Emergency Management Planner I

Salary: $30.43 - $50.19 Hourly
Location : Gaston County Emergency Management and Fire Services, NC
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 1784
Department: EMERGENCY MGMT & FIRE SERVICES
Opening Date: 04/14/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Non-Exempt

Joining the team at Gaston County Government means being part of a community that is dedicated to improving the lives of its citizens. We are a dynamic organization that values innovation, collaboration, and commitment to service.

As an employee of Gaston County, you will have the opportunity to make a difference in your community every day. Whether you are working in public safety, social services, or administration, your contributions will help improve the lives of our residents and build a better future for our county.
Description

The Gaston County Office of Emergency Management provides planning, coordination, and resources necessary to enable our emergency responders and citizens to work together to mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from incidents that may threaten or occur in Gaston County.

Examples of Duties

The duties listed below are not all of the duties that may be assigned but are those that are considered as essential for an employee to perform.

• Collaborate with internal staff and external partners to create, update, and implement comprehensive emergency management plans, including hazard mitigation,
  preparedness, response, and recovery strategies.
• Analyze local hazards, community vulnerabilities, and critical infrastructure to inform planning efforts and prioritize mitigation initiatives.
• Identify, manage, and allocate resources, including personnel, equipment, and supplies, that are required for effective emergency preparedness and response.
• Plan, coordinate, and conduct emergency management training, tabletop exercises, and full-scale drills for county personnel, partner agencies, and the public.
• Respond to emergencies and incidents outside regular business hours, including weekends and holidays, and operate in diverse and potentially hazardous
  environments (e.g., inclement weather, remote or dangerous scenes).
• Serve as a liaison with local, regional, state, and federal partners to ensure effective communication, coordination, and resource sharing during emergency operations.
• Design and deliver community engagement programs to enhance public awareness and preparedness for emergencies, disasters, and hazards.
• Maintain accurate and organized records of plans, training, incidents, and recovery efforts to meet local, state, and federal regulatory and reporting requirements.
• Analyze emergency responses and exercises to evaluate the effectiveness of plans and recommend improvements for future preparedness and operational readiness.
• Assist the Fire Services Division with fire investigations, fire and life safety inspections, and delivery of fire prevention and education programs when needed.
• Participate in search and rescue operations, hazardous materials incidents, shelter support, and other field assignments as required by incident type or operational
  demand.
• Report directly to the Emergency Management Division Chief and perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation with a high school diploma or GED equivalency with at least two (2) years of related experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Emergency Management, Public Safety, or a closely related field (or Master's degree in any discipline).
Certifications: Possession of a Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) or Associate Emergency Manager (AEM) credentials are highly desirable.
Technical Proficiency: Strong working knowledge of search and rescue applications, mapping platforms, and other emergency management software tools.

All applicants will be evaluated based upon their relevant experience in the following areas:

• A degree or formal education that supports the duties of the position (e.g., public safety, emergency management, planning, education, or a closely related field).
• Demonstrated experience in emergency management, public safety, or fire investigation.
• Thorough understanding of the Incident Command System (ICS) and ability to function within a structured command and coordination environment.
• Experience working with community members and partners; ability to collaborate effectively across diverse groups and agencies. Proven ability to manage, organize, and implement multiple projects or programs simultaneously.

Must be able to complete any required training and obtain any required certifications. Must be capable in computer operations, word processing, spreadsheet/database
development, GIS programs, presentation development, and internet. Must have a valid Driver's License. Must be able to perform work in day, night, weekdays, weekends, heat, cold, ice, snow, out of town, and at times in dangerous or hostile situations.
Additional Information

The applicant selected must undergo a criminal background check and pass a drug screening test prior to employment
At Gaston County, we are committed to providing equal opportunity to all employees, job applicants, and members of the community we serve. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable laws.

Gaston County will not sponsor applicants for work visas.
Full-Time employees are eligible for the total compensation package which includes:

• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Retirement Savings Plans
  • Pension
  • 401K (with 5% county contribution annually)
• Flexible Work Schedules
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Discounted YMCA Membership

Part-Time employees are eligible for certain benefits as a part of employment with Gaston County such as:

• Pro-Rated Sick and Annual Leave
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Local Government Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance Program

Half-Time employees are not eligible for benefits.
To learn more details about the many benefits we provide view our

Overall, if you are looking for a challenging and rewarding career with competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package, Gaston County is the place for you.
01

Which statement below best describes the highest level of education you have completed?

• High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (GED)
• Associate degree
• Bachelor's degree
• Master's degree
• Professional degree
• Doctorate degree

02

Do you have at least two (2) years of related service?

• Yes
• No

03

Are you willing to perform work days, nights, weekdays, weekends, heat, cold, ice, snow, out of town, and at times in dangerous or hostile situations?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you have valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

Required Question