Operational Systems Specialist

State of Oklahoma • Oklahoma City, OK

11d • $70,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is a dynamic state agency dedicated to preparing for, responding to, recovering from, and mitigating emergencies and disasters across the State of Oklahoma. OEM plays a key role in statewide public safety by coordinating emergency planning, community preparedness, response operations, disaster recovery, and long-term hazard mitigation with local, tribal, state, and federal partners. The agency also maintains the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC), providing centralized coordination during critical events and serving more than 300 local emergency managers across the state.

At OEM, you’ll be part of a mission-driven team that strengthens communities before, during, and after disasters. Whether it’s coordinating response efforts during severe weather, assisting communities with hazard mitigation planning, or providing critical support during emergencies, OEM employees serve with purpose and impact.

We are seeking an Operational Systems Specialist providing support to our Preparedness & Response area.
This position is located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
This position is a regular, full-time position governed by the Oklahoma Civil Service system and subject to the Civil Service and Human Capital Modernization Act. Employment in this role is covered by applicable Civil Service Rules, policies, and procedures.
This position is subject to a required 12-month trial period, during which performance, conduct, and overall suitability for continued employment will be evaluated in accordance with Civil Service Rules.

Under the direction of the Operations Manager, the Operational Systems Specialist serves as an advanced technical and operational specialist responsible for maintaining the readiness, administration, coordination, and effective utilization of agency operational systems, emergency communications capabilities, technology assets, logistics resources, and assigned fleet assets.
This position provides specialized technical expertise supporting the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) and statewide emergency management operations. Responsibilities include administration and operation of emergency communications systems; radio interoperability and communications coordination; operational technology support; technology and communications asset lifecycle management; operational data and situational awareness systems; logistics and resource tracking; fleet reporting and maintenance oversight; and technical training and exercise support.
During emergency activations, the Operational Systems Specialist serves as a technical and operational resource supporting continuity of emergency communications, technology systems, resource visibility, and SEOC operations. The position may perform communications functions within the Incident Command System structure and coordinates with local, tribal, state, federal, public safety, auxiliary communications, and non-governmental partners to support interoperable communications and operational readiness.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in business, public administration or urban planning plus three years of qualifying experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience, substituting one year of experience in a technical capacity in emergency preparedness planning or emergency management operations, or in public assistance or disaster recovery operations at the local, state or federal level for each year of the required education plus three years of qualifying experience.
• Knowledge of emergency management principles, operations, and organizational structures.
• Knowledge of public safety and emergency communications systems.
• Knowledge of radio communications principles and differences among HF, VHF, UHF, and 700/800 MHz communications capabilities.
• Knowledge of radio wave propagation, antenna systems, line loss, and communications system performance concepts.
• Knowledge of public safety radio interoperability, mutual aid communications, and emergency communications planning.
• Knowledge of Incident Command System communications functions and Incident Radio Communications Plans.
• Knowledge of emergency management information systems, situational awareness platforms, and operational technology.
• Knowledge of technology asset, communications equipment, and lifecycle management principles.
• Knowledge of logistics, resource tracking, and operational readiness concepts.
• Knowledge of fleet reporting, preventive maintenance coordination, and vehicle readiness practices.
• Knowledge of operational data integration, dashboard reporting, and information workflows.
• Knowledge of applicable FCC requirements and statewide communications interoperability principles.
• Knowledge of training, exercise, technical documentation, and continuous improvement practices.
• Skills in operating and supporting emergency communications and radio systems.
• Skills in programming and configuring public safety communications equipment.
• Skills in troubleshooting technical and communications systems.
• Skills in coordinating public safety communications and interoperability activities.
• Skills in managing technology, communications, logistics, and fleet records.
• Skills in developing and delivering technical training.
• Skills in designing and conducting communications exercises.
• Skills in managing multiple complex technical and operational priorities.
• Skills in supporting operational data workflows and dashboard reporting.
• Skills in preparing technical documentation, procedures, logs, and reports.
• Abilities to diagnose and resolve technical and communications issues under time-sensitive operational conditions.
• Abilities to operate effectively during high-density emergency communications activity.
• Abilities to exercise independent judgment in evaluating technical and operational issues.
• Abilities to communicate technical information effectively to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Abilities to coordinate with local, tribal, state, federal, public safety, volunteer, and nongovernmental partners.
• Abilities to maintain accurate and defensible technical and operational documentation.
• Abilities to manage multiple systems, projects, assets, and operational priorities simultaneously.
• Abilities to remain calm, analytical, and effective during emergency and disaster operations.
• Abilities to learn, evaluate, and implement emerging technologies and operational systems.
• Abilities to establish and maintain effective professional working relationships.
• Must possess a valid Oklahoma Driver License at the time of appointment.
• Must be willing and able to perform all job-related travel associated with the position.
• Must be willing and able to participate in Duty Officer rotations and emergency assignments.
• Must be available for recall during emergency operations and SEOC activations.
• Must maintain confidentiality and security of sensitive systems, communications, and operational information.
• Must complete and maintain required FEMA, NIMS, ICS, emergency communications, and agency training.
• Must have and maintain the physical and mental stamina required to perform assigned duties during extended emergency operations.

Nice To Haves

• Experience operating or supporting public safety land mobile radio or emergency communications systems.
• Experience with P25, HF, VHF, UHF, or 700/800 MHz communications systems.
• Experience with radio programming, radio consoles, satellite communications, or communications system troubleshooting.
• Experience supporting Communications Unit functions within the Incident Command System.
• Completion of CISA Communications Unit training, including Communications Technician or Auxiliary Communications coursework.
• Qualification or active progression toward qualification as a Communications Technician or Auxiliary Communicator.
• Valid FCC Amateur Radio License, with General Class or higher preferred where relevant to assigned auxiliary communications functions.
• Experience coordinating ARES, RACES, AUXCOMM, or other volunteer emergency communications resources.
• Experience developing or conducting emergency communications exercises.
• Experience supporting operational technology, data integration, dashboards, or situational awareness systems.
• Experience managing technology, communications, logistics, fleet, or operational assets in a public safety, military, emergency management, or government environment.
• Experience maintaining or operating statewide public safety communications systems supporting emergency management, law enforcement, fire service, EMS, or public safety agencies.
• Associate Emergency Manager or Certified Emergency Manager designation, or active pursuit of emergency management certification.
• Completion of a bachelor’s or master’s degree in emergency management from an accredited college or university.

Responsibilities

• Administer, operate, and maintain emergency communications capabilities supporting statewide emergency management operations and SEOC readiness.
• Maintain operational familiarity and technical proficiency with agency radio, satellite, auxiliary communications, and other assigned emergency communications systems.
• Operate SEOC radio consoles and associated communications systems during routine testing, exercises, emergency activations, and disaster operations.
• Support interoperability between local, tribal, state, federal, and mutual aid communications resources through appropriate communications systems, channels, talkgroups, and technical configurations.
• Configure and support cross-band, mutual aid, and interoperability capabilities in accordance with approved communications plans, system authorities, and operational requirements.
• Support statewide emergency radio nets and communications activities through appropriate net control, message prioritization, traffic routing, and radio discipline practices.
• Support implementation of Incident Radio Communications Plans and other communications products developed within the Incident Command System structure.
• Coordinate with Communications Unit personnel, statewide interoperability partners, public safety agencies, and communications system stakeholders regarding operational communications needs.
• Ensure operation of assigned communications resources is consistent with applicable Federal Communications Commission requirements, Oklahoma's Statewide Communication Interoperability Plan, agency procedures, and authorized system requirements.
• Maintain communications equipment and supporting infrastructure in a state of operational readiness.
• Conduct routine testing and readiness checks of primary, backup, and auxiliary communications systems.
• Test radio systems, satellite communications capabilities, associated data systems, and supporting equipment in accordance with established readiness schedules.
• Program, clone, configure, and maintain assigned mobile and portable public safety radios using authorized programming software and established communications plans.
• Maintain accurate configuration records, programming documentation, equipment assignments, and communications asset records.
• Diagnose and resolve routine hardware, software, antenna, connectivity, line-of-sight, and communications system issues within assigned technical authority.
• Coordinate escalation of complex engineering, infrastructure, vendor, or statewide system issues to appropriate service providers or technical authorities.
• Assist with deployment, installation, configuration, recovery, and replacement of emergency communications equipment.
• Identify communications capability gaps and recommend equipment, configuration, process, or readiness improvements.
• Support effective adoption, utilization, and continuity of agency operational technology systems.
• Troubleshoot and resolve end-user technical issues involving assigned hardware, software, operational systems, and collaboration platforms.
• Serve as a technical resource for operational technology and systems used by agency personnel.
• Provide individual and group training regarding agency systems, applications, communications tools, and operational technologies.
• Develop user guides, technical documentation, job aids, and training resources.
• Evaluate user needs and recommend technical solutions improving efficiency, system utilization, and operational effectiveness.
• Support implementation, deployment, testing, and adoption of new systems and technology upgrades.
• Coordinate with state IT service providers and vendors regarding equipment setup, maintenance, troubleshooting, and technical support.
• Identify recurring system and user issues and recommend sustainable solutions.
• Stakeholder feedback regarding technology support.
• Coordinate lifecycle management, deployment, accountability, and readiness of agency technology, communications, and operational support assets.
• Manage day-to-day logistical tracking, deployment, recovery, inventory auditing, and accountability of agency technology and communications assets.
• Coordinate software license tracking, hardware accountability, replacement scheduling, and lifecycle management activities.
• Support procurement planning and coordination for technology, communications, and operational support equipment.
• Ensure proper configuration, tagging, documentation, assignment, and accountability of agency technology and communications assets.
• Maintain awareness of operational supply inventories and resource readiness supporting agency activities and disaster operations.
• Assist with tracking distribution, deployment, and recovery of emergency management equipment and operational resources.
• Support resource and supply chain visibility during routine operations and emergency activations.
• Develop and maintain asset management procedures, tracking processes, and readiness documentation.
• Coordinate with agency personnel, vendors, and state service providers regarding asset repair, replacement, maintenance, and disposition.
• Coordinate reporting, documentation, and maintenance oversight for assigned agency fleet vehicles.
• Maintain current records for assigned agency fleet vehicles.
• Prepare and submit required monthly fleet reports accurately and within established deadlines.
• Monitor vehicle mileage, usage, maintenance schedules, and service needs.
• Coordinate preventive maintenance, repairs, inspections, and other required vehicle services with agency personnel and approved service providers.
• Maintain vehicle maintenance and service documentation in accordance with applicable state and agency requirements.
• Identify overdue maintenance, unresolved vehicle issues, and fleet readiness concerns and elevate issues as appropriate.
• Coordinate vehicle availability and assignment information supporting agency operations and disaster deployments.
• Assist with vehicle replacement, acquisition, transfer, or disposition activities as assigned.
• Monitor fleet readiness and recommend improvements supporting vehicle accountability and operational availability.
• Support operational systems and data workflows that improve situational awareness, resource visibility, and agency decision-making.
• Maintain and monitor data workflows connecting emergency management systems, operational dashboards, reporting tools, and geospatial platforms.
• Support integration of operational information from WebEOC and other situational awareness systems into dashboards and reporting products.
• Support operational continuity, interoperability, and configuration of emergency management information technology systems and platforms.
• Troubleshoot data formatting, system interoperability, and operational information workflow issues.
• Support development and maintenance of dashboards, reports, metrics, and analytics used to monitor operational activities, resource coordination, and agency readiness.
• Assist with organization and validation of incoming operational information from agency personnel and emergency management partners.
• Coordinate with internal technical staff, state technology partners, communications system administrators, vendors, and emergency management personnel to support operational system integration and continuity.
• Identify opportunities to improve data workflows, reporting processes, and operational visibility.
• Support statewide emergency communications readiness through auxiliary communications coordination, training, and exercises.
• Serve as an agency liaison to auxiliary and volunteer emergency communications organizations as assigned.
• Coordinate with CISA AUXCOMM participants, Amateur Radio Emergency Service, Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service, and other communications partners regarding agency operational requirements.
• Support integration of qualified auxiliary communications personnel into SEOC communications activities and exercises.
• Coordinate access, scheduling, assignments, and operational expectations for auxiliary communications personnel supporting agency activities.
• Develop, coordinate, and conduct communications drills and exercises involving emergency radio systems, interoperability capabilities, HF communications, and other assigned communications technologies.
• Provide communications systems training and technical guidance to agency personnel and emergency management partners.
• Participate in statewide communications planning, interoperability activities, workgroups, and exercises.
• Evaluate exercise and operational performance and recommend communications capability improvements.
• Maintain technical and operational documentation supporting communications compliance, system readiness, and organizational improvement.
• Maintain radio logs, station records, operational journals, configuration records, equipment documentation, and other required communications records.
• Maintain documentation in a manner supporting operational accountability, records retention, and regulatory review.
• Support compliance with applicable FCC requirements, state communications requirements, agency procedures, and approved communications plans.
• Maintain awareness of the Oklahoma Statewide Communication Interoperability Plan and communications requirements applicable to agency systems and operations.
• Research emerging operational technologies, emergency communications practices, and public safety systems.
• Recommend systems, equipment, processes, and technologies that improve operational readiness.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures, technical guidance, readiness checklists, and system documentation.
• Provide leadership with information regarding system performance, capability gaps, equipment needs, and operational risks.
• Serve as a technical and operational systems specialist during State Emergency Operations Center activations, emergency incidents, exercises, and disaster operations.
• Support or operate SEOC emergency communications systems during activations.
• Establish and maintain assigned interoperable communications capabilities supporting incident operations.
• Support emergency radio nets, communications traffic management, and operational message routing.
• Implement communications system configurations and support Incident Radio Communications Plans as assigned.
• Coordinate with Communications Unit personnel and public safety communications partners.
• Maintain continuity of operational technology, emergency communications, dashboards, and situational awareness systems.
• Support rapid deployment of communications, technology, and operational equipment.
• Monitor resource, logistics, supply chain, and operational data supporting situational awareness.
• Support fleet readiness and vehicle coordination associated with agency deployments.
• Participate in Duty Officer rotations as assigned.
• Operate effectively during extended 12- to 16-hour operational periods, including nights, weekends, and holidays, when required by emergency conditions.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive state retirement benefits with employer matching
• 11 paid holidays each year
• A generous benefit allowance to offset the cost of health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance premiums for employees and their eligible dependents
• Opportunities for professional growth and cross-agency collaboration

What This Job Offers

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