Job Abstract

The District is seeking to fill one position within the Water Emergency Response Department. The candidate will have a strong commitment to public service, a participatory and collaborative style, as well as a friendly, positive attitude. The ideal candidate will enjoy working within a close-knit team environment and will not hesitate to work closely under the direction of the Director of Emergency Management.

This posting may close when a sufficient number of applications have been received. Do not delay in submitting your application.

Water Emergency Response Organization of Orange County (WEROC) Specialist
$42.93 - $57.94 (per hour)
Under direction, develops, prepares, coordinates and maintains the Water Emergency Response Organization of Orange County (WEROC) Emergency Response Plan, the Municipal Water District of Orange County’s (MWDOC) Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP), and other emergency management programs including programs, plans, training, grants and other activities related to hazard mitigation, emergency preparedness, response and recovery for all water and wastewater utilities in Orange County; and performs related duties as assigned.

Water Emergency Response Organization Of Orange County (WEROC) Programs Manager
$57.34 - $77.39 (per hour)
Under administrative direction, directs, manages, supervises and coordinates programs related to the Water Emergency Response Organization of Orange County (WEROC), the Municipal Water District of Orange County’s (MWDOC) Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP), and other emergency management programs including programs and activities related to hazard mitigation, emergency preparedness, and response and recovery for all water and wastewater utilities in Orange County; provides technical expertise in the development and implementation of emergency response programs, policy, plans, and training activities as it pertains to water emergency management; coordinates assigned activities with other divisions, departments, and outside agencies; and provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Director of Emergency Management.

SPECIALIST
Program Administration/Project Management:

• Develops and tracks project expenses and monitoring the annual program budget; identifies additional funding for projects and evaluates cost savings measures.
• Prepares and presents memos, letters, agendas, articles, presentations, trainings, and reports for various audiences such as elected boards, committees, outside agencies and management.
• Identifies and applies for grant opportunities; manages project, grant tracking and reimbursement process for implementation of approved grant funding opportunities.
• Coordinates assigned activities with other MWDOC Departments and staff as needed.
• Oversees assigned projects including timeline for completion, identifying required resources, outreaching to project partners, and establishing a budget.

• Coordinates and tracks the physical maintenance of Emergency Operations Centers (EOC) to ensure a state of readiness including communication systems, computers and software, backup generators, and the general facilities and supplies.
• Leads efforts to enhance and sustain the EOC facilities’ readiness through technical solutions and support materials that will be used during training and response.
• Ensures that all emergency radio systems utilized by WEROC are operational; participates in radio tests, collecting and compiling radio test data, and radio system agency to agency communication checks are performed when requested by member agencies.
• Coordinates maintenance and updates WEROC Member agency maps.

• Leads the development and maintenance of the WEROC Operations Plan and all supporting response plans to be in compliance with local, state and federal requirements.
• Revises, implements and maintains emergency plan materials into a mobile-friendly format for Safety Center.
• Trains all new staff on the MWDOC COOP Plan, Disaster Service Worker status, and training and response expectations; provides WEROC Emergency Response ID cards.
• Coordinates and/or leads, the development and execution of trainings and exercises for WEROC EOC Staff and member agency Staff.

• Maintains and updates the MWDOC COOP plan to be in compliance with local, state and federal requirements.
• Develops and maintains the MWDOC COOP documents, training schedules, and COOP-in-a-box resources.
• Organizes and conducts MWDOC COOP trainings, to include radio trainings.

• As assigned, participates in and represents MWDOC, WEROC, and its member agencies at various local and county meetings, associations and organizations; builds the partnerships needed to support the exchange of information and materials in preparation for and during disaster response and recovery.
• Updates program brochures and outreach materials and assists with the WEROC website and social media accounts, as needed.

• Supports member agencies with the response and recovery process as a water sector liaison during an emergency by responding to pre-identified locations during an automatic activation or when requested.
• Responds to the EOC upon activation; assists in the response to declared disasters within Orange County during and after normal working hours.
• Prepares after-action/corrective Action reports, as needed; works with the appropriate coordinating partners to enhance response systems for future disasters.

Program Administration:

• Serves as Director of Emergency Management in emergency situations or when the department has staffing shortage.
• Plans, organizes, controls, integrates, and evaluates assigned programs related to Water Emergency Response Organization of Orange County (WEROC), the Municipal Water District of Orange County’s (MWDOC) Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP), and other WEROC functions and areas of responsibility.
• Selects, trains, motivates, coaches, establishes performance requirements, and evaluates assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures.
• Identifies, applies, advocates and manages grant funding opportunities to supplement program funds for emergency facility renovations, program enhancements and mutual aid resources.
• Plans, directs, coordinates, and reviews the work plan for assigned staff; assigns work activities, projects, and programs; reviews and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems.
• Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; recommends appropriate service and staffing levels.
• Participates in the development and administration of the department’s annual budget; participates in the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitors and approves expenditures; implements adjustments.
• Serves as the liaison for assigned WEROC program activities with other various agencies and stakeholder groups; elevates sensitive and controversial issues to the Director of Emergency Management.
• Assist the Director of Emergency Management on a variety of boards and committees; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
• Provides assistance to the Director of Emergency Management; conducts a variety of studies; recommends modifications to programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; maintains awareness of new trends and developments in the field of emergency management; incorporates new developments as appropriate.
• Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive inquiries and complaints.
• Performs special assignments and other related duties as assigned.

Emergency Operations Center (EOC):

• Provides guidance to staff in the maintenance of Emergency Operations Centers including maintaining plans, resource lists, equipment & overall operational status.
• Assists in overseeing the evaluation of EOC communication technology and procedures to ensure reliable communications with all responding agencies and conducts communication tests as needed.

WEROC Plans and Training:

• Maintains and updates the WEROC Operations Plan and all supporting response plans in compliance with local, state, and federal requirements.
• Assists in overseeing recruitment of volunteer emergency staff and ensures all new staff are provided, basic training and ensures staff involvement.
• Develops, coordinates, and presents emergency preparedness and response training and EOC exercises for EOC staff, in accordance with state and federal regulations and best management practices.
• Provides Member Agencies with training, exercise development, the development and revision of emergency response plans and policies, and other preparedness efforts as requested.

MWDOC Continuity of Operations Program (COOP):

• Maintains and updates the MWDOC COOP plan to be in compliance with local, state and federal requirements.
• Develops and maintains the MWDOC COOP documents, training schedules, and COOP-in-a-box resources.
• Organizes and conducts MWDOC COOP training to include radio trainings.

Outreach:

Disaster Response:

• Supports Member Agencies with the response and recovery process as the water sector liaison during an emergency by communicating information and responding to pre-identified locations during an automatic activation or when requested.
• Responds to the EOC upon activation; assists in the response to declared disasters within Orange County during and after normal working hours.
• Prepares after-action/corrective action reports, as needed; works with appropriate coordinating partners to enhance response systems for future disasters.

SPECIALIST

Knowledge of the Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS), the Incident Command System (ICS), the National Incident Management System (NIMS), the Operational Area concept, and the California Office of Emergency Services Operations; principles of emergency preparedness and response planning, policies, operations, services and activities; causes and effects of natural and human caused disasters; emergency response authorities; emergency operations center functions, procedures and practices; pertinent federal, state and local rules and regulations; methods and techniques of effective instructional delivery strategies and the development of instructional materials; English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation; record keeping methods and procedures; office procedures, methods, practices, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

Ability to develop and implement emergency response plans, policies and procedures; research, analyze, interpret and make recommendations on new areas of emergency programing; effectively coordinate a comprehensive emergency services program; assist with the development and facilitation of emergency exercises, training programs and meetings; operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications; learn new internet, software and phone applications; independently organize and coordinate projects and priorities; gather and analyze data and prepare comprehensive reports; exercise sound independent judgment within established procedure guidelines; handle stressful or sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy; analyze problems and develop logical solutions; work cooperatively with others such as members of MWDOC management and outside agencies; listen effectively and follow instruction; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including co-workers, outside agencies and the public.

Knowledge of Emergency Management systems including the Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS), the Incident Command System (ICS), and the National Incident Management System (NIMS); the application/implementation of the regional Operational Area concept in support of the water sector responsibilities with the California Office of Emergency Services, State Water Control Board (SWCB), Department of Water Resources (DWR) and other local control regulatory agencies; the principles of emergency management including preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery including the causes and effects of natural and human caused disasters; emergency response authorities; emergency operations center functions, procedures and practices; pertinent federal, state and local rules and regulations; English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation; record keeping methods and procedures; office procedures, methods, practices, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications.

Ability to deliver methods and techniques of effective instructional delivery strategies and the development of instructional materials; participate in the management of a comprehensive emergency management program; participate in the development and administration of division goals, objectives, and procedures; contribute to the preparation of the annual WEROC budget; develop and implement emergency response plans, policies and procedures; develop and conduct emergency exercises, training programs and meetings; adapt to changing technology standards and present program enhancements as required; handle stressful or sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy; analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals which includes the interpretation and application of federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations; exercise sound independent judgment within established procedure guidelines; operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications; work cooperatively with others; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including co-workers, outside agencies and the public.

EDUCATION

SPECIALIST

Graduation from a four-year college or university with major coursework in emergency management, public policy, public or business administration or a closely related field is desirable and four years of professional experience in emergency management, business continuity, disaster planning, or public administration. The qualification guidelines generally describe the knowledge and abilities required to enter the job to successfully perform the assigned duties. Any combination of education, experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities will be considered. Public sector experience is preferred.

MANAGER

Graduation from a four-year college or university with major coursework in emergency management, public policy, planning, public or business administration or a closely related field is desirable and six years of professional experience in emergency management, emergency preparedness, disaster response, emergency response and/or public education programs including two years of administrative and/or supervisory responsibility or six years as the WEROC Specialist. The qualification guidelines generally describe the knowledge and abilities required to enter the job to successfully perform the assigned duties. Any combination of education, experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities will be considered. Public sector experience is preferred.