Emergency Management Program Manager

How would you like to guide statewide search and rescue (SAR) readiness that supports every corner of Pennsylvania?  The Emergency Management Program Manager with the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) leads major planning and coordination efforts that strengthen SAR capabilities.  This role helps unify teams, partners, and resources to enhance emergency response.  Apply today for this inspiring chance to help protect our communities, strengthen emergency readiness, and guide high-impact initiatives across the Commonwealth!

This position leads the coordination, planning, and management of an integrated statewide search and rescue program that supports multiple SAR disciplines such as water rescue, urban search and rescue, helicopter hoist rescue, and more.  The role ensures strong collaboration, resource readiness, and program development across agencies and specialized teams.  As an Emergency Management Program Manager, you will perform the following duties:

• Program Leadership: Direct SAR program planning, development, and evaluation across statewide operations
• Stakeholder Coordination: Collaborate with federal, state, county, and local partners to strengthen SAR readiness and response
• Training Management: Oversee curriculum, standards, and training delivery for specialized SAR programs
• Resource Oversight: Maintain resource listings, review procedures, and support SAR asset deployment
• Operational Support: Assist with emergency activations, assess capability gaps, and coordinate SAR assets during incidents
• Program Evaluation: Identify improvements, review plans, and strengthen statewide SAR systems and procedures

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 will not have the option to telework in this position. 
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• 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.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Two years of experience as an Emergency Management Specialist (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• Five years of professional experience in the development, coordination, or promotion of emergency-related programs such as disaster relief, public safety, 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 three years of professional experience in the development, coordination, or promotion of emergency-related programs such as disaster relief, public safety, 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 FEMA Emergency Management Institute:
  • 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:

• This particular position also requires at least one year of experience serving as a team manager, team leader, or higher on a technical search and rescue (SAR) team performing duties such as supervising team members, ensuring team operational readiness, coordinating specialized training, or ensuring safety and effectiveness in search, rescue, and recovery missions.
• 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 www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html 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.

• 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.