Drinking Water Emergency Response Lead

Virginia-Department-of-Healt; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 89,000 - 93,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Department of Health is seeking an Emergency Services Coordinator to lead drinking water emergency response efforts and supervise critical ESF-3 operations. The role requires strong knowledge of GIS, emergency preparedness, and project management to support state agencies and waterworks.

The position emphasizes training, coordination with EPA and FEMA, and maintaining continuity plans, with opportunities to influence regional readiness and response across Virginia's public health

Qualifications

• Comprehensive knowledge of GIS, mobile applications, and Microsoft products.
• Expert knowledge of emergency response and preparedness.
• Substantial work experience in project management and emergency response and preparedness.
• Understanding of supervision and leadership principles.
• Experience and understanding of the Commonwealth’s emergency response and preparedness.

Responsibilities

• Timely reviews and revises operating guidelines and procedures for drinking water emergency response. Supervises one emergency planner position.
• Trains staff on emergency response, including cybersecurity, physical security, and emergency response plans.
• Assists management, FEMA/EPA, and other state agencies with disaster recovery related to Emergency Support Function 3 (ESF-3).
• Provides technical assistance and guidance to waterworks in development of all hazard emergency management plans and critical infrastructure protection plans in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and guidance.
• Ensures the Office of Drinking Water’s (ODW) continuity of operations plan is up-to-date and known. Maintains and keeps current ODW’s emergency response manual. Delivers effective training to ODW and other stakeholders regarding ESF-3 duties.
• Ensures appropriate attendance at the Virginia Emergency Operations Center functions for ODW.
• Completes after-action reviews, collaborates with waterworks and ODW field offices to improve access to back-up generators, physical security, and cybersecurity.
• Coordinates with US EPA, state agencies, and other stakeholders on emergency response and preparedness.
• Ensures adequate equipment is available to operate under emergency conditions.
• Maintains inventory of ODW resources for emergency operations (radios, PPE, Satellite Phones, cameras, COOP Go Kits, etc.). Coordinates necessary training for ODW staff on radio usage, phones, and other emergency operations.
• Submits ESF-3 staffing work plan and performs ESF 3 responsibilities to fulfill ODW's mission.
• Keeps Director informed of staffing needs during emergency events.
• Monitors workload patterns that may require additional staffing to respond to emergency events.
• Gives presentations to stakeholders and organizations on ESF-3 responsibilities and emergency preparedness.

Job description

Virginia Department of Health is seeking an Emergency Services Coordinator to lead drinking water emergency response efforts and supervise critical ESF-3 operations. The role requires strong knowledge of GIS, emergency preparedness, and project management to support state agencies and waterworks.

The position emphasizes training, coordination with EPA and FEMA, and maintaining continuity plans, with opportunities to influence regional readiness and response across Virginia's public health