Emergency Manager

Job Description

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, however to be considered in the first round of application reviews please apply by December 2, 2026. 

Note: Proposed 2027 Salary Schedule: $109,085.40 - $137,199.48 annually

The Emergency Manager leads and directs comprehensive emergency management programs for the Cities of Lake Forest Park and Kenmore, and the Shoreline Fire Department (SFD) under the Northshore Emergency Management Coalition (NEMCo) Interlocal Agreement. Reporting to the NEMCo Board of Directors and the City of Lake Forest Park's Public Works Director, this role oversees planning, coordination, development, and promotion across all phases of emergency management—preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation. Operating with a high degree of autonomy, the ideal candidate manages multi-jurisdictional priorities and tight deadlines, directly impacting regional agency operations, community safety, and public trust.

This self-directed role offers a high-impact platform to shape public safety and strengthen regional coordination across multiple partner organizations

This is a full-time, exempt, benefit eligible position. The City provides benefit eligible employees the following: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, long-term disability (LTD), employee assistance program (EAP),HRA/HSA/FSA, enrollment in Washington State's DRS PERS plan, 401(a) retirement plan (social security replacement plan) with matching employer contribution, and an optional 457 deferred compensation plan (DCP).   

In addition to vacation, sick leave, and holiday time off, this position receives 48 hours of administrative leave hours (pro-rated based on hire date).  We also value prior public service experience: new hires with prior public sector tenure can count 50% of that time toward their vacation accrual rate with the City. 

This position offers a hybrid schedule (1-2 days remote per week) upon successful completion of the 6-month probationary period.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Coordinates updates to a variety of procedures and policies for the Cities of Lake Forest Park and Kenmore to ensure compliance with State laws and regulations. 
• Coordinates the development of plans for partner agency employee’s response to a broad array of natural and manmade disasters and emergency situations affecting City and regional operations. 
• Coordinates both Cities emergency preparedness and coordinated response plans with state agencies, municipalities, public safety agencies, and volunteer service agencies in the planning, response, recovery, and mitigation of emergencies and disasters. 
• Develops, coordinates, and presents educational and training programs for community organizations to increase awareness of emergency preparedness and response plans.
• Organizes meetings, trainings, and response exercises to communicate and coordinate the CEMP and other emergency procedures, as well as conducts operational drills in preparation for emergency situations and the recovery of partner agency resources.
• Coordinates training, equipment, and staffing for the NEMCo Emergency Operations Center; coordinates EOC activities in the event of a natural or man-made disaster.
• Represents partner agencies on regional emergency planning and response committees; ensures the emergency preparedness programs meet goals and regulatory standards. 
• Prepares reports and safety presentations to increase awareness of emergency preparedness. 
• Research funding sources, prepares grant proposals, and develops work plans and budgets; monitors, implements, evaluates, and manages grant programs and prepares reports.
• Compiles and maintains records, reports, and statistical information.
• Prepares recommendations for EOC budget requests and monitors budgeted funds.
• Organizes meetings of the Northshore Emergency Management Coalition Board of Directors and communicates department director(s)/manager(s) roles within the CEMP.
• Supports the relationship between the partner agencies and their constituent populations by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with clients, visitors, and partner agency staff; enthusiastically promotes NEMCo goals and priorities in compliance with all policies and procedures.
• Maintains and enforces absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, client records, and partner agency information; monitors staff compliance of security procedures and privacy laws, policies, and guidelines; performs related duties as required or assigned.
• Other areas of focus include CERT and volunteer management, NEMCo coordinated communication, and resource management.

Education and Experience

Required:

• Associates degree with a focus in Emergency Management, Public Administration, or related field AND at least three years of experience in the administration, supervision, and/or teaching of emergency preparedness or emergency services OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Possess certificates in ICS 100, 200, 300, 400. Complete IS 700 and IS 800 within one year of employment.
• A valid Washington State Driver’s License by date of hire and ability to maintain insurability with City.

Preferred: 

• Ability to speak more than one language.

 

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities  

Knowledge of:

• Emergency management programs, practices, resources, agencies, and personnel. 
• All Federal and State requirements for filing, maintaining, and testing emergency operation plans and for declaring emergencies and obtaining emergency assistance and reimbursement for same. 
• Incident Command System (ICS) and the National Incident Management System (NIMS). 
• Operational procedures for public safety agencies, and individual City departments. 
• Proficient knowledge of computers and applicable computer software applications, including specific knowledge of Microsoft Word and Outlook. 
• Working knowledge of modern administrative office procedures, methods, and equipment.

Skill in:

• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong attention to detail, working in a busy and sometimes stressful environment, and changing priorities.
• Using initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Effective team building and leadership skills.
• Strategic planning and time management skills.

Ability to:

• Participate and work effectively in an organization committed to treating all people in a fair and impartial manner.
• Report for scheduled work with regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.
• Work independently with a high degree of reliability, accuracy, and productivity.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures for emergency management from a whole community perspective.
• Activate and manage the EOC during a disaster.
• Manage the people and resources necessary for effective emergency response and recovery programs.
• Effect cooperation and gathering of resources from all segments of the community for emergency response use, including but not limited to hotels, schools, businesses, volunteers, communication companies, utility companies, emergency services providers, private relief agencies, government leaders, and media.
• Analyze situations quickly and objectively, to recognize actual and potential dangers, and to determine proper course of action.
• Maintain and establish effective and cooperative working relationships with all partner agencies and staff, a variety of law enforcement agencies, emergency service agencies, other City and county governments, and community groups/public.
• Conduct oneself in a professional manner as defined by City policy and maintain confidentiality.
• Exercise discretion and sound judgment in coordinating, organizing, prioritizing, problem-solving, and performing assigned work in order to meet fixed or fluctuating deadlines and achieve work objectives.
• Work well independently and in support of the team.
• Communicate in English clearly, concisely, and effectively, both orally and in writing.

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

Work is primarily performed in an office environment and may also include working a variety of hours based on current events, meetings, and presentations. Additionally, may be exposed to physical hazards from fire, traffic, contagious diseases, toxic gases, hazardous materials, and other hazards that may occur during disaster situations. Work with computer, printer, photocopier, fax machine and cellular phone. 

Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Compensation details: 50.92-64.04 Hourly Wage

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