Emergency Management Specialist
The hiring range for this position is $52,949 - $59,219. The full range for this position is $52,949 - $74,070. The Emergency Management Specialist supports Kandiyohi County's Emergency Management and Safety Departments by coordinating preparedness, response, and recovery efforts for countywide emergencies and disasters. This position assists with planning, training, recordkeeping, and communication with local, state, and federal partners. Additional responsibilities include maintaining emergency management equipment and systems, supporting the County Rescue Squad, and assisting with countywide safety program development. The role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively under both routine and emergency conditions.
Job Duties
- Answers phone calls, greets visitors, and responds to inquiries for both Emergency Management and Safety Departments; directs callers and visitors to appropriate personnel.
- Prepares, maintains, and updates departmental files, correspondence, and records.
- Types and proofreads correspondence, reports, resolutions, forms, purchase orders, and other documents with accuracy.
- Handles mail processing, copying, scanning, and other general office duties.
- Compiles data for monthly, quarterly, and annual reports.
- Schedules meetings and appointments and assists with meeting logistics.
- Performs data entry, filing, and basic accounting functions.
- Maintains inventory records for Emergency Management and the Rescue Squad; verifies inventory annually with County records.
- Assists with maintaining the County Resource Manual through research, updates, and correspondence.
- Handles Rescue Squad billing, including obtaining accident reports, preparing invoices, tracking payments, and following up as needed.
- Maintains Rescue Squad member attendance and training records.
- Reviews and verifies invoices, allocates charges to appropriate accounts, and resolves discrepancies.
- Tracks rescue squad leave records and timesheets.
- Provides scheduling, setup, and technical support for Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and Rescue training rooms.
- Manages the County Photo ID System, including supplies, scheduling, and equipment operation.
- Responds to emergency callouts as part of the Unified Command Structure and assists with coordination between agencies during incidents.
- Represents the department at meetings with fire chiefs, the Emergency Management Advisory Council, and Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM).
- Assists in planning with public health, schools, and other agencies for emergency preparedness.
- Coordinates with FEMA and other entities on disaster damage assessments and reimbursement claims.
- Monitors emergency warning sirens and tests IPAWS in coordination with the Sheriff's Office.
- Assists with leading and coordinating tabletop, functional, and full-scale drills.
- Maintains readiness of the Emergency Operations Center and training rooms for county use.
- Supports the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) in disaster response and training.
- Serves as Emergency Operations Center Director when the Director or Deputy Director is unavailable.
- Updates and maintains the County Emergency Notification System.
- Participates in public outreach and community events promoting emergency preparedness.
- Maintains Porta-Count Fit Testing equipment and associated records.
- Generates maps using ESRI or Pictometry software as needed.
- Supports statewide emergency and disaster responses as directed.
- Serves as liaison between the Incident Commander, Unified Command, and the EOC during activations.
- Assists in developing and implementing countywide safety programs.
- Coordinates training schedules, sends notices, and maintains safety training records.
- Distributes safety information and required postings to departments.
- Researches safety materials and coordinates with trainers and program staff.
- Performs related duties of a similar nature or level as assigned.
Qualifications
High school diploma or GED required; Associate's degree in Emergency Management or related field preferred.FEMA certifications strongly preferred; required within a reasonable timeframe after hire if not already obtained.Knowledge of Continuity of Operations (COOP) planning and best practices preferred.Strong computer and typing skills; proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.Accounting and recordkeeping experience desirable.Must possess a valid driver's license.Supplemental Information
Knowledge :
Principles and practices of emergency management, disaster preparedness, and safety programming.Office and clerical procedures, including recordkeeping, document preparation, and data entry.Basic accounting and billing procedures.Operation of office and emergency support equipment (computers, printers, phones, laminators, etc.).Use of ESRI / Pictometry mapping software and Excel spreadsheets.Confidentiality standards and data protection practices.Skills :
Organizing, prioritizing, and completing tasks with attention to detail.Communicating effectively with the public, volunteers, and partner agencies.Operating office software and emergency management systems.Preparing clear, accurate reports and correspondence.Providing technical support for meetings, trainings, and emergency activations.Working collaboratively in team and command structures under high-stress conditions.Maintaining confidentiality and professionalism in all duties.Physical Requirements :
Ability to lift and move objects up to 50 pounds.Ability to sit for prolonged periods and perform detailed computer or clerical work.Occasional standing, bending, and manual handling of supplies or equipment.Must be able to respond during emergencies, including working extended hours or irregular shifts when required.Ability to perform essential physical duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.Kandiyohi County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.