Emergency Management Specialist

The purpose of this classification is to coordinate and assist in planning and implementing emergency management and homeland security operations for the mitigation against, preparedness for, response to and recovery from major emergencies and natural or man-made disasters in the County. Distinguishing Characteristics This position is assigned to the Community Outreach and Education function and is responsible for overseeing and training multiple volunteer teams. The role requires availability for evening and weekend work as operational needs dictate. Implements plans, procedures and systems to ensure an efficient and effective all-hazards level of preparedness and response to major emergencies and disasters throughout the County; contributes to the development of emergency plans; researches potential risks and makes recommendations; assists with planning, implementing, and evaluating the response to various disaster drills and exercises; and assists with the coordination of emergency response and disaster recovery efforts across various groups, businesses, agencies, and other personnel within the County. Ensures compliance with local, state and federal rules, regulations and standards concerning emergency management, and hazardous materials incidents; collects, maintains, analyzes and interprets data; provides recommendations to command level decision makers; and participates in the notification of operational emergency response organizations and activation of public notification systems. Promotes public awareness of emergency preparedness: organizes and presents public awareness campaigns; prepares and conducts meetings and presentations for community groups, neighborhood associations, business and industry, schools, County-departments, other government agencies, and County residents; assists these groups with development of individualized emergency preparedness plans; reviews plans from County facilities that are sent for EMA review (i.e.. hospitals, assisted living facilities, etc.); and makes corrections and/or provides recommendations. Serves as liaison between County and various volunteer organizations; recruits volunteers; receives and reviews applications; assesses training needs and coordinates EMA related training; facilitates training modules; attends meetings; maintains volunteer documentation; and coordinates volunteers and outside agencies with specific emergency management support functions. Conducts and/or coordinates educational and training exercises: partners with Emergency Management staff to plan for and provide educational and training exercise opportunities for the general public and Emergency Management stakeholders; advertises for classes; conducts or obtains class registrations; schedules EMA related field courses taught by Georgia Emergency Management Agency, the National Weather Service, Red Cross, or other emergency preparedness educational providers; prepares and/or provides training materials; and reserves and prepares class venues as necessary. Maintains functionality of Emergency Operations Center siren system equipment, software, and other resources: manages additions, repairs, replacement or location and relocation of warning sirens; performs and monitors daily and monthly equipment tests; maintains information regarding sirens and contacts; activates sirens as notified; maintains assigned computers, projectors, sound equipment, smart boards, and other items. Supports Emergency Operations Center and field operations as needed during emergency activations: performs emergency duties which may include coordinating damage assessments, disaster recovery operations, planning functions, volunteer participation, tracking of resources, monitoring the status of events and/or coordinating the flow, pace and accomplishment of work required to respond to and recover from disaster(s) impacting the County. Performs other related duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's Degree in Public Safety, Emergency Management, or related field required; supplemented by two years of experience in emergency management or response, public safety, homeland security, or related field; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Preferred Qualifications Experience with community education, including any programs you have developed, delivered, or supported Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License; must obtain and maintain the Georgia Emergency Manager certification. Tasks require the ability to exert very moderate physical effort in light work, typically involving some combination of stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling, and which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (12-20 pounds). Sensory Requirements Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally. Environmental Factors Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions; exceptions occur during response to major and critical incidents and/or disasters. EEO Statement Cobb County Government is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or any other legally protected status.