Impress employers and recruiters.
Choose from hundreds of resume examples.

Target Resume Now

About the Role

The Watch Specialist position performs complex analytical operational support and technical assistance assignments in the State Operations Center (SOC). This role involves planning, developing, and implementing agency programs, providing consultative services, and technical assistance to various stakeholders. The position requires flexibility to adapt to changing duties, working hours, and travel as needed in an emergency response entity.

Responsibilities

Performs assigned technical operations, training, research, planning, policy, program assessment, and administrative activities for the SOC's warning, alert, and communications systems and emergency operations.
Collaborates in the planning, development, implementation, analysis, and documentation for emergency incidents/special operations events.
Reviews and analyzes information to determine incident trends and appropriate course of action, including writing ad hoc or situation reports.
Serves as a liaison to staff, government agencies, community organizations, and the general public to confirm information and/or provide technical assistance.
Reviews and documents incident information, threat warnings, homeland security reports, weather information, bulletins, and other communications traffic.
Reviews and evaluates information on emergency management activities to identify gaps in resources and recommend improvements.
Makes decisions on approval/disapproval for Silver and Endangered Missing Alerts in the absence of the Watch Manager.
Conducts surveys and/or reviews to determine and maintain compliance with certification requirements, laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Directs notifications to state and federal agencies, local governments, and the public of threats and incidents according to established policies and procedures, in coordination with the Watch Manager.
Directs the coordination of requests for assistance and resources, and makes decisions to forward to management as necessary, in coordination with the Watch Manager.
Monitors, reviews, and evaluates compliance with program policies and procedures, statutes, and rules for assigned program.
Prepares comprehensive administrative reports, studies, and specialized research projects.
Studies and analyzes business processes and efficiencies, prepares reports of findings, and makes recommendations for procedural or policy changes.
Researches, evaluates, and recommends new technology and improvement of capabilities within the program area.
Prepares justifications for the implementation of procedural or policy changes.
Develops policy and procedure manuals as directed.
Recommends and coordinates activities to produce a more effective program.
Coordinates shift activities and responsibilities and provides input to the Watch Manager.
Assists with help desk duties such as password resets for internal systems.
Ability to travel 10%.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Maintains a regular work schedule and work extended hours when needed.
Maintains a regular course of attendance during authorized work schedule.
Face-to-face and person-to-person interactions are required.
Develops comprehensive and accurate technical documentation ensuring internal and external communication is consistent with TDEM branding.
Writes various technical reports for a wide range of document sharing internally and externally.
Creates and revises documents and reference materials based on end-user feedback and regulatory requirements.
Monitors terminology changes for impact on existing products and makes appropriate revisions.
Consistently meets deadlines and communication objectives.
Uses existing and new GIS applications and creates/updates GIS information.
Assists with GIS applications, crisis management systems (CIMS), and data analytics and reporting systems.
Reads and interprets maps, including understanding map properties such as distance, scales, and legends.
Researches, collects, and creates maps using mapping resources and data within scope of services for GIS Unit.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in applicable field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Two (2) years of related experience.
A minimum of one (1) year of progressively responsible, verifiable experience in emergency management, homeland security, telecommunications operations, program administration, military, or direction and control facility/operations of a federal, state, or local government organization.
Experience in Geographic Information System (GIS) is preferred.
Experience in Technical Writing is preferred.
Additional relevant work experience may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis.
Thirty (30) semester hours are equivalent to one (1) year of experience.
A completed advanced degree in a relevant field may also be substituted in lieu of work experience.
Must be able to operate a personal computer with word processing, spreadsheets, and specialized applications.
Ability to quickly learn new or upgraded equipment, systems, and software.
Availability for shift work is required (day, evening, night, weekend) as well as during holidays, emergencies, and disasters.
May be required to travel by vehicle or other mode of transportation for occasional frequency.
Ability to maintain the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, which may include communications systems, computer networks and systems, cybersecurity systems, electrical grid, hazardous waste treatment system, or water treatment system.
Complete and obtain certification in IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, IS-800 FEMA courses within twelve (12) months of employment and any other training as determined.
Maintain a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) HAM Radio technician level 1, OR other similar, like, or comparable license that may satisfy licensing requirements.
All positions are security-sensitive.
Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Skills

Working knowledge of, or the ability to rapidly assimilate information related to state and federal regulations, legislation, guidelines, policies, and procedures.
Considerable knowledge of emergency warning methods, systems, and procedures.
Knowledge of Geographic Information System (GIS) applications.
Knowledge of Technical Writing.
Ability to demonstrate and exercise poise, tact, diplomacy, and an ability to establish and maintain positive, working/professional relationships with internal/external customers.
Ability to be organized, flexible, and able to effectively prioritize in a multi-demand and constantly changing environment; able to meet multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines without sacrificing accuracy, timeliness, or professionalism.
Ability to communicate orally, often during emergency situations and in writing, including preparing accurate and grammatically correct memoranda, letters, procedures, reports, and other documents.
Skill in operating and training others to operate a variety of communications systems.
Ability to understand emergency needs and effectively coordinate with other agencies/organizations to identify and deploy resources.
Ability to collect, compile, analyze, and summarize a wide variety of data obtained from different sources and utilize that information to prepare briefings and reports.
Considerable knowledge of communications equipment and performing preventative and routine maintenance on such equipment.
Ability to operate audio/visual, video-teleconference, telephone conferencing equipment, communications systems such as web-based audio and webinar software, and information technology equipment and software related to the day-to-day operations of the program area in accordance with applicable procedures.
Ability to responsibly handle sensitive and confidential information and situations and adhere to applicable laws/statutes/policies related to access, maintenance, and dissemination of information.

Location

Austin, Texas

Work Type

On-site
Staff

Experience Level

Journey-level
Two (2) years of related experience
One (1) year of progressively responsible, verifiable experience in emergency management, homeland security, telecommunications operations, program administration, military, or direction and control facility/operations of a federal, state, or local government organization.

Education Level

Bachelor's degree in applicable field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Salary/Compensations

$6,343.76 monthly

About the Company

The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) is an emergency response entity.

Equal Opportunity

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.