OPS Operations Officer

Agency Information

Requisition No: 867440

Agency:
Division of Emergency Management

Working Title:

OPS Operations Officer -

Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM)

This position is located in Tallahassee, FL

The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) plans for and responds to both natural and man-made disasters. These range from floods and hurricanes to incidents involving hazardous materials or nuclear power. FDEM is the liaison between federal, state, and local agencies. FDEM prepares and implements a statewide Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan, routinely conducts extensive exercises to test state and county emergency response capabilities, provides technical assistance to local governments as they prepare emergency plans and procedures, and conducts emergency operations trainings for state and local government agencies.

FDEM serves as the lead agency for the State Emergency Response Team (SERT), whose primary goal is the coordination of the state’s efforts during disaster response and recovery. This coordination is conducted within the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) in Tallahassee. Additionally, FDEM manages the State Watch Office (SWO), a 24‑hour operation tasked with providing situational awareness to stakeholders statewide. After a disaster, FDEM conducts damage assessment surveys and advises the Governor of the State of Florida on whether to declare an emergency and seek federal relief funds.

It is against this backdrop that FDEM strives to demonstrate its mission of “Coordinate, collaborate and communicate with our community stakeholders for a resilient Florida”, along with our vision of “Leading the profession in building prepared and resilient communities”.

The incumbent serves as the Operations Officer within the SWO, Bureau of Response. This position monitors incidents, emergencies, and events within the State of Florida that could require a state response and ensures the operational readiness of the SEOC. This position is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and disseminating information with local, county, state, and federal partners to aid in their response roles.

The duties and responsibilities for the position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Maintain awareness of all natural, technological, and man‑made hazards that are impacting or have the potential to impact the State of Florida through the use of data feeds, news broadcasts, social media, and direct reports received by government officials and private citizens.
• Collect and categorize information from external customers using provided questions and standard operating procedures in a timely and professional manner. Document incident information in computer‑based applications, generate reports, and provide warning and notification to local and state officials.
• Communicate incident information and emergency response actions to local, state, and federal officials using established systems, including telephone, facsimile, interoperable radio, the National Warning System (NAWAS), satellite phones, Hot Ringdown telephones, and other converged voice and data networks.
• Conduct tests of the SWO communications systems and related equipment on a regular basis to ensure operational readiness.
• Assist with administrative and operational matters as necessary to support 24‑hour situational awareness, warning operations, and the SEOC.
• Assist with planning initiatives related to the Bureau of Response Operations Section, establishment of policies and procedures related to the SWO, SEOC, and FDEM programs.
• Assist with updates to all standard operating procedures, guides, and job aids related to the SWO.
• Produce daily reports as required by leadership.
• Participate in SEOC activations and perform all duties as assigned by the Operations Chief.
• Travel as required and attend conferences, training, meetings, etc. as required.
• Perform other duties as required.

In response to emergency events, FDEM employees may be required to work irregular hours, to work more than 8 hours per day, to work extended periods (including weekends and holidays), to work at locations other than their…