Preparedness Officer I (Office of Preparedness)

Shelby County Government • Memphis, TN

18h • Onsite

About The Position

Works under the general direction of the Agency Director or his designee to coordinate preparedness activities to perform homeland security and emergency management duties. This position is funded by a grant for a duration of time as defined by the grant.

Requirements

• Four (4) years of experience in emergency management/preparedness; AND High school diploma or possess a GED; OR Three (3) years of experience as a Shelby County Preparedness Reserve Officer, which includes one (1) year of experience using programs such as Arc View, Arc Info programs and/or Google Earth programs.
• Ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing, including conducting effective planning meetings with large and small groups including staff, government authorities and the public.
• Ability to use a personal computer and radio console including activating sirens and dispatching appropriate personnel.
• Ability to lift and carry objects such as portable communication equipment weighing up to 50 lbs, climb ladders and work at heights up to 15 feet above the ground.
• Ability to drive 3/4-ton truck, van or SUV.
• Must be able and willing to work in hazardous environments where severe injuries and/or fatalities have occurred.
• Ability to work in a public safety communications environment with basic understanding of operating communication equipment to include external warning sirens and push-to-talk radio equipment – both stationary and mobile.
• Working knowledge of the National Response Framework.
• Ability to activate and coordinate an Emergency Operations Center in a major urban setting and be familiar with the homeland security national priorities.
• Proficient skills in word processing programs, such as Microsoft Office Suite.
• Must possess a valid Tennessee driver’s license or secure one by date of employment.
• Must be able to receive a security clearance if necessary.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience in public safety is preferred.
• Bilingual with the ability to speak and write fluently in English and Spanish strongly is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Responds to emergency events in the all-hazards environment (natural disasters and/or man-caused events).
• Performs life safety duties, performs search and rescue duties, performs recovery duties.
• Develops state-of-the-art training and educational presentations religious on related topics, for first responders, private sector partners, citizens, schools , social and organizations.
• Assists in coordinating Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Activation, maintenance duties and coordinating assigned Emergency Support Functions (ESFs).
• Assists in developing agency strategic and operational/tactical plans.
• Assists in presentations, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) classes, etc.
• Performs other related duties as required or directed.

Benefits

• May require wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), firefighting turnouts and level A, B, C Haz-Mat suit, as necessary.
• Will require travel throughout the city, county and state sometimes before/after hours to attend meetings and training.
• Will require carrying a cellphone/pager and radio and being on call seven (7) days a week twenty-four (24) hours a day.
• May require working from the mobile emergency operations center in extremely stressful conditions during emergency situations.
• Must achieve a certificate of completion through the Emergency Management Institute (EMI) Independent Study Course program in the following disciplines within (12) twelve months of the date of hire: IS-100, IS-200, IS-300, IS-700 & IS-800, respectively as a condition of continued employment.
• This position is subject to a background check for any convictions that have a substantial relationship to potential job duties. Only convictions that are substantially related to potential job duties will be considered and will not automatically disqualify the candidate.
• All employees hired after September 1, 1986, must be residents of Shelby County and shall continue to reside in the County as a condition of their employment. The residency requirement shall not apply to certain public safety/civil service employees. This means exemption from this policy is in effect for the following departments and positions: (1) Sheriff Deputy Patrol Officers, Deputy Jailers and Dispatchers, employed by the Sheriff Department, (2) Correction Officers employed by the Division of Corrections, (3) Firefighters, Paramedics and Dispatchers employed by the Shelby County Fire Department. The residency exemption for public safety/civil service employees does not include Appointed positions with Sheriff’s Office, Division of Corrections or the Fire Department.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED