EMA Operations and Training Officer/ Deputy Coordinator

Description

  Position Summary
The EMA Operations and Training Officer / Deputy Coordinator leads and supports emergency management preparedness, response, and recovery activities for Northumberland County. Responsibilities include hazardous materials planning (Act 165/SARA Title III), emergency operations training and exercises, coordination with first responders, industry, municipalities, and state/federal partners, and operational leadership within the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The role requires strong project management skills, broad emergency management knowledge, and 24/7 availability for emergent incidents. The Officer serves as Deputy Coordinator upon completion of required PEMA certification.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities

1. Operations and Emergency Response
• Support and take direction from the Director of Public Safety/EMC within the NIMS/ICS structure.
• Respond 24/7 to emergency or disaster incidents including fires, floods, hazardous materials events, radiological incidents, severe weather, pandemics, evacuations, sheltering, and other all-hazards events.
• Assist in coordinating county resources, developing Incident Action Plans, performing incident reviews, critiques, and damage assessments.
• Act as Emergency Management Officer when the Director is unavailable.
• Staff and support the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), including activation, coordination of emergency functions, and supervision of EOC operations.
• Assist County and municipal departments with continuity planning, emergency procedures, and essential services support.

2. Hazardous Materials / Act 165 Responsibilities
• Conduct site visits, coordinate with municipalities and emergency services, and maintain accurate off-site response plans.
• Assist industry in developing disaster and emergency response plans.
• Plan, coordinate, and observe facility exercises required under SARA Title III.
• Attend and support Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) meetings and subcommittees.

3. Training Coordination
• Develop a county-wide three-year emergency management training schedule.
• Identify, deliver, and coordinate training opportunities for responders, officials, volunteers, NGOs, critical infrastructure, and the public.
• Facilitate partnerships with training agencies at local, state, federal, nonprofit, and private-sector levels. 

• Ensure departmental compliance with National Incident Management System (NIMS) requirements.
• Recruit, train, and exercise volunteers and county staff for disaster response roles.

4. Exercise Coordination
• Develop and maintain a county-wide three-year exercise schedule.
• Lead orientation, tabletop, functional, and full-scale exercises; coordinate with departments, regional/state agencies, and partners.
• Develop measurable objectives, evaluate performance, write after-action reports (AARs), prepare improvement plans, and integrate lessons learned into county plans.
• Participate in regional exercises and maintain coordination with county and state exercise initiatives.

5. Radiological Preparedness
• Coordinate training and exercises involving radiological response and nuclear power plant (SSES) preparedness.
• Attend regional meetings with utilities and PEMA; update and test county radiological plans.
• Provide training and briefings for EOC staff and volunteers.
• Participate in bi-annual evaluated exercises.
• Maintain radiological equipment, calibration schedules, and related records.

6. Administrative and Technical Duties
• Prepare correspondence, reports, plans, spreadsheets, policies, and training materials.
• Maintain hazardous materials, radiological, emergency plans, and emergency services records.
• Use Microsoft software, WebEOC, Crisis Track, and emergency communications equipment.
• Maintain inventories of emergency management equipment; coordinate procurement and distribution.
• Assist with grants including EMPG, HMEP, RERF, and HMRF (applications, tracking, purchasing, documentation).

7. Additional Functions
• Support the update of the Hazard Mitigation Plan every five years.
• Complete annual HAZMAT assessments with the Director.
• Coordinate warming and cooling shelters during extreme weather events.
• May serve as a 911 telecommunicator if required.
• Perform special projects and duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge
• Emergency Management laws and regulations including PEMA, FEMA, DCNR, Title 35, Act 165, and Act 147.
• Community disaster planning, county geography, emergency response capabilities, and departmental programs.
• National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS).
• Hazardous materials operations and emergency planning requirements.

Required Certifications
To be obtained within specified timeframes:
• Within 6 months: ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-700, ICS-800.
• Within 1 year: ICS-300, ICS-400.
• HAZMAT Operations 24-hour (NFPA 472).

Skills
• Effective written and verbal communication.
• Ability to read and interpret technical materials and regulations.
• Report writing, procedure development, public presentations.
• Typing, computer literacy, and use of emergency management software.
• Basic math and analytical skills.

Working Conditions
• Work outside regular hours including nights, weekends, and emergencies.
• 24/7 on-call status with frequent overtime during incidents.
• Travel for training, meetings, site visits, and emergency response.
• Interaction with distressed or upset individuals during emergencies.
• Possible exposure to hazardous materials during facility support or incident response.

Physical Demands
• Periodic lifting up to and over 50 lbs.
• Standing for extended periods during training, operations, and drills.
• Work in extreme heat or cold during incidents or exercises.
• Ability to drive emergency management vehicles and trailers.

Disclaimer
This description outlines the general nature and responsibilities of the position and is not intended to be a comprehensive list of duties. Responsibilities may be modified or expanded as needed.