Emergency Preparedness Planner - Watch Officer/SPE

Job Description

Are you looking for a position with a work/life balance? Do you want to earn four (4) weeks off during your first year of employment? Do you want low and no cost health insurance options? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you need to complete your application now. Work for the city you love!!!

Jacksonville Fire and Rescue is actively seeking a Emergency Preparedness Planner - Watch Officer/SPE.

Did you know as a City of Jacksonville employee, you would also have twelve (12) paid holidays and a personal leave day as well? In addition to health insurance, dental, vision, life insurance and flexible spending plans are also available. City of Jacksonville employees are also eligible for Federal Student Loan Forgiveness after ten (10) years of public service and on-time payments.

The primary purpose of this position is monitoring incidents and events in and around the County and preparing spot and situation reports and communicating incident details with senior leadership. Work requires establishing and developing dialogue with community and stakeholders including the private sector. Work requires providing public preparedness and education outreach. Leveraging advanced technologies and public safety tools, the County Watch Officer collects information regarding potential and actual risks, threats, and on-going incidents that may have operational consequences for the five (5) urban service districts in Duval County. Often functioning in a high stress and time-critical environment, the incumbent must determine the validity, urgency, and significance of available information and disseminate it to relevant parties. The work is performed following substantially diversified emergency management principles and policies with latitude permitted in considering which among many procedures should be followed and in what sequence and involves differing situations requiring the use of good judgment in search of solutions or new applications. Work is performed primarily in an office environment and occasionally in the field where risks and hazards are minimal, known, predictable, and controllable. Operates equipment such as personal computers, using Microsoft Office Suite and other related software, audio-visual equipment, hand-held radios, and radio base stations requiring the lifting of objects weighing less than 50 pounds. Work is performed under general supervision in which the work assignments are varied and, although subject to standardized practices and procedures, the worker is permitted to set priorities with the superior's approval. Work may include substantial overtime during emergency situations and incumbent could be separated from family for an extended period of time.

Examples of Work

• Reports to the Emergency Operations Center (and Planning Section) and assists in coordinating activities during an emergency.
• Operates personal computer using Microsoft Office Suite and other related software.
• Prepares responses to inquiries, reports, and related correspondence.
• Analyzes and reports potential hazards in the community and develops corresponding action plans.
• Updates and maintains EOC messaging and asset sharing system, the city resident emergency alert notification system and public outreach programs.
• Utilizes advanced technologies and public safety tools to collect information regarding potential and actual risks, threats, and on-going incidents.
• Determines the validity, urgency, and significance of available information and disseminates it to relevant parties.
• Demonstrates proficiency in the City of Jacksonville Core Competencies.
• Performs related work as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of federal, state, and local Emergency Management programs.
• Knowledge of principles and techniques of emergency preparedness planning and management.
• Knowledge of methods and techniques of research, statistical analysis, and forecasting.
• Skilled in the preparation of clear and precise reports.
• Ability to analyze problems, develop and implement solutions.
• Ability to operate equipment such as personal computers, using Microsoft Office Suite and other related software, audio-visual equipment, hand-held radios, and radio base stations.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to respond to incidents and events, which may require working beyond regularly scheduled work hours.
• Knowledge of public safety communications equipment, systems, and use.
• Ability to work independently and/or as a member of a team.
• Ability to work various shifts on a rotating schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to travel and/or work in the field environment during disaster conditions necessary.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) compliance.
• Ability to research and compile data and prepare written reports and correspondence.
• Ability to adapt to rapidly changing environments.
• Ability to manipulate database, word processing, graphical software, GIS, and spreadsheet applications to create reports, summaries, graphs, charts, maps, and tables.

Open Requirements/Supplemental Information

• A six-year combination of education and/or professional experience in public safety communications or emergency dispatch.
• Knowledge of National Incident Management System (NIMS), Department of Homeland Security (DHS) National Preparedness Goal’s five mission areas and 32 core capabilities, post-disaster recovery process (PDRP).
• Knowledge of locally used signal codes and 10-codes is preferred.

• A valid Class E Driver's license is required prior to appointment and must be maintained during employment in this class. Must meet standards to obtain a City of Jacksonville Public Driver Certification.
• FEMA certified training classes including ICS 100, ICS 200, ICS 300, ICS 400, ICS 700, and ICS 800 are required at the time of appointment & must be maintained.

• Resume
• College Transcript. When meeting/basing qualifications on education, a copy of your college transcript, with your social blacked out, is required with your application. Transcripts do not need to be official, but must state your name, the school’s name, classes taken, grades received, type of degree, and date degree was conferred.
• FEMA Certificates ICS 100, ICS 200, ICS 300, ICS 400, ICS 700, and ICS 800 or student transcript showing these courses have been successfully completed.