Emergency Management Manager-MERC Director

Job Description:

Emergency Management Manager-MERC Director

Description

The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has responsibility for coordinating all hazard disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation operations across Missouri. SEMA operates the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) and provides training, grants, and planning support to strengthen Missouri’s resilience against natural and human-caused disasters. SEMA’s mission is to help our fellow Missourians prepare for, respond to, and recover from all emergencies. Each step will be guided by our core values of respect, integrity, trust, honesty and compassion.

This position serves as the executive director of the Missouri Emergency Response Commission (MERC), which is responsible for working with local communities to protect public health and the environment by assisting with chemical incident prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery.

This position is responsible for the daily operation of the MERC which involves administrative and managerial work directing, planning, developing, analyzing, and coordinating programs and services for the Department of Public Safety related to statutorily required activities of Chapter 292 RSMo. The MERC is designated as a component of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).

Extensive knowledge of emergency management, federal and state laws covering hazardous materials, Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA) is preferred. The executive director will work closely with MERC, SEMA, and DPS Staff, local, state, and federal agencies including law enforcement, fire departments, industrial and commercial users, and others involved with hazardous materials handling and regulations. The executive director reviews emergency plans and makes recommendations.

Job Description:

• Directs and assists with management aspects of policy development, state rules revisions, MERC program planning and coordination.
  
  
• Works closely with commission membership regarding hazardous materials required registrations of those handling such, including fee collection and disbursement.
  
  
• Develops and promotes hazardous materials handling safety plans, emergency preparedness, and educational and informational programs.
  
  
• Selects, trains, and evaluates staff.
  
  
• Participates and coordinates in conferences, training sessions and meetings.
  
  
• Manages operational budgets, develops funding requests, and monitors expenditures.
  
  
• Represents and serves as a liaison for the MERC program.
  
  
• Interacts with federal, state, and local emergency planning districts and committees.
  
  
• Administers contracts, grants and cooperative agreements with local government and community organizations.
  
  
• Exercises considerable initiative and judgement in planning and carrying out assignments.
  
  
• Performs other related work assignments and travel.
  
  
• Coordinates Hazardous Materials Training across Missouri to better prepare First Responders.
  
  
• Ensure compliance with Federal and State Laws relating to MERC functions.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Candidates must possess a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in public safety, emergency management, fire safety, or a closely related field in addition to previous senior-level experience. Demonstrated competence or background in hazardous materials and regulatory practices is preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in public safety, emergency management, or related field is preferred. Master’s degree is a plus.
• Must be able to pass an extensive background investigation.

Lack of post-secondary education will not be used as the sole basis denying consideration to any applicant.

Knowledge, Skill & Abilities:

• Comprehensive knowledge of public safety, emergency management, law enforcement, and fire service initiatives.
• Comprehensive knowledge of assignment public safety programs and services.
• Comprehensive knowledge of managerial techniques and administrative practices
• Experience developing budgets, fiscal management, grants, and contract management
• Ability to research, analyze, and evaluate technological innovations and formulate recommendations
• Ability to formulate, review, and interpret statutes, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures
• Ability to testify as a expert witness
• Ability to develop, implement, and administer programs in support of the MERC’s mission
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with department officials, legislators, staff, and local community members
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Ability to provide leadership and supervision of staff
• Ability to effectively manage people
• Ability to develop strategic plans to meet established goals

If you have questions about this position, please contact: DPS.HumanResources@dps.mo.gov

The Missouri Department of Public Safety is an equal opportunity employer. Those with limited English proficiency or who need auxiliary aids or other services, can contact DPS.Human.Resources@dps.mo.gov. For Relay Missouri, please dial 711. For TTY/TDD, please dial.800-735-2966

Salary:

$91,482.59 per Year