Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, PA

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Emergency Management Watch Officer

Onsite$60,538 - $92,010/yrPosted 1 week ago

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Job details

Location: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Work type: Onsite
Compensation: $60,538 - $92,010/yr
Posted: 1 week ago
Apply on: governmentjobs.com

About this role

About the Department

The Emergency Management Watch Officer position with the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency offers a rewarding path for those eager to support public safety. This role places you at the center of critical information flow during emergencies. You will build strong analytical and communication skills in a fast-paced environment. This opportunity will allow you to make a meaningful impact by helping guide statewide response efforts.

Position Duties

This role focuses on collecting, analyzing and sharing emergency information to support statewide readiness and response. It helps maintain clear communication and awareness across agencies during both routine and high-pressure situations. As an Emergency Management Watch Officer, you will perform the following duties:

Information Analysis: Analyze incoming reports, media sources, and alerts to determine appropriate actions
Communication Coordination: Relay information to partner agencies and maintain reliable communication channels
Emergency Support: Assist with response actions, situation awareness, and resource coordination during incidents
Data Management: Maintain logs, prepare reports, and support the development of operational documents
Systems Proficiency: Operate communication systems, radios, and software used for emergency coordination
Situation Monitoring: Track weather, incidents, and hazards to support timely notifications and briefings

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

FREE on-site parking
Full-time employment
Work hours are 8:00 PM to 9:00 AM, with a 30-minute lunch. Will work (3) 12.5 hour days per week.
In the event of an emergency/disaster situation or training exercise, this position may be required to travel and work outside of the normal work hours, including weekends and overnights.
Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $60,538 (before taxes).
You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

Minimum Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

Three years of emergency coordination experience within the operation of a large municipal, county, statewide or national emergency center; and an associate degree in emergency management or other closely related field; or
Any equivalent combination of experience and training.

Other Requirements:

You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines.
You must be able to perform essential job functions.

How to Apply:

Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans:

Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

Other Qualifications

Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
You must provide complete and accurate information or:
- your score may be lower than deserved.
- you may be disqualified.
You may only apply/test once for this posting.
Your results will be provided via email.

Benefits

Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short video!

See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our benefits calculator.

Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*

Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.

Work/Life Balance
We know there’s more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*

Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little “extras” that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.

*Eligibility rules apply.

Supplemental Questions

How many years of full-time technical/paraprofessional (or higher) level emergency coordination experience do you possess within the operation of a large municipal, county, statewide or national emergency center?

3 or more years
2 but less than 3 years
1 but less than 2 years
Less than 1 year
None

If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.

How much college coursework have you completed in emergency management or other closely related field? If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted. If you answer this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting https://www.naces.org and clicking the Evaluation Services link.

120 or more credits
90 but less than 120 credits
60 but less than 90 credits
30 but less than 60 credits
15 but less than 30 credits
Less than 15 credits
None

You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. You must complete the application and answer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.

All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.

Read each question carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training. The "Level of Performance" you choose must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered. In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.

If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.

If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to our FAQ page.

WORK BEHAVIOR 1 – RESEARCHES, GATHERS, AND VALIDATES INFORMATION AND DATA Researches, gathers, and validates updated information and data concerning emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and/or mitigation in order to provide emergency management planning assistance. Levels of Performance Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

A. I have experience INDEPENDENTLY researching, gathering, and validating updated information and data concerning emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and/or mitigation in order to provide emergency management planning assistance.
B. I have experience ASSISTING in researching, gathering, and validating updated information and data concerning emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and/or mitigation in order to provide emergency management planning.
C. I have experience researching, gathering, and validating information NOT in emergency management planning.
D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to research, analysis, critical thinking, or logic.
E. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior.

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
The type(s) of information and data you researched, gathered and validated.
The area(s) for which you researched, gathered and validated information and data (emergency planning, non-emergency planning, etc.).
The actual duties you performed.
Your level of responsibility.

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

College/University
Course Title(s)
Credits/Clock Hours

WORK BEHAVIOR 2 – MONITORS AND OPERATES COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT Monitors and operates various open and secure emergency management communication equipment in order to transmit emergency notifications and communicate emergency operational responses to federal, state, county, and municipal officials. Levels of Performance Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

A. I have experience monitoring and operating various open and secure emergency management communication equipment in order to transmit emergency notifications and communicate emergency operational responses to federal, state, county, and municipal officials.
B. I have experience monitoring AND operating equipment NOT RELATED to emergency management planning, such as HAM Operator, logistics dispatcher, satellite radio operator, IP based communications, etc.
C. I have experience monitoring OR operating equipment not related to emergency management planning, such as HAM Operator, logistics dispatcher, satellite radio operator, IP based communications, etc.
D. I have successfully completed training related to communications, GPS, GIS, satellite communications, or radio propagation theory.
E. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
The type(s) of open and secure communication equipment you operated or monitored.
The area(s) for which you operated or monitored this equipment (emergency management planning, HAM operator, etc.).
The actual duties you performed.

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to training, please provide the requested information below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

Training Source
Course Title(s)
Credits/Clock Hours

WORK BEHAVIOR 3 – COMMUNICATES ORALLY AND IN WRITING Communicates orally (telephone, radios, face-to-face) or in writing (emails, notifications, reports, summaries of incidents, training materials, etc.) regarding incidents by determining appropriate response actions; converting information to appropriate data format; maintaining a chronological log of events and actions; and disseminating relevant information to the appropriate individuals and organizations. Levels of Performance Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

A. I have experience communicating orally and in writing regarding incidents by determining appropriate response actions; converting information to appropriate data format; maintaining a chronological log of events and actions; and disseminating relevant information to the appropriate individuals and organizations.
B. I have experience communicating orally and in writing regarding incidents by converting information to appropriate data format; maintaining a chronological log of events and actions; and disseminating information to the appropriate individuals and organizations. I did NOT determine appropriate response actions or the relevancy of information gathered.
C. I have experience as a member of a team communicating orally and in writing regarding incidents by determining appropriate response actions; converting information to appropriate data format; maintaining a chronological log of events and actions; and disseminating relevant information to the appropriate individuals and organizations.
D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to communication, technical writing, report writing, public speaking, thesis writing, or critical thinking.
E. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
The type(s) of information you communicated.
The actual duties you performed.
Your level of responsibility.

College/University
Course Title(s)
Credits/Clock Hours

WORK BEHAVIOR 4 – ANALYZES AND DETERMINES ACTIONS Analyzes and determines actions for time critical emergency incidents, such as accidents, building collapses, etc., and/or disaster information such as earthquakes, floods, etc., from municipal, county, various governmental entities, commonwealth emergency organizations, open sources, media, and non-governmental organizations to provide early warning, response, recovery, and guidance resources. Levels of Performance Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

A. I have experience analyzing and determining actions for time critical EMERGENCY incidents and/or disaster information from municipal, county, various governmental entities, commonwealth emergency organizations, open sources, media, and non-governmental organizations to provide early warning, response, recovery, and guidance resources.
B. I have experience analyzing and determining actions for time critical incidents while performing duties in the following occupational areas: EMT, firefighter, medical worker, police officer, etc.
C. I have experience analyzing and determining actions for information related to NON-TIME CRITICAL incidents.
D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to critical thinking, planning, or analysis.
E. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
The type(s) of incidents for which you analyzed and determined actions.
The actual duties you performed.

College/University
Course Title(s)
Credits/Clock Hours

WORK BEHAVIOR 5 – CONSULTS WITH OFFICIALS, ORGANIZATIONS, OR BUSINESSES Consults with state, county, municipal, and federal emergency management officials, volunteer organizations, or private businesses concerning emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and/or mitigation. Levels of Performance Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

A. I have experience consulting with state, county, municipal, and federal emergency management officials, volunteer organizations or private businesses concerning emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and/or mitigation.
B. I have experience consulting with county and municipal emergency management officials only. I have NOT consulted with emergency management officials at the state or federal level.
C. I have experience consulting with volunteer organizations or private businesses concerning emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and/or mitigation. I have NOT consulted with state, county, municipal or federal emergency management officials.
D. I have experience consulting with state, county, municipal, and federal officials, volunteer organizations, or private businesses in non-emergency management settings.
E. I have successfully completed training related to interpersonal relations, communications, governmental affairs, or public speaking.
F. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
The type(s) of officials, organizations, or businesses you consulted with.
The reason(s) you consulted with these officials, organizations, or businesses.
The actual duties you performed.

Training Source
Course Title(s)
Credits/Clock Hours

Required Question

Agency Information

EmployerCommonwealth of PennsylvaniaAddress 613 North Street

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120 Website http://www.employment.pa.gov

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About Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, PA

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, PA

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

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