Under executive policy direction from the Board of Supervisors, and in coordination with the County Administrator, provides direction, and overall administration of all activities and programs within the Office of Emergency Services; responsible for emergency preparedness and operations; and does related work as required.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
The Director of Emergency Operations serves at the will of the Board of Supervisors and is a single incumbent classification that is exempt from the San Joaquin County Civil Service system. The incumbent is responsible for leading, managing and administering the programs, functions, budgets, and activities of the Office of Emergency Services. Through subordinate managers and supervisors, the Director of Emergency Operations directs all non-medical emergency preparedness/operations, disaster mitigation, response, and recovery activities. The Director of Emergency Operations is distinguished from Deputy Director of Emergency Operations in that the latter is responsible for managing day-to-day operations whereas the former is responsible for a broader range of more complex administrative and management activities. The incumbent ensures that assigned programs and operations comply with all applicable laws and regulations, as well as the policies established by Board of Supervisors and County Administrator. Close working relationships are maintained with various County officials as well as city, special district, community-based organization, State, and Federal officials involved in disaster response. The incumbent is expected to model a strong work ethic, innovation and leadership skills, including accountability for oneself and others and demonstrate best practices for the delivery of emergency services to the community.
TYPICAL DUTIES
This specification is a general guideline for the class. The statements below are not
restrictive, and the responsibilities and duties assigned to a position in this class may expand
beyond those identified in this specification.
Develops, manages, and administers the staff, programs, budgets, and operations of the San Joaquin County’s Office of Emergency Services, serves as the lead County official in emergency management/disaster preparedness, develops and recommends operational objectives to maximize efficiency; directs operations to maximize efficiency, improve service levels, reduce administrative and service provision costs, and ensure effective utilization of available resources; exercises good judgment and makes sound business decisions in managing department activities; provides strategic leadership within the department through communication, demonstration, and accomplishment of the organizational mission, vision, and values.
Through subordinate managers and supervisors, directs/manages the work activities and responsibilities assigned to staff; maintains control of assignments of a large and diverse workforce; directs and administers department personnel matters, including employee selection, assignment, and evaluation; directs employee discipline as required; directs and oversees staff development and training.
Subject to approval of the Board of Supervisors and the San Joaquin County Emergency Services Council, and/or the San Joaquin Operational Area Steering Committee, directs the development of, and recommends the establishment of, countywide non-medical emergency operation plans and procedures in accordance with State and Federal requirements and guidelines; coordinates extensively with other County Departments as well as with various State, Federal, city, special district, and community-based organizations to ensure that plans adhere to mandates, meet public safety objectives, and provide a coordinated, appropriate response to a wide variety of potential emergency and/or disaster situations.
Directs the development and implementation of operational policies and procedures; analyzes and interprets existing and proposed legislation as well as various regulations, policies, procedures, and other directives to determine impact on operations; oversees the development and implementation of programs and systems which result in efficient and effective public works operations.
Attends meetings of the Board of Supervisors and provides recommendations on matters germane to areas of assignment; confers with management staff on policies, procedures, and workload standards, and directs changes as needed; oversees the preparation of complex reports and correspondence and other documents, including ordinances and resolutions, for action by the Board of Supervisors.
Designates and maintains the County’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and ensures its readiness for emergency response at all times; directs the purchase of required equipment and supplies; plans for and prepares for EOC staffing, including the recruitment of County employees who will be available to provide staffing support for the EOC during actual emergencies; develops and presents trainings and information to enhance the proficiency of emergency service workers and the general public to respond to disasters.
Mobilizes resources of, and coordinates activities of, the San Joaquin County and San Joaquin Operational Area organizations during disasters and extraordinary emergencies; directs and coordinates countywide emergency response activities in accordance with State and Federal guidelines in order to provide for the safety of County citizens and ensure eligibility for financial assistance programs; fulfills other regional emergency response roles and responsibilities as may be assigned by State authorities that serve to enhance the safety of the citizens of San Joaquin County as well as of the region.
Develops and maintains cooperative and collaborative working relationships with federal, state and county officials, other counties, community groups, and the public.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in business administration, public administration, public safety or a related field.
Experience: Seven years of senior-level management experience in emergency planning/operations or civil defense, including at least three years working in an administrative or supervisory capacity. Experience in emergency communications is highly desirable.
Licenses and Certificates: Possession of a valid California driver’s license.
KNOWLEDGE
The principles and practices of public and business management, including effective planning, organization, administrative, fiscal management and human resources management; federal, state, and local laws and rules related to emergency planning and response, including those from the State Office of Emergency Services and the Federal Communications Commission; advanced principles, practices, methods and techniques of emergency response planning, training and operations; principles and practices of effective staff supervision; effective program and project management; state, federal, and local sources of emergency financial assistance, and their eligibility requirements; the operation and maintenance of electronic telecommunication systems under emergency conditions; modern office automation technology and software relevant to assigned operations. Knowledge of Incident Command System (ICS), the Standard Emergency Management System (SEMS) and National Incident Management System (NIMS).
ABILITY
Manage the staff and activities of a complex emergency services organization in a cost effective manner while ensuring excellent customer service; develop, recommend and implement effective operating procedures applicable to County emergency programs; provide appropriate and effective leadership and management of diverse staff teams, including subordinate managers and supervisors; work collaboratively with staff, client departments and other stakeholders to achieve successful outcomes; exercise good judgment and make sound managerial decisions; exercise analytical and critical thinking to evaluate complex problems and recommend appropriate solutions; understand, interpret and apply legal codes, regulations and rules pertaining to assigned operations; analyze and implement program mandates and work within federal, state or other types of regulatory systems; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; maintain records and prepare complex reports; prepare and present short and long-range plans and recommendations; recommend the development and utilization
of effective automated systems; develop and maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted during the course of work; respond immediately in-person or remotely as required in unplanned, emergency situations; travel daily or for longer periods on county business.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Mobility-frequent operation of keyboards, sitting for extended periods; occasional walking, driving, standing for long periods and climbing stairs; Lifting-frequent lifting of 5-10 pounds; Vision-constant use of good overall vision; frequent reading and close-up work; Dexterity-frequent writing and repetitive motion, including use of computer keyboard; Hearing/talking-frequent hearing and talking on the telephone and in person; Emotional/psychological-constant decision-making and concentration; frequent public contact; Special Requirements: Travel throughout San Joaquin County on a regular basis; work extended and unusual hours, including weekends, holidays, and/or off-hour shifts during emergencies or disaster situations and during training programs or preparedness exercises; remain on-call in case of emergencies; occasional travel; Environmental-occasional outdoor work with exposure to varied weather conditions; work in and around adverse conditions associated with natural, technological, and human caused emergencies and disasters, such as but not limited to environmental conditions, hazardous waste, gases, toxins, dust, dirt, and debris.
San Joaquin County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and, upon request, will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
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