning.
• Coordinate planning efforts with the Homeland Security Program and Southeast PA Task Force Counterparts.
• Ensure all MCDPS staff members receive training on all applicable plans.
• Act as EOC Manager responsible for an EOC operational shift
• Assist with the day to day operations of the Division of Emergency Management to ensure operational readiness of the EOC and all supervised staff / teams.
• Maintain coordination of EOC operations and planning efforts assisted by the development of respective standard operating procedures and response guides.
• Coordinate training for municipal emergency management coordinators, first responders and other agency partners along with the Training and Preparedness Coordinator.
• Performs all other duties as assigned with the scope and range of job responsibilities.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Education and Credentials

• Bachelor's degree in emergency management, or other related field required or an equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.  
• Must possess and maintain a valid Pennsylvania's Driver's license.

Experience and Skills

• Five years of progressive experience as an emergency management or public safety supervisor preferred.
• Knowledge and ability in communicating and implementing ideas that lead to cooperative plans with multiple and diverse organizations, groups, and individuals.
• Ability to speak before large and small audiences.
• Functional understanding of the Federal and Commonwealth's Radiological Emergency Response Program (Act 147, Nureg-0654) Federal Emergency Planning and Commun ty Right to Know Act of 1986 (EPCRA - SARA Title III), the State Hazardous Material Emergency Planning and Response Act (Act-165) and the Dam Safety & Encroachment Act (Act 325), Stafford Act and Commonwealth Title 35.  
• Possess a functional understanding of NIMS and ICS principles with previous experience in EOC management and coordination.
• Experience in disaster preparedness and field response.
• Must possess an advanced understanding of emergency management practices and principles and complete PEMA required certification within one (1) year of employment.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work into evening hours

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Subject to 24-hour, 7 day call for all-hazard emergency incidents which could require response to an incident scene and / or the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The position may require the individual to function in austere work environments for long time periods.
• Requires occasional attendance at evening meetings, training sessions, and drills and exercises at various locations throughout the County and the region.
• Required to stand, walk, drive an emergency vehicle, wear Personal Protective Equipment (including respiratory protection), and participate in physically strenuous activities
• Physical activities may include: reaching or working with arms above shoulders; bending, twisting or rotating at the waist; kneeling, crouching or squatting; climbing stairs; climbing ladders; pushing, lifting, or carrying objects 50 pounds or heavier; and work in a noisy environment; and work in adverse weather conditions.