Emergency Operations Specialist

Emergency Operations Specialist

Under the direction and supervision of the Emergency Preparedness and Response Manager, the Emergency Operations Specialist will assist in development and implementation of the emergency management program for emergency preparedness, response, and recovery. During emergency operations, may work under direct supervision of a Director or Assistant General Manager (when EOC is activated).

Major responsibilities include:

1. Foster a one-District approach to implementation of District emergency management programs through close collaboration and support of other District personnel.
2. Identify and track personnel training needs and coordinate scheduling of courses and class delivery.
3. Develop, coordinate, and/or conduct emergency management training, exercises, and evaluations to promote preparedness for unforeseen emergency events.
4. Assess and assist in the development and maintenance of emergency management processes, plans, standard operating procedures, or guidance for compliance with established emergency management directives, regulations, and consensus standards.
5. Provide situational awareness regarding weather events that could have a detrimental effect on District operations.
6. Maintains HAZMAT technician qualification requirements and continued certification requirements. Identify HAZMAT PPE needs and assist in their procurement and proper use.
7. Ensures District-wide SCBA accountability and maintenance requirements in accordance with regulatory guidelines.
8. Assist in the maintenance and proper functioning of the sUAS initiative within the District. Have situational awareness of all pilots that operate aircraft within the District and ensure that regulatory guidelines are presented to them as needed.
9. Provide emergency operations briefings and updates at departmental meetings.
10. Actively participate in exercises, provide input and recommendations related emergency response programs.
11. Sets up Emergency Operation Center and assists with setup of Incident Command Post. Also ensures that the mobile Incident Command Trailer is prepared for deployment if needed.
12. Track and report improvement plan actions.
13. Performs work by traveling independently or with other staff to various locations (water, wastewater, solid waste systems, Local Emergency Management Committee Meetings, etc.) as scheduled.
14. This general overview only includes essential functions of the job and does not imply that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instruction and to perform any other job-related duties requested by supervisor or management.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities include:

1. Knowledgeable of TCEQ, ANSI, NEC, NFPA, EPA, FRA, DHS, TSA, and OSHA Construction and General Industry Standards.
2. Must be able to effectively train other employees.
3. Able to gather and compile information, following oral or written instructions, to prepare information for District use.
4. Able to establish priorities for own workload based upon such factors as need for immediate action, work objectives, work schedule, knowledge of future needs, etc.
5. Able to effectively communicate orally with in a face-to-face, one-on-one setting or by telephone.
6. Able to work cooperatively with District employees and representatives of other governmental agencies.
7. Able to create recommendations for development, adoption, and implementation of an effective emergency management program.
8. Able to conduct program assessments to identify deficiencies and recommend corrective actions.
9. Able to apply concepts, principles, and practices of emergency management to difficult and complex situations to ensure compliance with all applicable rules and regulations.
10. Able to develop Emergency Management Plans to assist in response to crisis situations.

Education and experience requirements include:

1. A bachelor's degree with a major in Emergency Management, Public Safety Administration, Homeland Security, or closely related field.
2. Two years of experience in emergency management, preferably in a utility or industrial environment.
3. Completion of the National Emergency Management Basic Academy, National Emergency Management Advanced Academy, or National Emergency Management Executive Academy may be substituted for degree requirement.
4. Requires a valid Texas Driver's License.

The duties and responsibilities are generally performed in a water or wastewater conveyance and treatment environment. The position involves sitting (up to 6 hours per day), frequent standing, frequent walking, light to heavy lifting (up to 75 lbs.), light carrying, frequent bending and reaching, keyboarding, and telephone operation. It often requires an irregular work schedule and overtime hours. Specific physical conditions require frequent work with chemicals, tools, machinery, moving mechanical parts, etc.

The duties and responsibilities are performed both indoors and outdoors. Moderate to heavy exposure to dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, biological hazards, rain, temperature and noise extremes, hazardous materials and chemicals, machinery, moving mechanical parts, vibrations, electric currents, traffic hazards, and water hazards are common. Performs and reviews work at locations that involve hazardous environments requiring the physical ability to wear and work using personal protective equipment (PPE) that meet or exceed guidelines such as established by OSHA which may result in some physical discomfort due to temperature, dust, odors, chemicals, and noise. The position may require work in confined spaces, on ladders and rooftops, and in adverse weather conditions with appropriate training. The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Must be able to pass annual medical evaluation and receive certification to utilize respiratory protection equipment, by work assignment post-employment offer. Must meet shaving requirements for respiratory fit test at all times. Must be able to pass hazardous materials medical examination and test during pre-employment. Possess visual and muscular dexterity to operate a motor vehicle (including while towing a trailer), safety equipment, hand tools, and a computer.

Performs functions requiring manual dexterity and precision movements, continuous or repetitive arm and hand movements, grasping movements, and occasional forceful exertion. Perceive/discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, odor, depth and visual cues or signals. Possess visual and muscular dexterity to operate a motor vehicle (including while towing portable equipment), equipment, hand tools and a computer.