Civil Defense Administrator - EM

Job Summary

Responsible for the County's civil defense programs under the direction of the Mayor; responsible for the development and maintenance of plans for the operation of government and related agencies in times of emergencies; coordinates programs with agencies of Federal and State governments; and performs other related duties as required.

Must be available to respond to, support, and direct the Civil Defense Agency Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activities on a 24/7 basis and work extended hours or shifts.

Appointment may be made at any rate within the salary range advertised above at which appropriate qualified applicants can be recruited. Starting salary will be based on the qualifications of the person selected.

There is one (1) immediate permanent full-time vacancy with the Civil Defense Agency in Hilo.

Note: Due to collective bargaining agreement salary increases, the salary information provided will be effective 07/01/2026.

• Administers, supervises, and coordinates the County's civil defense and disaster relief programs.
• Supervises and directs the financial, business, personnel, administrative, and other functions of the agency.
• Prepares the agency's budget and approves all expenditures.
• Develops and prepares civil defense plans for the County.
• Develops plans for disasters such as floods, tsunamis, hurricanes, high surf, drought, volcanic eruptions, and other natural and "man‑made" disasters.
• Develops plans, policies, methods, and procedures for the effective operation of the programs.
• Supervises the planning and coordination of research studies and programs on resources, food and feed production, transportation, and other phases of economic stabilization.
• Coordinates civil defense activities with the Federal and State governments and private agencies for the effective implementations of the programs.
• Plans and coordinates participation of community groups, private industries, and intergovernmental agencies in affected programs.
• Directs civil defense warning and public information procedures.
• Directs the County-wide educational program for the general public.
• Coordinates and directs the operation of the emergency operations center during emergencies.
• Operates emergency response vehicle to respond as necessary to various locations to survey conditions before, during, or after an emergency.
• Interprets policies and procedures furnished by Federal and State governments.
• Supervises the planning of civil defense exercises.
• Coordinates and supervises County participation in Federal and State exercises.
• Prepares reports required by Federal, State, and local governments and agencies.

Training and

Experience:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a baccalaureate degree (scan and attach a copy of your official college transcript to your application).
• Five (5) years of responsible experience in administering the activities of an emergency management or public safety organization.
• Satisfactory completion and certification of FEMA National Incident Management System (NIMS) Incident Command System Courses: ICS‑100, ICS‑200, IS‑700, and IS‑800 (scan and attach copies of your certificates of completion to your application).
• Possession of a valid State of Hawai`i driver's license (Class
  3) or any other valid comparable driver's license at time of filing (you will be required to submit your valid driver's license at time of hire).

Note: Satisfactory completion and certification of ICS‑300, ICS‑400, IS‑701, and IS‑706 is required prior to completion of probation.

Foreign transcripts must be accompanied by an official credential evaluation report to determine U.S. equivalency (scan and attach a copy of your official credential evaluation report to your application).

Examination: All applicants who meet the minimum qualification requirements will be assigned a score of 70 points. An education and experience evaluation will be conducted based on the applicant's training, education and experience as presented in the application.

Knowledge of: emergency management principles and practices; incident command system; civil defense laws;
Federal legislation affecting civil defense…