Emergency Management Coordinator/Fire Marshal

The Emergency Management Coordinator is responsible for emergency management prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery planning and operations in the incorporated and unincorporated areas of Cooke County, except the City of Gainesville. This position ensures the protection of the civilian population and property from the destructive forces of natural and man-made disasters through a comprehensive program of prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. Coordinates response of local, regional, state, and federal responders to any disaster in Cooke County. Develops and maintains the County's comprehensive all-hazard Emergency Operations Plan, including policy documents. Applies for and manages the Federal, State and Local Assistance grants. Represents the County on regional emergency planning and response activities and forums. Develops, prepares, and delivers presentations to businesses, residents, and educational groups. Creates partnerships with various community associations and organizations.

The Emergency Management Coordinator serves as the loss control and safety officer for Cooke County employees and assists with department safety programs, accident investigations, and safety training programs.

This position is also currently appointed as the Fire Marshal and is the liaison to the 10 volunteer fire departments in Cooke County. This position investigates the cause, origin, and circumstances of fires that occur within the county but outside the municipalities in the county and that destroy or damage property or cause injury and determines whether a fire was the result of negligent or intentional conduct. In addition, the Fire Marshal assists in obtaining equipment and training as well as manages radio frequency, pager and radio repair, and other related duties.

Extensive knowledge of emergency management programs, practices, resources, agencies, and personnel is required. A bachelor's degree with major coursework in emergency management or related field is preferred. The applicant will have or must complete in two years, the FEMA Professional Development Series of courses.

Knowledge of the Incident Command System and knowledge of all federal and state requirements regarding emergency operations plans and programs, as well as professional standards for the emergency management industry is required. Requires the ability to speak effectively before groups and teach a wide variety of technical concepts to audiences ranging from laypeople to professional technicians and top-level executives. Must be able to communicate effectively through written correspondence, staff reports and management briefings. Must be able to develop and implement policies and procedures for emergency planning, emergency management training and education, and emergency preparedness activities with all County departments and a wide variety of public and private agencies. Requires the ability to manage the people and resources necessary for effective emergency response and recovery programs, make funding decisions and recommendations, manage a budget, and obtain grant assistance, and provide leadership, counsel, and motivation to staff and volunteers, securing their respective commitments to the County's goals.

A valid driver's license is required.

Work is conducted both indoors in an office setting as well as during regular field visits to external places of business or emergency scenes. Work may require extended hours or days during the week and employees are occasionally on-call for emergency response and calls after-hours. May be exposed to severe weather conditions and stressful situations. Job involves physical exertion required for sustained periods of light physical activity such as walking or standing. May involve occasional light lifting of items or objects weighing up to 40 lbs.

Cooke County is an Equal Opportunity Employer