Senior Program Manager - Emergency Management & Business Continuity - Community Transit

As Senior Program Manager for Emergency Management and Business Continuity, you will manage the day-to-day operations of the agency-wide Emergency Management Program, including the agency-wide Business Continuity Program, and oversee the creation and implementation of appropriate plans, training, and exercises.  During critical incidents, you will serve as the Manager/Incident Commander or senior leader in the agency’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC), Incident Command Post (ICP), or a similar setting, as appropriate. 

Office of Emergency Management & Business Continuity

Manage the day-to-day operations within emergency management and business continuity, including prevention, protection, mitigation, response recovery, and continuity efforts. 

• Serve as a subject matter expert for emergency management and business continuity programs. 
• Ensure all emergency management programs, plans, and training are current and comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws. 
• Ensure the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is operationally ready. 

Work to ensure the Emergency Management Program meets or exceeds the requirements of the Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP) and current practices in emergency management. 

Emergency Management Plans

Develop, implement, and maintain the agency’s emergency management plans, including the Emergency Operations Plan (EOP), Inclement Weather Plan (IWP), Training & Exercise Plan (TEP), Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP), Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA), Recovery Framework, and other related plans.  Ensure plans meet or exceed all legal requirements, including RCW 38.52, the Stafford Act, and the National Response Framework. 

Training & Exercises

Oversee development and implementation of the emergency management and business continuity training & exercise plan.  Track implementation of related improvement plans.  Plan, develop, manage, and deliver engaging training exercises in all aspects of emergency management.  Serve as the agency’s National Incident Management System (NIMS) Compliance Officer.  Implement employee and customer education programs, as needed.

Research and Analysis

Prepare reports through research and data analysis to inform business decisions.  Develop and conduct decision briefs and informational presentations for the Executive Team, managers, employees, and regional partners.  Draft standards, policies, and procedures as needed.

Capital Projects

Plan, develop, manage, and deliver emergency management capital projects to meet agency objectives.  Ensure projects follow applicable laws, regulations, and policies.  Manage the full project life cycle, from gathering initial requirements to final implementation. 

Vendor Management

Lead, manage, and maintain vendor services for emergency management.  Evaluate and select vendors.  Negotiate contracts and monitor compliance and performance.

Budget

Assist in developing and administering the division’s capital and operating budgets.  Gather information and participate in budget development.  Research and recommend grant opportunities.    Review and recommend annual budgets for assigned contracts.  Review invoices and approve payments.  Continually monitor expenditures to ensure effective spending and compliance with the approved budget.

Communication

Establish and maintain clear, consistent communication with both internal and external stakeholders to ensure coordination and cooperation among all parties and enhance the agency’s ability to respond and recover from emergencies.

Internal Communication: Collaborate with department heads, employees, and executive leadership to ensure that all team members are informed and knowledgeable about emergency preparedness plans, procedures, and ongoing response actions.  Facilitate information flow during normal operations and crisis events, ensuring that roles and responsibilities are understood, and updates are timely.

External Communication: Represent the agency with regional emergency management partners and develop and maintain positive and collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders.  Serve as the liaison with external agencies, partners, and the public, including government authorities, first responders, vendors, and the community.  Deliver clear, concise, and accurate information regarding emergency situations, continuity strategies, and recovery efforts.  Address stakeholder concerns in a professional and timely manner.

Duty Officer

Serve as the on-call Duty Officer as part of a 24/7 rotation schedule.  When scheduled, remain available within the general geographic area and capable of responding within a specified time frame.  Respond to emergencies and work evenings and weekends when required by special circumstances.

Disaster/Critical Incident Response

Direct agency-wide disaster or other critical incident response.  Serve as the Incident Commander or EOC Manager in the Emergency Operations Center or a similar environment that may be staffed 24 hours per day for extended periods.

Perform other duties of a similar nature or level as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in emergency management
• Valid Washington State driver’s license.
• Ability to successfully pass a comprehensive background investigation, including:

• 1. Ability to obtain and maintain clearance for access to the Homeland Security Information Network (HSIN) and Washington State Fusion Center (WSFC) within 30 days of hire.
  2. Ability to obtain and maintain fingerprint clearance from the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office, including FBI fingerprint screening, within 30 days of hire.

• Completion of FEMA ICS 100, 200, 700 and 800 courses within 30 days of hire.

An equivalent combination of education and experience to successfully perform the job duties is also accepted.

Knowledge Requirements

• Business practices and technical concepts applied to emergency management and business continuity.
• Federal and State requirements, emergency management planning, program analysis, hazard assessments, and resource management.
• National Incident Management System (NIMS), the National Response Framework (NRF), the National Preparedness Goals (NPG), and the National Recovery Framework.
• All-hazard preparedness, response, recovery impacts, and planning issues.
• Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP).
• ICS and EOC operations.
• Governmental or public sector budget preparation and administration.
• Team leadership, including supervisory and training techniques and practices.
• Adult learner knowledge and ability to create and deploy effective trainings.
• Computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and statistical databases.

Skill Requirements

• Fostering an inclusive workplace by valuing and leveraging diversity, equity, and inclusion to uphold Community Transit’s Core Values and achieve the organization’s vision and mission.  Inspiring and fostering team commitment, pride, and trust.  Facilitating cooperation and motivating team members to accomplish group goals while treating others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect.
• Establishing and maintaining effective interpersonal relationships with coworkers, supervisor, the public, and others.
• Developing and implementing programs, policies, and procedures to identify and mitigate threats and hazards to the agency.
• Effective written and oral communications that are timely, relevant, concise, and clearly outline necessary actions.
• Responding effectively to emergencies and managing crises in a calm, professional, and tactful manner.
• Promoting safety and security as an everyday priority to employees across the agency.
• Project management.
• Managing multiple tasks simultaneously and effectively and adjusting to changing priorities.
• Maintaining objectivity and using data to inform collaborative decision making.
• Experience with PC-based software such as MS Office, email, and scheduling applications.

Preferred Knowledge and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in risk management, emergency management, or a closely related field.
• Knowledge of current and future trends in emergency management.
• Experience in Public transit, public agency, or regulated private industry.
• Possession of the following certifications from the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM)
• Certified Emergency Manager (CEM)
• Associate Emergency Management (AEM)
• Completion of FEMA ICS 300 & 400 courses.
• Completion of the FEMA EM Professional Development Series.
• Experience working in a leadership capacity in an Emergency Operations Center during a complex incident.
• Experience working in an Incident Command Post, EOC/ECC, or other ICS organization during an incident.
• FCC Amateur Radio License.
• Contract negotiations.

Working Conditions

Work is performed mainly in an office environment and requires the use of office equipment and technology.  You may also be required to lift and carry materials up to 20 pounds occasionally, and up to 10 pounds frequently.  While responding to situations, you may also be exposed to automotive fumes, odors, and dust, and may need to complete tasks in noisy environments and varying weather conditions.  Due to the nature of this role, stressful situations may occur and will need to be proactively addressed without hesitation. 

Application and Selection Process

• Only on-line applications accepted. 
• Applicants for this job may be considered for other openings up to six months after the date this position is filled.
• Applicants who meet the minimum requirements may be scheduled for an interview as well as a variety of tests to demonstrate knowledge, and skills for the position.  The evaluation process may include interviews, background check, reference checks and various performance tests.

Employee Benefits

• Employees (and their families) are covered by medical, dental, vision, basic life and disability insurance.
• Employees participate in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and have the option to enroll in the agency’s deferred compensation plan.
• In addition to WA Paid Sick Leave, employees in this position, accrue of 24 days of Paid Time off (192 hours) in their first year and ten (10) paid holidays throughout the calendar year.
• Full list of all benefits and details can be found here.

If you are related to or share the same living quarters of a current Community Transit employee, please let your Recruiter know as your eligibility for this position may be affected.

Community Transit provides a tobacco-free and drug-free work environment.  As a recipient of federal funds, Community Transit is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on a basis prohibited by Federal, State or Local law.  We value and encourage diversity in our workforce.  EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability.  Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, protected veteran status or disability.