Operations Officer - 31001093

Operations Officer - 31001093

The Florida Division of Emergency Management plans for and responds to both natural and man-made disasters. These range from floods and hurricanes to incidents involving hazardous materials or nuclear power. The Division of Emergency Management (FDEM or Division) is the liaison between federal, state, and local agencies. FDEM prepares and implements a statewide Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan, routinely conducts extensive exercises to test state and county emergency response capabilities, provides technical assistance to local governments as they prepare emergency plans and procedures, as well as conducts emergency operations trainings for state and local government agencies.

The Division serves as the lead agency for the State Emergency Response Team (SERT), whose primary goal is the coordination of the state's efforts during disaster response and recovery. This coordination is conducted within the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) in Tallahassee. Additionally, the Division manages the State Watch Office; the 24-hours a day operation tasked with providing situational awareness to stakeholders statewide. After a disaster, FDEM conducts damage assessment surveys and advises the Governor of the state of Florida on whether to declare an emergency and seek federal relief funds. It is against this backdrop that FDEM strives to demonstrate its mission of, "Coordinate, collaborate and communicate with our community stakeholders for a resilient Florida" along with our vision of, "Leading the Profession in building prepared and resilient communities".

Position Overview and Responsibilities: The incumbent serves as the State Watch Office Operations Officer within the Operations Section. This full-time, 40 hours a week, position monitors incidents, emergencies, and events within the State of Florida that could require a State response and ensures the operational readiness of the State Emergency Operations Center. This position is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and disseminating information with local, county, state, and federal partners to aid in their response roles.

The duties and responsibilities for the position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Maintains awareness of all natural, technological, and man-made hazards that are impacting or have the potential to impact the State of Florida through the use of data feeds, news broadcasts, social media, and direct reports received by government officials and private citizens.
• Collects and categorizes information from external customers using provided questions and standard operating procedures in a timely and professional manner.
• Documents incident information in computer-based applications, generates reports, and provides warning and notification to Local and State officials.
• Communicates incident information and emergency response actions to local, state, and federal officials using established systems, including telephone, facsimile, interoperable radio, the National Warning System (NAWAS), Satellite phones, Hot Ringdown Telephones and other converged voice and data networks.
• Conducts tests of Watch Office communications systems and related equipment on a regular basis to ensure operational readiness.
• Assists with administrative and operational matters as necessary to support 24-hour situational awareness, warning operations, and the State Emergency Operations Center.
• Assists with planning initiatives related to the Operations Section, establishment of policies and procedures related to the State Watch Office (SWO), State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC), and Division of Emergency Management programs.
• Assists with updates to all Standard Operating Procedures, guides and job aids related to the State Watch Office.
• Participates in SEOC activations and performs all duties as assigned by the Operations Chief.
• Attends conferences, training, meetings, etc. as required. Performs travel and other related work as required.
• Incumbent must be able to deploy for extended periods with little to no advance notice anywhere in Florida or the United States, work nontraditional hours including weekends and holidays, and perform other duties as required. Travel requirements in support of emergency operations may be extensive in nature (e.g., weeks).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities of the State Watch Office Operations Officer are:

• Basic knowledge of Emergency Management at the local and state level, and/or public safety response functions at the local level.
• Knowledge of Public Safety Communications
• Basic knowledge of Incident Command System principles
• Skill in collecting, reviewing, and summarizing information with computer software
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing • Ability to operate a personal computer, the Microsoft Office suite, and conduct internet research.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and perform effectively under stressful conditions for extended periods of time • Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team
• Ability to work various shifts on a rotating schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays
• Ability to travel and/or work in a field environment during disaster conditions when necessary

Minimum Qualifications: Ability to lift 50 pounds without assistance. Possess a current/valid Driver's License.