What are the responsibilities and job description for the Program Specialist 1 - Emergency Management (Civil Service) position at Spokane County Washington?
Job Summary
Under the general supervision of the Deputy Director, the Program Specialist I will assist in the planning, coordination, and implementation of emergency management program activities. Emergency Management is the managerial function charged with creating the framework within which communities reduce vulnerability to hazards and cope with disasters.
This position will have a full range of planning and coordination activities that require broad discretion, accountability and independent determination of priorities for one or more diverse and complex emergency management programs such as: incident support, disaster planning, mitigation, preparedness education, public information, public affairs, and training coordination.*********************************************************************************************************************************
TOTAL COMPENSATION: $68,893.99 - $96,397.10 annually
Total compensation is an estimate based upon full-time base compensation, median retirement fund contributions, and current employer-paid health and related benefit contribution rates (including medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability, and leave). The actual total will vary depending upon each employee's enrollment choices.
The starting pay will begin at $25.87 on the pay scale, will have a pay increase after six (6) full months of employment, and will have annual increases thereafter, maxing out at the top step of the pay scale.
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REQUIRED ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS CHECKLIST - Documents MUST be uploaded with your application:
- Copy of valid Driver's License
- Copies of the following Certifications: Incidence Command System ICS 100, ICS 200, IS 700 and IS 800
- Copy of DD-214 Member Form 4 (if applicable; see RCW 41.04.010 as to how Veteran's Preference is applied)
- Copy of Permanent Resident Card AKA "Green Card" (if applicable)
- Copy of Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card / Form I-797 (Notice of Action) / Form I-821D (Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients, if applicable)
- Official Transcripts from the school of your highest level of education and/or transcripts showing proof of your highest diploma/degree obtained. All transcripts must be official documents; they cannot be uploaded by applicants to your application.
Examples: if you graduated high school and have some college credits, but no degree, you will need to order BOTH high school and your college transcripts; if you have an Associate's or Bachelor's degree and no additional college, then only order the transcript showing proof of your degree; if you have an Associate's or Bachelor's degree plus additional college, please order BOTH college transcripts, etc.
Accepted methods for transcript submission:
- Electronic Submission: If your school distributes official, electronic transcripts, have your school registrar email the official transcripts directly to: CS@SpokaneCounty.org (electronic transcripts will ONLY be accepted if sent directly by the school registrar or their 3rd party affiliate; applicants may not email transcripts directly)
- Alternate Arrangements: If your school does not issue electronic transcripts, please email: CS@SpokaneCounty.org to make alternate arrangements.
If you have already submitted official transcripts to Civil Service, please do not resubmit; do make sure to verify Civil Service has your transcripts on file.
DO NOT SUBMIT RESUME; resumes are NOT accepted in lieu of a complete online application.
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TESTING INFORMATION:
Essay Questions: Applicants who meet the minimum requirements and submit a complete application by the closing deadline of 12:00 PM PST on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, will be emailed a list of essay questions and instructions for submission. Essay responses are due to the Civil Service department no later than 12:00 PM PST on Friday, March 28, 2025. No exceptions.
Oral Board Interviews: Oral Board Interview invitations to all qualified applicants that submit complete essays will be sent out by Monday, March 31, 2025. Oral Board Interviews will take place in April 2025, exact dates and times to be determined depending on the number of applicants.
Oral Board Interviews must be conducted in-person.
Virtual interviews are not permitted. Travel arrangements will be made by the applicant at their own expense.
Examples of Duties
The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as an exclusive list of all essential job functions performed by all employees in this classification, but only as a representative summary of the primary job functions and responsibilities. Incumbent may not be required to perform all job functions and may be required to perform additional, position specific tasks.
Support emergency management program activities in order to achieve departmental strategic goals.
Assist in the development and maintenance of emergency management plans and procedures.
Work with jurisdictional and agency partners to assist in establishing internal disaster procedures and plans.
Assist in the design, preparation, conduct, and evaluation of disaster training and exercises.
Support training opportunities specific to emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation.
Serve on committees and task groups relevant to emergency management.
Maintain a working relationship with the local, regional, and state emergency management agencies.
Assist in the coordination of disaster response in an Emergency Operations Center environment that may be staffed 24 hours a day for extended periods of time.
Serve as a department Duty Officer on a rotating basis.
Attend trainings and participate in exercises in order to maintain proficiency as an emergency management professional.
Performs related duties as assigned.
Minimum Requirements
In addition to the above requirements, applicants must qualify in at least one of the following categories:
- A Bachelor's degree in Emergency Management, Leadership, Public Administration or like degree, PLUS an equivalent to at least one (1) year of full-time experience in Emergency Management.
- An equivalent to at least three (3) years of full-time experience in Emergency Management.
All candidates must have successfully completed Incident Command System (ICS) ICS 100, ICS 200, IS 700 and IS 800.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
The majority of the work is performed in the usual office environment with travel to off-site locations. Employees may be required to serve in the Emergency Coordination Center in an operational capacity or at other locations as assigned during exercises, emergencies, or disasters. Attendance at meetings and working with volunteers will require evenings and other odd hours. This position may require the lifting of boxes up to 50 pounds and the climbing of ladders.
DEPARTMENTAL EXPECTATIONS:
Successful candidate must complete Incident Command System (ICS) courses 300 and 400 within one year of hire. Candidates for employment must successfully pass a criminal background investigation.
Selection Factors
Knowledge of:
- emergency management principles
- office procedures and practices
Ability to:
- deal courteously, professionally, and tactfully with internal and/or external partners, agencies, and the public
- work effectively as a member of a team and with diverse populations
- communicate effectively both orally and in writing
- follow verbal and written instructions
- operate computer terminals and applicable software
SPOKANE COUNTY
Employee Benefits Summary
The following is a brief list of benefits available to Spokane County regular employees. Complete information is available from Human Resources Department. This information is subject to change.
Spokane County Observed Holidays
Up to 10 (ten) paid holidays are observed by Spokane County.
PTO
Non-represented and a select group of represented employees receive a bank of hours that combine both vacation and sick leave into a paid time off bank. There is no waiting period to use this time and it starts out at almost 2 days per month accrual increasing in accrual rates annually for first 5 years.
Vacation
For employees with less than five (5) years of continuous service, the accrual rate is 1 day of vacation each month for a total of 12 days per year. After six (6) months, employees are eligible to take accumulated vacation time. (Please note the vacation time accumulation may vary depending on contract language).
Sick Leave
Sick leave is earned at 1 day per month and can be taken as the days are accumulated.
Other Leaves
Spokane County provides several other paid leaves such as: bereavement leave, jury duty and military duty leave.
Medical Insurance
Two plans are currently available: Premera Blue Cross (PPO) and Kaiser Permanente (HMO). Spokane County pays 95% of the premium for full-time employees and 90% of the premiums for spouses and dependents. Premiums are deducted each pay period (pay periods: 15th and last day of the month).
2024 Rates:
Premera
Employee Only: $38.04 per month
Employee & Spouse: $149.52 per month
Employee & Family: $209.60 per month
Employee & Child(ren): $136.16 per month
Kaiser:
Employee: $35.92 per month
Employee & Spouse: $140.56 per month
Employee & Family: $196.06 per month
Employee & Child(ren): $128.58 per month
Dental Insurance
Two plans are currently available: Delta Dental of Washington (PPO) and Willamette Dental (DMO). Spokane County pays 95% of the premium for full-time employees and 90% of the premiums for spouses and dependents.
2024 Rates:
Delta Dental Willamette Dental
Employee: $5.74 per month Employee: $5.98 per month
Family: $11.48 per month Family: $11.96 per month
Group Life Insurance
The County provides a $25,000 group life insurance policy to employees. The County provides a $10,000 benefit for those represented by 492, 492CS & 492CL. This benefit is paid in full by Spokane County.
Long Term Disability Coverage
Provides an income protection benefit in the event of a long-term illness or injury at rate of 60% of income up to a maximum of $5,000 per month. Spokane County pays the full premium for this plan. Deputy Sheriff's receive a benefit through their union for disability.
Retirement Plan (401a)
Spokane County employees are automatically included in the Washington State Retirement System. Both the employer and the employee contribute to the plan. This retirement plan provides a guaranteed lifetime monthly benefit once vested and eligible for retirement.
Additional Retirement Plan Option (457b)
Employees may supplement their retirement income and save money on taxes by participating in this optional County program. Roth (after-tax) option is also available through this retirement plan.
AFLAC
Supplemental insurance is optional and is provided by AFLAC to help pay for benefits not covered by major medical insurance. The employee pays 100% of the premium.
Travel Assistance
Provides additional travel protections anytime you travel more than 100 miles from home. Includes pre-trip information, emergency ticket replacement, and emergency evacuation coverage. This benefit is paid in full by Spokane County.
Flexible Spending Plan (FSA)
Spokane County sponsors a Section 125 Flexible Spending Account to allow out-of-pocket Medical & Daycare Expenses to be paid with Tax Free Dollars. Premiums are automatically set up pre-tax under the FSA.
Voluntary Term Life Insurance
Voluntary Term Life Insurance is additional optional life insurance provided through The Standard Insurance. New employees are guaranteed up to $50,000 for self and $20,000 for a spouse with no medical underwriting needed.
Employee Assistance Program
Employees and their family members are eligible to receive free counseling. There are also benefits relating to financial and legal concerns.
Reduced Cost Bus Pass Program
Spokane County participates in a program with STA which discounts bus passes to $5 a month.
Wellness Programs
There are opportunities for nearby exercise programs at reduced cost and education programs around wellness themes including financial well-being, nutrition and stress reduction.
Discounts
There are local and national discounts available to Spokane County employees.
824 N Adams
Spokane, Washington, 99260
Salary : $68,894 - $96,397
