Community Engagement Specialist (Emergency Mgmt Specialist I)

Job Announcement

The Fairfax County Department of Emergency Management (DEMS) is dedicated to preparing for, responding to, recovering from, and mitigating emergencies and disasters affecting the Fairfax County community. This department plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and resilience of residents, businesses, and visitors through a comprehensive approach to emergency management.

This position coordinates and drives disaster preparedness initiatives to strengthen community resilience through proactive outreach, volunteer management, and strategic communications. Plays a vital role in educating and engaging partners at all levels of government, community leaders, nonprofits, businesses, hard-to-reach populations, and faith-based organizations on disaster preparedness. Participates in various local, regional, and state committees to enhance collaboration and communication between communities and emergency management agencies.

Also is responsible for content creation, including writing articles, developing social media content, and preparing educational materials tailored to specific community needs to enhance awareness and engagement in emergency preparedness. Manages the Emergency Management Volunteer Corps, including recruiting, onboarding, training, and supporting volunteers that support the agency in emergency preparedness activities throughout the community. Also collaborates on volunteer training programs and provide ongoing support to ensure readiness for the county’s Volunteer Emergency Team (VET) who assist during significant or planned events.

As many of the community preparedness events are conducted after hours or on the weekends, the work schedule will be flexed as needed. This position in will be required to work in the Emergency Operation Center (EOC) during activations that may require 12 hour or longer shifts which may include evenings, weekends, and holidays. Maybe required to report to work regardless of the emergency situation. 

Illustrative Duties

(The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list. A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position description.)

Perform ICS position specific or ESF function roles in day-to-day operations or during EOC activations;

May prepare and present speeches to civic and community organizations to promote emergency preparedness;

Collect and disseminate emergency information through coordination activities with senior emergency management staff;

May serve as an alternate or backup for OEM on assigned local, regional and state committees;

Monitor a variety of technology and communications equipment housed in the agency

Prepares routine finding reports;

Provides assistance to other staff as needed.

Employment Standards

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:   

Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following:(Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for "Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to")
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in business administration, public safety, emergency management or related fields.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:   

• Public Speaking Experience
• Familiarity with Volunteer Organizations
• Facilitator Experience

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED: 

• Driver's License (Required)
• Incident Command System (ICS) 100 (Required within 12 months)
• Incident Command System (ICS) 200 (Required within 12 months)
• Incident Command System (ICS) 700a (Required within 12 months)
• Incident Command System (ICS) 800 (Required within 12 months)
• Incident Command System (ICS) 300 (Required within 18 months)
• Incident Command System (ICS) 400 (Required within 18 months)
• FEMA IS-230.D: Fundamentals of Emergency Management (Required within 12 months)
• FEMA IS-235.B: Emergency Planning (Required within 12 months)

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to the position will be required to complete a criminal background check, child protective services registry check and driving record check to the satisfaction of the employer.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to climb ladders and stoop. Ability to lift 50 pounds to 80 pounds with assistance. Dexterity to operate personal computer. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview and may include exercise.
 
The population of Fairfax County is very diverse where 38.7% of residents speak a language other than English at home (Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and others) and we encourage candidates bilingual in English and a foreign language to apply to this opportunity.
 
Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.
 
Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314.DHREmployment@fairfaxcounty.gov EEO/AA/TTY.