Associate director of emergency management Job at County of Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA

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  • County of Santa Barbara
  • Santa Barbara, CA

Job Description

Full job description

Salary: $131,996 to $168,464

The County of Santa Barbara's Office of Emergency Services is accepting applications to fill a full-time vacancy for an Ass ociate Director of Emergency Management in Santa Barbara, California. This position is categorized as an Emergency Management Manager III job classification. This position is at-will and exempt from civil-service provisions.



The Position:
The Associate Director of Emergency Management is a key member of the Office of Emergency Management's executive management team who provides leadership and oversight for staff, leads emergency planning efforts, assist with policy development, and manages a comprehensive range of emergency management programs and services, including EOC readiness and alert and warning systems.


This position supervises and directs staff, ensures County emergency-related plans comply with state and federal requirements, and recommends emergency services policies and procedures. The Associate Director serves as the Management Section Coordinator, or as assigned, when the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is activated, coordinates incident activations, and develops and conducts tests and exercises to determine the adequacy of emergency and disaster preparations. Further, this position is responsible for presenting to and actively participating with government, community, and other stakeholder groups and serves as the Director in the Director's absence, or as otherwise authorized. As such, the incumbent uses considerable independent judgment and discretion in the performance of his/her duties.


The Associate Director will be a collaborative leader who thrives working in a close-knit team environment and brings a passion for the field of emergency management to their daily efforts. Experience in leading emergency management programs, including working on large-scale emergencies and/or disasters, is required for this position. Experience working with stakeholders/partner agencies to develop, coordinate, and/or maintain emergency management-related programs, including: Resource Management, Hazard Mitigation, Operational Readiness, Functional Response Plans, Recovery Operations. Familiarity with maintaining community emergency alert and warning program systems and emergency-related information technology, software, and hardware is essential. The ability to speak, read, and write fluently in Spanish is strongly preferred but not required for this position.



The Department:
The Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management (SBCOEM), a Division of the County Fire Department, leads Santa Barbara County, the Operational Area, and the community in disaster preparedness, response and resilience through partnerships, training, policy, best practices, and plans designed to protect life and property. SBCOEM serves as the primary coordination point for the Operational Area when emergency activities are affecting more than one jurisdiction, and/or the unincorporated areas of the county. Operational Area entities include county departments, incorporated cities, unincorporated areas, special districts, universities, non-profit and volunteer organizations, and private sector business and industry groups. As a team we value Innovation, Compassion, Whole Community Inclusion, Collaboration, Communication, Teamwork, Information and Customer/Community Service to continue to prepare and support the County of Santa Barbara in its resilience efforts. To this end, some key initiatives being launched by our team include: revamped community education program utilizing cultural and community- based ambassadors; new mapping and evacuation coordination efforts and systems; exploration and commitment to integration of climate and environmental justice initiatives into planning efforts; selection and launching of new response and recovery support systems; and more To learn more about the County visit


To learn more about OEM, please visit To learn more about current educational and outreach information available, please visit:



The County & Community:
The County of Santa Barbara is one of the most desirable places in the world to live and work. The County is a mix of urban, suburban and rural landscapes located on a 122 mile stretch of California’s central coastline with a strong economic base in agriculture, tourism, wine, healthcare, technology and a variety of other industries. The County is a destination to live, work and visit for its phenomenal quality of life that includes beautiful residential communities, renown architecture, world class beaches, mild climate, scenic mountains, open space and numerous parks providing plentiful cultural and recreational activities year-round include hiking, bicycling, water sports, and horseback riding. The County of Santa Barbara is home to 20 school districts, the excellent University of California at Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Community College, Alan Hancock College and numerous other renown institutions of higher learning.

Examples of Duties

These examples are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job, and not all duties listed are necessarily performed by each individual.


  • Assists the Director in developing strategic and long-range planning in order to achieve Division priorities, goals and objective; work with the team to set milestones and implement quantifiable measurements to qualify success of projects or define improvements needed.
  • Oversees emergency management services and programs for the County and the Operational Area; monitors, reviews, and interprets changes in federal or state laws or regulations that impact the delivery of emergency management programs and/or services, and guides the implementation of changes to programs and services.
  • Plans, organizes, coordinates, supervises, and evaluates the performance of professional and technical personnel engaged in assigned emergency management activities, directly or through subordinate levels of supervision; ensures compliance with County rules and policies; prioritizes resources and assignments; directs, coaches, and guides staff.
  • May serve in the place of the Director of the County Emergency Operations Center and will serve as an on-call Duty Officer.
  • Provides guidance to department heads and departmental managers on emergency management matters and best practices, including County and Departmental Continuity of Operations Plans.
  • Establishes work priorities and performance standards in support of the Division's overall objectives; reviews performance related recommendations, oversees the professional development of assigned managers and staff.
  • Participates in the development, and may oversee the preparation, of the Division's annual budget and operational improvement plans; seeks new sources of funding and prepares grant applications; ensures appropriate allocation of resources; researches, analyzes, and advises the Director of specific costs and recommendations for programs and services.
  • Conducts high priority and complex work assignments; drafts and presents reports and recommendations; analyzes programs and services to continually seek program and process improvements; conducts presentations and trainings.
  • Oversees some administrative functions of the division as assigned, which may include fiscal, human resources, facilities/safety, contracts/grants, and technology issues; ensures division operations are consistent with County rules, policies, and procedures; ensures appropriate administration of contracts and grants; and ensures implementation of appropriate technologies to maximize efficiencies and services.
  • May represent the division and Director before the Board of Supervisors; works with other County departments to advance the needs of the department and the County; serves on committees to represent the Division’s needs; represents the Division to external stakeholders, including community-based organizations, schools, state and federal government, and the public; and acts as a liaison with department heads, employees, the media, and the public.
  • Performs related duties as assigned.


Employment Standards

The knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below may be acquired through various types of training, education, and experience. A typical way to acquire the required knowledge and abilities would be:


  • Equivalent of a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in emergency management, business or public administration, communications, or a closely related field AND , seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in the emergency management field including at least three (3) years as a supervisor or manager.

Desirable Qualifications:
  • Federal Emergency Management Agency Professional Development Series (IS-120, IS-230, IS-235, IS-240, IS241, IS-242, IS-244), as well as IS-100, IS-200, ICS-300, ICS-400, IS-700 and IS-800 to be completed within 6 months of hire.
  • Professional Association certification preferred, such as CA-EM, CA-PEM, IAEM AEM, IAEM CEM, or other state certification.

Knowledge of:
  • Principles, practices, and techniques of emergency management in a public agency setting including emergency management planning and coordination; developing hazard mitigation plans, coordinating emergency plans with other jurisdictions; coordinating emergency response functions and systems including the interpretation of laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
  • Principles and practices of planning and administering emergency management services including operational systems and response programs.
  • Principles and practices of public administration and program management, including strategic planning, budgeting, implementation, and evaluation.
  • Management principles, practices, and techniques.
  • Principles and practices of governmental accounting, fiscal management, budgeting and auditing.
  • Principles and practices of program planning and administration.
  • Personnel management principles and practices, including employee supervision, training, and evaluation.
  • Principles and practices of group facilitation, conflict resolution, and consensus building.
  • Principles and practices of procurement and contract administration.
  • Principles and techniques of effective oral presentations.
  • Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, regulations, and standards.
  • Business systems, equipment, and applications relevant to the area of assignment, including but not limited to; Alert & Warning software, Incident Command System (ICS), and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

Ability to:
  • Effectively administer assigned emergency management services programs and activities.
  • Exercise political acumen, tact, and diplomacy.
  • Manage assigned operations/programs and support ongoing compliance with legislative requirements, strategic objectives and performance measures.
  • Develop and implement policies and procedures.
  • Manage and evaluate assigned staff, including training, coaching, participating in developing goals and strategic objectives, coordinating deadlines, prioritizing work demands, and assigning and monitoring work.
  • Analyze and evaluate operational programs, projects, and procedures.
  • Plan, organize, coordinate, and supervise changes and improvements in public agency projects and studies.
  • Manage budgets, contracts, grants, and resource allocation.
  • Interpret, monitor, and report financial information and statistics.
  • Oversee the implementation of and adherence to quality assurance activities and standards.
  • Research, recommend, and implement industry trends, solutions, and best practices.
  • Resolve complex problems within the area of assignment.
  • Prepare and oversee the preparation of reports, grant proposals, documents, and presentations.
  • Create and provide informative presentations to stakeholders, elected officials, County leadership, and the public.
  • Collaborate with program stakeholders, elected and appointed boards, the public, and internal leadership.
  • Interpret and apply applicable laws, codes, regulations, and standards.
  • Communicate effectively, clearly, and concisely.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse range of individuals, including but not limited to coworkers, subordinate staff, supervisors, other managers, professional agencies, and the general public.

Additional Requirements:
  • Possession and maintenance of a valid California driver's license and the ability to meet automobile insurability requirements of the County or the ability to provide suitable transportation needs as a condition of continued employment.
  • Travel throughout the County is required.
  • Must be able to serve as on-call duty officer, as well as the ability to respond to the County's emergency operations center or to an incident command post or other field facility, as needed.
  • The on-call duty officer responsibility is generally performed on a 24/7 basis, on rotation, but actual schedules will be subject to operational needs, as determined by the Director of the OEM, or designee.
  • Must be able to work extended shifts (12+ hours) in Emergency Operations Center or other identified emergency response facilities during activations.
  • Must be able to work in the field in Incident Command Posts, or other locations as directed, during extended and nontraditional work hours, in inclement weather, and in challenging environments, often on little or no notice.
  • Serve at the Emergency Operations Center, Command Post or field emergency support site for extended periods both during the day and night as needed and provide supervision of personnel during an emergency

Supplemental Information

SELECTION PROCESS:

Application Review. Review of the application and supporting materials to determine those candidates who meet the employment standards.



Selection Interview. Select finalists will be invited to an interview with a panel of subject matter experts. A written exercise and presentation may be required as part of the selection process.


Recruiters will communicate with applicant by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines. The County of Santa Barbara will not release any applicant's email address to a third party.



REASONABLE ACCOMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider or a learning institution.



CONDITIONAL JOB OFFER: Live Scan and Background Check: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, the selected candidate's appointment is contingent upon successful completion of a Live Scan and background check which includes a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks. A Live Scan is electronic fingerprint scanning that is certified by the State Department of Justice. Further instructions about when and how to complete the Live Scan will be included in the offer letter. Appointee will be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination.



BENEFITS: For more information on County of Santa Barbara benefits or visit the Benefits Tab above. Additionally, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for retirement reciprocity and time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate.



STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT: The County of Santa Barbara is dedicated to cultivating and sustaining an environment that exhibits equity and inclusion everywhere, and at all levels of our organization. The County believes equity is a fundamental principle that must be imbedded in policies, institutional practices and systems. The County recognizes the negative impacts of systemic racism and is committed to eliminating the barriers affecting our Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and Asian community members, as well as people of other diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. We envision a world where society and its systems (e.g. education, criminal justice, and health care, housing the economy) are just, fair, and inclusive, enabling all people to participate and reach their full potential.


We celebrate community and employee diversity, strive for inclusion and belonging, and promote empowered participation. We aspire to build a workforce that is reflective of these values and the communities we serve. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and will resolutely uphold federal, California state law and/or Santa Barbara County ordinances.


We believe equity and inclusion are vital to fulfill the County’s mission and to embody a culture of “One County, One Future.” Expanding the full range of employee talent allows the County to deliver our best to all our community members.


We believe in the dignity and humanity of all people. We strive for a healthy and prosperous society that promotes all people having equitable access and opportunity.



Disaster Service Worker: Pursuant to Governmental code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.



APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE : Monday, September 30, 2024 by 4:59 PM PST. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day. at


Collin Graham, Senior Talent Acquisition Analyst: cgraham@countyofsb.org


  • BENEFITS: Retirement Plans Generous County Defined Benefit Plan Eligible to participate in 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan Retirement Reciprocity with CalPERS, CalSTRS, and 1937 Act plans For more information on our retirement plans, please visit: and Benefits Choice of dental, vision and medical plans. In addition to the Benefit Allowance noted above, the County contributes toward medical premiums and dental premiums On-Site Employee Health Clinics in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria which provide ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their eligible dependents Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers free, confidential assistance with personal and workplace problems to employees and their immediate family members Healthcare Advocacy Program to help employees navigate the complexities of health plan benefits Available Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Account (HSA), Supplemental Term or Whole Life Insurance, Personal Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance and more! For more information on our health benefits, please visit: Time Off Vacation Leave 12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment Sick Leave 12 days annually with unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement Paid Holidays based on bargaining unit (view the compensation summary for this bargaining unit, link below) Alternative Transportation Benefit (TDM) up to 2 days of additional vacation for using alternative methods of commuting For more information on Paid Time Off please view the Compensation Summary for this bargaining unit (available below)Miscellaneous Benefits County Paid Term Life Insurance County Paid Long Term Disability Insurance Childcare and Employee Discounts Relocation Assistance may apply Flexible work schedule may apply For more information on all of these benefits, please visit: Summary To view the Compensation Summary specific to the bargaining unit for this position (link to full Memorandum of Understanding also available at bottom of the summary), please visit: *This benefits list is for convenience only; please refer to the Memorandum of Understanding for complete details of terms and conditions. Amounts are generally prorated for part-time employment.

Job Tags

Holiday work, Full time, Contract work, Part time, Local area, Immediate start, Relocation package, Flexible hours, Shift work, Night shift,

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