Emergency Management Watch Officer

THE POSITION

Do you thrive under pressure and take pride in your ability to transform chaos into clarity? The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) is seeking a self driven professional who enjoys being on the leading edge of emergency incidents and disasters and harbors a passion to serve the public, provide exceptional customer service, and complete quality analytical projects. If you have the experience, knowledge, and skills necessary to calmly assess an emergency, analyze possible actions, and provide support and guidance to county and local responders, this may be the position for you. Apply today to travel a career path where every minute counts and your analysis directly informs high-stakes decision-making across the Commonwealth!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

As an Emergency Management Watch Officer, you will provide critical emergency information by collecting, coordinating, and prioritizing time-sensitive data in order to notify appropriate parties of necessary information to determine appropriate action including response and recovery resources. You will work closely with municipal, county, and governmental entities, as well as open sources, media, and non-government organizations to continuously improve the quality of operations to benefit the customers and citizens.

Assisting in the implementation of agency strategic initiatives requires effective communication skills and the ability to perform effective response and recovery, situational awareness, and resource support and planning. Critical decision-making through the collection and analyzation of information is imperative to ensure actions are coordinated appropriately and that all necessary persons are alerted accordingly. Within this role, you will have the opportunity to participate in improving work processes, recommending equipment updates, and preparing for disasters through various exercises and drills. You will also gain valuable experience and training in the duties and performance of other roles through participating in Response Center activation exercises.

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with a 30-minute lunch. Work schedule will vary and consist of three 12.5 hour days per week.
• In the event of an emergency/disaster situation or training exercise, this position may be required to travel and work outside of the normal work hours, including weekends and overnights.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $59,345.00 (before taxes).
• Free and secure on-site parking.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Three years of emergency coordination experience within the operation of a large municipal, county, statewide or national emergency center; and an associate degree in emergency management or other closely related field; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training.

Other Requirements:

• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during intervi