Join Montana Disaster and Emergency Services as a Response Bureau Chief!

The primary purpose of the Response Bureau is to coordinate statewide disaster response. This position oversees the State Emergency Coordination Center and ensures staff are trained to manage complex incidents. This includes ensuring systems are in place to collect and disseminate information to maintain situational awareness during disasters. This position oversees a 24/7 duty officer program intended to provide timely assistance to local entities when requested. This position closely coordinates with state agencies to integrate response plans and expectations during times of crisis. This position oversees the state disaster warehouse and associated program development. As the Response Bureau Chief, this position also directly supervises six district field officers who serve as technical resources for local emergency management programs before, during, and after disasters.

This position advises the Division Administrator on laws, regulations, and policy to ensure the organization operates in compliance with state and federal guidance. This position manages the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) as well as state-coordinated mutual aid requests and program development. The bureau coordinates with all levels of government, non-profits, and volunteer organizations to efficiently assist the citizens of Montana prepare for and respond to disasters. This position assists in developing and delivering guidance and training for state and local officials on the response program.

This position works with Federal counterparts to ensure that the state response activities and resource shortages are communicated to federal agencies as appropriate.

Duties involve:

• Coordinate statewide disaster response
• Oversee and manage the State Emergency Coordination Center to include systems used for situational awareness
• Manage mutual aid requests and financial reimbursements
• Manage the long-term strategy for the disaster warehouse and associated inventory
• Maintain a consistent, well-trained staff to support the needs of the SECC
• Provide training and technical assistance to local emergency management programs before, during, and after a disaster
• Supervision: Budgeting, staff supervision, performance evaluations

Must be able to demonstrate ability to work with and engage in diverse working environments within and outside the department.

State of Montana employment may qualify for student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

Education/Experience: Bachelor’s degree in emergency management, education, behavioral/social/clinical science, or communications, business, or related field AND five years of job-related experience. Direct experience in emergency management is required. Experience working with local, state, and federal disaster response preferred. Experience supervising others and managing teams is preferred.

Other equivalent combinations of directly related education and experience may be considered.

Special Requirements: pre-employment background and driving record checks are required; successful checks are a condition of employment.