Emergency Management Watch Officer

THE POSITION

The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency is seeking a self driven professional who enjoys being on the leading edge of emergency incidents and disasters. This job is for someone who cares about helping the public, providing strong customer service, and using good analytical skills. If you have the experience and knowledge to stay calm during an emergency, ability to think through possible actions, and a passion for supporting county and local responders, this may be the perfect career for you!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

Emergency Management Watch Officers support statewide emergency readiness by gathering information, evaluating developing situations, and coordinating responses across many organizations. You work helps ensure accurate communication, rapid decision making, and reliable operational support during both routine and emergency conditions. As a Emergency Management Watch Officer, you will perform the following duties:

• Information Monitoring: Track incoming data from many sources and compare details to identify important issues
• Response Coordination: Work with agency partners to support actions needed during emergencies or planned events
• Communication Support: Relay essential updates to leadership, partner agencies, and other key contacts
• Situation Analysis: Evaluate events and conditions to help recommend next steps and improve awareness
• Record Maintenance: Log events and maintain accurate documentation to support reporting and operational needs
• Operational Readiness: Maintain proficiency with communication tools, systems, and procedures to ensure reliable performance

• Full-time employment
• Free and secure on-site parking
• Work hours are 8:00 PM to 9:00 AM, with a 30-minute lunch. Work schedule will vary and consist of three 12.5 hour days per week.
• In the event of an emergency/disaster situation or training exercise, this position may be required to travel and work outside of the normal work hours, including weekends and overnights.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $59,345.00 (before taxes).
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

QUALIFICATIONS

• Three years of emergency coordination experience within the operation of a large municipal, county, statewide or national emergency center; and an associate degree in emergency management or other closely related field; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training.

• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.

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Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*

• Eligibility rules apply.