The Emergency Management Specialist supports the Emergency Manager in developing, coordinating, and implementing emergency preparedness, response, and recovery programs at WSSC Water. Assists in ensuring operational resilience by supporting emergency response, planning, training, exercises, mitigation initiatives, and risk assessments. The role involves working closely with internal departments, external agencies, and stakeholders to enhance preparedness, response coordination, and business continuity efforts.
Essential Functions
•Supports the development, implementation, and updating of emergency response, business continuity, and disaster recovery plans in coordination with the Emergency Manager.
•Assists in planning and executing emergency training exercises, drills, and simulations to enhance WSSC Water’s preparedness and response capabilities.
•Conducts risk assessments to identify potential hazards, vulnerabilities, and operational risks that could impact WSSC Water’s infrastructure, staff, and services.
•Develops mitigation strategies and recommendations based on risk assessment findings to enhance organizational resilience.
•Assists in the coordination of emergency response efforts and resource deployment during incidents, supporting the Emergency Manager in activating emergency operations procedures.
•Monitors and ensures compliance with federal, state, and local emergency management regulations, including FEMA, NIMS, and ICS requirements.
•Supports the development and maintenance of the WSSC Water Emergency Operations Plan (EOP), continuity of cperations plan (COOP), hazard mitigation plans, and other WSSC emergency-related plans.
•Prepares reports, briefings, and after-action reviews (AARs) to assess response effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
•Assists in maintaining emergency notification systems and communication protocols for internal and external stakeholders.
•Collaborates with local emergency management agencies, law enforcement, fire departments, and other utilities to align emergency preparedness strategies.
•Manages or supports homeland security grant applications and program execution related to emergency preparedness.
Other Functions
•Supports the Emergency Manager in facilitating coordination efforts with Federal, state, and local emergency response agencies.
•Assists in the execution of emergency response training and exercises for WSSC Water staff and emergency partners.
•Participates in public outreach and education efforts regarding water emergency preparedness and response.
•Assists in the development of emergency policies, procedures, and operational guidelines.
•Performs other related duties, as assigned.
Work Environment And Physical Demands
Business casual office setting
Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
•Knowledge of emergency management principles, including planning, mitigation, response, and recovery processes.
•Familiarity with the National Incident Management System (NIMS), Incident Command System (ICS), and other emergency response frameworks.
•Experience conducting risk assessments and vulnerability analyses to identify potential threats and develop mitigation strategies.
•Ability to analyze risks, conduct vulnerability assessments, and recommend mitigation strategies.
•Strong communication skills to effectively engage internal and external stakeholders.
•Proficiency in emergency management software, geographic information systems (GIS), and emergency notification systems.
•Organizational and project management skills to support multiple emergency preparedness initiatives.
•Ability to work under pressure during emergency incidents and effectively coordinate response efforts.
•Strong research and analytical skills for developing policies, reports, and emergency plans.
Minimum Education, Experience Requirements
•Bachelor’s degree in emergency management, public administration, homeland security, environmental science, or a related discipline.
•3+ years’ experience in emergency management, disaster response, public safety, risk assessments, or business continuity planning.
•Experience in supporting emergency response operations, developing emergency plans, or coordinating training exercises.
•Incident Command System (ICS) 100, 200, 700 and 800 certifications.
OR
•High school diploma (or equivalent)
•7+ years’ experience in emergency management, disaster response, public safety, risk assessments, or business continuity planning.
•Experience in supporting emergency response operations, developing emergency plans, or coordinating training exercises.
•Incident Command System (ICS) 100, 200, 700 and 800 certifications.