Director of Emergency Services

Charles County Government
La Plata, MD

The hiring salary rangeis $127,470.18 – $206,501.49 annually, commensurate withexperience.Open until filled with a best consideration date of May 13, 2026.
This posting may close without notice.

Charles County Government is seeking an experienced Director of Emergency Services in the Department of Emergency Services/Administration to direct the County's public safety operations to include emergency medical services, animal care and control, public safety dispatch, emergency preparedness program, and other public safety related and administrative functions under the department’s responsibility. Overall goals are set, and the Director determines the specific tasks and assignments to be performed, independently handling new or unusual problems and deviations encountered in the work.
  • Ensures the effective and efficient management of the County’s public safety and administrative operations within the department.

  • Oversees execution of emergency plans in accordance with County, State and Federal regulations and standards.

  • Hires, trains, coordinates, evaluates, and disciplines departmental personnel in accordance with County Personnel policies and procedures.

  • Coordinates with volunteer Fire/EMS companies within the County.

  • Develops and coordinates mutual aid plans between Fire and Rescue and Police agencies in adjacent counties as well as federal and state organizations.

  • Coordinates and promotes mutual aid plans with County fire, rescue, police, adjacent counties, and appropriate State and Federal agencies to ensure their cooperation in the event of an emergency.

  • Oversees the development of effective instructional training and orientation.

  • Chairs the Local Emergency Plan Committee (LEPC).

  • Represents the County on various committees and at association meetings.

  • Oversees the development, updates, and execution of emergency plans in accordance with County, State and Federal regulations and standards.

  • Assists in the emergency management coordination and planning with related public and private agencies, such as hospitals and nursing homes.

  • Directs the operations of the County’s Emergency Operations Center in preparation for and during disasters in support of the Emergency Manager.

  • Prepares and monitors departmental budget, ensures department operates within procurement and budgetary guidelines.

  • Oversees the coordination of County 911 Communication Center enhancements and dispatching procedures with police, fire, and EMS Communications Board.

  • Collaborates with the County Board of Fire and Rescue, County Fire Chiefs and County EMS Chiefs meetings for purposes of coordinating County related activities with volunteer activities.

  • Monitors the effectiveness of the Emergency Services revenue programs and makes adjustments as necessary.

  • Directs the County's Animal Care and Control operations.

  • Oversees capital projects as assigned.

  • Performs other related job duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in public safety administration or related area. Ten (10) years of progressively responsible management and supervisory experience in field of emergency preparedness and response including high level leadership and supervision of police, fire, or EMS (Fire/Paramedic) experience; or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.

Licenses or Certifications:

Must possess a valid driver's license.

ICS 100/IS 700 NIMS (National Incident Management System) certification.


Special Requirements/Qualifications:

May include working long hours in emergency response situations.

Subject to work beyond the normal scheduled hours of work.

This position is required to receive climate competency training level 1.


Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Knowledge of the principles and practices of emergency preparedness as applied to the requirements of the County.

  • Knowledge of effective techniques and practices of administration and accounting office management including budgeting, computerization, personnel and purchasing.

  • Knowledge of effective techniques of supervision.

  • Ability to direct the County's emergency medical services, emergency preparedness, animal control and public safety dispatch operations.

  • Ability to monitor operations and take appropriate actions to ensure that operations meet requirements.

  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others encountered in the work.

  • Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

  • Ability to dispatch and supervise broad range technical and emergency operations and personnel in short term or long-term emergency response events and preparedness planning.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The work is sedentary with frequent periods of light physical activity and is performed in office surroundings. Typical positions require workers to walk or stand for long periods; lift and carry up to 20 pounds; climb stairs, bend, reach, hold, grasp and turn objects; and use fingers to operate computer or typewriter keyboards; and requires the ability to speak normally and to use normal or aided vision and hearing.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Principal duties of this job are performed in a general office environment.

Department/Division: Department of Emergency Services/Administration
Pay Grade: 123
FLSA Status: Exempt
Telework Eligible: Yes
Reports To: County Administrator
Supervises:
Deputy Director(s), Assistant to the Director, Emergency Services Specialist, Emergency Manager, Emergency Services Revenue Programs Manager
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