Emergency Manager at Hampton Roads Transit

The incumbent serves as the Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) preparedness program manager and advisor to HRT Senior Executives regarding short-and-long-range emergency preparedness, alerts and warnings, continuity, contingency, preparedness-related communications, and preparedness planning efforts. 

The work requires knowledge of emergency management and related directives, policies, regulations, procedures, and methods; and the collaboration and fostering of relationships between federal, state, local, nongovernmental organizations, and the private sector, and their preparedness mechanisms, structures, and authorities.

This position is responsible for emergency preparedness plan development and execution, as well as program initiatives, performing assessments and analyses, creating training curriculum, conducting, or coordinating training courses, managing emergency preparedness exercises, and creating program reviews and after-action reports for actual or simulated emergency conditions.

This position will support HRT with implementation and management of the emergency operations plan(s), continuity of operations plan, and threat and hazard identification and risk assessment programs.  This position will lead HRT representatives for emergency preparedness capability development and maintenance, and directly supervises the HRT Preparedness Specialist.

Additionally, this position will be involved in public safety efforts internal and external to HRT, which requires this position to coordinate and/or liaise with local authorities or other partners.  This position may operate under emergency conditions and hours may vary depending on the situation.

Essential Job Functions:

(Duties listed are not intended to be all inclusive nor to limit duties that might reasonably be assigned.)

• Works collaboratively with various HRT departments to develop, review and maintain a variety of emergency plans.
• Ensures emergency plans work in concert with operational rules and protocols as well as those of local municipalities or other authority.
• Maintains and updates the continuity of operations plan (COOP), occupant emergency plan (OEP) and comprehensive preparedness plans.
• Ensures the HRT Security and Emergency Preparedness Plan (SEPP) is in compliance with federal, state and local guidelines.
• Acts as the primary custodian of emergency preparedness plan documents, guaranteeing document control and distributing final plans to appropriate personnel.
• Leads a collaborative process that develops, conducts, and evaluates comprehensive all-hazards emergency preparedness and continuity of operations (COOP) exercises in concert with the doctrine of the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) framework and principles.
• Evaluates emergency events from an operational perspective, in potentially high-pressure situations and advises and responds in a manner that assures appropriate communications and coordination.
• Coordinates with counterparts, and personnel at all levels of the organization as well as community partners to identify common priorities, objectives, and activities. Handles difficult assignments of significant scope, serving as an expert in the promulgation of preparedness guidelines, policies, plans, and procedures for effective HRT program implementation.
• Prepares and edits a variety of reports, information and briefings for HRT and oversight agencies, officials, and partners; including the compiling, reconciling, and correlating of data from a variety of sources to include careful cross-checking and analysis of complex information.
• Leads team efforts to plan, coordinate, conduct and evaluate training and/or exercises in accordance with current doctrine.
• Schedules, coordinates and/or conducts training to ensure HRT staff is aware and informed on emergency response protocols, emergency procedures and personal security plans.
• Creates after action reports for real or simulated incidents, drills, or emergencies as well as the development, tracking and resolution of corrective actions relevant to improving emergency practices (prevention, preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation).
• Writes, submits and/or contributes to emergency management reports and materials, such as board or special reports, regulatory/gap analysis, annual reports, presentations, alerts, etc.
• Research and build HRT programs around relevant public safety, health, and emergency topics as well as current events as requested.
• Communicates effectively both orally and in writing, especially during presentations, meetings and during routine or emergency events.
• Provides direct supervision to and oversight of the tasks and responsibilities of the Preparedness Specialist.
• Conducts policy and regulatory analysis.
• Serves as a subject matter expert for preparedness related grant writing and support, advising senior level management and other HRT personnel on issues regarding emergency preparedness and planning. Works with state and local officials, as well as FEMA Region 3 on grant related topics
• Develops a yearly report of outcomes for the calendar year to include exercise type and core capabilities validated.
• Compiles and tracks to completion Corrective Action Plan (CAP) elements for state oversight along with Internal Corrective Action Plan (ICAP) elements for internal progress.
• Produces a multi-year integrated training and exercise plan for approval by HRT executives.
• Must be willing to work various shifts, hours and days.
• Manages records created and received in compliance with the Hampton Roads Transit Records Management Policies and Procedures.
• Performs all related job functions in accordance with HRT’s Environmental Policy, relevant Security Procedures, and all HRT Policies.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Abilities and Skills essential to Job Functions:

• Extensive knowledge of emergency management and related directives, policies, regulations, procedures, methods, and laws. Standards and guidance include and are not limited to Presidential Policy Directives, Homeland Security Presidential Directives, National Preparedness System, and the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program.
• Knowledge of organizational planning, program management, budget management, basic acquisitions, adult learning theory, organizational leadership and public speaking.
• Ability to provide expert technical direction and guidance to the agency concerning preparedness requirements related to mission-oriented procedures.
• Expert in planning, coordinating, controlling, and evaluating all types and scales of all-hazards exercises using HSEEP.
• The ability to rapidly attain knowledge of HRT rules, regulation and procedures and overall operations.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of Emergency Management concepts and ability to apply them to the public transportation environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently on a wide variety of complex program and management assignments under pressure and within imposed deadlines or controls.
• Ability to exercise high degree of independent judgement and to discreetly handle confidential and/or sensitive matters.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain rapport with individuals and organizations internal and external to HRT.
• Strong and effective communication and team building skills, evidenced by the ability to work independently, organize, structure, frame ideas, issues, and strategies in a clear, focused and persuasive manner and to work effectively across organizational lines or hierarchies.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise, train and evaluate programs and personnel in relation to drills, exercises, or other emergency preparedness agendas.
• Ability to productively liaise with multi-disciplinary and multi-agency groups, ability to work in an environment where changing priorities as well as emergency conditions are the norm and demonstrated skills in managing multiple tasks.
• Skill in written and oral communications with counterparts, management personnel and senior executives to encourage understanding and acceptance of findings and recommendations.

Required Software Knowledge and Skills essential to Job Functions:

Proficiency in using computer systems and the listed software applications associated with performance of assigned work is essential. Basic problem-solving skills associated with software applications used is expected. Software usage relevant to job duties will be evaluated.

Software Applications:

Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint).  

Safety Responsibility:

Perform all job duties and responsibilities in a safe manner to protect oneself, fellow employees, and the public from injury or harm. Promote safety awareness and follow safety procedures and policies. Take an active part in reporting unsafe conditions and any hazards within the workplace to their Supervisor, Manager and/or the Safety Department.

Training and/or Education:

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university or equivalent work experience (4 years) in Emergency Management, Homeland Security, or related area preferred.

Required Experience:

Five (5) years of applied emergency management experience. Knowledge of principles and practices of emergency management and emergency preparedness. Knowledge of threats, risks, and hazards across a complex and dynamic operation.  Knowledge of continuity planning and the National Incident Management System. Knowledge of federal and state emergency management requirements and best practices.

Licenses or Certificates

• Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) or Associate Emergency Manger (AEM) from IAEM preferred
• Certified Continuity Planner from either DRII or FEMA preferred
• Master Exercise Practitioner (MEP) preferred
• Possess a valid Driver's License. Acquire a Virginia Driver's License within 60 days after the date of hire (in instances when an out of state license is not the applicant's current state of residence)

Special Requirements:

• This position is classified as essential personnel.
• Must be able to pass federal government background screening for local military installation access.

FLSA Status:

Exempt

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Employees in this position may be expected to perform physically during emergency incidents and are expected to have no physical weakness or abnormality that would adversely impact their performance of assigned functions.

Unusual Demands:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Work is performed inside and outside of HRT properties or assets and may include exposure to inclement weather and unpredictable crisis situations.  Shift work is required and is subject to change per Management discretion.  Work involves meeting multiple demands on a timely basis. Duties may require working weekends and Holidays.