San Diego County Water Authority
Emergency Management Officer
San Diego County Water Authority, Escondido, California, United States, 92025
Overview
The San Diego County Water Authority is an independent public agency that serves as San Diego County's regional water wholesaler. The mission is to provide a safe and reliable water supply to 22 member agencies serving the region's economy and residents. The Water Authority is executing a long-term strategy to diversify the region's supplies, invest in the water delivery and storage system, and improve water use efficiency. The Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Department is responsible for operating the water delivery system, ensuring facility security and emergency preparedness, and maintaining the fleet and assets. The department controls water deliveries to meet member agency demands, manages dam and reservoir operations, ensures water quality, oversees water treatment and power generation, maintains vehicles and heavy equipment, provides electro-mechanical support, implements the Asset Management Program, complies with environmental regulations, manages emergency incident command and control, and develops SCADA and maintenance programs. The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is an experienced emergency management professional with a proven track record leading preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation programs in a complex, multi-agency environment. They are proficient with SEMS, NIMS, and incident command principles, and can translate these standards into effective plans, training, exercises, and real-world operations. They excel at building collaborative relationships with member agencies, government partners, and community stakeholders to coordinate emergency management activities and regional readiness. They have strong analytical skills to assess risks, evaluate policies, and develop innovative solutions to strengthen resilience. They are comfortable in strategic planning, Emergency Operations Center activations, and field coordination during incidents. They communicate clearly with diverse audiences and guide decision-makers under pressure. They are a natural leader who fosters cross-agency cooperation and maintains composure to ensure readiness for emergencies. Emergency Management Officer – Role
The Emergency Management Officer plays a leadership role in developing and implementing comprehensive emergency management programs (disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation). As a regional coordinator, the Officer leads the San Diego County Water Agency Emergency Collaborative (WAEC) and works with member agencies, government partners, and community stakeholders to ensure seamless emergency coordination. The Officer reports to the Director of Operations and Maintenance with lead direction from the Risk and Safety Manager. The role supports the Water Authority’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC), maintaining readiness and guiding response efforts during incidents. This is an opportunity for a proactive, strategic thinker who strengthens regional emergency preparedness and resilience. Representative Duties
Develop, administer, and maintain emergency management programs, including emergency plans, response operations, relief, recovery, mitigation, and preparedness plans (e.g., Dam Emergency Response Plan, Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, and Continuity Plan). Coordinate emergency and disaster preparedness activities with internal and external stakeholders region-wide. Collaborate on tabletop exercises, regional drills, and full-scale exercises with partners and stakeholders. Represent the Water Authority with local, state, and federal emergency management organizations; develop and coordinate mutual aid agreements. Lead the WAEC; coordinate WAEC activities and regional engagements. Ensure compliance of emergency management programs with applicable regulations, policies, and guidelines. Coordinate and maintain EOC readiness, activation, staffing, logistics, and procedures; serve as EOC liaison during activations. Track and ensure NIMS and SEMS training for employees. Advise and coordinate the work of staff in emergency preparedness plans and EOC activation. Serve as a point of contact for emergency management agencies and coordinate with related agencies (e.g., Cal-OES, CalWARN). Administer emergency preparedness and disaster recovery grants; identify opportunities, develop applications, monitor progress and expenditures, and ensure compliance. Manage disaster claims for relief and reimbursement in compliance with laws and regulations; maintain records. Establish and maintain effective communications with staff and partner agencies; provide guidance to officials and the public on emergency management operations. Prepare and deliver emergency management presentations and briefings to staff, Board, member agencies, officials, and stakeholders. Evaluate legislation and regulations, recommend actions for compliance, and interpret policies for management and staff. Conduct research and analysis on emergency management operations to inform policy, facilities, security, and coordination decisions. Ensure emergency radio systems are operational and participate in radio tests; maintain data and perform channel checks as needed. Provide guidance and subject matter expertise to leadership and emergency response personnel. Develop and maintain emergency management materials for print and mobile formats; distribute information and update intranet content. Train staff on emergency plans, disaster service worker status, and response expectations; issue Emergency Response IDs and contact cards. Prepare program budgets related to emergency management and monitor expenditures within limits. Perform records management and maintain current knowledge of trends in emergency management through professional development. Qualifications and Requirements
Minimum qualifications typically include a bachelor’s degree with major coursework in emergency management, business, public administration, or a related field, plus five years of progressively responsible experience in emergency management or related programs, preferably in a governmental setting. An Associate Emergency Manager (AEM) or Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) from IAEM, or similar credential, is desirable. Licenses and Other Requirements
A valid California driver’s license and ability to maintain insurability under the Water Authority's policy. ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-300, IS-700, and IS-800 must be completed within six months of appointment. Application Deadline
To be considered, submit an employment application and supplemental questionnaire by Sunday, October 12, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application and supplemental questionnaire. Additional Info
All applications and supplemental questionnaires will be evaluated against the criteria in this job announcement. The selection process may include an appraisal interview, a writing exercise, and other screening methods. Early application is encouraged for governmentjobs.com users. For technical assistance with the online system, contact Government Jobs support at (855) 524-5627. For questions about the position, contact Patricia Duran, Senior Human Resources Analyst, at (858) 522-6663. The San Diego County Water Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, ancestry, military or veteran status, citizenship status, medical condition, or national origin. The Water Authority welcomes veterans or transitioning military personnel. If you have questions about eligibility of Military Occupational Specialties or rating, please visit the Water Authority’s veteran resources at SanDiegoWaterWorks.org. If you require accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact Patricia Duran at (858) 522-6663.
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The San Diego County Water Authority is an independent public agency that serves as San Diego County's regional water wholesaler. The mission is to provide a safe and reliable water supply to 22 member agencies serving the region's economy and residents. The Water Authority is executing a long-term strategy to diversify the region's supplies, invest in the water delivery and storage system, and improve water use efficiency. The Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Department is responsible for operating the water delivery system, ensuring facility security and emergency preparedness, and maintaining the fleet and assets. The department controls water deliveries to meet member agency demands, manages dam and reservoir operations, ensures water quality, oversees water treatment and power generation, maintains vehicles and heavy equipment, provides electro-mechanical support, implements the Asset Management Program, complies with environmental regulations, manages emergency incident command and control, and develops SCADA and maintenance programs. The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is an experienced emergency management professional with a proven track record leading preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation programs in a complex, multi-agency environment. They are proficient with SEMS, NIMS, and incident command principles, and can translate these standards into effective plans, training, exercises, and real-world operations. They excel at building collaborative relationships with member agencies, government partners, and community stakeholders to coordinate emergency management activities and regional readiness. They have strong analytical skills to assess risks, evaluate policies, and develop innovative solutions to strengthen resilience. They are comfortable in strategic planning, Emergency Operations Center activations, and field coordination during incidents. They communicate clearly with diverse audiences and guide decision-makers under pressure. They are a natural leader who fosters cross-agency cooperation and maintains composure to ensure readiness for emergencies. Emergency Management Officer – Role
The Emergency Management Officer plays a leadership role in developing and implementing comprehensive emergency management programs (disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation). As a regional coordinator, the Officer leads the San Diego County Water Agency Emergency Collaborative (WAEC) and works with member agencies, government partners, and community stakeholders to ensure seamless emergency coordination. The Officer reports to the Director of Operations and Maintenance with lead direction from the Risk and Safety Manager. The role supports the Water Authority’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC), maintaining readiness and guiding response efforts during incidents. This is an opportunity for a proactive, strategic thinker who strengthens regional emergency preparedness and resilience. Representative Duties
Develop, administer, and maintain emergency management programs, including emergency plans, response operations, relief, recovery, mitigation, and preparedness plans (e.g., Dam Emergency Response Plan, Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, and Continuity Plan). Coordinate emergency and disaster preparedness activities with internal and external stakeholders region-wide. Collaborate on tabletop exercises, regional drills, and full-scale exercises with partners and stakeholders. Represent the Water Authority with local, state, and federal emergency management organizations; develop and coordinate mutual aid agreements. Lead the WAEC; coordinate WAEC activities and regional engagements. Ensure compliance of emergency management programs with applicable regulations, policies, and guidelines. Coordinate and maintain EOC readiness, activation, staffing, logistics, and procedures; serve as EOC liaison during activations. Track and ensure NIMS and SEMS training for employees. Advise and coordinate the work of staff in emergency preparedness plans and EOC activation. Serve as a point of contact for emergency management agencies and coordinate with related agencies (e.g., Cal-OES, CalWARN). Administer emergency preparedness and disaster recovery grants; identify opportunities, develop applications, monitor progress and expenditures, and ensure compliance. Manage disaster claims for relief and reimbursement in compliance with laws and regulations; maintain records. Establish and maintain effective communications with staff and partner agencies; provide guidance to officials and the public on emergency management operations. Prepare and deliver emergency management presentations and briefings to staff, Board, member agencies, officials, and stakeholders. Evaluate legislation and regulations, recommend actions for compliance, and interpret policies for management and staff. Conduct research and analysis on emergency management operations to inform policy, facilities, security, and coordination decisions. Ensure emergency radio systems are operational and participate in radio tests; maintain data and perform channel checks as needed. Provide guidance and subject matter expertise to leadership and emergency response personnel. Develop and maintain emergency management materials for print and mobile formats; distribute information and update intranet content. Train staff on emergency plans, disaster service worker status, and response expectations; issue Emergency Response IDs and contact cards. Prepare program budgets related to emergency management and monitor expenditures within limits. Perform records management and maintain current knowledge of trends in emergency management through professional development. Qualifications and Requirements
Minimum qualifications typically include a bachelor’s degree with major coursework in emergency management, business, public administration, or a related field, plus five years of progressively responsible experience in emergency management or related programs, preferably in a governmental setting. An Associate Emergency Manager (AEM) or Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) from IAEM, or similar credential, is desirable. Licenses and Other Requirements
A valid California driver’s license and ability to maintain insurability under the Water Authority's policy. ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-300, IS-700, and IS-800 must be completed within six months of appointment. Application Deadline
To be considered, submit an employment application and supplemental questionnaire by Sunday, October 12, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application and supplemental questionnaire. Additional Info
All applications and supplemental questionnaires will be evaluated against the criteria in this job announcement. The selection process may include an appraisal interview, a writing exercise, and other screening methods. Early application is encouraged for governmentjobs.com users. For technical assistance with the online system, contact Government Jobs support at (855) 524-5627. For questions about the position, contact Patricia Duran, Senior Human Resources Analyst, at (858) 522-6663. The San Diego County Water Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, ancestry, military or veteran status, citizenship status, medical condition, or national origin. The Water Authority welcomes veterans or transitioning military personnel. If you have questions about eligibility of Military Occupational Specialties or rating, please visit the Water Authority’s veteran resources at SanDiegoWaterWorks.org. If you require accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact Patricia Duran at (858) 522-6663.
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