Emergency Services Director

Catawba County is seeking an experienced visionary leader to oversee its Emergency Services Department, ensuring the delivery of high-quality services to our county of over 160,000 residents. The Director will oversee six units: Animal Services, 911 Communications, Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Management, Fire & Rescue, and Veterans Services. The position is vacant due to the retirement of a long-serving Director.

The Emergency Services Director ensures operational readiness, oversees policy development, manages resources effectively, and fosters strong partnerships with municipal agencies, volunteer organizations, and state and federal partners. During emergencies, the Director serves as a primary liaison to ensure coordinated response and clear communication with the Federal Department of Homeland Security and State Emergency Management.

For more information:
https://catawbacountync.gov/site/assets/files/2591/emergency_services_director-catawba_county.pdf

Position is Open Until Filled.  First review of applicants will be on November 14, 2025.

• Provide strategic leadership and daily oversight for departmental functions
• Assist unit managers with operational needs and issue resolution
• Develop and implement long-range plans, policies, and programs
• Manage department budgets and ensure fiscal accountability
• Represent Catawba County on local, regional, and state committees
• Serve as liaison to the Department of Homeland Security, State Emergency Management, NC 911 Board, and Office of EMS
• Maintain effective collaborative relationships with 14 independent fire districts and 3 rescue squads and provide information/ recommendations to inform annual county fire tax rates
• Respond to incidents as needed in a supervisory or primary role
  

• Bachelor’s degree in Emergency Management, Public Safety, Emergency Medical Services, or a related field (supplemented by courses in emergency services), and 5 years of experience in emergency services as a director, assistant director, or major division leader; 

OR

• Associate’s degree in Emergency Management, Public Safety, Emergency Medical Services, or a related field (supplemented by courses in emergency services), and 7 years of experience in emergency services as a director, assistant director, or major division leader. Must be willing to pursue a related Bachelor’s degree within a reasonably agreed-upon time frame.

• A valid NC driver’s license with a safe driving record (Driving is an essential function of this position)
• Proven ability to lead and coordinate multi-agency emergency response efforts
• Strong crisis communication skills, including public and media relations during high-stress situations
• Advanced knowledge of federal, state, and local emergency management laws, regulations, and funding programs
• Experience developing and managing large, complex budgets for multi-division operations
• Ability to analyze data and apply performance metrics to improve service delivery and resource allocation
• Skilled in negotiating and managing contracts, mutual aid agreements, and interagency MOUs
• Ability to mentor and develop leadership staff across multiple disciplines
• Competence in developing and executing training exercises for disaster preparedness and response
• Due to the nature of the position, it is required that the Emergency Services Director live within Catawba County
• Primarily Monday-Friday, with regular on-call responsibilities during evenings, weekends, and holidays
• This position is considered moderate work, lifting up to 20 pounds frequently and 50 pounds occasionally.

Salary : $114,308 - $160,000