Emergency Management Officer I - Floodplain Management Specialist

Emergency Management Officer I – State Warning Point Officer

The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency is recruiting for a Time-Limited and Non-State Service Position as an Emergency Management Officer I – State Warning Point Officer within the Office of Response. The State Warning Point Officer serves as the 24/7 initial point of contact for emergency notifications, public safety warnings, and incident reporting across the state. This position plays a critical role in maintaining situational awareness, disseminating timely alerts, and coordinating communications between state, local, tribal, federal, and private-sector partners. The officer ensures accurate information flow to protect lives, property, and critical infrastructure during emergencies, disasters, and daily operational incidents. This position requires meeting the requirements for a security clearance and the ability to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Key duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Monitoring multiple communication systems (radio, telephone, satellite, alerting software, email, and situational awareness platforms) for emergency incidents and requests for assistance.
• Receiving, processing, and disseminating emergency alerts, warnings, and notifications to appropriate agencies and stakeholders.
• Initiating and maintaining communication with local jurisdictions, state agencies, federal partners, and first responders during incidents.
• Operating the state emergency alert and warning systems, including IPAWS (Integrated Public Alert & Warning System), EAS (Emergency Alert System), and Wireless Emergency Alerts.
• Maintaining situational awareness by monitoring weather reports, National Weather Service alerts, and intelligence briefings.
• Logging and documenting all incidents, notifications, and communications in accordance with state and federal standards.
• Supporting Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activations by providing timely information, coordinating resources, and facilitating situational reporting.
• Assisting in the coordination of mutual aid requests and disaster response resource deployment.
• Conducting regular system checks, testing, and troubleshooting of communication and alerting equipment.
• Participating in training, exercises, and after-action reviews to enhance operational readiness.

What you'll need to be successful:

• The incumbent must be a self-starter and be able to work independently with or without supervision. Multi-tasking skills are essential to balance primary and additional duty assignments and crisis management situations.
• Advanced skills with various computer programs, including Microsoft Office Suite, online programs, and the interface of multiple programs; and advanced comprehension, oral and written communication skills, and able to work with others.
• Possess the ability to research and analyze internet data sources for inclusion in products, briefings, and common operating picture.
• Knowledge of emergency management principles, public safety communications, and disaster response protocols.
• Strong communication skills (oral and written), with the ability to relay critical information clearly and concisely under pressure.
• Proficiency with radio systems, computer-aided dispatch, incident management software, and alerting platforms.
• Ability to prioritize and multitask in a high-stress, fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with National Incident Management System (NIMS), Incident Command System (ICS), and emergency operations planning.
• Completion of FEMA Independent Study courses (IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, IS-800) within probationary period.
• Analytical skills to assess incoming information and determine appropriate response actions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Typically requires a bachelor's degree or graduation from high school or equivalent and 0-2 years of experience.