Emergency Generalist - Communications #00634

Virginia Information Technologies Agency

3d • $65,000 - $70,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Virginia Department of Emergency Management is currently seeking a qualified
candidate to become our Emergency Generalist!

This position supports the Virginia Department of Emergency Management’s (VDEM)
mission to enhance the Commonwealth’s readiness, response, and recovery
capabilities. The Emergency Generalist will serve as all-hazards emergency
management generalist, supporting emergency preparedness, response and recovery
operations across the commonwealth.

 The role demands a solid foundation in networking technologies, including IP
addressing, routers, wireless access points, and mesh network architectures.
 The ability to develop and implement PACE (Primary, Alternate, Contingency,
Emergency) plans is critical to ensure resilient and redundant communication
capabilities. This role involves diagnostic and troubleshooting responsibilities
in dynamic field environments, along with proficiency in technical
documentation, system configuration, and the use of relevant programming
tools.  

While maintaining general all-hazards capability, the position will specialize
in providing technical field support for communications systems across Virginia,
with a focus on interoperability, LMR programming, and tactical problem-solving
in support of localities, state agencies, and regional partners.

This position plans, deploys, and maintains communications systems in both
routine and emergency operations, ensuring resilient and reliable communications
through the PACE (Primary, Alternate, Contingency, Emergency) framework. These
systems include agency owned equipment, as well as resources available with the
Virginia Communications Cache program. The role also assists in the agency’s
compliance regarding Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) equipment and operations
under FAA Part 107. The technician will serve in a rotating on-call capacity.

An active FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification and practical experience with
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) operations, particularly in support of emergency
response and field communications, are required or ability to obtain within 6
months.

This position is eligible for one day of telework per week. Due to the
public-facing nature of the role, regular onsite presence is required.

All VDEM employees are designated as essential personnel and may be required to
work during emergency situations, such as inclement weather, and natural or
man-made disasters/events as directed. This may require irregular work hours,
work at locations other than the official duty station, and may include duties
other than those specified in the employee’s official EWP.

Requirements

• Knowledge of state, federal, and local emergency operations programs, systems, laws, and procedures.
• Understanding of federal, state, and local government organizational structures.
• Knowledge of emergency services required during natural and human‑caused disasters.
• Proficiency in the principles, practices, and techniques of emergency services planning.
• Knowledge of agency budget and accounting procedures related to contractual agreements, and ability to develop and monitor budget and expenditures.
• Ability to set clear objectives, solve problems, and make independent decisions that reflect VDEM’s mission, while maintaining sound judgment in high‑stress and time‑sensitive environments.
• Strong program management and organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize multiple projects with competing deadlines.
• Ability to lead, supervise, train, and motivate professional and technical staff.
• Skill in building collaboration and consensus among diverse public safety professionals and stakeholders.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to brief public officials and partner agencies.
• Extensive knowledge of land mobile radio (LMR) systems, including VHF, UHF, and 700/800 MHz bands, and related public safety communication standards such as APCO, NIMS, and COML/COMT.
• An active FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification and practical experience with Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) operations, particularly in support of emergency response and field communications, are required or ability to obtain within 6 months.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Emergency Management, Robotics, Information Systems, or other related science preferred or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Experience in a public sector safety discipline (emergency management, firefighting, law enforcement, EMS) is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Plans, deploys, and maintains communications systems in both routine and emergency operations, ensuring resilient and reliable communications through the PACE (Primary, Alternate, Contingency, Emergency) framework.
• Assist in the agency’s compliance regarding Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) equipment and operations under FAA Part 107.
• Serve in a rotating on-call capacity.
• Provide technical field support for communications systems across Virginia, with a focus on interoperability, LMR programming, and tactical problem-solving in support of localities, state agencies, and regional partners.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level