Operations Section Chief

Operations Section Chief

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) leads Indiana's emergency planning and operations, first responder training, and fire and building safety. The Indiana State Fire Marshal leads the Division of Fire and Building Safety (within IDHS), which oversees the enforcement of building codes and includes a fire investigations unit. The agency certifies and trains thousands of first responders and also hosts state-level exercises each year. IDHS also supports the state Emergency Operations Center (EOC), which leads response and coordination efforts for large-magnitude incidents.

Role Overview

This position is the Operations Section Chief for the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC). In this capacity the Operations Section Chief is responsible for the management of all emergency support function personnel and coordination/liaison of all field response operations, specialty team deployments, and to coordinate the deployment of local response resources as state assets in accordance with the Mobile Support Unit (MSU) law, for emergencies, disasters and any other related activities including special field operations. This position is key to the success of any large-scale disaster operations and will support coordination of all field operations. The Operations Section Chief also assists in planning and executing SEOC participation in federal, state, and local exercises. Additionally, this position is responsible for assisting in the coordination of the Incident Management Assistance Teams(s), the training of state partner agencies, and district/county response personnel on state response plans, logistics plans, points of distribution (POD) plans, and other plans or procedures developed and implemented through the SEOC. The Operations Section Chief may deploy to the field as necessary to serve as a focal point for gathering information on hazard impacts, effects of loss and identifying immediate needs.

Salary Statement: The salary for this position traditionally starts at $53,222.00, but may be commensurate with education or work experience.

A Day in the Life

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Coordinate work of lower-level workers and assists in complex or unusual situations.
• Establish and maintain positive relationships with local, state, and federal stakeholders
• Develop comprehensive emergency tactical and operational plans, statewide analyses, and evaluations.
• Coordinate with local, state, and federal partners to ensure consistency, feasibility, flexibility, and interoperability of all operational or tactical plans.
• Coordinate with the timetable and execution of tabletop, functional and full-scale exercises for the emergency plans.
• Provide guidance to political sub-divisions of the state to enable each jurisdiction to develop area plans.
• Coordinate, promote and manage training programs.
• Assist local, state, and federal partners in developing and conducting training exercises at the state and regional level.
• May be required to travel to scheduled exercise sites to act as facilitator, controller, or evaluator.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time.

What You'll Need for Success

You must meet the following requirement to be considered for employment:

• No degree is required to fill this position.
• Basic knowledge of emergency management and procedures.
• Basic knowledge of emergency disaster, emergency cause and effect and procedures and methodology to minimize adverse effects.
• Ability to use the techniques of fact-finding and analysis to interpret information and trends concerning the operational environment.
• Ability to explain the current situation and secure cooperation between local, state, and federal government and private executives.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing and through structured media.
• Ability to develop feasible techniques and methods to achieve operational solutions.
• Ability to comprehend and interpret federal and state laws, guidelines, and regulations relative to disaster operations.
• Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports

This role may provide direct supervision for one or more staff members.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
• 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
• Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Group life insurance
• Referral Bonus program
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free Parking for most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.