With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and opportunities in more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia is the sixth largest city in the United States and one of the largest employers in Southeastern Pennsylvania. As an employer, the City of Philadelphia operates through the guiding principles of service, integrity, respect, accountability, collaboration, diversity and inclusion. Through these principles, we strive to effectively deliver services, to resolve the challenges facing our city, and to make Philadelphia a place where all of our residents have the opportunity to reach their potential. 

Agency Description

The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) works to mitigate, plan, and prepare for emergencies; educate the public about preparedness; coordinate emergency response and recovery efforts; and develop tools and identify resources to support the overall preparedness of the City of Philadelphia.

OEM is the primary city agency for emergency public alert and warning. In addition to traditional and social media efforts, OEM leverages: subscription-based text, email, and call notifications; reverse 9-1-1; the Emergency Alert System (EAS) which broadcasts over radio, television, and other mediums; and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA). OEM is seeking an Alert & Warning Coordinator for an exciting new position managing the technical and strategic aspects of these critical capabilities to protect the public. Candidates should possess a strong desire to work in a team-oriented, fast paced, flexible, professional public safety environment, and a willingness to serve the public in the sixth largest city in the nation. The ideal candidate is self-motivated, inquisitive, adept at working with diverse groups in stressful situations, can effectively manage computer-based systems, and can strategically manage the application of the systems while working in close consultation with the OEM Regional Integration Center (RIC), OEM Public Information Programs, and other stakeholders.

To best leverage these powerful communications tools in both steady-state and disaster applications, the candidate will work with many different partners from governmental and non-governmental organizations. The lines of effort will focus on five main areas:

1. Managing the alert and warning strategy and plan – composed of various systems.
2. Ensuring the operational readiness of systems with pre-planned messaging, triggers, training of end-users and exercising.
3. Serving as technical administrator for related systems for any mass notification need, public or otherwise.
4. Educating the public and operational partners on the available tools, seeking to always increase their reach.
5. Participation in incident responses as an emergency responder.

Qualifications and Requirements

Education and Experience

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• One (1) or more years’ experience working within an emergency management or other public safety organization is preferred.
• One (1) or more years’ experience in program or project management is preferred.
• One (1) or more years’ experience administering web-based platforms is preferred.
• Experience crafting effective public messaging in various formats, including other languages and for individuals with access and functional needs is preferred.
• Familiarity with the City of Philadelphia is preferred.
• Experience developing, training, and exercising on the use of systems is preferred.  
• Experience interpreting and executing federal and state guidance is preferred.
• Experience coordinating large groups in collaborative, long-term, and recurring efforts is preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience in a related field will be considered with approval by MDO-OEM and the Office of Human Resources.

Licenses, Registrations, and Certification

• Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator’s license issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania within six months of hire.
• Successful completion of FEMA Independent Study courses (IS 100.a, 200.a, 700.a, and 800.b) within first month of appointment.
• Candidate will have access to secure public safety information.  All selected applicants must undergo and successfully complete a background investigation as a condition of placement in this position.

Other requirements

• OEM personnel will be required to serve in an on-call capacity to work during non-business hours for extended periods of time in a field environment and during activations of Philadelphia’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC). OEM personnel are “essential.”
• Full-time residency within the City of Philadelphia geographic boundaries required within six months of hire.  There are no exceptions to this policy.
• Ability to physically perform the duties during and outside of normal business hours.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to multitask effectively.
• Ability to work well with others.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships and develop partnerships.
• Ability to coordinate diverse groups toward a common goal.
• Ability to complete tasks and projects in a timely manner.
• Ability to contribute and coordinate work in a team.
• Ability to work independently and to hold yourself accountable.
• Ability to interpret federal and state emergency management requirements and regulations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office software (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access, Outlook) and ability to operate other web-based platforms for information collection, management, and transmission.

Competencies

• Proven ability to document plans and procedures
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Strong understanding of web-based systems
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Strong leadership and negotiation skills
• Professional conduct and accountability
• Proven time-management skills

Salary: $62,500

To Apply: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample (showing your ability to write a policy or report-style document).

What We Offer:

• We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer
• 25% tuition discount program for City employees (and sometimes spouses and dependents as well) in partnership with area colleges and universities
• Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents
• A wellness program that offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options

Successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to [email protected]. For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx

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