Director Emergency Management

Job Information  

This is a Non-Represented Position. 

Please note that this position has been designated as a “Policy Maker” pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics.  As such, you will be required to complete a Financial Disclosure Statement that will be provided to you by the New York State Joint Commission on Public Ethics. 

Summary  

The Director Emergency Management position is a crucial role that involves various responsibilities related to emergency preparedness, compliance, and effective communication internally and with external stakeholders.  It is responsible for developing and implementing emergency plans, training, and exercises, administering emergency management procedures and protocols, and representing LIRR during planned and emergency events.  The incumbent is responsible for diverse tasks focusing on developing and updating emergency preparedness and response capabilities.  The position requires availability to cover 24 hours/365 days per year to respond to emergencies.

Responsibilities:  

Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:  

• Oversee the advancement of the agency’s emergency management capabilities, including but not limited to establishing annual goals, determining priorities, coaching and mentoring staff, and building out the internal (LIRR) emergency management program to achieve their professional and programmatic goals.  Develop, participate in, and maintain LIRR’s Incident Command System (ICS) structure to use during multi-agency emergency incidents and events.  It also includes development of LIRR’s ICS structure for use in single-agency emergencies that only impact LIRR operations.
• Coordinate and collaborate with the MTA headquarters office on authority-wide efforts and with other MTA and external agencies as required to prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate complex emergencies. Participate in the MTA authority-wide efforts to create and update emergency plans, policies, and procedures across the MTA.
• Represent and advise the LIRR Deputy Chief Safety Officer – Fire, Code Compliance and Emergency Management, Vice President of Corporate Safety, and other LIRR Executives about emergency planning and activities during a crisis.  Ensure LIRR representation at Emergency Operations Center meetings during emergencies or events.  Ensure coverage for weather update meetings, monitoring of incident notifications, and ensure compliance with policies.
• Coordinate emergency planning related to preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts for natural disasters and man-made incidents across the LIRR. Provide emergency planning guidance and direction to emergency management staff in the various divisions of LIRR.
• Lead the development of Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) for LIRR facilities, stations, and terminals by developing and implementing a standardized format to deliver important safety information constantly and efficiently to employees and contractors. Oversee authoring and maintaining these documents as well as providing familiarization training to LIRR management. 
• Represent the LIRR working with outside agencies in development of joint Incident Action Plans (IAPs) for special events occurring on LIRR property or requiring LIRR support for nearby venues.
• Ensure compliance with Federal Railroad Administration Title 49 CFR Part 239 Passenger Train Emergency Preparedness regulatory mandates, Occupational Safety and Health Administration Title 29 CFR Part 1910 Subpart E Exit Routes and Emergency Planning, and Federal Emergency Management Agency requirements.  This includes monitoring compliance with training mandates.
• Select, develop, and motivate personnel within the department. Provide career development for subordinates. Provide prompt and effective coaching and counseling. Responsible for discipline/termination of employees when necessary. Review direct reports and approve performance appraisals. Promote safe work practices and provide safe working conditions. Create a professional environment that respects individual differences and enables all employees to develop and contribute to their full potential.
• Ensure a safe working environment and adherence to guidelines of company safety policies and procedures. Lead by example.
• Perform other assignments as requested by Senior Management.

Qualifications 

A.

• Bachelor's degree in Emergency Management, Homeland Security, or a related field from an accredited college or university or an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of a degree- Subject to approval.
• Minimum of twelve (12) years of experience, including six (6) years supervisory, in a position that is progressively responsible for emergency management, project management, business continuity, public transportation, public administration, or experience in a large corporate or government organization with responsibility for producing actionable policies and plans.
• Must have knowledge of the development of emergency management plans and protocols.
• Must have knowledge of the fundamentals of resiliency and strategies for making organizations more resilient.
• Must have knowledge and practical experience with Incident Command System (ICS), including experience responding to a real-world emergency.
• Must have experience managing multiple competing priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, especially related to writing, editing, and proofreading.
• Excellent organizational and presentation skills and have the ability to communicate effectively with key internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a high-profile, high-pressure environment.
• Demonstrated ability to complete short- and long-term projects effectively and as efficiently as possible.
• Demonstrated analytical capabilities and quantitative skills, with a high level of attention to detail is required.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or comparable applications, i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Travel may be required to other MTA locations or other external sites and must be flexible to work outside of regular work hours (i.e., evenings and weekends). This position may require the ability to respond to emergencies on a 24-hour basis.

B.

• A master’s degree in a related field is preferred.
• Working knowledge of federal, state, and local (NYC) plan management best practices and familiarity with emergency plans, document structures, and formats.
• NYCEM Emergency Management Certification.
• Prior experience at a transportation agency.
• Familiarity with Federal Railroad Administration and Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations related to emergency preparedness.
• FEMA certification or knowledge of NIMS, ICS, HSEEP, 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, 800, 1300, 2200).
• Knowledge of Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standards (HAZWOPER).

Other Information 

In addition to meeting the minimum requirements of the position, the selection process may include, but is not limited to, a pre-screening assessment (i.e., physical, written and/ or practical evaluation) and interview. Candidates forfeit further consideration in the process if they fail to participate in any step of the process when scheduled. Make-up dates/times will not be given. In addition, LIRR employee applicants must be in their current position for the 12 months immediately preceding the close date of this posting and must possess a satisfactory work history, including attendance and discipline record. A record of more than ten sick days without medical documentation in two of the last three years is considered unsatisfactory attendance.  Not all qualified applicants are guaranteed an interview due to the competitive selection process. A medical examination and safety-sensitive drug/alcohol test may also be required. 

Equal Employment Opportunity 

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including with respect to veteran status and individuals with disabilities. 

The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.