Regional Training & Exercise Specialist - Regions 5 & 7 #00227

Virginia Information Technologies Agency•North Chesterfield, Virginia, VA

3d•$62,000 - $67,000•Remote

About The Position

The Virginia Department of Emergency Management is hiring a Regional Training and Exercise Specialist (RTES) serving Regions 5 and 7. The position coordinates VDEM training and exercise programs for Coastal and Northern Virginia localities, regions, tribes, state agencies, institutions of higher education, and other partners. It supports the design, execution, and evaluation of local and regional exercises in coordination with VDEM's Training, Education, and Exercise Division and regional staff. The RTES identifies training and exercise needs through the annual Integrated Planning and Preparedness Workshop (IPPW), coordinates and schedules activities throughout the assigned regions, arranges appropriate facilities, and ensures necessary supplies and equipment are available. The specialist builds and maintains working relationships with regional partners, including VDEM Adjunct Instructors. The position may lead exercise planning or provide stakeholders with technical assistance developing local exercises. Exercise work follows a Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP)-consistent approach and applicable federal, state, and local laws, executive orders, policies, and procedures. The RTES may also support preparedness activities in other VDEM divisions and regions as needed. Routine work is performed from a local or regional office. During emergencies, disasters, or significant events, the specialist serves on the regional team and may staff the Regional Coordination Center. Frequent travel throughout Regions 5 and 7 is required. This is a mobile/remote position, and the incumbent must reside in Virginia. VDEM employees are essential personnel and may be required to work irregular hours, at locations other than their official duty station, and on duties outside their usual responsibilities during emergencies or significant events. Salary is listed as $62,000–$67,000, negotiable up to the maximum hiring range. The position is restricted due to its funding source.

Requirements

Knowledge of exercise planning methodology, including analysis, design, exercise development, implementation, and evaluation.
Knowledge of project and program management, needs assessment, evaluation, and analysis, and ability to track corrective actions.
Ability to prepare and coordinate written plans, policies, and procedures.
Ability to develop and lead training and exercise program initiatives through frequent contact with local governments, state agencies, and emergency management stakeholders, including stakeholders up to the Office of the Governor.
Ability to establish and monitor goals and performance standards for an Exercise Program.
Ability to conduct research and needs assessments and analyze findings.
Ability to plan and implement projects.
Effective professional oral and written communication skills.
Must reside in Virginia.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.
Employment is contingent upon satisfactory fingerprint-based criminal history, DMV, employment reference, and E-Verify checks; additional checks may be required for certain positions.

Nice To Haves

Relevant emergency management experience.
Documented experience in adult training or education, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Completion of ELK146 HSEEP and NIMS-compliant training.
Experience with technical writing.
Knowledge of FEMA and the Virginia Radiological Preparedness Program, and working knowledge of Virginia local and state government organization and operations.
Experience in project management, public speaking, and adult education methodology.
Completion of FEMA Emergency Management Institute Independent Study courses IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, IS-800, IS-120A, and IS-130.

Responsibilities

Coordinate VDEM training and exercise programs within Regions 5 and 7 for localities, regions, tribes, state agencies, institutions of higher education, and other partners.
Support the design, execution, and evaluation of local and regional exercises.
Work with VDEM's Training, Education, and Exercise Division and regional staff to identify needs at the annual Integrated Planning and Preparedness Workshop and coordinate and schedule activities throughout the region.
Coordinate with stakeholders to secure facilities and ensure supplies and equipment are available for training and exercise events.
Establish and maintain positive working relationships with regional partners, including VDEM Adjunct Instructors.
Lead exercise planning efforts or provide technical assistance to stakeholders developing local exercises.
Develop exercises using an HSEEP-consistent approach and in accordance with applicable laws, executive orders, policies, and procedures.
Support preparedness activities in other VDEM divisions and regions as needed.
Serve as a member of the regional team during emergencies, disasters, or significant events and staff the Regional Coordination Center as required.
Travel frequently throughout the assigned regions.