Emergency Management Director

Marion County Sheriff's Office

$118K *
Ocala, FL 34472In-Person
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant field or equivalent training/experience
  • 4 years in emergency management with supervisory role
  • Master's degree can substitute for 2 years of experience
  • Certifications in emergency management (CEMP, CEM, or other relevant) preferred
  • Familiar with Homeland Security grant management
  • Knowledge of Incident Command System and National Response Framework
  • Ability to obtain a CDL within 2 years.

Responsibilities

  • Direct emergency preparedness for disasters in Marion County
  • Respond to emergency incidents and coordinate responses
  • Alert state and federal agencies during emergencies
  • Develop and manage disaster response and recovery plans
  • Coordinate emergency operations through the Emergency Operations Center
  • Conduct training and evaluate disaster response exercises
  • Manage the department's operating budget and seek funding opportunities.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health and wellness benefits
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Participation in retirement savings plans
  • Opportunities for professional development and training
  • Support for community engagement initiatives.
Full Job Description
Salary : $118,075.35 Annually
Location : 692 NW 30th Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34475, FL
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 2026-32
Bureau: Administrative Services
Division: Emergency Management
Opening Date: 07/16/2026
Closing Date: 7/30/2026 5:00 PM Eastern

Description

This is a highly responsible administrative position. Responsible for directing all emergency preparedness for disasters in Marion County, and any other emergency preparedness activities involving Marion County. And involves assisting high-risk SWAT missions, out of county deployments, natural disaster cleanup or any other mission requested by the Sheriff. May be stressful or repulsive at times due to the nature of things dealt with.
Examples of Duties
A. Abide by "Law Enforcement Code of Ethics."

B. Responds to actual emergency incidents, disasters and other operation in the field and participates in the management and coordination of those incidents with other jurisdictions and/or authorities.

C. Alerts appropriate state and federal agencies of actual emergencies or disasters and coordinates the response operations of local government and support agencies before during and after an emergency or disaster.

D. Develops plans and assists in the coordination of natural and man-made disaster response and recovery plans and operations for short-range and long-range applications, according to Chapter 252, Florida Statutes.

E. Ensures that the Marion County Local Mitigation Strategy is developed, updated, and maintained in coordination with Marion County Growth Services.

F. Coordinates and plans activities with Local, State and Federal agencies to ensure viability of emergency response plans; attends meetings with boards, committees, agencies, etc., to discuss response and recovery requirements.

G. Ensures that local industrial and commercial Tier II hazardous materials are reported annually to local LEPC and local fire departments.

H. Coordinates and manages emergency operations through the Emergency Operations Center to ensure that the Center is organized for maximum effectiveness of staff participating in disaster exercises and actual disaster events.

I. Receives and responds to public inquiries and requests for assistance.

J. Develops the design, coordination, presentation, and evaluation of disaster exercises that involve local, regional and multi-county partners.

K. Organizes and conducts training for Marion County and other assisting and cooperating agencies and evaluates the effectiveness and efficiency of disaster exercise and event responses.

L. Conducts and/or directs studies and research regarding all phases of emergency preparedness for use in administrative planning and decision making.

M. Coordinates with the Marion County Grants Manager to research, identify, and make application for grants related to Emergency Management support.

N. Seek out, applies, and manages local, state and federal grants for emergency services.

O. Develops and presents public information programs to civic/community groups and schools regarding disaster preparedness and related subjects.

P. Identifies and plans for the use of resources to accomplish emergency management response plans.

Q. Plans, implements, and coordinates programs including resource management, operational readiness, and response plans and capabilities.

R. Coordinates mutual aid responses and requests; assists in the overall management of emergency response and recovery operations.
S. Reviews the work of subordinates for completeness and accuracy; evaluates performance and makes recommendations; determines training needs; provides advice and assistance as needed.
T. Supervises the work of subordinate personnel; supervisory duties including instructing; planning, assigning, and reviewing work; maintaining standards, coordinating activities; allocating personnel, selecting new employees, handles employee problems, recommending employee discipline and discharge.
U. Develops and monitors the Emergency Management Department's operating budget; reviews and approves invoices for payment; seeks and develops other funding opportunities for special programs and projects.
V. Attends Local, State, National conferences and maintains active memberships for purposes of professional development.
W. Interacts and communicates with various groups and individuals such as the immediate supervisor, co-workers/subordinates, County personnel, Fire/Rescue agencies, Law Enforcement agencies, commissions, boards, committees, civic/community organizations, school board and personnel, municipal personnel, various other Local/State/Federal agencies, vendors, news media and the general public.
X. Operates variety of equipment, which may include generators, chainsaws, forklifts, pallet jacks/lifts, drive cargo trucks and trailers.
Y. Prepares, processes, reviews, and submits plans, charts, statistical reports, memos, correspondence, etc. Performs related duties as required. And provide rescue and first aid services in accidents, disasters and other emergency situations, consistent with training and abilities.
Z. Perform other related duties, as assigned, including modified schedule or temporary re-assignment during declared emergency or activations, as determined by the Sheriff.
Typical Qualifications

JOB PREREQUISITES:
  • The Director must meet the following minimum training and education qualifications: Fifty hours of training in business or public administration, business or public management, or emergency management or preparedness.
  • A bachelor's degree may be substituted for this requirement. Four years of verifiable experience in comprehensive emergency management services, which includes improving preparedness for emergency and disaster protection, prevention, mitigation, response, and recovery, with direct supervisory responsibility for responding to at least one emergency or disaster.
  • A master's degree in emergency preparedness or management, business or public administration, communications, finance, homeland security, public health, criminal justice, meteorology, or environmental science may be substituted for 2 years of experience required under this sub-subparagraph but not for the required supervisory experience.
  • A valid accreditation as a Certified Master Exercise Practitioner through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, as a Certified Emergency Manager through the International Association of Emergency Managers, or as a Florida Professional Emergency Manager through the Florida Professional Emergency Preparedness Association may be substituted for the requirements of this sub-subparagraph.
  • ICS-100: Introduction to the Incident Command System
  • ICS-200: Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response
  • ICS-300: Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents
  • ICS-400: Advanced ICS for Command and General Staff
  • IS-700: National Incident Management System
  • IS-800: National Response Framework
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
  • Familiarization and experience with the application and management of Homeland Security and other Emergency Management grant programs.
  • State Emergency Management Director, within one year of assignment. Knowledge and familiarization of the National Incident Management System, the Incident Command System, and the national Response Framework.
  • Knowledge and familiarization of the various communication systems used in emergency and disaster response in the State of Florida, Emergency Management software in use of WebEOC, principles and techniques of emergency preparedness planning, functions, and interrelationships of County and other Governmental agencies.
  • Knowledge of the methods, policies and procedures of the Department and County as they pertain to the performance of duties of the Emergency Management Director, knowledge in the laws, ordinances, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position.
  • Skilled in Emergency Management, planning, weather analysis/forecast, financial applications, operations, research, systems analysis and operational activities, knowledge in the areas of hazardous materials management, Fire/Rescue operations and Law Enforcement operations.
  • Ability to develop, coordinate and implement effective emergency response plans for natural and man-made emergencies and disasters, as well as make critical decisions in life-threatening situations with accuracy and in a timely manner.
  • Ability to react calmly and quickly in emergency situations, help coordinate the efforts of multiple agencies toward a common goal.
  • Knowledge of various codes and regulations and can conduct inspections and review plans to ensure compliance with such codes and regulations, skilled in using public relations and public education tools and techniques to develop and present educational and training programs.
  • Ability to make sound, educated decisions, apply supervisory and managerial concepts and principles; has knowledge of administrative principles involved in developing, directing and supervision various programs and related activities, offer instruction and advice to subordinates regarding departmental policies, methods, and regulations, offer training and assistance to co-workers and employees of other departments as required.
  • Ability to plan and develop daily, short-term and long-term goals related to County purposes, to take the initiative to complete the duties of the position without the need of direct supervision, learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency.
  • Ability to read and interpret complex materials pertaining to the responsibilities of the job, assemble and analyze information and make written reports and records in a concise, clear and effective manner, produce quality work despite the stress of deadlines, make public presentations and maintain effective relationships with personnel of other departments, professionals and members of the public through contact and cooperation.
  • Ability to make public presentations.
  • Ability to obtain a CDL license within 2 years of employment.
  • Possess and maintain a valid Florida driver's license.

Supplemental Information

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Both indoor and outdoor working environments. Normal daytime hours but may occasionally be long or irregular. Required to work overtime when necessary. Subject to be called out at any time due to emergencies. Hazards may include exposure to hazardous materials accidents or other situations involving disaster scenes. There is a risk exposure to hazardous materials and conditions, toxic conditions, fumes, odors, vibration, dust, confined areas, animal/human waste and/or bodily fluids.

ADA:

PHYSICAL AND DEXTERITY REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to stand for extended periods of time. See and hear at normal range. Requires the ability to sit at a desk and view a display screen for extended periods of time, the ability to lift, carry, push, or pull items up to (10) pounds, routine keyboarding operations. Speak, read, write, and understand English fluently. Ambulate independently. Lift/carry 50 pounds. Bend and squat. Manual dexterity.

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