Chief of Special Operations

Job Title
Chief of Special Operations

Agency
Texas Division of Emergency Management

Department
Office of the Chief

Proposed Minimum Salary
$19,293.75 monthly

Job Location
Austin, Texas

Job Type
Staff

Job Description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) is an emergency response entity, and this status can affect working hours, travel, and change in duties as needed.

The Chief of Special Operations collaborates with the District Chief, Regional Section Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs to assist with the coordination, management and of Special Operations across the state. Work involves guiding and supporting the planning, developing, and implementing of the disaster district framework. Provides executive oversight and management of the special operations teams. Works under limited supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement.

Availability for after-hours and weekend work is required. Must have the ability to operate outside of regular working hours during activations in the field, DDEOC, or State Operations Center, and able to deploy from their assigned duty station for extended periods in the aftermath of a disaster without relief or with minimal rest.  Must have availability for extensive travel as needed by vehicle or other mode of transportation.

Position is assigned a take home fleet vehicle.

This position is considered at-will status and serves at the discretion of the head of the agency.

*Salary is a fixed rate ($ 19,293.75 monthly/ $ 231,525.00 annually) and is non-negotiable.

*This position is located on-site and not subject to telecommuting.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Provide training and guidance to field staff coordinating regional response.

- Provide executive oversight and management of special operations.

- Support the coordination of agencies involved in special teams across the state.

- Provide guidance for relationship management of the DDEOC with local governments, emergency response organizations, regional organizations, TDEM, other state agencies, volunteer groups, and private industry.

- Maintain appropriate communications with leadership, SOC and district, to facilitate comprehensive understanding of the work through coordination and communication.

- Utilize appropriate evaluation strategies/techniques to determine the progress of programs.

- Provide liaison and support between TDEM field staff, agency representatives and Headquarters SOC staff.

- Assist with preparing and supporting the Disaster District Emergency Operations Center during planned and unplanned events.

- May participate in or observe local, state, and federal emergency exercises representing TDEM and the state.

- Plan, assign, and supervise the work of others.

- Face-to-face and person-to-person interactions are required.

- Maintain a regular course of attendance during authorized work schedule and work extended hours when needed.

- Ability to travel 70%.

- Ability to drive.

This document represents the major duties, responsibilities, and authorities of this job, and is not intended to be a complete list of all tasks and functions. Other duties may be assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience – Ten (10) years of related experience in management.

Preferred Experience:   Experience in the National Incident Management System, including leadership experience in ICS command and general staff positions, DDEOC management positions, or similar command, control, and coordination roles in emergency response.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

- Knowledge of or the ability to rapidly assimilate information related to agency, state, and federal, regulations, legislation, guidelines, policies, and procedures.
- Knowledge of the principles and practices of emergency management, including the phases of mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.
- Skill in operating a variety of office and specialized equipment including a laptop computer with a variety of software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint), plotter, projectors, camera, GPS device, binoculars, communications devices such as two-way radio, satellite radio/phone, and other specialized audio-visual equipment within the EOC.
- Ability to prioritize, plan, organize, and carry out multiple technical projects which are frequently underway simultaneously. Poise, tact, diplomacy, and an ability to establish and maintain effective working/professional relationships with external and internal customers.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, high stress environment.
- Ability to work extended or non-traditional hours such as evenings, weekends, special events, etc.
- Ability to communicate and present instruction to diverse small and large groups.
- Ability to convey technical information in lay terms to people with a variety of educational and working backgrounds.
- Ability to analyze problems, identify causative factors, and apply actions to effectively resolve current, and prevent recurrences of, problem conditions.
- Must be analytical, detail-oriented, and able to multi-task without sacrificing accuracy or timeliness.
- Must be able to handle sensitive and confidential information and situations responsibly.
- Knowledge of methods of prioritizing, planning, organizing, and carrying out multiple technical projects which frequently are underway simultaneously. Poise, tact, diplomacy, and an ability to establish and maintain effective working/professional relationships with external and internal customers.
- Ability to maintain the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, which may include communications systems, computer networks and systems, cybersecurity systems, electrical grid, hazardous waste treatment system or water treatment system.

REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE:

- Valid Texas Driver’s License.
- Complete and obtain certification in IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, IS-800 within twelve (12) months of employment and any other training as determined.

*Additional Military Crosswalk (occupational specialty code) information can be accessed at: http://www.hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions

*Resumes are not accepted in lieu of an application.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.