Emergency Management Specialist 8/21/26

Job Description

Description

The mid-level Emergency Management Specialist independently performs a variety of emergency management duties including program development, analytics, planning, training coordination, and response operations. The incumbent serves as project lead for specific programs or operational areas and applies professional judgment and specialized knowledge to carry out assigned projects and functions.

HIRING SALARY:$53,435 - $69,971 (Estimated Annual Salary)

OPEN UNTIL FILLED - APPLICATION REVIEW BEGINS IMMEDIATELY

Duties and Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (Order of Essential Functions does not indicate importance of functions.)

Department and Divisions:

*Leads tasks to support the department and division leadership in conducting research, reviewing policies, procedures, and developing talking points on special emergency management related issues.

*Maintains emergency contact rosters, takes meeting notes, develops surveys, and other administrative items as required.

*Supports working groups, steering committees, task forces, and other multijurisdictional collaboration forums.

*Leads tasks to support Tri-County emergency management initiatives and projects.

Emergency Planning:

*Leads tasks in the development and update the County’s Emergency Operations Plan, functional, and hazard specific annexes.

*Leads tasks in the development and maintenance of the County’s Emergency Shelter Plan.

*Supports annual plan reviews and updates, EMAP alignment, and stakeholder engagement.

*Leads tasks in the development of all-hazard plans, Incident Action Plans (IAPs), procedures, checklists, and job aids.

Risk and Vulnerability Assessment:

*Leads tasks for the development of vulnerability and consequence assessments to identify and evaluate risks to critical infrastructure, outline mitigation strategies for both physical and cyber threats.

*Leads tasks for the development and implementation of the Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA) and the Hazard Mitigation Plan.

Operational Readiness:

*Deploys to emergency sites to help provide critical services to the public, businesses, and visitors including emergency shelters, point of distribution (PODs), staging areas, disaster supply warehouse, disaster recovery centers, and other support centers.

*Supports the operational readiness and deployment capability of the Unified Mobile Command Unit (UMC) and other assigned field assets.

*Serves as a member of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) team during activations.

*Supports the delivery of emergency supplies and equipment to emergency sites.

*Conducts damage assessments, post disaster canvassing, donations and volunteer management, and other emergency functions as assigned.

*Supports and helps maintain Emergency Management’s fleet, communications, and other specialized equipment.

Training and Exercise:

*Supports the design and coordination of training and exercise events.

*Evaluates training and exercises by supporting the development of AAR/IPs.

*Collaboration and Community Outreach:

*Enhances awareness and preparedness among citizens and visitors by developing and conducting preparedness presentations for vulnerable populations, neighborhood organizations, civic groups, and private and public organizations.

*Assists in developing, designing and writing articles, news releases, flyers, and newsletters to promote emergency preparedness; assist in maintaining and updating communications including, email lists, social media, website, and other external communications.

Technology Innovation

*Strong knowledge of emergency management technologies, required. Experience with or knowledge of the following technologies preferred;

*Alastar/ReadyOp

*Baron Weather

*Everbridge

*Hurrevac

*PalmettoEOC

*Familiarity with the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS)

*Attends meetings, conferences, workshops and training sessions, and reviews materials to become and remain current on the principles, practices, and new developments in assigned work areas.

*Performs other duties or assumes other responsibilities as apparent or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

*Bachelor’s Degree in Emergency Management, Public Administration, Homeland Security, Political Science, or related field.

*Minimum of four (4) years or more of work experience in Emergency Management, Public Safety, or related field. Of the required experience [ .

*Substitution of Experience for Education: Full-time experience in a public safety related field or military service may be substituted for the required education, on a year-for-year basis to a maximum of four (4) years.

*Substitution of Education for Experience: Graduate coursework in a related subject may be substituted for the required experience for a year-for-year basis to a maximum of two years.

Must possess the following Certifications upon hire:

*FEMA Professional Development Series

*Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program Certificate

*FEMA ICS 300

*FEMA ICS 400

*FEMA IS-251 Integrated Public Alert and Warning System for Alerting Administrators.

*The following certifications must be obtained within two (2) years of hire date:

*FEMA Basic Academy

*Must demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft 365 and familiarity with EOC technology tools and mass notification systems.

*Must have a clean criminal background and driving record.

*Must reside within forty (40) miles of 8500 Palmetto Commerce Pkwy (North Charleston, South Carolina) within six (6) months of hire date.

*Associate Emergency Manager, International Association of Emergency Management (IAEM) preferred.

*South Carolina Class E Driver’s License, preferred.

*Must possess a valid SC Driver’s license (or obtain within three (3) months of hire) and meet the requirements of the County’s motor vehicle policy.

[BW1] Change to two?

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

SUCCESS FACTORS:

*Build and sustain strong relationships across federal, state, local, NGO, and business partners.

*Demonstrate the ability solve complex problems with imperfect information.

*Adapt to dynamic, high-pressure environments, exercise emotional intelligence by maintaining focus and clarity during day-to-day operations and emergencies.

*Communicate effectively with leadership, staff, and the public with professionalism and composure.

*Demonstrate strategic thinking by anticipating needs and identifying cascading impacts across systems before they occur.

*Uphold the County’s standards of integrity, inclusivity, and service excellence.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

*Able to function productively in a standard office environment accessing cabinets, shelving, work areas and office equipment.

*Able to operate as needed in an unconditioned warehouse with associated hazards.

*Able to effectively present information and respond to questions from co-workers, leadership, and other stakeholders.

*Able to lift, carry, push, and pull up to fifty (50) pounds occasionally.

*Ability to traverse over uneven ground, as needed.

*Able to sit or stand for long periods of time and to maintain focus on work assignment(s).

*Able to effectively communicate orally (in person and over the telephone) and in writing (electronically and handwritten) in English.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

*Climate controlled office and unconditioned warehouse with hazards typical to that environment.

*Work is performed inside and outside. Exposure to cold, heat, and elements of weather and nature may be encountered.

*Standard work hours are Monday - Friday between the hours of 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM with additional hours including days, evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays as required. Serves as an On-Call Duty Officer on a rotating basis.

*Some telework permitted within departmental policy.

*Position requires moderate travel within and outside of the County which imposes common travel hazards.

*Will be designated to report to work during hazardous weather and other emergency conditions.

*All employees of Charleston County Government must reside in South Carolina.

Charleston County offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package to its employees, including but not limited to:

• Health, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
• Optional Life and Disability Insurance
• Optional Medical and Dependent Care Spending Accounts
• Annual and Sick Leave
• Fourteen (14) recognized Holidays
• South Carolina Retirement System (SCRS) State Retirement Plan
• Police Officers Retirement System (PORS - as applicable)
• Optional Deferred Compensation Program
• Longevity and Merit Pay Increases
• Leadership, Professional and Skill Development Training
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Well-being Program

For more information, visit our benefits page.