Emergency Management Specialist

The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency is seeking an Emergency Management Specialist in Dauphin County to support the Radiological Emergency Preparedness (REP) Program. This is an opportunity to join an experienced, collaborative team within a long-standing, well-established program built on strong federal partnerships and a clear public safety mission. In this role, you will contribute directly to protecting communities across the Commonwealth through hands-on involvement in federally evaluated REP exercises and ongoing coordination with Federal Emergency Management Agency, state and local agencies, and utility partners.

You will have the chance to take ownership of meaningful projects, lead planning initiatives, and help shape program improvements that strengthen statewide radiological preparedness. The position offers continuous professional development through specialized training, exercises, and interagency collaboration, allowing you to build valuable expertise in a highly specialized field of emergency management. If you are motivated by mission-driven work and ready to make a real impact, we encourage you to apply.

The Emergency Management Specialist for Radiological Emergency Response Preparedness works under the general supervision of the Planning Administrator within the Bureau of Technological Hazards. This position is responsible for supporting offsite emergency response planning for nuclear power plants across the Commonwealth. The role ensures that county and municipal radiological emergency response plans are properly developed, maintained, and coordinated, while also supporting training, exercises, regulatory compliance, and interagency communication. The specialist serves as a key liaison among state, federal, and utility partners and contributes to the Commonwealth’s overall radiological preparedness and public safety efforts.

• Coordinate the development and maintenance of offsite radiological emergency response plans for risk and support counties and municipalities.
• Review plans and plan updates to ensure adequacy, accuracy, and continuity across plume exposure pathway emergency planning zones.
• Conduct, evaluate, or participate in training for emergency workers and organizations involved in offsite response to nuclear power plant incidents.
• Ensure compliance with federal and Commonwealth regulations and guidance related to radiological emergency preparedness and public health protection.
• Serve as a liaison between the Commonwealth Response Coordination Center and nuclear power plant Emergency Operations Facilities as a situation analyst.
• Participate in the coordination of Act 31 program activities related to the Radiation Emergency Response Fund and Radiation Transportation Emergency Response Fund.
• Assist in coordinating federal support to the Commonwealth as outlined in applicable federal plans.
• Conduct annual reviews of nuclear power plant offsite public safety information materials and coordinate their publication and distribution.
• Perform additional emergency management duties as assigned.

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Free on-site parking
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday – Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• In the event of an emergency/disaster situation or training exercise, this position may be required to travel, work up to 12-hour shifts, and work outside of the normal work hours, including weekends and overnights.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, upon successful completion of a training period. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will receive the minimum starting salary listed on this posting. The starting salary is non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Successful completion of the Emergency Management Trainee program (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• Two years of professional experience in the development, coordination, or promotion of emergency management programs such as disaster relief, public safety, flood mitigation and resiliency, and emergency management in government, industry, education, or the military; and a bachelor’s degree; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes one year of professional experience in the development, coordination, or promotion of emergency management programs such as disaster relief, public safety, flood mitigation and resiliency, and emergency management in government, industry, education, or the military.

Special Requirements:

• This position requires possession of an active motor vehicle license.
• This position requires certification in the following courses from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Emergency Management Institute, within six months of hire:
  • IS-100.C: Introduction to the Incident Command System
  • IS-700.B: An Introduction to the National Incident Management System
  • IS-800.D: National Response Framework, An Introduction
  • IS-2200: Basic Emergency Operations Center Functions

Other Requirements:

• PA residency requirement is currently waived for this title.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the Application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. *7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.