Job description

Emergency Management District Field Officer - (25141545) Imagine a career where your expertise directly strengthens the safety and resilience of communities across Montana. Are you driven by a passion for all phases of emergency management – from proactive preparedness and mitigation to hands-on response and long-term recovery? Do you excel at building relationships and empowering others to navigate the unpredictable world of emergencies and disasters? If so, the Montana Disaster & Emergency Services (MT DES) Division invites you to join our dedicated team as a District Field Officer. This pivotal role places you right at the heart of our mission: to support and uplift the local and tribal emergency management programs in your assigned district. You'll be the essential bridge between our state resources and the often lean, yet incredibly dedicated, local teams, helping them stay on track and prepared for anything Montana throws their way. Your days will be dynamic: providing critical support by maintaining situational awareness of diverse threats, facilitating essential training and exercise opportunities, and guiding communities through complex disaster declarations and the intricate world of grant applications. If you're ready to be a collaborative partner and a constant source of support for Montana's communities in their journey towards greater resilience, this is the perfect fit. Responsibilities: • Strategic Program Development & Sustainability: Provide expert technical assistance and consultation to local and tribal governments for the development, implementation, and sustainment of comprehensive, all-hazards emergency management programs. Foster strong, collaborative relationships with local, tribal, and state officials to ensure program integration and effectiveness. • Integrated Disaster Planning & Administration: Lead and support the development, administration, and continuous improvement of local, tribal, regional, and statewide disaster and emergency plans. Ensure these plans are fully integrated with agency-specific resources and capabilities across all levels of government and stakeholder groups. • Grant Development & Management Expertise: Provide comprehensive technical assistance to local and tribal stakeholders in the identification, development, application, and management of critical emergency management grants, including the Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG), Homeland Security Grants, and other federal and state funding opportunities. Ensure compliance with all grant requirements and reporting. • Applied Research & Innovation: Proactively research, evaluate, and integrate new methodologies, resources, technologies, and strategies in emergency planning and management to enhance district-wide capabilities and promote best practices. • Emergency & Disaster Declaration Support: Provide expert guidance and direct assistance to local and tribal jurisdictions throughout the emergency and disaster declaration process, including preliminary damage assessments, documentation, and coordination with state and federal agencies. • Interagency Coordination & Liaison: Serve as a primary liaison and facilitator, fostering effective communication and coordination between local, tribal, state, federal, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), private-sector entities, and other local jurisdictions during all phases of emergency management. • Situational Awareness & Threat Monitoring: Actively assist local jurisdictions and the State Emergency Coordination Center (ECC) in maintaining robust situational awareness of emerging threats, hazards, and ongoing incidents. Contribute to the development and dissemination of timely and accurate information. • Training & Exercise Program Management: Design, conduct, and coordinate a comprehensive training and exercise program for emergency responders, community stakeholders, and local/tribal leadership, aligned with Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) guidelines. • Comprehensive Lifecycle Coordination: Coordinate and integrate preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts seamlessly across local, tribal, state, and federal agencies, as well as private industry partners and non-governmental organizations, to ensure a unified approach to incident management. • Regulatory Compliance & Oversight: Ensure rigorous compliance with all applicable state and federal emergency management regulations, statutes, and policies. Provide guidance to local and tribal partners to ensure their adherence. • State Emergency Coordination Center (ECC) Duty Officer: Serve as a MT DES Duty Officer on a rotating basis, providing 24/7 coverage, initial incident assessment, and coordination support to the State ECC. Must have demonstrated the ability to work with, and engage in, diverse working environments within and outside of the Department of Military Affairs. Required Qualifications & Experience: • Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Emergency Management, Public Administration, Project Management, Homeland Security, Public Safety, Environmental Science, or a closely related field. • Experience: A minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible professional work experience in emergency management, disaster preparedness, response, recovery, or mitigation, or a closely related field. Other combinations of education and experience that demonstrate the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of this position may be considered. • Specialized Knowledge & Skills: Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, and phases of comprehensive emergency management (preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation). Demonstrated proficiency with the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and the Incident Command System (ICS), including successful completion of relevant FEMA/EMI coursework (e.g., ICS-100, 200, 700, 800 or equivalent). Proficiency in using standard office software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite) and the ability to quickly learn and utilize specialized emergency management software and communication platforms. • Communication & Collaboration: Exceptional ability to communicate complex information effectively, both orally and in writing, to diverse audiences including state, tribal, and local officials, emergency responders, private sector partners, and the public. This includes developing clear reports, presentations, and correspondence. • Work Ethic & Adaptability: Proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision, demonstrating strong initiative, sound judgment, and effective time management. Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively as part of a dynamic team, fostering positive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders. • Mobility & Availability: Willingness and ability to travel frequently and extensively throughout assigned district and across the state of Montana, including overnight stays. Occasional out-of-state travel may also be required. Possession of a valid Montana driver's license or ability to obtain one prior to employment. Ability to work under inherently stressful and dynamic conditions, often requiring availability and responsiveness on a 24/7 basis, including during evenings, weekends, and holidays for incident support or exercises. Ability to perform duties in an office environment and in field conditions, which may include exposure to adverse weather and uneven terrain. This is a full-time position with a competitive salary and benefits package. The location of the position is flexible within the assigned district. You will report to the State Response Bureau Chief. Applicant Pool Statement: If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection. Training Assignment: This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire. Salary: $ 31.00 - 39.50 Hourly Telework Eligibility: Telework Eligible (Full-time telework is not available. Telework schedule must be supervisor approved.) Benefits Package Eligibility: Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan Number of Openings: 1 Employee Status: Regular Schedule: Full-Time Job Type: Standard Shift: Day Job Travel: Yes, 25 % of the Time Primary Location: Helena Agency: Department of Military Affairs Union: 000 - None Posting Date: Jul 8, 2025, 4:45:48 PM Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone): Aug 8, 2025, 12:59:00 AM Required Application Materials: Cover Letter, Resume Contact Name: Jessica Collick | Contact Email: JCollick@mt.gov | Contact Phone: 406-324-3334

Requirements