CAREER DESCRIPTIONSENIOR EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM COORDINATORIn addition to performance-based merit increases, this position is scheduled to receive salary range increases on the following dates:
Effective June 27, 2025 - 4.00% increase Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and successful candidate's qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization.
This recruitment is open to the public and will remain open on a continuous basis for a minimum of five (5) business days, until the needs of the Department are met. Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.
POSITION/RECRUITMENT INFORMATIONThis recruitment is being held to establish an Open Eligible List to fill a vacancy in this class until the next recruitment. This list may be utilized to fill similar and/or lower-level classifications.
THE DEPARTMENT The Orange County Sheriff’s Department is among the largest in the nation, providing exemplary law enforcement services focused on a collaborative, dedicated and innovative approach to public safety.
The more than 3,800 sworn and professional staff, along with more than 800 reserve personnel, are committed to serving the needs of Orange County by embodying the Sheriff’s Department core values:
- Integrity without Compromise
- Service Before Self
- Professionalism in the Performance of Duty
- Vigilance in Safeguarding our community
The Department consists of six organizational Commands comprised of 23 Divisions. Together, these Commands and Divisions provide services including land, air and sea-based patrol, custody operations, investigative services, emergency management, coroner services, forensics and specialty operations, among an extensive list of other public safety services.
THE DIVISIONThe Orange County Board of Supervisors has designated the Sheriff-Coroner Department as the lead agency in matters of emergency preparedness and disaster response for all types of emergencies such as earthquakes, fires, debris flows, tsunamis, civil disturbances, energy crises, nuclear power plant emergencies, terrorism and acts of war. The Emergency Management Division (EMD) provides emergency management planning, preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation services to the County of Orange Departments/Agencies and the Orange County Operational Area.
County Role of EMD For County agencies, the EMD supports the County’s Emergency Management Council in coordinating policies, plans, procedures, technology, training, and exercises to mitigate against, prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters impacting unincorporated Orange County or issues where the County has legal authority or responsibility.
Operational Area Role of EMD The Operational Area (OA) consists of over 100 members encompassing all jurisdictions within Orange County’s geographic boundaries, including the County, cities, special districts, school districts, public and private organizations and the general population within the boundaries of Orange County. For the OA jurisdictions, the EMD supports the Operational Area Executive Board by developing and implementing cross-jurisdictional and multi-disciplinary plans, policies, training, and exercises.
In addition to its planning and coordination role, the EMD leads innovative technology, training, and exercise programs that enhance Orange County’s disaster preparedness. The EMD offers training throughout the year to County staff, city personnel and other public agencies. The classes include EOC Orientation, SEMS (State Mandated Standardized Emergency Management System), Planning and Situation Analysis, and Support Pool functions such as Hotline, Documentation, Messenger and Plotter. The EMD also conducts exercises and EOC activation drills to train staff and to ensure the County’s ability to respond to a widespread emergency. The EMD devotes considerable time in preparation and planning for a possible radiological emergency. While the spent nuclear fuel at San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station is now stored in an Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installation (ISFSI), the Division coordinates with San Diego County, Camp Pendleton, Dana Point, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Capistrano Unified School District, the Orange County Fire Authority, and the Orange County Health Care Agency to maintain SONGS-specific emergency plans, training, and equipment. The EMD operates Monday through Friday during business hours but may staff the Emergency Operation Center (EOC) at any time in the event of a natural disaster or other emergency.
Are you... - Poised under pressure?
- Able to work both independently and as part of a team?
- Positive, flexible, self-motivated and a hard worker?
- An effective communicator, both orally and written?
- Adaptable and willing to learn?
- Able to quickly analyze and provide a response?
- Interested in providing service to the community with a focus on quality?
These positions are non-sworn positions within the Sheriff’s Department that serve all County agencies and jurisdictions across all first responder disciplines. The emergency management spectrum of responsibilities provides an opportunity for individuals from diverse experience and education levels, including but not limited to emergency management, fire science, criminal justice, public or business administration, communications, journalism, public information, physical science, political science, humanities, public health, social ecology, information technology, and computer science.
General Duties: Under the general supervision of an Assistant Emergency Manager (Emergency Management Administrator), these non-supervisory positions develop and maintain disaster and emergency operations plans for the County and the Operational Area organization. The incumbent serves as technical advisor to the Emergency Manager, the Orange County Emergency Executive Board, Emergency Management Council Subcommittee, and the County Board of Supervisors.
These positions available through this recruitment are focused on plan development specifically related to hazard mitigation, alert & warning, emergency public information, health-related disaster planning, disaster recovery, disaster logistics, distribution management planning, oil spills, drought, and business continuity. Other areas of technical expertise to which the position may be assigned include, but are not limited to earthquake, flood, hazardous materials, nuclear material storage facility incidents, terrorist acts, Emergency Operations Center operations, Standardized Emergency Management System, mutual aid, public information and other related issues. The incumbent will independently interpret and maintain up-to-date data and knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations related to emergency management. This knowledge is critical to ensure the incumbent successfully updates procedures/plans to ensure compliance and enhance emergency preparedness across Orange County.
These positions may be responsible for or participate in disaster response activations, training, and exercises. As such, they may serve in any position within the Emergency Operations Center and may prepare after-action reports required at the conclusion of exercises and actual emergencies. These positions may develop or conduct emergency management training and exercises as required.
These positions may also be involved in the development and maintenance of innovative emergency management specific technology programs, including geographic information systems (GIS), crises management systems (WebEOC), and/or public mass notification/alert and warning systems.
May be required to travel to attend meetings and training.
Under general direction, the candidate will provide leadership, plan, organize, develop and coordinate a comprehensive disaster and emergency response program in accordance with Federal and State emergency management guidelines.
- Develops, edits, coordinates and updates disaster preparedness, emergency operations, and recovery plans for the County and the Operational Area Organization.
- Conducts thorough research and produces accurate, in-depth reports and emergency plans based on factual, historical, and technical information.
- Organizes and maintains working groups representing multiple jurisdictions and disciplines as part of the emergency planning process.
- Coordinates the development, submission, implementation, reporting, and closeout of emergency plans, grant applications, and after-action reports.
- Develops and implements innovative technological solutions to better mitigate against, respond to, and recover from disasters.
- May serve as technical advisor to the County Emergency Manager, the Orange County Emergency Executive Board, Emergency Management Council Subcommittee and County Board of Supervisors.
- Attends, participates in, develops, and conducts emergency management training and exercises as required.
- Prepares after-action reports required at the conclusion of exercises and actual emergencies.
- Interprets and maintains up-to-date data and knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations related to emergency management.
- Organizes and participates in public education and awareness campaigns related to disaster preparedness and recovery.
- Updates assessments, procedures, and/or plans to ensure compliance with funding requirements which govern emergency management operations.
- Assists with the coordination and activation of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during actual disasters.
- Assists in maintaining operational readiness for the EOC in advance of disasters, including recommending and implementing facility enhancements.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE The ideal/desirable candidate will have certification in Incident Command Systems training 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, and 800 and have experience in the following:
- Whole community planning, response and recovery
- Risk assessments, risk mitigation planning and implementation
- Strategic planning
- Managing complex projects
- Emergency Operations Plan development, including but not limited to
- Disabilities, Access and Functional Needs
- Distribution management systems
- Drought
- Earthquake
- Evacuations
- Flood and dam/reservoir failure
- Logistics
- Marine and land-based oil spills
- Mass care and shelter
- Recovery
- Terrorism
- Transportation accidents
- Tsunami
- Wildland fire
- Emergency Operations Center activations
- Emergency alert and warning
- Public private partnerships
- Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP)
- Training program development, implementation, and monitoring
- Public information and education
- Software development and management
- Federal or State grant administration
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSClick here to view the class spec/job description.
Thorough knowledge of:
- Common forms of local government and the interrelationships, responsibilities, goals and functions of local, state and federal government relating to emergency management
- Principles of planning, developing and organizing public services
- Federal and state rules, regulations, directives, policies and plans for civil defense, emergency management, grant management, and financial assistance
- Principles and techniques used in emergency radio communications
- Methods and techniques in disaster preparedness training
- Project and program management methods
- General office methods and procedures
General Knowledge of:
- Principles and practices of leading productive meetings and groups
- Principles and practices of supervision
- Principles and practices of project management
- Principles of budgeting and fiscal analysis
Ability to:
- Communicate effectively both orally and in writing in presenting plans and needs to representatives of agencies within the County emergency organization, the Operational Area and the public to gain their support and cooperation
- Plan, organize, develop and coordinate civil defense and emergency management programs with government agencies
- Respond to an active public safety emergency with calm, timely and appropriate actions
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: One year of experience as an Emergency Management Program Coordinator with the County of Orange or other emergency response organization, including cities, school districts, special districts and/or non-profit response organizations.
Or Two years' experience in developing plans, procedures and training programs for a local, State or federal government emergency management program.
Education that is related to the required knowledge and abilities may be substituted for up to one year of experience at the rate of three college semester units for one month of experience; or one year of full-time training that is related to the required knowledge and abilities may be substituted for up to one year of experience; or a combination of education and training may be substituted for up to one year of experience.
License Required Possession of a valid California Vehicle License, Class C or higher by date of appointment.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Must not have been convicted of a felony and must pass an extensive background investigation to the satisfaction of the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner. Background screening includes completing of a Personal History Form, interview with a background investigator, fingerprinting and may include a polygraph test. Some of the areas considered in the background screening include prior convictions, traffic violations, drug use and credit problems, employment history, professional references and education verification (i.e., degree, license, or official transcripts. Foreign degrees require an evaluation of U.S. equivalency by an agency that is a member of the National Association of Credential Services (N.A.C.E.S.).
PHYSICAL, MENTAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND WORKING CONDITIONS: The County of Orange is committed to providing a means for applicants who may have a disability to identify areas in which they may request a reasonable accommodation. The following is a description of the physical and mental abilities, that are customarily required to perform the essential job functions for this position. Applicants are encouraged to contact the recruiter for any questions or to request an accommodation during the testing/selection process.
Physical and Mental Requirements Prolonged sitting at a workstation with computer screen(s) primarily using keyboard and mouse, also frequent standing. On occasion, may be required to lift or move objects up to 50 pounds by hand or using dolly or hand truck. Ability to hear well enough to communicate over the phone and in person to individuals and groups, especially during emergency drills and exercises. Speak well enough to communicate effectively with large groups of people. Possess sufficient vision to read standard text and a computer monitor.
Ability to independently reason and analyze data, and to reach objective conclusions; work under demanding or difficult conditions, deadlines, and competing priorities; ability to direct, control and plan and influence people especially during emergency or field disaster; may interact extensively with co-workers, other County personnel, high-level State or Federal employees or the public.
Environmental and Working ConditionsWork is mainly in an office environment on a daily basis; but may be deployed to the field during activation of emergency operations and field disaster and be subject to working outdoors in fluctuating weather conditions, varying terrain, and/or uneven surfaces or in situations where access to normal services and facilities are unavailable.
May be required to drive County vehicle. May be required to work overtime on an unplanned basis; may work a variety of shifts during activations.
SELECTION PROCEDURES Applications must emphasize all the areas in which you have expertise and accomplishments in the specific competencies related to the position, as applications will be screened to identify the most qualified candidates.
Human Resources |Minimum Qualifications Sheriff Human Resources screens all applications to identify the most qualified candidates for the position based on the skills required to meet the needs of the Department. After the initial screening, the qualified candidates will be referred to the next step and notified of all further procedures applicable to their status in the competition.
Structured Oral Interview (Weighted 100%)Applicants will be interviewed and rated by a panel of job knowledge experts. Each candidates rating will be based on responses to a series of structured questions designed to elicit the candidate's qualifications for the job. Only the most successful candidates will be placed on the eligible list.
Based on the Department's needs, the selection procedures listed above may be modified. All candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedures. ELIGIBLE LIST After all procedures have been completed, the Sheriff Human Resources will establish an eligible list of qualified candidates.
Veterans Employment Preference The County is committed to providing a mechanism to give preferential consideration in the employment process to veterans and their eligible spouses and will provide eligible participants the opportunity to receive interviews in the selection process for employment and paid internship openings. Please click here to review the policy.
HOW TO APPLY Only on-line applications will be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of on-line applications. Application information must be current, succinct and related to the requirements in this job announcement. Your application should demonstrate your professional experience and education related to the specific qualifications/duties listed in this bulletin, including areas in which you have developed expertise.
Click here for tips to complete your application.
For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, contact Sophia Maciel via email at smaciel@ocsheriff.gov
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION EMAIL NOTIFICATION: Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in our application and use only one email account.
NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply.Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocgov.com." If your email address should change, please update your profile at www.governmentjobs.com .
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: Click here for additional Frequently Asked Questions.
EEO INFORMATIONOrange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.Non-Management Benefits
In addition to the County's standard suite of benefits, such as a variety of health plan options, annual leave and paid holidays--we also offer an excellent array of benefits such as a Health Care Reimbursement Account, 457 Defined Contribution Plan and Annual Education and Professional Reimbursement. Employees are provided a Retirement Plan through the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS).
Please go to the following link to find out more about Defined Benefit Pensions and OCERS Plan Types/Benefits.
http://www.ocers.org/active-member-information
Click here for information about benefits offered to County of Orange employees.
Closing Date/Time: Continuous