EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST III

City of Houston; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Houston is seeking an experienced emergency management professional to lead and coordinate preparedness, response, and recovery efforts for the Houston Airports system. The role focuses on developing plans, coordinating with agencies, and maintaining readiness across all hazards.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s Degree in emergency management or related fields and at least five years of experience, with preferred aviation sector familiarity and strong written/oral communication

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in a field related to Emergency Management, Emergency Response, Public Safety, Public Health, Criminal Justice, or Public Administration.
• Five years of experience in emergency management, emergency response, public safety, public health, criminal justice, or public administration.
• A Master’s Degree related to emergency management may substitute one year of experience.

Responsibilities

• Independently develop, implement, and periodically review emergency management plans.
• Implement emergency management goals through tasks including maintaining records, documenting, and generating reports.
• Analyze and review best practices to improve prevention, preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation activities.
• Maintain proficiency through regular training, exercises, and participation.
• Coordinate citywide preparations and continuity plans during emergencies.
• Represent supervisor at meetings and functions and communicate information.
• Participate in evaluation and design of workflow and emergency plans.
• Be available for 24-hour on-call response during emergencies.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Education

Bachelor’s Degree related to Emergency Management, Emergency Response, Public Safety, Public Health, Criminal Justice, or Public Administration

Job description

Position Overview

Applications will be accepted from: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED

Division/ Section: Houston Airports/ HOU Terminal Operations

Workdays & Hours: M-F 0800-1630, subject to change based on operational need

(*subject to change based on operational need)

Purpose of Division

The Emergency Preparedness and Training Division is responsible for enhancing the Airport System's readiness, resilience, and coordinated response to emergencies, disruptions, and special events. The division develops, implements, and maintains emergency preparedness programs, training initiatives, exercises, response protocols, and operational coordination processes that support safe, secure, and efficient airport operations. Through stakeholder collaboration, compliance management, and continuous improvement, the division ensures personnel are prepared to effectively prevent, respond to, recover from, and mitigate incidents impacting the traveling public, employees, and airport infrastructure.

Purpose of the Position

Lead emergency management work including coordination with other entities, the prevention, preparedness, response, recovery and/or mitigation of intentional and unintentional crisis, disasters, other humanitarian emergencies, or of all hazards, natural and man-made/technological (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, high explosives) events.

Candidate Requirements

“Candidates must be able to obtain all security required badge access including Custom Border Patrol access within 6 months from the hire date.”

Responsibilities

• Independently develop, implement, and periodically review of emergency management plans.
• Implement emergency management goals through specific tasks including but not limited to maintaining records, compiling documentation, and generating reports or other data products.
• Analyze and review best practices and procedures to develop recommendations for improvement of prevention, preparedness, response, recovery and/or mitigation activities.
• Maintains proficiency in job tasks through regular training, attendance and participation in exercises.
• Coordinate with limited supervision citywide preparations and activities in the event of an emergency and assist in the implementation of continuity plans.
• Represents supervisor at meetings and functions generally together information.
• Participates in evaluation and design of workflow, processes, various emergency plans, etc.
• Is available for 24-hour on-call response during emergencies to perform emergency management functions and related duties.
• Performs other job-related duties as required.

Working Conditions

This position may involve physical exertion, such as lifting and moving objects. Sitting or standing for extended periods of time may be required. The work environment for this position may be varied, and can include working outdoors in extreme weather conditions, in structures that lack climate control, or in an office environment. The office may have occasional minor discomforts from exposure to less-than-optimal temperature and air conditions. The position may involve dealing with modestly unpleasant situations, as with occasional exposure to office chemicals and or extensive use of a video display terminal.

Minimum Requirements

A Bachelor’s Degree related to Emergency Management, Emergency Response, Public Safety, Public Health, Criminal Justice, or Public Administration.

Substitution

A Master’s Degree related to emergency management, emergency response, public safety, public health, criminal justice, or public administration may substitute one year of experience.

Experience

Five years of experience in emergency management, emergency response, public safety, public health, criminal justice, or public administration.

Preferences

Preference will be given to applicants with direct related experience in airport/ ramp safety operations - safety management systems, airline operations and administrative skills within an aviation setting preferred. Knowledge in administrative regulatory/statutory guidelines in a large hub setting a plus. Excellent customer service skills are highly desirable. The ability to create and write safety reports. Candidates with the ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing when using bilingual or multilingual skills to communicate with customers a plus. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) issued by a State or International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM).

• Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.

General Information

Selection/Skills Tests Required

The selection process will involve application review and/or interview. Department may administer skills assessment test.

Safety Impact Position - YES

YES - If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.

Pay Grade

26

Salary Information

Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

EOE Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.