What are the responsibilities and job description for the Emergency Management Coordinator position at Port of San Diego?
Description
Join a dynamic team at the Port of San Diego and lead critical emergency management efforts in one of the nation’s most strategic maritime regions. This role is responsible for planning, training, and coordinating emergency response for natural disasters and other incidents impacting port operations and surrounding communities. You’ll work closely with internal departments—Harbor Police, Environmental Protection, Maritime Operations—and collaborate with key partners including the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, member cities (San Diego, National City, Chula Vista, Imperial Beach, Coronado), the County of San Diego Office of Emergency Services and state agencies. Maritime operations, environmental protection efforts, public access and safety are key components of the Ports emergency management program. The US Navy presence in the San Diego Bay is the largest on the West Coast with over 70 vessels homeported in San Diego, several naval bases, and naval commands along the Bay. The position requires strong leadership, maritime emergency management expertise, and a commitment to regional collaboration in a very complex, high-stakes environment.
This position will require you to be on call and available for emergency callback and the ability to work some weekends and evenings.
Remote options are not available for this position.
DEFINITION
Under general direction, administers and manages the Port’s Emergency Management program; leads, designs, plans, coordinates, manages, and implements Port-wide emergency mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery initiatives; develops and maintains the Port’s Emergency Operations Center and related facilities; manages specialized training, exercises, and technology platforms; serves as liaison to internal departments, tenants, external agencies, and community stakeholders; manages the effective use of division resources to support organizational resilience and continuity; provides complex and support to management personnel in areas of expertise; and performs related duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general direction from assigned management personnel. Exercises technical and functional direction over and provides training to professional, technical, and administrative staff, contractors, and volunteers.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is a program administrator classification responsible for planning, organizing, managing, and evaluating the operations and activities of the Port’s Emergency Management program. Incumbents are responsible for performing diverse, specialized, and complex work involving significant accountability and decision-making responsibilities, which include program evaluation, development of policies and procedures, training and exercise management, and coordination with internal and external stakeholders. Performance of the work requires the use of independence, initiative, and discretion within broad guidelines. Employees serve as a specialist, liaison, and advocate for emergency preparedness, with regular contact and interaction with Port senior and executive management, public safety agencies, military, federal, state, and local partners, community organizations, and members of the public.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
Knowledge of:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Education
This recruitment will be open for one week or for the first 100 applications, which ever comes first.
The application review process will include screening to ensure applications are complete and meet all minimum qualifications. In addition to the application, the applicant is required to complete the Supplemental Questions to further evaluate their education, training, and experience relative to the required knowledge, skills and abilities for the position. Applicants must submit answers that are as complete as possible.
Only qualified applicants who pass the minimum qualifications review, will be invited to the assessment process which may be administered by a written examination, panel interview, or any combination of qualifications appraisal determined by the Department of Human Resources to be appropriate. The Department of Human Resources will make reasonable accommodation in the examination process for disabled applicants. If you have an accommodation request, please indicate such on your application.
Depending upon the number of applicants meeting the minimum qualifications, applicants may be scheduled for one or more of the assessments listed below. Passing score is 70% out of 100% on each assessment section.
THE ASSESSMENT (40%) IS TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2025 AND APPRAISAL PANEL (60%) IS TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025.
To move forward in the application process, you must complete an online application through our website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/portofsd If applicable, please attach a copy of your unofficial transcripts (indicating when degree was awarded) to your application or your application will be considered incomplete. Resumes may be uploaded but cannot be used in place of a completed application.
Placement On Eligible List
The Department of Human Resources may limit the number of qualified applicants eligible to participate in the assessment process. Candidates who are successful in all phases of the assessment process will be placed on an eligible list. The eligible list established by this recruitment will be active for a minimum of ninety (90) days or up to one (1) year, unless otherwise determined by the Director pursuant to Rule 8, Section 4.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The District firmly believes in, and is committed to, the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and nondiscrimination. It is the policy of the District to recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job classifications without regard to age (40 and above), ancestry, color, disability (mental or physical), gender (including identity, appearance, or behavior, whether or not that identity, appearance, or behavior is different from that traditionally associated with the person's sex at birth), marital status, medical condition, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, or veteran status.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various Port sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 10 pounds.
Environmental CONDITIONS
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing divisional policies and procedures.
Join a dynamic team at the Port of San Diego and lead critical emergency management efforts in one of the nation’s most strategic maritime regions. This role is responsible for planning, training, and coordinating emergency response for natural disasters and other incidents impacting port operations and surrounding communities. You’ll work closely with internal departments—Harbor Police, Environmental Protection, Maritime Operations—and collaborate with key partners including the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, member cities (San Diego, National City, Chula Vista, Imperial Beach, Coronado), the County of San Diego Office of Emergency Services and state agencies. Maritime operations, environmental protection efforts, public access and safety are key components of the Ports emergency management program. The US Navy presence in the San Diego Bay is the largest on the West Coast with over 70 vessels homeported in San Diego, several naval bases, and naval commands along the Bay. The position requires strong leadership, maritime emergency management expertise, and a commitment to regional collaboration in a very complex, high-stakes environment.
This position will require you to be on call and available for emergency callback and the ability to work some weekends and evenings.
Remote options are not available for this position.
DEFINITION
Under general direction, administers and manages the Port’s Emergency Management program; leads, designs, plans, coordinates, manages, and implements Port-wide emergency mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery initiatives; develops and maintains the Port’s Emergency Operations Center and related facilities; manages specialized training, exercises, and technology platforms; serves as liaison to internal departments, tenants, external agencies, and community stakeholders; manages the effective use of division resources to support organizational resilience and continuity; provides complex and support to management personnel in areas of expertise; and performs related duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general direction from assigned management personnel. Exercises technical and functional direction over and provides training to professional, technical, and administrative staff, contractors, and volunteers.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is a program administrator classification responsible for planning, organizing, managing, and evaluating the operations and activities of the Port’s Emergency Management program. Incumbents are responsible for performing diverse, specialized, and complex work involving significant accountability and decision-making responsibilities, which include program evaluation, development of policies and procedures, training and exercise management, and coordination with internal and external stakeholders. Performance of the work requires the use of independence, initiative, and discretion within broad guidelines. Employees serve as a specialist, liaison, and advocate for emergency preparedness, with regular contact and interaction with Port senior and executive management, public safety agencies, military, federal, state, and local partners, community organizations, and members of the public.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
- Plans, develops, administers, implements, and oversees the daily functions, operations, and activities of the Port’s Emergency Management program.
- Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the program; recommends appropriate service and staffing levels; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
- Develops, administers, and oversees program budgets; recommends funding needs for staffing, equipment, and supplies; monitors and requests expenditures; ensures compliance with budgeted funding and recommends adjustments as required.
- Prepares, updates, and maintains emergency management plans including the Port’s Emergency Operations Plan, Continuity of Operations Plan, and Hazard Mitigation Plan; recommends revisions and improvements to ensure compliance and operational readiness.
- Manages and maintains the Port District Operations Center PDOC, Port’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and alternate EOC facilities, equipment, and technologies; develops operational procedures for in-person, remote, and hybrid staffing models.
- Monitors, evaluates, and implements technology systems to support emergency operations, including communications and situational awareness platforms; recommends and oversees system upgrades and improvements.
- Coordinates the development of Emergency Action Plans with military, other agencies, tenants, stakeholders, and community organizations such as the Red Cross and SDG&E.
- Coordinates emergency mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery activities to ensure organizational resilience and continuity of operations.
- Monitors emerging events and threats, conducts situational assessments, and advises Homeland Security staff and Port leadership on potential risks.
- Serves as a member of the EOC staff during emergency incidents in leadership roles as assigned.
- Prepares after-action reports, incident status updates, reimbursement documentation, and other statistical or narrative reports for internal and external stakeholders, including state and federal agencies.
- Leads the development and implementation of community preparedness programs; provides oversight for volunteer engagement, training, and continuing education.
- Plans, develops, and delivers emergency preparedness training programs for employees, tenants, and the public, including mandated ICS, SEMS, and NIMS training; monitors participation and compliance with certification requirements.
- Researches , applies for, and administers emergency management grants; monitors grant compliance and reporting requirements.
- Prepares and manages contracts, specifications, and bid requests for consultants, vendors, and resource providers supporting emergency management initiatives.
- Coordinates with federal, state, local, and military agencies to establish and maintain effective interagency relationships and operational coordination.
- Conducts and oversees emergency exercises including tabletops, workshops, functional drills, and full-scale exercises in accordance with Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluations Program (HSEEP) standards.
- Provides staff assistance to the Director, Homeland Security or their designee , including research, policy development, and special project management.
- Prepares, reviews, and presents staff reports, agenda items, and technical documents to the Board of Port Commissioners, Port executives, and external agencies.
- Represents the Port in meetings, committees, forums, and professional associations on issues related to emergency management, homeland security, and disaster preparedness.
- Conducts organizational and operational studies and investigations; recommends modifications to assigned programs, policies, and procedures.
- Monitors legal, regulatory, and technological changes affecting emergency management practices; attends workshops and trainings to maintain compliance and adopt emerging best practices.
- Responds to and resolves sensitive citizen and stakeholder inquiries and complaints regarding emergency preparedness and response.
- Performs related duties as assigned.
Knowledge of:
- Principles and practices of emergency management, including hazard identification, mitigation, disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and continuity of operations.
- California Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS), Incident Command System (ICS), National Incident Management System (NIMS), and Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP).
- Emergency Operations Center (EOC) structures, operating procedures, staffing models, and communication systems.
- Familiarity with emergency management technologies and platforms commonly used for incident management, mass communications, geospatial analysis and operational coordination during emergency response and recovery operations.,
- Maritime Transportation System operations, transportation safety incidents, and roles and responsibilities of the United States Coast Guard preferred.
- U.S. Navy emergency management processes and Emergency Operations Center structures.
- Principles and practices of public administration and management, including program planning, budgeting, contracts, personnel management, and organizational development.
- Principles and practices of leadership, including techniques for supervising, training, motivating, and evaluating staff.
- Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, regulations, and standards related to emergency management, disaster declarations, and documentation requirements for state and federal funding.
- Community-based emergency and disaster support systems and interagency coordination practices.
- Principles and practices of research, data analysis, evaluation, and report preparation.
- Principles and techniques for effective public speaking, presentations, and training delivery.
- Principles and practices of occupational safety, including injury and illness prevention programs (IIPP).
- Modern office practices, methods, and equipment, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Planner, and Teams) and other software applications relevant to assigned work.
- Methods and techniques of preparing technical and administrative reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
- Plan, organize, oversee, develop, implement, and administer complex emergency management programs and projects in support of emergency prevention, preparedness, response, recovery, and continuity of operations.
- Develop, deliver, and evaluate emergency management training programs for Port staff, tenants, community stakeholders, and the public; ensure compliance with ICS, SEMS, NIMS, and HSEEP requirements.
- Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, codes, and policies related to emergency management, public safety, and disaster preparedness.
- Design, lead, and conduct emergency exercises, including tabletops, workshops, functional, and full-scale drills; evaluate outcomes and incorporate improvements into Port emergency operations.
- Coordinate and participate in multi-agency emergency management exercises with the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy, San Diego County, member cities, the State of California, and other stakeholders; represent the Port in interagency forums and during real-time incidents.
- Research, analyze, and evaluate service delivery methods, program operations, and procedures; identify issues, evaluate alternatives, and recommend effective solutions.
- Prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials; present complex information effectively to diverse internal and external audiences, including the Board of Port Commissioners.
- Exercise sound, independent judgment, discretion, and initiative in managing multiple projects, priorities, and rapidly changing emergency situations.
- Establish, maintain, and foster effective working relationships with Port staff, executives, public safety partners, military, community organizations, and members of the public.
- Participate in the development and administration of program goals, objectives, budgets, and work standards; allocate resources effectively in a cost-efficient manner.
- Utilize computer systems, software, and technology platforms for emergency management planning, data analysis, records management, and situational awareness.
- Retain and apply detailed knowledge of local geography, infrastructure, and resources as they relate to emergency planning and response.
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using proper English grammar, syntax, and professional business communication standards.
- Work independently with minimal supervision to complete assigned responsibilities in a timely and effective manner.
- Respond to emergency situations and incidents, including those occurring outside of normal working hours.
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Education
- Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in emergency management, homeland security, public administration, business administration, or a related field.
- Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in emergency management, disaster planning, or response, including program development, administration, and coordination with external agencies. Experience in a lead, supervisory, or program management capacity is desirable.
- Certain assignments may require a valid driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the District's vehicle insurance program.
This recruitment will be open for one week or for the first 100 applications, which ever comes first.
The application review process will include screening to ensure applications are complete and meet all minimum qualifications. In addition to the application, the applicant is required to complete the Supplemental Questions to further evaluate their education, training, and experience relative to the required knowledge, skills and abilities for the position. Applicants must submit answers that are as complete as possible.
Only qualified applicants who pass the minimum qualifications review, will be invited to the assessment process which may be administered by a written examination, panel interview, or any combination of qualifications appraisal determined by the Department of Human Resources to be appropriate. The Department of Human Resources will make reasonable accommodation in the examination process for disabled applicants. If you have an accommodation request, please indicate such on your application.
Depending upon the number of applicants meeting the minimum qualifications, applicants may be scheduled for one or more of the assessments listed below. Passing score is 70% out of 100% on each assessment section.
THE ASSESSMENT (40%) IS TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2025 AND APPRAISAL PANEL (60%) IS TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025.
To move forward in the application process, you must complete an online application through our website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/portofsd If applicable, please attach a copy of your unofficial transcripts (indicating when degree was awarded) to your application or your application will be considered incomplete. Resumes may be uploaded but cannot be used in place of a completed application.
Placement On Eligible List
The Department of Human Resources may limit the number of qualified applicants eligible to participate in the assessment process. Candidates who are successful in all phases of the assessment process will be placed on an eligible list. The eligible list established by this recruitment will be active for a minimum of ninety (90) days or up to one (1) year, unless otherwise determined by the Director pursuant to Rule 8, Section 4.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The District firmly believes in, and is committed to, the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and nondiscrimination. It is the policy of the District to recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job classifications without regard to age (40 and above), ancestry, color, disability (mental or physical), gender (including identity, appearance, or behavior, whether or not that identity, appearance, or behavior is different from that traditionally associated with the person's sex at birth), marital status, medical condition, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, or veteran status.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various Port sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 10 pounds.
Environmental CONDITIONS
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing divisional policies and procedures.
