New Hanover County is seeking an Assistant Emergency Management Director to become part of a dynamic, professional county organization with a clear vision as a vibrant, prosperous, diverse coastal community, committed to building a sustainable future for generations to come. The Assistant Director plays a critical role in the day-to-day operations of the Emergency Management Division by overseeing and performing emergency preparedness and response functions in the areas of natural disasters; hazardous materials incidents, including biological warfare/terror agents; and radiological/nuclear incidents.



Reporting to the Emergency Management & 911 Communications Director, the Assistant Director will work closely with a diverse group of community and emergency management partners both in New Hanover County and the surrounding area including city, state, and federal agencies. The ideal candidate is a proactive, decisive leader who is a solution-oriented and resourceful problem-solver. He or she must be equally adept at working under pressure in a fast-paced environment while also having the ability to manage projects and develop and maintain emergency plans, procedures, policies, and contacts to include making an estimation of the County's risk and vulnerability. A collaborative mindset with the ability to build, develop, and maintain effective working relationships is vital in this role.



This position requires a proven leader with experience directing the preparation for, response to, and recovery from emergency disasters and events by determining the local, state, volunteer, or federal response necessary during the emergency; serving as back-up to the department director; responding to emergency scenes and serving as incident commander; assisting in establishing an emergency operations center during emergencies and disasters to monitor and prevent escalation of events; and managing department staff. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skill are essential for interacting with staff, the public, stakeholders, and the media



The Assistant Emergency Management Director will also monitor events in the community and surrounding areas to assist in the preparation of emergency response efforts; review maps of subdivisions, land use plans, and construction projects to ensure access by emergency response equipment and prompt evacuation from during emergencies; interpret nuclear power plant response status and emergency conditions in addition to regulatory changes that affect off-site emergency response and population protection planning efforts and programs; interpret and serve as authority on federal, state, and local regulations regarding hazardous materials use and disposal; and participating in the development of assessment and response guidelines to hazardous materials. Experience in formulating, analyzing, writing, and maintaining emergency plans, policies, procedures, and grants; supporting committee activities; and projecting budget needs is required to be successful in this position.