Emergency Plans Officer

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Liberal Arts, Public Administration, Business Management, or equivalent military curriculum, plus two (2) years of experience in the public safety field, which may include emergency management, fire service, law enforcement, or emergency medical services, military service, industrial safety, business disaster recovery, or a related field.
• Graduation with a Master’s degree in a government, management, or scientific field may substitute for one (1) year of required experience.

Licenses or Certifications:

• Valid Class “C” Texas Driver’s License.
• Certified Emergency Manager by the International Association of Emergency Managers or ability to acquire certification within two (2) years of employment.

Notes to Applicants
Position Overview: The Emergency Plans Officer is responsible for providing development, coordination, and implementation of components of the Austin Water Emergency Response Plan and Emergency Management program, often during an emergency or urgent situation. They will be responsible for assisting with software system administration, education and training, plan development and review, presentations, and the development of various reports. The EPO operates aspects of the Austin Water Department Operations Center, following the principles of the National Incident Management System, attends meetings, liaises with stakeholders, represents the utility in exercises and functions, and may assist with budget issues.

Working with Austin Water provides a number of benefits including medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more! Click HERE for more information.

Driving Requirement:

This position requires a valid Texas Class C Driver License or the ability to acquire one by your hire date. External New Hires must meet the City of Austin’s Driver Record Evaluation ( DRE ) requisite. To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months.

When completing the City of Austin employment application:

• Please be sure to detail on the application all previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications.
• A detailed, complete employment application is required. It helps us to better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine salary if you are selected for this position. Be sure to provide job title and employment dates for all jobs you wish to be considered.
• A resume is required, but will not substitute for a complete employment application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please include contact information from previous employers.
• A cover letter is also required. In the cover letter, candidates should describe in concise detail their interest in this position and highlight any prior experience that is relevant to this position.

If you are selected to interview:

• Your skills and competencies for this job will be assessed prior to being invited to interview. A 70% or above on all the assessments is required to be considered for the next step.

If you are selected as a top candidate:

• Verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or GED , undergraduate and/or graduate degrees) will be required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institution and proof of your professional licenses or certifications.
• If you are in the military or a veteran, you will need to provide a copy of your DD-214 prior to confirming a start date.
• A criminal background investigation is required.

Travel:

• If you are selected for this position, and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.

Secondary Employment:

• All Austin Water employees are prohibited from accepting or engaging in any secondary employment that might conflict or interfere with an employee’s duty and responsibility to the Department.
• Austin Water must review all secondary employment.
• Employees are required to submit a Secondary Employment Application for review and approval upon being hired with Austin Water, as well as current Austin Water employees considering secondary employment.

Effective October 1, 2014, all Austin Water worksite locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any AW worksite - including construction sites, parking lot, garage or in any personal vehicle located on the premises.
Pay Range
$27.16 - $32.87

Hours
7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or other hours as required or needed for emergency activations.
Job Close Date 09/23/2024 Type of Posting External Department Austin Water Utility Regular/Temporary Regular Grant Funded or Pooled Position Not Applicable Category Professional Location 625 E. 10th St., Austin, TX 78701 Preferred Qualifications

• Experiencepreforming on an emergency management team in a utility, municipality, or other similarly regulated entity. Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws, regulations, and policies regarding emergency management.
• Background in coordinating emergency management activities including facilitating and delivering training related to the National Incident Management System ( NIMS ) and Incident Command System ( ICS ), and conducting drills, workshops, and exercises related to emergency planning and response.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills with various levels of internal customers and the public; as well as experience writing and presenting Standard Operations Procedures, Emergency Preparedness and Response plans, and/or Continuity of Operations Plans.
• Strong problem-solving and organization skills with the ability to prioritize tasks in an environment with frequent interruptions and under intense pressure.
• Ability to develop relationships with other entities and outside organizations including Homeland Security, Fire, EMS , and Police organizations, the state office of emergency services, red cross, and or volunteer/non-profit organizations to ensure a rapid and coherent response in emergency situations.
• Ability to travel to various locations.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities
Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

Assists developing and implementing departmental and public education training programs and disaster exercises. Reviews and modifies planning issues, coordinates planning groups and committees, prepares plan drafts, and distributes final plan products. Assists agencies in developing internal emergency standard operating procedures and action plans. Conducts interviews and provides information to the news media. Bears responsibility for operating guides and in maintaining emergency management computer databases and information systems. Assists in coordinating disaster exercises including identifying exercise scenario and objectives, coordinating exercise planning groups, and monitoring and evaluating exercises. Attends various meetings with government and private sector agencies and officials throughout the City of Austin and Travis County. Coordinates the work activities of interns and volunteers such as military or amateur radio service organizations. Bears responsibility for division budget activities. Delivers presentations on emergency management topics to community groups and organizations.

Responsibilities- Supervision and/or Leadership Exercised:

May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of the operation of Local, State, and Federal governments in general and public safety.
• Knowledge of emergency management-related issues.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws.
• Knowledge of City practice, policy, and procedures.
• Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
• Skill in using computers and related software.
• Skill in oral and written communication, including presentations.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in planning and organizing.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Ability to facilitate cooperative group decision making among diverse organizations and individuals serving on planning committees.
• Ability to deal effectively and cooperatively with a wide range of Local, State, and Federal government officials, the news media, and private business people.
• Ability to operate a variety of communications and audio-video systems maintained in the Emergency Operations Center.
• Ability to handle extremely intense and chaotic emergency situations.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public

Criminal Background Investigation This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation. EEO/ADA
City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual’s AIDS , AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

Information For City Employees: If you are an employee within the department, are in good standing and meet both the minimum and preferred qualifications, then you will receive an initial interview.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
* The minimum qualifications for the Emergency Plans Officer position are: Graduation with a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Liberal Arts, Public Administration, Business Management, or equivalent military curriculum, plus two (2) years of experience in the public safety field, which may include emergency management, fire service, law enforcement, or emergency medical services, military service, industrial safety, business disaster recovery, or a related field. Graduation with a Master's degree in a government, management, or scientific field may substitute for one (1) year of required experience. Do you meet these minimum qualifications?

• Yes
• No

* This position requires a Valid Class C Texas Driver’s license. Do you have a Valid Class C Texas Driver’s license or if selected for this position, do you have the ability to acquire a Valid Class C Texas Driver’s license by your hire date?

• Yes
• No

* The City of Austin Driver Eligibility Standards require that External New Hires meet the City’s Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite. To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months. Do you meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

* Will you now or in the future require employer sponsorship for a work-related visa (e.g. H1B or other similar visa)?

• Yes
• No

* This position requires a criminal background check. By selecting the following, you are acknowledging that you understand if you are selected as a top candidate for this position, you will need a successful CBI to be hired.

• I acknowledge and understand this position requires a Criminal Background Check.

* The minimum qualifications require a Certified Emergency Manager certification by the International Association of Emergency Managers or ability to acquire certification within two (2) years of employment. Are you able to meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

* How many years of experience do you have on an emergency management team in a utility, municipality, or other similarly regulated entity and following Federal, State, and Local laws, regulations, and policies regarding emergency management?

• Less than 1 year
• 1-2 years
• 3-4 years
• 5+ years

* Do you have experience coordinating emergency management activities including facilitating and delivering training related to the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS), and conducting drills, workshops, and exercises related to emergency planning and response?

• Yes
• No

* How many years’ experience do you have effectively utilizing your verbal and written communication skills to coordinate with various levels of internal customers and the public, writing and presenting Standard Operations Procedures, Emergency Preparedness and Response plans, and/or Continuity of Operations plans?

• Less than 1 year
• 1-2 years
• 3-4 years
• 5+ years

* How many years’ experience do you have developing relationships with other entities and organizations including Homeland Security, fire, EMS, police organizations, the state office of emergency services, Red Cross, and other volunteer/non-profit organizations?

• Less than 1 year
• 1-2 years
• 3-4 years
• 5+ years

* Were you referred to this opportunity by an Austin Water employee? If yes, please provide the employee’s full name.
(Open Ended Question)


Optional & Required Documents

Required Documents Cover Letter Resume Optional Documents

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