DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:  This is an administrative, professional and confidential position that involves assisting the Director of Emergency Communications / Emergency Management in the dual responsibility for the operation of both Emergency Management and Fire Coordinator functions. Responsibilities include planning, organizing, training, public education, and implementing natural and emergency defense operations and programs.  The incumbent is responsible for planning and supervising the county programs for fire training and mutual aid to cope with fires and accidents requiring the service of both paid and volunteer service. The incumbent generally assists the local fire service. The work is performed under the general supervision of the Director of Emergency Communications / Emergency Management. The incumbent will assume the responsibilities of the Director in his or her absence. Does related work as required.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Thorough knowledge of modern firefighting and fire prevention methods and techniques; thorough knowledge of the laws, rules, regulations and purposes of the state fire mobilization and mutual aid plan; thorough knowledge of command control and disaster control methods and procedures; good knowledge of personnel recruiting and training methods; good knowledge of the geography and political subdivision of the county; good knowledge of the principles and operation of modern emergency communication systems; working knowledge of EMS procedures and protocols; ability to plan, supervise and coordinate complex emergency preparedness and fire safety operations; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; ability to interpret the fire training, mutual aide, and natural disaster and emergency preparedness plans to county and local officials and the public; ability to prepare public informational materials and effectively speak to the public; ability to react calmly in emergency situations; sound judgment; tact.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  Either:

A.    Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a Bachelor’s or higher level degree and three (3) years of administrative experience involving emergency preparedness or firefighting; OR

B.     Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with an Associate’s degree and five (5) years of administrative experience involving emergency preparedness or firefighting; OR

C.    Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and seven (7) years of administrative experience involving emergency preparedness or firefighting; OR

D. An equivalent combination of training and experience as described in A, B and C above.

Note: Verifiable part-time and/ or volunteer experience will be pro-rated toward meeting the full-time experience requirements.

Note: 'Essential Functions of a Job', as defined in the American's With Disabilities Act, and regulations adopted pursuant to it, are not designated in this class specification.  The essential functions of a particular job in this title may be determined by the appointing authority.

Special Requirement for appointment to Ulster County positions: In accordance with Ulster County Legislative Local Law Number 14 of 2007 or by other State and Federal Statutes, candidates for employment to all Ulster County positions must obtain clearance for appointment from the Department of Criminal Justice Services or other mandated Federal and State regulatory authority based upon fingerprinting and a criminal history background check.

ULSTER COUNTY IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, gender, creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, marital status, veteran status, disabled veteran status, or status as a member of any other protected group or activity.