City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

Emergency Plans Officer

Under minimal direction, coordinates the development and implementation of components of the Austin Emergency Operations Plan, assists in developing and implementing new technical systems, and assists in the maintaining the operational readiness.

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

May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.

• 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

• 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.

• 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.