Public Health Specialist II - Emergency Response

Position Description

Responsible for planning, evaluation, and execution of response and continuity of operations plans, selected grant and contract development, coordination of projects designed to address emergency response issues, and advocacy regarding health preparedness-related issues in appropriate forums.

Work Location

This position may be eligible for flexible work arrangements, including hybrid work with some days working remotely and some days working in the office.

The City of Minneapolis does not sponsor applicants for work visas.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and implement plans covering emergency operations across the department, including the Emergency Operations Plan, Continuity of Operations Plan, and associated Field Operations Guides.
• Perform financial monitoring, outreach, record keeping, and evaluation of project and write project reports.
• Research and analyze emergency preparedness issues referred for study by department staff, City elected officials and external sources.
• Work with key internal and external stakeholders in the planning process by using a whole community approach.
• Serve as a health on-call officer with delegated authority, in rotation with other qualified personnel, using command-level judgment about the need for and scope of any department response to observed threats or hazards, determine and establish appropriate organizational coordination, including virtual or physical emergency operations center, activate resources from within and outside the City, direct execution of the response/coordination plan.
• Play a role in leading, coordinating, evaluating, and improving all activities related to the public health preparedness program within the Health Department.
• Represent the City of Minneapolis at various forums, public hearings, meetings, task forces, voting bodies, etc.
• Research, develop, write, and teach a competency-based training and education curriculum that supports all personnel who have a role in public health emergency preparedness.
• Assess overall emergency preparedness against established metrics based on performance in assessments, federal reviews, exercises and incidents capturing lessons learned that lead to program improvement.
• Participate in formulating plans, department policy, department incident management team organization structure, and staffing decisions.
• Anticipate future disasters and take preventive and preparatory measures to build disaster-resistant and disaster-resilient communities.
• Lead the creation of After-Action Reports from actual emergencies and/or training exercises; document relevant lessons learned that could improve the quality and effectiveness of the Health Department's Emergency Operations Plan.

Working Conditions: Combination of office and Field work.
Required Qualifications

Minimum Education
Bachelor's Degree in Emergency Preparedness, Public Health or equivalent degree in a closely related field.

Minimum Experience
Two years of experience in public health, emergency management, or disaster services.

Equivalency
An equivalent combination of education and highly related experience in a similar environment may be considered.

Selection Process

The selection process will consist of one or more of the following steps: a rating of relevant education and experience (100%). It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. This information will be used to determine which candidates will proceed in the selection process. A submitted application is also used to verify the answers to any supplemental questions. Only those candidates who attain a passing score (70%) on each step in the selection process will be placed on the eligible list. The City of Minneapolis Human Resources Department reserves the right to limit the number in any phase of the selection process.

Background Check

The City has determined that a criminal background check and/or qualifications check may be necessary for certain positions with this job title. Applicants may be required to sign an informed consent form allowing the City to obtain their criminal history and/or verify their qualifications in connection with the position sought. Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be further considered for the position.

Drug and Alcohol Testing

All job applicants must pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol test once a conditional offer of employment has been made. Applicants will be required to sign a notification and consent form prior to undergoing drug and alcohol testing. Applicants who do not consent to undergo drug and alcohol testing will not be required to do so and the City will withdraw the conditional job offer, resulting in the job applicant no longer being considered for the position.

Union Representation

This position is represented by a collective bargaining agreement between the City of Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Professional Employee Association (MPEA). For more information on the terms and conditions of this agreement please visit:

Eligible List Statement

The names of applicants who meet minimum qualification and who pass the screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for employment consideration. This list will be certified to the hiring manager who may use the list to fill a vacancy of the same job title. This eligible list will expire three months after it has been established.

Interview Selection

The hiring authority reserves the right to determine the maximum number of candidates to interview from the established eligible list. If the hiring authority decides to interview other than by exam score order, they may select additional people to interview based on a candidate's education or experience related to the field, work history, or skills uniquely related to the operational needs of the position.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Certificate in State of Minnesota Emergency Management and/or University of MN
• Certificate in Public Health Preparedness, Response, and Recovery desirable.
• Knowledge of public health functions and the ability to develop and implement advocacy, policy, and outreach solutions for community health concerns.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work in collaborative environment and maintain effective working relationships with diverse and special needs populations.
• Ability to multitask and work in team environment.
• Knowledge of health issues, including environmental and other issues in Minneapolis, and the ability to assess and provide remedy strategies.

As the largest and most vibrant city in the state, Minneapolis depends on purposeful, dedicated and innovative employees. Minneapolis has a large variety of careers for people of all experiences and backgrounds who come together for a singular purpose-serving the residents, businesses and visitors of Minneapolis.

The City of Minneapolis is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.