Homeland Security Planner

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General Description

The purpose of this class is to provide specific focus and professional expertise and support in the areas of emergency management and emergency planning. Additionally, the position serves as the Houston Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) planning coordinator for Galveston County. This position is regional in scope and responsibility to represent the county in development of plans, concepts of operations and strategies for mitigation of, preparedness for and responding to terrorist incidents within its Houston UASI region.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class.  Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

• Actively participates in the development and implementation of regional planning projects under the guidance of the Houston UASI Regional Collaboration Committee. 

• Represents Galveston County on appropriate committees and workgroups of the Houston UASI, Houston-Galveston Area Council (HGAC) and other appropriate local/regional/state/federal organizations and agencies.  Will act as a subject matter expert on various emergency management-related issues and topics related to Galveston County and the Houston UASI region.

• Provides guidance and coordination to Galveston County departments and other jurisdictions within the county on development and coordination of emergency operation plans, mutual aid agreements and inter-local agreements related to terrorist incidents.

• Provides expertise in the development and coordination of the Emergency Operations Plan(s) for neighboring counties and cities within the Houston UASI region as well as regional/state/federal organizations and agencies with regard to mitigation of, preparedness for and response to terrorist incidents.

• During times of emergency response, may report to the Galveston County Emergency Operation Center or, upon request, other jurisdictional emergency operations centers or multi-agency coordination centers (including, without limitation: the Houston Emergency Operations Center; the Harris County Emergency Operations Center; the Catastrophic Medical Operations Center; the regional MACC).  May provide expertise and coaching to EOC personnel as required.

• As appropriate for inclusion in regional planning for terrorist incidents, participates in hazard/risk analysis of critical infrastructure located within Galveston County and, upon request (required by grant), other jurisdictions within the county or Houston UASI region.  Also, as appropriate, participates in developing public education programs, conducting analysis of OEM operations, preparing reports/memos and coordinating damage assessments.

• Advises Galveston County departments, jurisdictions and agencies on critical developments related to planning for homeland security.

• Attends training and other educational opportunities as well as workshops and exercises in order to enhance knowledge and skills and maintain certifications.

• Attends meetings of other organizations and agencies whose purpose and scope relate to the mitigation of, preparedness for and response to terrorist incidents.

• Individual will share weekend/holiday watch officer duties with OEM staff, and must be available for immediate recall for response to emerging and emergency situations.

• Performs related work as assigned.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

• Requires High School diploma or GED equivalent.

• Requires two years of education in NIMS/ICS and related classes.

• Requires two years of experience in emergency management or closely related experience.

Physical Demands/Work Environment:

Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.

Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken.

The work is typically performed sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing, bending, crouching, or stooping. The employee occasionally lifts light and heavy objects.

The work is typically performed in an office and outdoors, occasionally in cold or inclement weather.  Potentially dangerous situations contribute to the complexity of the position.

Emergency Preparedness Tier Level:  1

Special Certifications and Licenses:

None.

Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance

Galveston County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  ADA requires Galveston County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

The County of Galveston is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.