Job Description

A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact.

As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What we offer

• Impact - The work you do here matters to millions. 
• Growth  - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it? 
• Diversity & Inclusion  - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
• Benefits  - We care about your well-being.

Agency Description

The Managing Director’s Office of Emergency Management (MDO-OEM) is the coordinating agency for emergency management activities in the City of Philadelphia. Through an integrated emergency management program, MDO-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.

Job Description

MDO-OEM is seeking a Homeland Security Operations Coordinator to work closely with Philadelphia’s public safety partners. Under the direction of the Homeland Security Program Manager, the selected applicant will be responsible for executing safety and security plans for special events, evaluating soft target protection measures, and implementing risk mitigation strategies relating to mass gatherings. Candidates for this position should possess a strong desire to work in a team-oriented, fast-paced, professional public safety environment, and a willingness to serve the public in the fifth largest city in the nation. The successful candidate for this position will assist with the development, strategic planning, implementation, and evaluation of an integrated program to support the preparedness for and response to emergency incidents in Philadelphia.

Essential Functions

Homeland security operations is a critical component of public safety. The Homeland Security Operations Coordinator is responsible for a range of activities including, but not limited to, the following:

• Implement security protocols, guidelines, and policies to enhance interoperability, situational awareness, and standardized operating procedures.
• Coordinate and lead the public safety interagency planning and execution of operations for large special events or mass gatherings, ensuring readiness for emergency response.
• Support training and exercises to prepare staff and partners for major incidents.
• Collaborate and liaise with federal, regional, state, and local Homeland Security officials to execute security initiatives and emergency management programs.
• Develop various documents, such as event action plans, operational plans, and job aids, to support incident management and response coordination.
• Build and maintain partnerships with local, state, and federal government stakeholders, as well as community-based organizations, non-profits, and private sector entities.
• Complete necessary training to acquire knowledge of emergency operations, security procedures, and best practices, ensuring familiarity with key stakeholders and core operational aspects of emergency management.
• Research and develop operational plans to support the homeland security portfolio. Key topics include special events, active threat planning, dignitary protection coordination, soft target risk analysis and mitigation, counter-UAS strategies, and other areas as needed.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal, leadership, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships and develop partnerships.
• Ability to coordinate diverse groups toward a common goal.
• Ability to interpret federal and state emergency management requirements and regulations.
• Knowledge of basic government accounting, management, and procurement procedures is preferred.
• General experience in planning and policy development is preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office software (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access).

OEM personnel will be required to serve in an on-call capacity which may require work outside of typical business hours, for extended periods of time, during states of emergency, in a field environment, in the 24/7 watch center, and during activations of Philadelphia’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Example environments include but are not limited to scenes where materials are on fire, around compromised utilities, around compromised structures, near hazardous materials storage that may be compromised, in congregate living settings, in/near crowds, near downed vegetation or other debris, or near flooding and water-damaged materials. All work will be performed while donning a level of personal protective equipment recommended by the incident safety officer and that you are trained on. Example tasks include working at a computer, observing and documenting conditions, staffing an incident command post, communicating with responders or survivors, operating vehicles up to your licensed class, staffing facilities for survivors, transporting materials, being near a site where a serious injury or loss of life has occurred, sitting, standing, walking, climbing, crawling, or lifting/carrying materials. OEM personnel are essential workers.

Qualifications

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college in planning, management, policy, public administration, criminal justice or related field.
• Prior experience with the development and implementation of operational strategies and plans related to homeland security initiatives. 
• 1 – 3 years of working experience within an emergency management agency or public safety agency, is preferred, but not required.
• Ability to physically perform the duties and work in the environmental conditions required of this position.
• Completion of mandatory training requirements within 3 months of hire.
• Ability to obtain a security clearance.
• Familiarity with the City of Philadelphia is preferred, but not required.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience in a related field will be considered pending approval by MDO-OEM.

Additional Information

TO APPLY:   Interested candidates must submit a cover letter, references and resume.

Salary Range: $68,761

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• Transportation : City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
• Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 6 weeks of paid parental leave.
• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available
• Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
• Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!

Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.

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 faqpchr@phila.gov.

For more information, go to: Human Relations Website:

Job Tags

Similar Jobs