JOB TITLE: SPECIAL ASSISTANT FOR EMERGENCY PLANNING, DMVA

JOB CODE: 76175

DEFINITION: This is responsible and specialized administrative work in emergency management planning, development, and coordination in the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA).

The employee in this job collaborates with state and military organizations to develop, prepare for, and implement integrated and synchronized contingency plans for domestic emergencies, natural disasters, terrorism, and other catastrophes throughout the Commonwealth. Work involves providing military technical expertise on emergency resource planning and mission execution of the Pennsylvania National Guard (PANG) to the Adjutant General and other emergency response agency senior management staff; advising agency heads on available military and state assets and resources; creating and implementing policies as they relate to changes in emergency response programs; coordinating contingency plan exercises and simulations with participating agencies; and recommending improvements to address deficiencies in emergency preparedness plans and resources. Work also includes managing the preparation and maintenance of joint contingency plans for homeland defense and critical infrastructure protection, including emergency communications structuring, intelligence evaluation, and the physical security of military forces, facilities, infrastructure, and equipment. Work is performed with significant independence under the general direction of the Director, Joint Staff, who reviews work through conferences and the overall effectiveness of plans and their execution.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Develops, organizes, and coordinates the execution of joint emergency response plans with the National Guard Bureau (NGB), Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), the Pennsylvania National Guard’s Military Support to Civil Authorities (MSCA) Directorate, department staff, and other emergency response officials.

• Provides subject matter expertise on emergency programs involving military support of the PANG and partners and coordinates with the Joint Task Force and Director, Joint Staff, NGB, PEMA, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Department of Transportation for state and federal emergencies.

• Consults with and advises the Adjutant General, the Director, Joint Staff, and the Directors of PEMA, NGB, and MSCA regarding the status of emergency preparedness plans, emergency resource capabilities, and organizational readiness of the Joint Task Force and the PANG.

• Collaborates with NGB, PEMA, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in coordinating disaster response and crisis management activities that involve military units, including those from other states and at the federal level.

• Plans, evaluates, and reviews military resource requirements and availability of assets relative to emergencies and planned events.

• Forecasts post-disaster situations and the required actions, resources, and communications required to ensure vital public services remain intact.

• Coordinates with state and federal partners for ongoing testing, training, and exercising of emergency plans and programs and performs after action reviews to determine deficiencies and make adjustments.

• Acts as training and emergency planning liaison between PEMA and the PANG.

• Interprets and advises on emergency preparedness and response laws, regulations, and policies for the Adjutant General and other officials and reviews existing emergency plans to ensure conformance with federal and state laws and regulations.

• Operates motor vehicles.

• 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.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of emergency management and operations.

• Knowledge of the principles, processes, and techniques of emergency response planning and preparedness.

• Knowledge of emergency response laws, regulations, procedures, and activities.

• Knowledge of federal and state emergency management agencies and their programs, policies, and roles in emergency planning and response.

• Knowledge of military units and their capabilities.

• Knowledge of natural disasters, terrorism, domestic emergencies, weapons of mass destruction, and their consequences.

• Knowledge of the armed forces operations and organizational structure.

• Knowledge of methods of emergency communications.

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Office Suite software.

• Ability to evaluate and make improvements to emergency plans, programs, and operational execution.

• Ability to interpret information to plan and execute organizational actions and the use of available resources in emergency response situations.

• Ability to analyze, interpret, and apply laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.

• Ability to operate motor vehicles.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• Five years of professional experience in developing emergency response plans or related programs in any branch of the military, and a bachelor’s degree;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes five years of professional experience in developing emergency response plans or related programs in any branch of the military.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• This position requires possession of an active motor vehicle license.

• The employee in this job must obtain a Common Access Card (CAC) as issued by the federal Department of Defense within six months of hire and maintain it for the duration of employment in this job.