03/01/2007 75942

DIRECTOR, ENVIRONMENTAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROGRAM

DEFINITION: This is professional managerial work directing the activities of the statewide emergency response program in the Department of Environmental Protection.

The employee in this job is responsible for the planning, development, implementation, coordination and evaluation of a response program for natural disasters, terrorist attacks, toxic material spills, chemical fires and other environmental incidents of an emergency nature. Work involves determining goals, objectives and priorities for the emergency response program; developing and implementing rules, regulations, policies, procedures, standards and guidelines to manage program activities; coordinating program implementation in each of the Department’s six regions; and determining and preparing budgetary requests. An important aspect of the work is coordinating response activities with representatives of the federal government, local governments and other Commonwealth agencies. Work is assigned in the form of broad goals and objectives, and the employee exercises considerable independent judgment in determining specific goals, objectives and program priorities. Work is reviewed through reports and conferences for attainment of goals and objectives and overall program quality.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Directs the planning, development, implementation, coordination and evaluation of the environmental emergency response program.

Directs the development of statewide policies, technical standards and procedures for permitting, monitoring, enforcement and technical assistance activities involving the environmental emergency response program.

Develops guidelines for recruiting and training members of the regional emergency response teams.

Directs statewide environmental emergency response activities.

Reviews and analyzes activity reports to determine work being performed, program trends and program effectiveness.

Develops and prepares budget and rebudget requests.

Reviews proposed legislation for possible impacts on the emergency response program and recommends whether the Department should support or oppose the legislation.

Interprets rules, regulations, policies, procedures, standards and objectives of the organization or program for subordinates.

Provides advice to staff on unusual or difficult technical and managerial problems.

Provides information to the public regarding Departmental actions and activities during disasters, in conjunction with the Office of Communications.

Represents the program in dealings with federal officials and other Commonwealth agencies.

Develops and delivers speeches and presentations to special interest groups, legislators, media and the public on the environmental emergency response program.

Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

The employee in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

Travels to various field sites.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of federal and state environmental protection laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.

Knowledge of the principles, methods and techniques utilized in preparing and managing emergency response plans and programs.

Knowledge of the biological, chemical and physical sciences as related to environmental protection.

Knowledge of the principles, methods, techniques and practices applicable to public health toxicology.

Knowledge of common industrial chemicals and their safety precautions.

Knowledge of personal protective equipment utilized during chemical and toxic substance spills.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of effective supervision.

Knowledge of homeland security issues, practices and programs related to environmental protection.

Ability to effectively communicate orally.

Ability to effectively communicate in writing.

Ability to read and interpret written material.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to operate an emergency response vehicle to travel to various work sites.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Seven years of professional environmental protection experience that includes two years of experience as a first-level technical supervisor or above;

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An equivalent combination of professional environmental protection experience and training that includes two years of experience as a first- level technical supervisor or above.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Possession of a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license.