Emergency Management Specialist II (Training and Exercise)

Arlington County requires all applicants to thoroughly complete each section of the application, including prior job responsibilities, duties, and supplemental questions. While you may attach a resume, it will not replace a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The Department of Public Safety Communications and Emergency Management (DPSCEM) is hiring an Emergency Management Specialist II (Training and Exercise) to direct, develop, coordinate, conduct, and evaluate emergency management training, exercises, and drills that support County-wide readiness. The position designs and implements training and exercise programs in accordance with the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) and develops activities related to the National Incident Management System (NIMS), Incident Command System (ICS), Emergency Operations Center (EOC) operations, and other emergency management concepts. As a member of DPSCEM's Emergency Preparedness team, the position collaborates with County agencies and local, regional, state, federal, nonprofit, and private-sector partners to strengthen preparedness and community resilience. The position serves a key role in Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activations and supports the planning, coordination, and implementation of emergency management programs and initiatives that enhance organizational readiness and operational capability.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates and facilitates training and exercises to test and improve emergency plans, procedures, and operational capabilities, and incorporates lessons learned to enhance organizational preparedness;
• Creates, develops, and/or assists in the implementation of plans, policies, and procedures for related to emergency management training and exercises, preparedness planning, Emergency Operations Center (EOC) operations, and other emergency management programs and initiatives;
• Fosters effective partnerships with County departments, neighboring jurisdictions, state and federal agencies, nonprofit and community organizations, regional committees, and private-sector partners to support emergency management training, exercises, planning, and operational activities;
• Participates in and represents Arlington County on local and regional emergency management committees, workgroups, and collaborative preparedness efforts;
• Performs Incident Command System General Staff functions during an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activation; and
• Serves as emergency management staff duty officer on a rotational basis, which may include responding to major fire scenes, weather emergencies, emergency medical scenes, hazardous materials events and other significant events to coordinate and liaise between local, state, federal, and private sector agencies.

The ideal candidate:

• Has experience coordinating emergency management training, exercises, and preparedness initiatives;
• Proven experience to manage complex projects, coordinate project teams, and ensure timely completion of deliverables;
• Demonstrates strong communication, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement skills;
• Builds effective partnerships with government agencies, community organizations, and regional partners;
• Communicates effectively, manages multiple priorities, and works well independently and as part of a team; and/or
• Applies emergency management principles to support Arlington County's all-hazards preparedness mission.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Emergency Management, Public Safety Public Administration, or a related field;
• Two years of experience in program administration and/or management that includes experience developing plans, training, and exercises in the emergency management field; and
• License/Certifications: Completion of the following National Incident Management System and Incident Command System courses: ICS-100, ICS-200, IS-700, IS-800, and IS-2200 within six months of hire.

Substitution:  Additional professional level emergency management experience may substitute for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis. A graduate degree in Public Administration, Emergency Management, or a related field may be substituted for one year of work experience.

Desirables: Preference may be given to candidates with one or more of the following:

• Master's degree in Public Administration, Emergency Management, or related field;
• Four years of emergency management experience that demonstrates thorough familiarity with all-hazards emergency management;
• Virginia Professional Emergency Manager (PEM), International Association of Emergency Managers Certified Emergency Manager (CEM);
• Advanced knowledge and application of emergency management principles, practices, and methodologies, including the National Incident Management System (NIMS), Incident Command System (ICS), FEMA programs and doctrine, the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP), and related emergency management frameworks.

Special Requirements:

• Please note:  A complete application will include an attached resume which highlights your background and experience as it aligns with the position.
• ICS-300 and ICS-400 must be obtained within six months of hire;
• A background check is required and may include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit check and may require signing a release authorizing the County to obtain this information.
• Must possess a valid driver license. The applicant must authorize Arlington County to obtain, or they must provide a copy of their official driving record. Any offer of employment may be contingent upon a favorable review of the applicant's driving record.

Additional Information: 

Work hours: Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Occasional evening and weekend hours may be necessary, including participation in Emergency Operations Center activations as required. This position is eligible for teleworking based on the needs of the department. This is not a full-time remote opportunity. 

The selected candidate must reside within a reasonable commuting distance (approximately a 60-mile radius) of the National Capital Region to support emergency response requirements.

The selected candidate must be available to respond to emergency situations, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and must be able to provide 24/7 availability during emergency activations.

The selection process will include in-person interviews.

Your responses to the supplemental questionnaire are considered part of the selection process and are required for this position. Please do not give "see resume" as a response to the questions. Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

In accordance with § 19.2-392.15, applicants are not required to provide information regarding sealed arrests, charges, or convictions in response to any questions or inquiries during the hiring process. 

The official title of this position is Emergency Management Specialist II.

For more information on Arlington's generous benefits and retirement plan, click here.

Arlington County is committed to advancing diversity, equity, access, and inclusion across all our services, activities, and programs. Learn more about our commitment.

#LI-Hybrid