EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLANNING DIRECTOR

The City of Milwaukee is proud to employ a diverse workforce dedicated to delivering exceptional service to its residents. If you have a passion for being a part of an inclusive team of public servants, please consider the following opportunity.

The Emergency Response Planning Director develops, implements and evaluates cost-effective and outcome-based strategies for the Milwaukee Health Department’s (MHD’s) Emergency Preparedness and Environmental Health (EPEH) program.

Program Leadership, Direction and Planning

• Oversee the MHD’s emergency preparedness, resiliency, and general environmental health activities.
• Assure program compliance with all city, state and federal regulatory requirements relating to environmental health and emergency preparedness
• Monitor national best practices for regulatory programs and implement proven strategies to improve division performance and outcomes.
• Utilize outcomes-based management and quality improvement strategies to improve divisional performance and outcomes.
• Manage the investigation of complaints and outbreak investigations in coordination with other divisions, departments, and other state, local and federal agencies.
• Manage federal and state grants, contracts, and agreements.
• Formulate and recommend policies and legislative changes related to a variety of environmental and emergency preparedness and response issues that impact human health, economic development and overall quality of life within the City.
• Generate program summaries, project updates, special reports, technical papers, grant applications, statistical analyses and other documents.
• Maintain data management systems related to the evaluation of outcomes, expenditures, and revenues.
• Develop and implement strategies that integrate technology into emergency preparedness and environmental health programs to improve operational efficiency.  
• Serve as the department’s technical expert on emergency preparedness and environmental health.
• Write, edit and proofread reports to foundation and government funding sources, and internal reports.
• Represent the MHD and the EPEH at Common Council meetings relative to emergency preparedness and environmental health programs.

Staff Management and Administration

• Develop and implement a program for professional development and field evaluation of staff.
• Promote an environment of critical and creative thinking, professional growth, learning, open communication and collaborative relationships.
• Participate in recruitment, selection, assignment, and training of EPEH personnel.
• Lead efforts to build morale, enforce accountability and discipline, and improve performance.
• Guide and mentor division management staff.
• Prepare and recommend the annual budget for EPEH programs.
• Develop and oversee contracts/subcontracts in the area of EPEH programming, including negotiating terms, drafting documents, authorizing payments, and monitoring overall performance.  

Community Collaboration

• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with other City departments, such as the Office of Emergency Management, Milwaukee Fire Department, Milwaukee Police Department, Department of Public Works, Department of Neighborhood Services, and the City Attorney’s Office, as well as state and federal regulatory agencies such as the WI Department of Health Services, Healthcare Emergency Readiness Coalition (HERC) Region 7, and the US Department of Health and Human Services.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with community-based organizations, private and non-profit agencies in the City and region; represent the department at community-based events.
• Act as spokesperson for the department on EPEH issues, including responding to media requests and assisting Alderpersons with constituent problems and questions. 

We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who are interested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during the hiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

• Occasionally will be exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and outdoor weather conditions. 
• Will work outside of regular work hours in conjunction with public health emergencies and investigations and/or be assigned to participate in an MHD Incident Command System during a declared public health emergency.
• Required to file a Statement of Economic Interests in accordance with the Milwaukee Code of Ordinances Chapter 303-Code of Ethics.
• Required pre-employment tests include:
  • Physical Exam
  • Vision Exam
  • Audio-Gram
• Pre-Employment Vaccination and Screening Requirements:
  • Annual TB Test
  • Annual Covid-19 and Influenza vaccinations
  • Pre-employment immunity verification required for MMR, Varicella, and Hepatitis B
    • If not immune, vaccination or an approved exemption is required.
    • Vaccination series only needs to be done once.

1. A bachelor’s degree in environmental health, emergency management, public health, physical science, biology, natural or physical science, public administration, business administration or a related field from an accredited college or university.
2. Five years of full-time, progressively responsible experience in emergency preparedness program management and supervision within a governmental agency.
3. Valid driver’s license and possession of a properly insured vehicle for use on the job at the time of appointment and throughout employment. Private Auto Allowance May Be Paid Pursuant to Section 350-183 of The Milwaukee Code.
4. Possession of Emergency Preparedness certificates ICS 100, 200, 300, and NIMS 700 from FEMA within three months of appointment and throughout employment.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered. 

NOTICE: Please do not attach your academic transcripts to your employment application. The hiring department will verify candidates’ education as part of the background screening process prior to extending any job offers.

• Master’s degree in emergency management from an accredited college or university.
• Knowledge of public health education, informatics, and statutes.

Technical

• Knowledge of emergency planning, preparedness, and response management at the local, state and/or federal level.
• Knowledge of acute communicable and chronic disease epidemiology.
• Knowledge of statistical reporting systems or public health informatics.
• Knowledge of emergency planning, preparedness, and response management best practices, including the equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to protect people, data, property, and institutions.
• Knowledge of laws, rules, and regulations related to emergency planning, preparedness and response management.
• Ability to read and understand complex documents such as laws, policies, procedures, and technical publications.
• Knowledge of the business and management principles involved in budgeting, purchasing, contracts, and grants.
• Knowledge of the capabilities of information technology to transform and enhance operations and services.
• Proficiency with standard computer applications to produce correspondence, analyze data, and create reports.

Communication and Interpersonal

• Superior written communication skills to compose well-crafted policies, plans, reports, and correspondence.
• Excellent verbal communication and presentation skills, including the ability to present information effectively one-on-one and before groups.
• Political acumen to build effective partnerships with senior officials in the public and private sectors.
• Ability to effectively represent the department before public bodies and the media.

Leadership

• Knowledge of management principles related to strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources, leadership, and coordination of people and resources.
• Ability to provide emergency planning, preparedness, and response leadership for governmental partners and senior officials representing various organizations.
• Organizational and strategic planning skills to effectively oversee projects, manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and accomplish goals.
• Ability to provide direction and training to department heads and senior managers.
• Ability to foster an environment of inclusion wherein all associates are treated respectfully, are valued for their strengths, and feel that they can safely express themselves.

Critical Thinking and Professionalism

• Ability to translate abstract concepts and high-level thinking into workable plans.
• Ability to analyze and solve complex problems.
• Exercise a high degree of independent judgment and decision-making to manage sensitive, complex issues with diplomacy, and professionalism.
• Skill in data and information analysis and interpretation.
• Ability to provide responsible stewardship of City resources, represent the City of Milwaukee professionally and ethically, and maintain the utmost confidentiality.
• Ability to engage in professional development activities related to emergency planning, preparedness and response management.

The current salary range (Pay Range 1IX) is $95,932-$115,501 annually, and the resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $99,769-$120,121 annually. Appointment above the minimum is possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications and is subject to approval.

BENEFITS: 

The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefit program, which includes the following:

• Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Health and Dental Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Comprehensive Wellness Program
• Onsite Clinic Services 
• Onsite Employee Assistance Program
• Alternative Work Schedules
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Group Life Insurance
• Tuition Benefits
• Paid Vacation
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Leave and other paid leaves
• Flexible Spending Arrangement
• Commuter Value Pass  

For full details of the benefits offered by the City of Milwaukee, please visit https://city.milwaukee.gov/der/benefits.

THE SELECTION PROCESS will be job-related and will consist of one or more of the following: an evaluation of education, experience, and/or responses to supplemental questions; a written or performance test, a structured interview, or other assessment methods. The Department of Employee Relations reserves the right to call only the most qualified candidates to structured interviews and performance examinations. Structured interviews may include written exercises. Selection process component weights will be determined by further analysis of the job.

INITIAL FILING DATE - The selection process will be held as soon as practical after the deadline listed above. Receipt of applications may be discontinued at any time after this date without prior notice. However, recruitment may continue until the City's needs are met. Qualified applicants will be notified of the date, time, and place of the selection process components. Unless required by law, the City of Milwaukee will not provide alternative dates or times for the selection process. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the job selection process at the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.

• Applications and further information can be accessed by visiting https://www.jobapscloud.com/MIL/
• If you would like assistance completing an application, please contact the Department of Employee Relations at (414) 286-3751 or staffinginfo@milwaukee.gov.
• The Department of Employee Relations is located at City Hall, 200 E. Wells St, Room 706, Milwaukee, WI 53202.

EEO 102

The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.