Emergency Management Director
Bannock County, Pocatello, ID, United States
Reports to Board of County Commissioners.
Location: Bannock County, Idaho.
Job Type: Full‑Time, Exempt.
About Bannock County Bannock County serves more than 90,000 residents and is anchored by Pocatello, a regional hub with a strong industrial base, a major university, and diverse risk environments that include wildfire corridors, seismic activity, hazardous materials infrastructure, and severe weather. The Office of Emergency Management plays a vital role in protecting this community by coordinating preparedness, response, and recovery across local, state, federal, and private‑sector partners.
Why This Role Matters Bannock County is at an inflection point. Increasing risk complexity, growing interagency coordination demands, and heightened expectations for readiness require a proactive, modern emergency management program. The next Emergency Management Director will strengthen the county’s preparedness, improve response coordination, and build long‑term resilience. This director‑level position provides direct access to elected leadership and serves as the county’s principal advisor on emergency management and the Commissioners’ Authorized Representative to regional, state, and federal partners.
Position Summary The Emergency Management Director leads and administers Bannock County’s comprehensive emergency management program. Responsibilities include all‑hazard planning, Emergency Operations Center (EOC) coordination, hazard mitigation, grant administration, training and exercises, and disaster recovery. The Director’s county‑wide influence shapes emergency preparedness strategy, policy direction, and resource prioritization. Collaboration occurs with elected officials, department leaders, first responders, and regional partners to ensure coordinated, effective emergency management across the county.
What Success Looks Like
Builds strong, trusted relationships across agencies, jurisdictions, and community partners
Strengthens coordination and communication during emergencies
Leads the program in proactive planning and mitigation
Brings structure and clarity to complex, multi‑agency situations
Communicates effectively with both leadership and the public under pressure
Positions the county to successfully secure and manage state and federal funding
Key Responsibilities Planning & Preparedness
Develop, maintain, and update all‑hazard emergency plans across mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery
Lead Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA) processes and integrate findings into strategic planning
Update and implement the County’s Emergency Operation Plan, Continuity of Operation Plans, and other disaster plans, forms, and community resources
Identify and implement best practices adapted to local conditions
Emergency Operations
Manage and staff the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during activations and exercises
Serve as the county’s central coordination point for emergency management activities
Analyze incidents, determine appropriate actions, and communicate clearly under pressure
Respond to emergency activations and sustain operations during extended incidents
Grants, Budget & Program Management
Identify, secure, and manage Homeland Security and related grant funding
Oversee full lifecycle compliance and reporting requirements
Develop and manage departmental budgets and funding strategies
Provide guidance to sub‑recipients and partner agencies
Training, Exercises & Public Engagement
Design and implement inter‑agency and community response and preparedness training programs and exercises that meet state and federal standards
Lead community preparedness initiatives and outreach efforts
Develop After Action Reports (AARs) and improvement plans
Present information to elected officials, partner agencies, and the public
Partnerships & Leadership
Build and maintain relationships with local governments, first responders, private industry, and community organizations
Lead multi‑jurisdictional coordination efforts and facilitate complex discussions
Chair the Bannock County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC)
Provide regular updates and strategic guidance to the Board of County Commissioners
Compliance & Administration
Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local requirements
Maintain accurate records, reports, and documentation
Oversee implementation of Department of Homeland Security programs
Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Knowledge
Emergency management principles, planning frameworks, and operational procedures
FEMA programs, NIMS, and Incident Command System (ICS)
Federal and state laws related to emergency management and homeland security
Hazard mitigation planning and risk assessment processes
Technical Skills
EOC operations and coordination
Emergency planning and program development
Grant writing and administration
Familiarity with tools such as WebEOC, GIS platforms, FEMA Grants Portal, and IPAWS
Leadership & Interpersonal Abilities
Ability to build trust and collaborate across diverse stakeholders
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Sound judgment and decision‑making under pressure
Ability to lead through complexity and manage competing priorities
Minimum Qualifications
Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in emergency management, public safety, public administration, or a closely related field
Three (3) years of demonstrated leadership, program management, or coordination responsibility
Completion of required NIMS/ICS training (ICS‑100, 200, 300, 400, IS‑700, IS‑800)
Valid driver’s license (or ability to obtain prior to start date)
Ability to respond to emergency activations, including evenings, weekends, and extended operational periods as needed
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Emergency Management, Public Administration, Homeland Security, or related field
Seven (7) or more years of relevant experience, and 5 years of leadership experience
Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) certification or progress toward certification
FEMA Advanced Professional Series (APS) certificate
Experience with Homeland Security and Idaho Office of Emergency Management grant programs, compliance, and systems
Operational experience using NIMS/ICS, WebEOC, GIS, IPAWS, and FEMA systems in real‑world incidents
Military emergency management, public safety, or civil affairs experience
Compensation & Benefits Salary Range: $66,955.20 annually (Exceptional placement starting salary may be adjusted for highly qualified candidates). Grade Classification / Status: 15S / Exempt, Full‑time.
Bannock County offers a competitive benefits package, including:
PERSI retirement (defined benefit pension), with optional 401(k) and 457(b) plans
Medical, dental, and vision insurance with optional Flex Spending Account (FSA)
Employer‑paid life and disability insurance
Generous paid leave and 11 paid holidays
Supplemental plans available for life, accident, cancer, disability, critical illness, dental, or hospital coverage
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer
Professional development support, including CEM and FEMA training
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Work Environment This position is primarily office‑based with regular travel throughout the county and region to facilitate training and provide field response as may be required. During emergencies, work is performed in the Emergency Operations Center and may require extended hours in a fast‑paced, high‑pressure environment.
Equal Opportunity Statement Bannock County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Veterans' preference is applied in accordance with Idaho Code.
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Location: Bannock County, Idaho.
Job Type: Full‑Time, Exempt.
About Bannock County Bannock County serves more than 90,000 residents and is anchored by Pocatello, a regional hub with a strong industrial base, a major university, and diverse risk environments that include wildfire corridors, seismic activity, hazardous materials infrastructure, and severe weather. The Office of Emergency Management plays a vital role in protecting this community by coordinating preparedness, response, and recovery across local, state, federal, and private‑sector partners.
Why This Role Matters Bannock County is at an inflection point. Increasing risk complexity, growing interagency coordination demands, and heightened expectations for readiness require a proactive, modern emergency management program. The next Emergency Management Director will strengthen the county’s preparedness, improve response coordination, and build long‑term resilience. This director‑level position provides direct access to elected leadership and serves as the county’s principal advisor on emergency management and the Commissioners’ Authorized Representative to regional, state, and federal partners.
Position Summary The Emergency Management Director leads and administers Bannock County’s comprehensive emergency management program. Responsibilities include all‑hazard planning, Emergency Operations Center (EOC) coordination, hazard mitigation, grant administration, training and exercises, and disaster recovery. The Director’s county‑wide influence shapes emergency preparedness strategy, policy direction, and resource prioritization. Collaboration occurs with elected officials, department leaders, first responders, and regional partners to ensure coordinated, effective emergency management across the county.
What Success Looks Like
Builds strong, trusted relationships across agencies, jurisdictions, and community partners
Strengthens coordination and communication during emergencies
Leads the program in proactive planning and mitigation
Brings structure and clarity to complex, multi‑agency situations
Communicates effectively with both leadership and the public under pressure
Positions the county to successfully secure and manage state and federal funding
Key Responsibilities Planning & Preparedness
Develop, maintain, and update all‑hazard emergency plans across mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery
Lead Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA) processes and integrate findings into strategic planning
Update and implement the County’s Emergency Operation Plan, Continuity of Operation Plans, and other disaster plans, forms, and community resources
Identify and implement best practices adapted to local conditions
Emergency Operations
Manage and staff the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during activations and exercises
Serve as the county’s central coordination point for emergency management activities
Analyze incidents, determine appropriate actions, and communicate clearly under pressure
Respond to emergency activations and sustain operations during extended incidents
Grants, Budget & Program Management
Identify, secure, and manage Homeland Security and related grant funding
Oversee full lifecycle compliance and reporting requirements
Develop and manage departmental budgets and funding strategies
Provide guidance to sub‑recipients and partner agencies
Training, Exercises & Public Engagement
Design and implement inter‑agency and community response and preparedness training programs and exercises that meet state and federal standards
Lead community preparedness initiatives and outreach efforts
Develop After Action Reports (AARs) and improvement plans
Present information to elected officials, partner agencies, and the public
Partnerships & Leadership
Build and maintain relationships with local governments, first responders, private industry, and community organizations
Lead multi‑jurisdictional coordination efforts and facilitate complex discussions
Chair the Bannock County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC)
Provide regular updates and strategic guidance to the Board of County Commissioners
Compliance & Administration
Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local requirements
Maintain accurate records, reports, and documentation
Oversee implementation of Department of Homeland Security programs
Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Knowledge
Emergency management principles, planning frameworks, and operational procedures
FEMA programs, NIMS, and Incident Command System (ICS)
Federal and state laws related to emergency management and homeland security
Hazard mitigation planning and risk assessment processes
Technical Skills
EOC operations and coordination
Emergency planning and program development
Grant writing and administration
Familiarity with tools such as WebEOC, GIS platforms, FEMA Grants Portal, and IPAWS
Leadership & Interpersonal Abilities
Ability to build trust and collaborate across diverse stakeholders
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Sound judgment and decision‑making under pressure
Ability to lead through complexity and manage competing priorities
Minimum Qualifications
Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in emergency management, public safety, public administration, or a closely related field
Three (3) years of demonstrated leadership, program management, or coordination responsibility
Completion of required NIMS/ICS training (ICS‑100, 200, 300, 400, IS‑700, IS‑800)
Valid driver’s license (or ability to obtain prior to start date)
Ability to respond to emergency activations, including evenings, weekends, and extended operational periods as needed
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Emergency Management, Public Administration, Homeland Security, or related field
Seven (7) or more years of relevant experience, and 5 years of leadership experience
Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) certification or progress toward certification
FEMA Advanced Professional Series (APS) certificate
Experience with Homeland Security and Idaho Office of Emergency Management grant programs, compliance, and systems
Operational experience using NIMS/ICS, WebEOC, GIS, IPAWS, and FEMA systems in real‑world incidents
Military emergency management, public safety, or civil affairs experience
Compensation & Benefits Salary Range: $66,955.20 annually (Exceptional placement starting salary may be adjusted for highly qualified candidates). Grade Classification / Status: 15S / Exempt, Full‑time.
Bannock County offers a competitive benefits package, including:
PERSI retirement (defined benefit pension), with optional 401(k) and 457(b) plans
Medical, dental, and vision insurance with optional Flex Spending Account (FSA)
Employer‑paid life and disability insurance
Generous paid leave and 11 paid holidays
Supplemental plans available for life, accident, cancer, disability, critical illness, dental, or hospital coverage
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer
Professional development support, including CEM and FEMA training
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Work Environment This position is primarily office‑based with regular travel throughout the county and region to facilitate training and provide field response as may be required. During emergencies, work is performed in the Emergency Operations Center and may require extended hours in a fast‑paced, high‑pressure environment.
Equal Opportunity Statement Bannock County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Veterans' preference is applied in accordance with Idaho Code.
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