Emergency Management Specialist

Salary: $60,538.00 - $92,010.00 Annually
Location : Dauphin County, PA
Job Type: Civil Service Permanent Full-Time
Job Number: CS-2026-55838-76198
Department: Emergency Management Agency
Division: EM Hazdous Mtls Div
Opening Date: 08/13/2026
Closing Date: 8/27/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code: 76198
Position Number: 00259950
Union: FOP - Lodge #92
Bargaining Unit: G4
Pay Group: ST07
Bureau / Division Code: 00312631
Bureau / Division: EM Hazardous Materials Division
Worksite Address: 1310 Elmerton Avenue
City: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Zip Code: 17110
Contact Name: Luke Dugan
Contact Email: View email address on click.appcast.io


THE POSITION


Are you ready to help strengthen Pennsylvania's ability to respond to hazardous materials emergencies? Become an Emergency Management Specialist with the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and help shape programs that safeguard Commonwealth residents. This position gives you the opportunity to support statewide preparedness efforts and strengthen emergency response capabilities. You will work with partners across many agencies to strategically plan for hazardous materials events. Apply today to step into a mission-driven environment where your contributions make a meaningful impact!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
This position focuses on coordinating statewide programs that strengthen hazardous materials preparedness and emergency response. Through your work, you will support vital planning, certification, and policy guidance efforts across various counties and agencies. As an Emergency Management Specialist, you will perform the following duties:

• Program Coordination: Coordinate statewide hazardous materials team certification activities and support implementation of Act 165 requirements
• Data Management: Maintain and update databases tracking hazardous materials teams, incidents, and planning information
• Policy Guidance: Provide direction to planners and agencies on hazardous materials planning, training, and emergency response procedures
• Incident Review: Review hazardous materials incident reports and ensure complete and accurate follow-up actions
• Training Support: Assist with the development and delivery of hazardous materials training programs and standards across the Commonwealth
• Agency Liaison: Maintain communication with county officials and agencies involved in hazardous materials planning and exercises

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• In the event of an emergency/disaster situation or training exercise, this position may be required to travel, work up to 12-hour shifts, and work outside of the normal work hours, including weekends and overnights.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, upon successful completion of the training period. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $60,538.00 (before taxes).
• Free and secure on-site parking.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Successful completion of the Emergency Management Trainee program (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• Two years of professional experience in the development, coordination, or promotion of emergency management programs such as disaster relief, public safety, flood mitigation and resiliency, and emergency management in government, industry, education, or the military; and a bachelor's degree; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes one year of professional experience in the development, coordination, or promotion of emergency management programs such as disaster relief, public safety, flood mitigation and resiliency, and emergency management in government, industry, education, or the military.

Special Requirements:

• This position requires possession of an active motor vehicle license.
• All positions require certification in the following courses from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Emergency Management Institute, within six months of hire:
  • IS-100.C: Introduction to the Incident Command System
  • IS-700.B: An Introduction to the National Incident Management System
  • IS-800.D: National Response Framework, An Introduction
  • IS-2200: Basic Emergency Operations Center Functions

Other Requirements:

• PA residency requirement is currently waived for this title.
• 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 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.

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

• 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.

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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 and click on the benefits box.

*Eligibility rules apply.
01



Special Requirement - Do you possess a current driver's license which is not under suspension?

• Yes
• No

02


If you answered yes, please provide your driver's license number and expiration date. If you answered no, type N/A in the text box below.
03


Have you completed the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Emergency Management Trainee program?

• Yes
• No

04


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.
05


How many years of full-time professional experience in the development, coordination, or promotion of emergency management programs such as disaster relief, public safety, flood mitigation and resiliency, and emergency management in government, industry, education, or the military do you possess?

• 2 years or more
• 1 but less than 2 years
• None of the above

06


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.
07


How much graduate coursework have you completed in planning, emergency management, risk management, criminal justice, law enforcement, homeland security, emergency and/or crisis management, disaster preparedness, disaster management, public safety management or administration, fire science technology, fire protection engineering, hazardous materials response, or emergency medical services administration?
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 transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted. If you answer "Yes" to 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 and clicking the Evaluation Services link.

• 30 credits or more
• Less than 30 credits
• None

08


INSTRUCTIONS: 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

• Yes

09



WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - PLAN AND COORDINATE EMERGENCY RESPONSE ACTIVITIES
Plans and coordinates hazardous materials emergency response activities for state, county, or municipal emergency management personnel to prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate natural, human-made, and technological emergencies. This includes the planning, training, and exercise phases of the preparedness cycle, engaging operational and planning personnel, and addressing jurisdictional or interagency conflicts.
Levels of Performance
Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience planning and coordinating hazardous materials emergency response activities with state, county, or municipal emergency management personnel to prepare for, respond to, recover from, or mitigate natural, human-made, or technological emergencies. I was responsible for the planning, training, and exercise phases, engaging operational or planning personnel, and addressing jurisdictional or interagency conflicts.
• B. I have experience planning and coordinating hazardous materials emergency response activities with state, county, or municipal emergency management personnel to prepare for, respond to, recover from, or mitigate natural, human-made, or technological emergencies. I was responsible for the planning, training, and exercise phases, but I was NOT responsible for engaging operational or planning personnel or addressing jurisdictional or interagency conflicts.
• C. I have experience planning and coordinating emergency response activities NOT RELATED TO hazardous materials with state, county, or municipal emergency management personnel to prepare for, respond to, recover from, or mitigate natural, human-made, or technological emergencies.
• D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework or training related to emergency planning and preparedness.
• E. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.

10


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

1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
2. The specific duties you performed related to planning and coordinating emergency response activities and with whom
3. The type(s) of emergency response activities (hazardous materials, etc.)
4. Your level of responsibility with planning, training, and exercise phases, engaging operational or planning personnel, or addressing jurisdictional or interagency conflicts

11


If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework or training, 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.

1. Training Source
2. Course Title
3. Credits/Clock Hours

12



WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - OPERATIONAL PLANNING
Conducts operational planning and organizational analysis regarding hazardous materials emergency and disaster management. Develops strategies, goals, and objectives to formulate operational plans for emergency management and homeland security.
Levels of Performance
Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience conducting operational planning and organizational analysis regarding hazardous materials emergency or disaster management. I developed strategies, goals, or objectives to formulate operational plans for emergency management or homeland security.
• B. I have experience conducting operational planning or organizational analysis regarding hazardous materials emergency or disaster management. I did NOT develop strategies, goals, or objectives to formulate operational plans for emergency management or homeland security.
• C. I have experience conducting operational planning or organizational analysis regarding emergency or disaster management NOT RELATED TO hazardous materials.
• D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to program planning or management.
• E. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.

13


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

1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
2. Your experience conducting operational planning or organizational analysis regarding emergency or disaster management and the type(s) of emergencies/disasters
3. Your experience developing strategies, goals, or objectives to formulate operational plans for emergency management or homeland security
4. The specific duties you performed and your level of responsibility

14


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.

1. College/University
2. Course Title
3. Credits/Clock Hours

15



WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - EVALUATE AND RECOMMEND CHANGE
Evaluates and recommends changes to hazardous materials emergency management response policies, plans, and procedures to address deficiencies, enhance operational effectiveness, and address emerging situations to improve programs, processes, and systems. Analyzes and assesses the effectiveness of Emergency Support Function (ESF) Annexes, performance goals, and initiatives related to preparedness and response to ensure processes and business practices are compliant with the Commonwealth Emergency Operations Plan (CEOP) and ESF Annexes.
Levels of Performance
Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience evaluating hazardous materials emergency management response policies, plans, or procedures and analyzing goals or initiatives to ensure compliance. I recommended changes to address deficiencies, enhance operational effectiveness, and address emerging situations to improve programs, processes, or systems.
• B. I have experience evaluating hazardous materials emergency management response policies, plans, or procedures, or analyzing goals or initiatives to ensure compliance. Someone else recommended changes to address deficiencies, enhance operational effectiveness, and address emerging situations to improve programs, processes, or systems based on my evaluations or analysis.
• C. I have experience evaluating emergency management response policies, plans, or procedures, or analyzing goals or initiatives NOT RELATED TO hazardous materials to ensure compliance.
• D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to program evaluation or compliance.
• E. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior

16


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

1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
2. Your experience evaluating emergency management response policies, plans, or procedures, or analyzing goals or initiatives to ensure compliance
3. Your experience making recommendations for changes to address deficiencies, enhance operational effectiveness, or address emerging situations to improve programs, processes, or systems
4. The specific duties you performed and your level of responsibility

17


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.

1. College/University
2. Course Title
3. Credits/Clock Hours

18



CERTIFICATIONS/TRAINING
Please select the highest level of certification or training you have successfully completed (choose only one option).

• A. Hazardous Materials Technician certification
• B. Hazardous Materials Technician training
• C. Hazardous Material Operations training or certification; OR NFPA 472-conformant state or jurisdiction operations level hazardous materials training
• D. Hazardous Materials Awareness training or certification
• E. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) training (e.g., IS-100.C, IS-200.C, IS-700.B, IS-800.D, etc.)
• F. None

19


If you are claiming certification or training, please attach a copy of your certification or completion of training document to your application. In the text box below, please indicate where the training/certification was completed, course name, the credits or clock hours, and the date of completion.
Required Question