Description

Preparedness Section Manager
Washington Management Service - Band 3
Emergency Management Division | Camp Murray, WA

The Washington Emergency Management Division (EMD) is seeking a critical thinking, creative, positive, and motivated manager to join its Preparedness Section team serving in a managerial role in the Planning, Local Emergency Planning Committee Support, Training, Assessments and Exercises, Radiological Preparedness, and Continuity program areas. These programs support and guide statewide emergency preparedness efforts for state agencies, Tribal nations, counties, cities, the nine Homeland Security Regions, and the Seattle Urban area. 

This position is responsible for managing the Preparedness Section and provides leadership to supervisors and staff in the Planning, Local Emergency Committee Support, Training, Assessments and Exercises, Radiological Preparedness, and Continuity program areas.

This is a civilian position and does not require military service affiliation.

To learn more about the Washington Military Department, please visit: www.mil.wa.gov. 

In addition to job fulfillment, the Washington Military Department offers an excellent benefits package which includes exceptional health care coverage, a retirement savings plan and job training opportunities. 

Duties: 

GENERAL MANAGEMENT

Plan, lead, organize, and control the work performed by the Preparedness Section. Provide expertise, leadership, and management of six direct reports and through subordinates, and an additional 14 staff members. 

Ensure operational and administrative decisions regarding allocation of resources are consistent with Department/Division policy. Provide leadership, guidance, and direction to section staff to ensure program needs are met in a timely manner and resources are appropriately allocated. Support the professional development of staff, including providing instruction, training, direction, schedule development, productivity monitoring, and providing performance appraisal to ensure ongoing and adequate staffing to meet the program requirements. 

Monitor, analyze, and manage program budgets. Directly monitor and manage expenditure of the annual operating budget. Responsible for the internal budgeting process of the Section's operating budget and grant funding for the Radiological Program. 

PLANNING, EXERCISE, AND TRAINING

Lead the state's planning, exercise, training, and radiological preparedness programs, and ensure integration with federal, state, Tribal and local jurisdiction, non-governmental organizations and the private sector partners. This includes conducting an annual assessment of program requirements at all levels to ensure the proper implementation of the preparedness cycle into the state preparedness process. 

Spearhead the state's emergency management planning programs ensuring that state agencies and local jurisdictions (including the nine Homeland Security Regions and the Seattle Urban Area), planning efforts are synchronized and integrated into federal planning initiatives resulting in a planning process that meets or exceeds applicable federal and state statues or policy requirements.  Incorporate private and non-governmental organizations into the comprehensive planning process. 

Secure and maintain Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP) accreditation. 

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Perform as a Deputy State Coordinating Officer or Emergency Operations Center Supervisor for the state during emergency response activities and make decisions or recommendations having statewide impacts on the residents, property, economy, and environment.

Requirements

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

A Bachelor's degree and five years of lead, supervisory, and/or management experience.

Professional level experience in emergency management, financial management (grants, contracting, claims management, budgeting), training/education, public information/affairs, program/project management, environmental analysis/planning, civil/structural engineering, legislative affairs, or urban planning will substitute for the degree requirement on a year-for-year basis. A Master's degree or Ph.D. degree will substitute for one year of the experience requirement.

AND

Seven years of professional experience that includes at least three of the following:

• Working in an emergency management organization in a supervisory or managerial role.
• Developing plans for organizations of 50 or more.
• Developing and conducting professional training.
• Developing and conducting professional exercises.
• Developing strategic plans.
• Monitoring and evaluating grants for federal, state, local governments, or private entities.
• Developing, negotiating, monitoring, and administering contracts with public and private entities.
• Developing, preparing, monitoring, evaluating, and briefing others of budget status.
• Program/project management.
• Developing and writing analysis packages for senior leadership.
• Performing analytical studies.
• Conducting mutual aid activities.
• Monitoring contractor performance.

Note: This experience may be gained concurrently with the experience listed above.

Preference may be given for knowledge and understanding of:

• Principles of mid/senior level management and coordinating, leading and/or supervising staff work.
• Policy analysis and formulation.
• Tactical and strategic planning.
• Fund allocation, budgeting, and state/federal resources controlling their use.
• Personnel management and administration.
• Principles of emergency management operations.
• National and state disaster and emergency programs, policies, and legislation including their application and intent.
• Automation and communications systems available for emergency operations and their applications.
• Roles and responsibilities of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other federal agencies that support the National Response Framework.
• Roles & Responsibilities of State, local, volunteer, and private agencies that support the state's Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan.

 In addition, the ideal candidate will demonstrate skills in the following competencies:

• Providing leadership to groups over which you have no direct control.
• Building teams among diverse program stakeholders and work cooperatively as a member of a team.
• Negotiating and coordinate with external agencies and local governments to achieve strategic goals.

Supplemental Information

Compensation: This position is in the Washington Management Service (Band 3). The successful candidate's salary will range from $126,500 - $132,300 annually, depending on qualifications and/or rules of promotion.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Investigation: Must successfully complete the appropriate background checks required for employment. Must be willing to sign releases of information and shall not have access to any investigative materials and files. The processing of background checks can take up to six months post-employment. Failure to successfully pass a background check may be cause for termination.

Driver's License:

• Valid to drive in the State of Washington.
• Must meet requirements of the REAL ID Act. This is required for base access and will be required upon hire.

Military Facility: Willingness to work on a Military Controlled Access Installation. Camp Murray uses the Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) for entry to the installation. Must meet access requirements / background check which can be found in the Camp Murray Access Requirements Policy (Unified Policy No. 18-01). This includes possession of an Enhanced Driver’s License, or other REAL ID Compliant Identification.

Union Shop Provision: This position is non-represented and will follow the provisions of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC).

Work Hours: A choice between a Tuesday through Friday (4/10 schedule): Monday through Thursday (4/10 schedule): or Monday through Friday (5/8 schedule). Actual hours will start no earlier than 6:00 AM and end no later than 6:00 PM and will include core business hours of 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Telework: This position may be eligible for some telework. The incumbent will work with their supervisor to identify an appropriate work schedule and balance between remote and in person work based on operational need and employee preference. Reporting to the workstation for work activities or participating in-person meetings will be needed.

Emergency Assignment: Upon activation of the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) or Joint Field Office (JFO), incumbent may be required to work in an alternate location with rotating shifts, including weekends and evenings, in a highly stressful and fast-paced environment.

Travel: Occasional statewide travel may be required up to 5% to include overnight stays.

** HOW TO APPLY **

Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically via www.careers.wa.gov. It is very important that the "Work Experience" and "Supplemental Questionnaire" portion of the application is completed in as much detail as possible.

In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:

• An attached Resume outlining your experience to date.
• An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
• Contact details for a minimum of three (3) professional references. Please include at least two (2) past/current supervisors, one peer and/or subordinate, if applicable.
• For each reference include the following:
  • Name
  • Professional Title
  • Working Relationship
  • Daytime Phone Number
  • Email Address

NOTE: This information may be entered into the "References" section of the online application or can be an attached document.

** A resume will not substitute for completing the "work experience" section of the application.

Incomplete applications may disqualify you from eligibility for the position. You must ensure all application areas, including supplemental questions, are completed in full.

If you have questions about the application process or this recruitment, please email Mistina Venesky at [email protected].

Technical Support: Reach out to NEOGOV directly at 1-855-524-5627 for technical support and login issues.

The Washington Military Department is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities and/or limited English proficiency needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruitment Section of State Human Resources at: Email: [email protected], Call: (253) 512-7389, or 711

For more information about this position or to apply online visit www.careers.wa.gov or Preparedness Section Manager (WMS Band 3).

This job posting closes Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 11:59 PM (PDT).