Director of Emergency Management, Safety, and Operational Security

New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets•Albany, NY

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is seeking a Director of Emergency Management, Safety, and Operational Security to serve under the general direction of the Deputy Commissioner for Administration in Albany, NY. This position will provide leadership and strategic direction for the Department’s emergency management and enterprise operational support programs, serving as the principal authority for emergency preparedness, incident response, operational readiness, and continuity planning. The incumbent will direct multiple statewide programs that strengthen the Department’s ability to protect New York’s Food and Agriculture Critical Infrastructure Sector and will serve as the Department’s lead for Emergency Support Function (ESF)-11 (Agriculture and Natural Resources) within the New York State Emergency Operations Center.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and five years of experience in planning, directing or coordinating emergency or disaster services in public or private organizations related to pets, livestock, or the farming, horticulture or agricultural industry, or public events such as conventions, fairs, or conferences
Four years of specialized experience or associate’s degree and two years of specialized experience may substitute for bachelor’s degree
J.D. or master’s degree may substitute for one year of specialized experience
Ph.D. may substitute for two years of specialized experience

Responsibilities

Lead planning, direction, coordination, and evaluation of the Department’s emergency management program, including preparedness, response, recovery, mitigation, training, exercises, and continuity planning for emergencies affecting New York’s agricultural industry (e.g., foreign animal diseases, invasive pests, radiological incidents, severe weather, cybersecurity incidents, and other natural or human-caused disasters).
Serve as the Department’s senior representative to external partners and emergency management entities, including the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, the Disaster Preparedness Commission, the State Emergency Operations Center, Multi-Agency Coordination groups, USDA, Cornell Cooperative Extension, county emergency management agencies, tribal partners, and private-sector stakeholders.
Direct and manage the Department’s Agriculture Support Team (AST), emergency response personnel, and emergency volunteer programs; ensure compliance with the National Incident Management System (NIMS), Incident Command System (ICS), Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP), and other applicable state and federal emergency management requirements.
Provide executive oversight and policy direction for the Department’s cybersecurity coordination program by serving as the primary liaison with New York State Information Technology Services (ITS); oversee cybersecurity policy implementation, incident response coordination, cybersecurity awareness, AI governance, technology risk assessments, and compliance with statewide cybersecurity standards.
Administer the Department’s occupational health and safety program by developing and implementing agency-wide safety policies, coordinating workplace violence prevention, conducting employee safety training, liaising with the Public Employee Safety and Health (PESH) Bureau and law enforcement, and promoting a safe working environment.
Manage the enterprise Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Program by establishing operational policies, ensuring FAA compliance, supervising program administration, approving flight operations and waivers, and integrating UAS capabilities to support emergency response and mission priorities.
Oversee the Department’s main office physical security program, including administration of contracted security services, coordination with the Office of General Services and law enforcement, facility security assessments, and management of security improvements to protect personnel, facilities, visitors, and critical infrastructure.
Provide oversight of the Department’s Geographic Information Systems (GIS) program by establishing governance, approving geospatial initiatives, coordinating GIS support for emergency response and planning, managing enterprise licensing, and integrating GIS with emergency management and UAS operations.
Establish agency policies, develop strategic initiatives, manage complex cross-divisional projects, allocate program resources, evaluate organizational risk, and advise executive leadership on emergency preparedness, cybersecurity, physical security, occupational safety, operational continuity, and critical infrastructure protection.
Supervise professional and technical staff: establish program priorities, develop performance expectations, provide training and professional development, evaluate unit activities against identified metrics, and motivate staff to meet program goals.
Manage assigned budgets and contracts, prepare executive briefings and reports, and represent the Department before executive leadership and external partners.
Interact with internal and external stakeholders to coordinate program activities, respond to inquiries, and identify and recommend improvements to policies, procedures, and organizational readiness.
Perform other related duties as necessary to support the Department’s mission and statewide emergency management responsibilities.

Benefits

Cost-effective health insurance options
Fully covered dental and vision care
Participation in the secure New York State Pension Plan
Ample paid time off
5 personal days (first year)
13 vacation days (first year)
8 sick days (first year)
13 paid holidays
Optional Payment Election Program
Deferred Compensation Plan
Flex Spending Account
NY's 529 College Savings Program
Potential qualification for Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)