Community Engagement Liaison

Smith County; Tyler (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Smith County seeks a Community Engagement Liaison to enhance emergency preparedness through public outreach, training, and volunteer coordination, including CERT. The role supports EOC activations, shelters, and community partnerships.

Responsibilities include teaching CPR/Stop-the-Bleed, developing training content, and representing Smith County OEM at local and regional engagements. Travel for deployments may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in emergency management, public administration, education, public safety, or related field preferred.
• CERT Program Manager or Instructor experience preferred.
• FEMA ICS/NIMS training (IS-100, 200, 700, 800) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate recruitment, training, credentialing, and deployment of volunteers, including CERT.
• Teach CERT classes and preparedness programs (CPR, Stop-the-Bleed).
• Develop lesson plans and training materials aligned with FEMA and state guidance.
• Provide outreach to civic groups, schools, faith-based organizations, nonprofits, and businesses.
• Assist neighborhoods in preparedness initiatives and Map Your Neighborhood.
• Attend monthly CERT meetings to maintain engagement and readiness.
• Organize quarterly CERT Board Member and group meetings.
• Assist EMC during EOC activations and support shelter operations.

Skills

Volunteer coordination

Public speaking

Training/Instruction

Communication

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in emergency management or related field OR equivalent

CERT Program Manager or Instructor experience

FEMA ICS/NIMS training IS-100/200/700/800

Job description

The Community Engagement Liaison is responsible for enhancing Smith County’s emergency preparedness, response, and recovery capabilities through public outreach, volunteer coordination, and community partnership development. This position leads preparedness training initiatives, manages volunteer programs including the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), and supports emergency operations during activations.

Community Engagement & Training

• Coordinate recruitment, training, credentialing, and deployment of volunteers, including CERT.
• Teach CERT classes and preparedness programs such as CPR and Stop-the-Bleed.
• Develop lesson plans, training materials, and instructional content aligned with FEMA and State of Texas guidance.
• Provide outreach to civic groups, schools, faith-based organizations, nonprofits, and businesses.
• Assist neighborhoods in preparedness initiatives such as Map Your Neighborhood.
• Attend monthly CERT Team meetings to maintain engagement and readiness.
• Organize and support quarterly CERT Board Member and group meetings.
• Other duties as assigned.

Emergency Management Operations

• Assist the EMC during Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activations.
• Support sheltering operations and coordination with community partners.
• Maintain accurate records of volunteers, training, and outreach activities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Professional Development & Representation

• Attend trainings, meetings, and conferences as directed.
• Represent Smith County Fire Marshal/OEM in a professional manner at local, regional, and state engagements.
• Once eligibility criteria are met, apply to the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) Incident Management Team (IMT) as an Incident Support Task Force (ISTF) member and be available for deployments one to three weeks in duration.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Minimal. Will be required to supervise volunteers and may have to supervise coordination of volunteer groups as needed.

• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Experience in training, instruction, or public education.
• Ability to develop lesson plans and training materials.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage and coordinate volunteers.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.

• Effective public speaking and presentation skills.
• Ability to build relationships with diverse community groups.
• Conflict resolution and de-escalation skills.
• Ability to perform under pressure in emergency situations.

• Bachelor’s degree in emergency management, public administration, education, public safety, or related field OR equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.
• CERT Program Manager or Instructor experience preferred.
• FEMA ICS/NIMS training (IS‑100, 200, 700, 800) preferred.
• Experience in emergency management or public safety preferred.
• Prior military service preferred.

Licenses and Certifications

• Valid Texas Drivers License or if from out of state, the ability to obtain one, required.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Ability to walk long distances in uneven terrain.
• Ability to lift objects overhead.

• Ability to stand, walk, and operate in outdoor environments for extended periods.

• Ability to work in adverse weather and disaster conditions.

• Available for on-call all times of day and night, regardless of holiday or weekend.