This position typically provides implementation of services, policies and programs through team members and advises County Leadership on relevant issues; prioritizes work duties for maximum efficiency and develops and utilizes best practices; and deals courteously and effectively with fellow employees and citizens.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Plans, organizes and directs all programs and activities of the Emergency Management Department, ensuring the department’s compliance with applicable regulation, safety standards, and federal, state and local laws.
• Develops and administers department budgets.
• Ensures effective and efficient use of budgeted funds, personnel, materials, facilities and time.
• Develops and updates departmental specific policies and procedures.
• Coordinates the development, maintenance and testing of a comprehensive all-hazard emergency management program for the County and Community.
• Provides for adequate staff training and development opportunities.
• Researches, prepares, writes and submits various emergency management and homeland security grant applications for local, state and federal funding.
• Coordinates with all emergency support functions for evacuation during major disasters and ensures emergency alert and warning information is disseminated accordingly.
• Conducts analysis of potential consequences and helps to determine risk of possible disaster.
• Reviews and updates the County’s emergency operations plans, including Hurricane Response, Terrorism and Hazardous Materials response plans to conform with state and federal requirements.
• Plans and coordinates the maintenance of the Emergency Operations Center facilities and equipment to ensure continuous readiness for immediate activation when needed.
• Conducts drills and exercises with County staff, outside agencies and the public as scheduled or necessary.
• Directs the procurement of department supplies and equipment; ensures and/or participates in the proper maintenance and calibration of emergency equipment and proper installation and maintenance of electronic communications, radio and computer equipment.
• Provides guidance and serves as the focal point for all matters relative to Homeland Security and Defense issues to include emergency response and relocation planning in all emergencies or disasters.
• Coordinates emergency management classes and workshops for both civilian and response personnel.
• Serves as Berkeley County Emergency Management’s representative to various committees, planning groups and task forces dealing with emergency management and homeland security issues.
• Attends meetings, conferences and workshops related to emergency management to learn new information and to develop working relationships with other emergency management specialists.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in public administration, emergency management or a closely related field;
• Six (6) years of experience in public administration, law enforcement, emergency preparedness or other relevant field;
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience required;

• Current Hazardous Materials Technician certification or the ability to successfully complete a recognized HazMat Tech Course;
• Community Emergency Response Team Trainer (CERT) is required;
• Must have and maintain a valid driver's license for South Carolina with safe driving record;
• Departmental testing may be administered during interview;
• A criminal background check will be completed on selected applicant if a current one (less than 3 years old) is not on file;
• This is a safety sensitive position and is subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

• Skill in instructing and using NIMS ICS in real world events preferred.
• Skill in using personal computers including Word and Excel.
• Skill in communication, both oral and written.
• Skill in the operation of all basic office equipment.
• Ability to accept payments and process purchase orders.
• Ability to manage grant funds and a budget.
• Ability to manage inventory and property.
• Ability to use or repair small and medium equipment and machinery.
• Ability to establish policies and supervise employees.
• Ability to synthesize or integrate analysis of data or information to discover facts or develop knowledge or interpretations.
• Ability to change policies, procedures or methodologies based on new facts, knowledge or interpretations.
• Ability to make timely decisions in a stressful environment and to identify strengths and weaknesses of all solutions and approaches, and the costs and benefits of each action.
• Ability to make long-range goals, planning and methodologies.

This position requires the employee to sit, stand, kneel, balance, climb and crouch; use hands to handle objects and reach, feel and grasp with hands and arms; use mental acuity and repetitive motion; walk, talk and hear. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to fifty (50) pounds. The employee must be able to walk or stand during an emergency/exercise and use considerable skill, adeptness and speed in the use of fingers, hands or limbs in tasks involving close tolerances or limits of accuracy. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

The work is regularly performed in an environment with crisis situations that require the ability to make major decisions involving people, resources and property. Thirty-seven and one half (37.5) hours per week. Normal operating hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. with the ability to work flexible hours when necessary. Must be able to work flexible hours including overtime and during emergency situations when necessary. Scheduled hours/days, job location, duties and any other information contained herein is subject to change. Must be able to attend evening and weekend meetings as required. Must be able to respond to any emergencies that arise. Travel outside of the county may be required.