Emergency Services Specialist I

The Placer County Office of Emergency Services (OES) is responsible for emergency operations and management of major incidents across the County. Incidents range from major fires, to floods, to human-caused incidents, or anything requiring a County-focused response. OES is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, as required. In addition, OES serves as lead for oversight and management of the Placer County Fire system and works closely with our contracted Fire and Emergency Services providers and numerous other first-responder-type agencies across the emergency services spectrum.

The OES is seeking an Emergency Services Specialist to provide emergency services response support capabilities, emergency planning skills, and logistical/administrative oversight of the entire Placer County Fire infrastructure platform to include Fire equipment, supplies, facilities, and vehicles.

To prepare and maintain emergency plans and procedures for use during a County-wide emergency; and to assist in coordinating activities of all emergency service organizations during actual emergencies and disasters.

This is the entry-level class in the Emergency Services Specialist series.  This class is distinguished from the journey by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within this series.  Employees at this level are not expected to perform with the same independent direction and judgment on matters allocated to the journey level.  Since this class is typically used as a training class, employees may have only limited related work experience.  Employees work under immediate supervision while learning job tasks.

Receives direction from the Emergency Services Program Manager and may receive technical and functional supervision from the Senior Emergency Services Specialist or the Emergency Services Coordinator.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Advise and assist various groups, including County staff, special districts, cities and industry in reviewing and/or developing emergency preparedness plans.
• Analyze emergency response plans of emergency services organizations and make recommendations.
• Assist in the coordination of emergency efforts by cities and state, federal agencies and other public jurisdictions, private entities and volunteer organizations during emergencies.
• Assist with planning and conducting simulated emergency exercises; and assist with developing and presenting emergency services training to public employees.
• Assist in the development and oversee various Countywide emergency response programs, including the emergency shelter program.
• Establish and maintain appropriate files and records, including inventory of emergency supplies and equipment; prepare correspondence and reports. 
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other County employees and the public using principles of good customer services.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

It is the responsibility of applicants to identify in their application materials how they meet the minimum qualifications listed below.

Experience: One year of responsible emergency services or disaster planning experience.

Training: Equivalent to completion of 60 units of college level coursework, with emphasis in business or public administration.

License or Certificate:
May need to possess a valid driver’s license as required by the position.  Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

NOTE: Relevant, equivalent experience (performing the same or similar job requiring similar knowledge, skills, and abilities) may be substituted for the required education as determined by the Human Resources Department.

NOTE: Applicants receiving their degree outside the United States must submit proof of accreditation by a recognized evaluation agency.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of emergency management to include the Emergency Services Act (Chapter 7 of Division 1 of Title 2 of the Government Code) and the National Incident Management System (NIMS).
• Learn the policies and procedures pertaining to emergency management to include the incident command system and First Responder Operations.
• Principles and practices of work safety.
• Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.
• Learn the purposes and relationships of local, state and federal governments as related to Emergency Management and disaster planning activities.
• Learn organizational structure and service delivery systems of county government, especially related to Placer County.
• Learn countywide policies and procedures and general practices of County Departments.

Ability to

• On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job; intermittently analyze work papers, reports and special projects; identify and interpret technical and numerical information; observe and problem solve operational and technical policies and procedures.
• On a continuous basis, sit at desk and in meetings for long periods of time.  Intermittently, walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel or twist to observe emergency conditions or conduct training; Intermittently twist to reach equipment surrounding desk; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; use telephone and use a keyboard to communicate through written means; and lift light weight.  Work in varied field conditions during varying types of weather.
• Coordinate the activities of various groups in responding to emergencies and disasters.
• Prepare and conduct training exercises related to emergency practices.
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
• Act quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
• Obtain information through interview; manage multiple projects; and deal firmly and courteously with the public.
• Analyze situations quickly and objectively and to determine proper course of action.
• Work unusual or prolonged hours during emergencies or disasters and during training programs or preparedness exercises.
• Use office equipment and technology.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Training & Experience Rating (100%)

Based upon responses to the supplemental questionnaire, the applicant’s education, training and experience will be evaluated using a pre-determined formula.  Scores from this evaluation will determine applicant ranking and placement on the eligible list.

Prior to the date of hire, applicants must undergo a fingerprint test by the Department of Justice, pass a medical examination, which may include a drug screening and possibly a psychological evaluation, sign a constitutional oath and submit proof of U.S. citizenship or legal right to remain and work in the U.S.  For some positions, applicants may also be required to submit proof of age, undergo a background investigation and/or be bonded.

All new permanent employees, with the exception of sworn law enforcement and those in management and confidential groups, shall be required to join the employee organization or pay an 'Agency Fee' as a condition of employment.

The eligible list(s) resulting from this recruitment may be certified as a substitute list for a substantially similar classification.  For this purpose, a substantially similar classification is one at a lower level in the same classification (example: entry level vs. journey) and/or a similar classification (similar work performed, similar training and experience qualifications required). If you are contacted for an interview by a County department, you will be informed of the classification and other relevant information. If you choose not to interview for a substantially similar classification, you will remain on the eligible list for which you originally applied.

Placer County offers an expedited process for qualifying certain applicants for interviews. Candidates currently employed, or employed within the last year, by a public agency operating under a personnel civil service or merit system may be eligible to be placed on a Public Agency Eligible List and certified as eligible for appointment to a similar job assignment without going through the examination process. For more information on the Public Agency Eligible List, to download forms, or to apply, please click here.

Thank you for your interest in employment with Placer County. Placer County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active nondiscrimination program. It is the stated policy of Placer County that harassment, discrimination and retaliation are prohibited and that all employees, applicants, agents, contractors, and interns/volunteers shall receive equal consideration and treatment. All terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, transfer and promotion will be based on the qualifications of the individual for the positions being filled regardless of gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, race, color, ancestry, religion, national origin, physical disability (Including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition (cancer or genetic characteristics/information), age (40 or over), marital status, military and/or veteran status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. Please contact the Human Resources Department at least 5 working days before a scheduled examination if you require accommodation in the examination process. Medical disability verification may be required prior to accommodation.

The following information represents benefits currently available to permanent Placer County employees and may be subject to change.  It is advisable that applicants inquire as to the most current benefit package during hiring interviews or by contacting the Human Resources Department.

Click here to view benefits for General bargaining unit