What are the responsibilities and job description for the EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLANNER position at City of Newport News?
JOB DESC RIPTION
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS
PLANNER
FIRE DEPARTMENT
NEWPORT NEWS, VA Human Resources
Department
GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES
Under general supervision, this position is responsible for assisting in the research, development,
maintenance, and analysis of the City’s emergency preparedness plans and related grant programs to
predict and mitigate impacts on infrastructures and population from natural, technological and man-
made disasters. Reports to the Emergency Preparedness Manager.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Researches and compiles information identifying area layouts, geography, demographics, and any
unique issues that are to be considered in planning for emergency and disaster procedures; maintains
and updates information including GIS maps, plans, emergency personnel rosters and resource
documents. Responds to general inquiries from other jurisdictions, organizations and the general
public to provide information and planning guidance relating to emergency management issues;
participates in the delivery of emergency preparedness public education programs as required to
support agency public outreach efforts.
Serves as project manager for emergency management projects to include testing and evaluating new
equipment. Responsible for managing grant projects which may include completing grant
applications, preparing investment justifications, authorizing and tracking expenditures, and
ensuring project completion in a timely manner.
Coordinates with City, State and local agencies and businesses to research and identify resources in
the areas of personnel, food, housing, medical supplies, equipment, transportation and any other
requirements for public health, welfare and safety in the event of emergencies and disasters;
maintains plans and procedures for obtaining and utilizing resources; and gathers and compiles
statistical data for emergency operations plans.
Assists the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during activations for emergencies or disasters and
is subject to recall; provides instruction in disaster management system (Web EOC) to City
employees; attends meetings, exercises, forums and functions relating to emergency management as
a representative of the City of Newport News.
Performs other duties as assigned.
PC# 22198
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PERFORMANCE STANDARD
Employees at all levels are expected to effectively work together to meet the needs of the community
and the organization through work behaviors demonstrating the City’s Values. Employees are also
expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE
- Emergency Planning – General knowledge of emergency management principles, practices,
organizations and available resources and public safety approaches. Working knowledge of the
principles outlined in the Contingency Preparedness Guide (CPG 101). General knowledge of the
National Incident Management System (NIMS), Continuity of Operations (COOP) planning,
Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP), Urban Area Security Initiative
(UASI) Program, the state Local Capability Assessment for Readiness (LCAR), and regional plans
to include the Hampton Roads Hazard Mitigation Plan and the Threat Hazard Identification Risk
Assessment (THIRA).
- Technology – Knowledge of general office equipment and personal computers to include word
- Customer Service — Considerable knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer
customer satisfaction.
REQUIRED SKILLS
- Critical Thinking – Uses logic and reasoning to understand, analyze, and evaluate complex
solutions, conclusions or approaches.
- Interpersonal Relationships – Develops and maintains cooperative and professional relationships
and organizations.
- Time Management - Plans and organizes daily work routine. Estimates expected time of
work activities in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules.
REQUIRED ABILITIES
- Communication – Ability to communicate complex and technical ideas and proposals effectively
Ability to listen and understand information and ideas presented verbally and in writing.
- Research and Analysis – Ability to analyze, interpret, and apply research findings and
curricula from a variety of sources to include federal and state safety regulations.
- Financial Management – Ability to perform arithmetic, algebraic, and statistical applications to
practices in the analysis and reporting of budgeting data.
PC# 22199
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EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Emergency
Management or a related field and 3 years of related experience in emergency management, or an
equivalent combination of education and experience.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Requires an acceptable general background check to include a local and state criminal history check.
A valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
Must possess certifications for National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) courses IS-100, 200,
300, 700, and 800, or equivalent certifications. Must obtain IS-400 or equivalent certification within
one year of employment in this position.
Emergency Management Institute Professional Development Series, Basic Academy or Advanced
Professional Series preferred. Virginia Professional Emergency Management (VAPEM) or
International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) Certified Emergency Manager (CEM)
preferred.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Requires the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work.
- Some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10
- Tasks may involve extended periods of time at keyboard or work station.
SENSORY REQUIREMENTS
- Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds and visual cues or signals.
- Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.
ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES
Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.
PC# 22199
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