Emergency Management Deputy Director

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Department: Emergency Management

Job Title: Deputy Director

Classification: Non-Exempt

Total Hours: Full Time – 40 hours

Reports To: EMA Director

Job Summary

The Deputy Director of Somerset County Emergency Management (STEMA) plays a critical role in supporting and advancing the County's preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation capabilities. This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment—where priorities can shift quickly—and who approaches challenges with creativity, collaboration, and composure.

Working closely with the Director, the Deputy helps lead the department's planning, financial, and administrative functions, while fostering strong partnerships with local officials, state and federal agencies, and community organizations. The Deputy is expected to bring forward-thinking solutions to unconventional problems, demonstrate sound judgment under pressure, and adapt seamlessly to the evolving needs of both the organization and the communities it serves.

I. Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Financial and Administrative Support
• Process accounts payable and verify all supporting documentation for accuracy.
• Experience in TRIO is preferred.
• Assist in preparing and managing federal grants, including drafting narratives, workplans, reimbursement requests, and status reports.
• Support the development of the department's annual operational budget and assist with financial tracking and reporting.
• Emergency Operations and Incident Support
• Serve in the County's Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during activations and major incidents.
• Support disaster recovery operations including damage assessment coordination, FEMA documentation, and municipal liaison activities.
• Maintain readiness to respond to emergencies, often with little notice, and support coordination of countywide response and recovery resources.
• Planning and Program Development
• Assist with the maintenance and implementation of key emergency plans including the Somerset County Emergency Operations Plan, Hazard Mitigation Plan, and LEPC All-Hazards Plan.
• Support LEPC coordination and compliance with Tier II hazardous materials reporting requirements.
• Contribute to the design, delivery, and evaluation of training and exercises for emergency management and partner agencies.
• Partnerships and Public Engagement
• Build and sustain collaborative relationships with municipalities, partner agencies, volunteer organizations, and the public.
• Assist in planning and conducting public outreach campaigns and community resilience initiatives.
• Represent the agency professionally in meetings, trainings, and community events.
• Leadership and Development
• Assume supervisory responsibilities in the absence of the Director.
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development to maintain current knowledge of emergency management best practices.
• Support continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to streamline operations and enhance preparedness capabilities.
• Other Duties
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission and goals of Somerset County Emergency Management.

II. Specifications / Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; in addition to emergency management training.
• Experience in Emergency Management, Public Service, or related field preferred.
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities and maintain flexibility in daily -scheduling.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to apply creative and practical solutions to complex challenges.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build and foster partnerships across diverse stakeholders.
• Functional knowledge of computers and automated systems, including Microsoft Office, internet-based applications, and data tracking/reporting tools.
• Familiarity with accounting and grant management software preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Must complete (or have completed) National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS) training within one year of hire, including IS-100, 200, 300, 400, 700, and 800.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

III. Working Environment

Work is primarily performed in an office setting under normal conditions but will regularly involve attendance at meetings, trainings, and exercises.

During emergencies, work may be performed under stressful, rapidly changing, or hazardous conditions, including exposure to severe weather, debris, or other environmental risks.

The Deputy Director is on call 24/7 (except when on approved leave) and may be required to work extended hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as emergency situations demand.

The position supports 27 towns, 6 plantations, and 83 unorganized territories within Somerset County and may assist in broader regional or statewide operations under mutual aid agreements.

IV. Physical Demands / Conditions

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, and communicate effectively. The employee must occasionally walk, climb, crouch, crawl, bend, push/pull, and lift objects up to 20 pounds.

Field operations may involve extended periods of standing or travel and occasional exposure to outdoor conditions.

The employee must be able to perform essential job functions safely and effectively with or without reasonable accommodation.

Somerset County provides equal opportunity to all qualified employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $55, $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $65,000