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Emergency Manager
- Lane County (OR)
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Emergency Manager
Print (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lanecountyor/jobs/newprint/5181429)
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Emergency Manager
Salary
$105,580.80 - $144,497.60 Annually
Location
Public Service Building, OR
Job Type
Regular
Job Number
202500326
Department
County Administration
Division
CAO Emergency Management
Opening Date
01/07/2026
Closing Date
2/2/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA
Exempt
Bargaining Unit
09
+ Description
+ Benefits
+ Questions
DESCRIPTION
Lead, Innovate, and Impact Lives - Join Lane County in Shaping a Safer Tomorrow! (https://www.lanecounty.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=3585881&pageId=4182678)
Application Review Date: February 2nd, 2026
Interviews Scheduled for: Week of February 9th, 2026
About the Position
Lane County is seeking an experienced Emergency Program Manager to lead the County’s Office of Emergency Management during a time of increasing complexity, risk, and community need.
This role operates in a highly collaborative environment, working closely with the County Administrator, Policy Director, Sheriff, County departments, other jurisdictions, and a complex network of public, private, and non-profit partners.
This senior manager-level leadership role is responsible for the County’s comprehensive emergency management and disaster preparedness program - spanning mitigation, preparedness, and response. The Emergency Manager serves as the County’s primary emergency management authority, acts as Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Manager and may assume designated leadership roles within the Incident Command System, consistent with County authority and interagency agreements.
The successful candidate will bring demonstrated emergency management expertise, proven people leadership, and the ability to operate calmly and decisively in high-stress, high-visibility environments. Success in this role requires leading complex teams through ambiguity, building trust across departments, jurisdictions, and partner organizations, and take accountability for outcomes. The Emergency Manager is expected to model mature judgment, transparent communication, and partnership-based leadership in both steady-state operations and crisis environments.
Who We’re Looking For
We are looking for a seasoned emergency management professional who:
+ Has nine (9) years of progressively responsible education and/or experience in emergency management and disaster preparedness, including at least three (3) years in a supervisory, management, or leadership role
+ Has led all-hazards emergency management programs, including planning, training, exercises, response coordination, and recovery
+ Is an experienced people leader who can supervise, develop, coach, and hold staff accountable
+ Can confidently make decisions under pressure, manage competing priorities, and communicate clearly with leadership, partners, and the public
+ Understands the role of culture, equity, and trust in emergency response and community resilience
+ Exercises independent judgment while maintaining close coordination and communication with County leadership.
What This Role Does
Key responsibilities include:
+ Providing accountable, collaborative leadership across County departments, other jurisdictions, and public, private, non-profit, and governmental partners, including proactively addressing challenges, resolving conflicts, and ensuring alignment with County priorities
+ Directing and budgeting countywide emergency management programs and initiatives
+ Leading the development, maintenance, and implementation of critical plans (Emergency Operations Plan, Community Wildfire Protection Plan, Hazard Mitigation Plan)
+ Coordinating training, exercises, and readiness activities for County staff and partners
+ Overseeing emergency alerting and communications systems
+ Serving as EOC Manager or Incident Commander during emergencies
+ Supervising emergency management staff, including hiring, performance management, training, and corrective action
+ Representing Lane County on regional, state, and intergovernmental committees
+ Advising County leadership and the Board of Commissioners on risk, preparedness, and emergency management strategy
+ Managing grants, budgets, reimbursements, and disaster cost recovery
+ Monitoring and responding to regulatory, legal, and policy changes impacting emergency management
Why This Role Matters
Emergency management in Lane County is complex, collaborative, and consequential. Lane County serves more than 380,000 residents across urban, rural, and wildfire-prone communities, encompassing multiple municipalities, school districts, higher education institutions, and special districts. Effective emergency management here directly affects the safety, stability, and recovery of diverse communities across the county.
This is a highly visible leadership role that operates under significant public, media, and political scrutiny, particularly during emergencies and disaster recovery efforts. The Emergency Manager must be comfortable communicating clearly, credibly, and calmly in complex, high-pressure situations where decisions and actions have broad community impact.
This role is part of the Policy Division of County Administration, working alongside Housing, Climate Action, Community Resilience & Recovery, Economic Development, Grant Strategy Management, and Intergovernmental Relations - positioning emergency management as a core contributor to long-term community resilience, not just incident response.
The Emergency Manager is expected to model Lane County’s Strategic Plan values:
Passion to Serve · Driven to Connect · Focused on Solutions
Why Apply
This is an opportunity for a highly experienced emergency management leader to:
+ Lead work that directly protects lives and critical services
+ Shape countywide preparedness and resilience strategy
+ Work with engaged partners and executive leadership
+ Make a lasting impact in a mission-driven public service role
About the Division
The Policy Division of County Administration advances high-priority quality of life issues for the residents of Lane County in support of County Administration, the departments of Lane County government, and partners in the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors. The Division includes Housing, Climate Action, Community Resilience and Recovery, Community & Economic Development, Grant Strategy Management, Intergovernmental Relations. and Emergency Management.
Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm.
*Hybrid/telework may be available based on discussion with supervisor.
*As needed during emergencies.
*This is a non-represented position*
QUALIFICATIONS
Educa tion, Experience & Special Requirements:
+ Nine years of education and/or experience in emergency management and disaster preparedness, including three years of experience in a supervisory, management, or leadership role; or a combination sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the position.
Licensing Requirements:
+ Possession of a current Oregon driver’s license.
Preferred requirements:
+ Licensure or certification related to the area assigned.
Special Requirements:
+ Incumbents may be subject to travel.
Studies have shown that women and BIPOC individuals are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. The county will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.
CLASSIFICATION DETAILS
Emergency Manager Classification Details (https://www.lanecounty.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=3585881&pageId=4909322&\_gl=1*15ft8uz*\_ga*NTAwNjI1NTI4LjE3NjY0MTY2NjU.*\_ga\_G30BCGQ9RY*czE3NjY3ODU0NDQkbzYkZzEkdDE3NjY3ODU0NTEkajUzJGwwJGgw)
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Selection Process (https://www.lanecounty.org/government/county\_departments/human\_resources/talent\_acquisition/Selection\_Process)
Equal Employment Opportunity
Lane County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.
Strategic Plan
In alignment with Lane County's Strategic Plan, incumbent(s) will be expected to demonstrate the following core behaviors: Passion to Serve, Driven to Connect, and Focused on Solutions.
The 2022 -2024 Strategic Plan (Download PDF reader) focuses on the areas that Lane County will pursue as a way to deliver on our vision for the residents of Lane County. To meet these challenges, we know that the basis of our efforts lies in leveraging our people and partnerships to achieve our Strategic Priorities. We also recognize that the quality and commitment of our staff is essential to a shared future where Lane County is the best place in which to live, work, and play.
Veteran Preference Information (https://www.lanecounty.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=3585881&pageId=5143112)
Careers with Lane County Offer Extraordinary Benefits
At Lane County, we value our employees and we show it with our extraordinary benefits. We know that you chose public service for more than a paycheck, and our outstanding benefits are designed to help you Live Well, Live Lane - throughout your career. Read on to learn what great benefits await you in a career with Lane County.
Introducing ALEX (https://www.myalex.com/lanecounty/home#choose-benefits) , Lane County's benefit advisor! ALEX is an interactive tool that will help you understand the benefits being offered, out of pocket expenses and coverage available. You will need the Collective Bargaining Unit found in your job posting and when asked for your date of hire, please put in today's date.
*The below information describes typical benefits available for Regular Full-time Employees. Actual benefits received may differ by position, employment status (regular, temporary, or extra help) and/or bargaining group.
ALEX Benefit Advisor (click here) (https://www.myalex.com/lanecounty/home#choose-benefits)
Collective Bargaining Units:
Admin-Pro
AFSCME
AFSCME Nurses
AFSCME Physicians
FOPPO
LCPOA
Local 626
Prosecuting Attorney's
Benefits to keep you & your family well - Physically
Health insurance coverage becomes effective the first of the month following your first 30 days as an eligible employee.
Medical/Rx/Vision - Lane County offers medical, prescription and vision exam coverage for you and your eligible dependents. The plan options and costs per month for 2018 are outlined below:
If you enroll in the HDHP the County will contribute to your HSA: $1,500 (individual) or $3,000 (family) annually. This amount is prorated based on date of hire.
Eligible employees who complete a Health History Risk Assessment (HHRA), Biometric Screening, and Comprehensive Health Review (CHR) at the Live Well Center receive a $20 per month credit.
Wellness Clinic - The Live Well Center is for Lane County benefits-eligible employees, spouses and dependents (ages 2 and up) who are enrolled in the Lane County health plan. Marathon Health manages the Live Well Center and their clinical team provides confidential, affordable care for your acute and preventive healthcare needs. The Live Well Center also provides health coaching, chronic disease counseling, comprehensive primary care services, and much more.
Dental - Lane County provides dental coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Lane County provides this counseling and concierge service to employees and members of their immediate households.
Fitness Center Membership - Lane County provides employees with a free membership to a local fitness center. Employees may add their families at a discounted rate.
Benefits to keep you & your family well - Financially
Retirement - Lane County pays for, and enrolls employees in the Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP) and the Individual Account Program (IAP) following six full months of employment. (Current members are eligible upon hire.)
Disability - Lane County pays a portion of wages for eligible employees through Short-Term Disability, and provides Long-Term Disability coverage. Lane County complies with all State and Federal disability laws for employee, family, parental and pregnancy leaves regulations.
Time Management - Lane County provides employees with a generous bank of hours to be used for sick, vacation, family emergencies and personal days.
Holidays - Lane County provides 10 paid holidays per year:
New Year's Day Independence Day
Martin Luther King Jr's Birthday Labor Day
Presidents' Day Veterans' Day
Memorial Day Thanksgiving Day
Juneteenth Christmas Day
Life Insurance - Lane County pays for employee group term life insurance.
County-paid Training & Development to keep your career well
On-site Classes - Lane County offers a variety of on-site classes to develop employees' soft and technical skills.
Online Training - Lane County offers a variety of online classes through LEAP to help employees continually improve their skills.
Conferences & Seminars - Lane County will consider reimbursement for employees to attend professional conferences, dependent upon budget, to encourage continuous learning and professional development.
Lane County offers these other valuable benefits
Deferred Compensation Retirement Savings - Employees may enroll in a deferred compensation program 457(b) to save for retirement.
Vision - Eligible employees may purchase supplemental vision insurance.
Supplemental Life Insurance - Employees may purchase supplemental life insurance for themselves and their dependents/spouse.
Aflac - Optional employee-paid voluntary group coverage is available through Aflac.
Group Discounts - Group discounts may include homeowners and auto insurance, pet health insurance, credit union membership.
Paid medical, dental and vision coverage for dependents is determined by labor agreement or APM, as applicable. Physicians should contact their supervisor for health plan options and rates. Please note that Temporary and Extra Help positions are not typically eligible for benefits. This is only brief summary of benefits available to eligible Lane County employees. In all cases, plan documents govern.
For additional information about these extraordinary benefits contact the Benefit Resource Center at 1-866-468-7272, or Lane County HR at (541) 682-3124.
01
IMPORTANT: Please ensure you have included all RELEVANT education, employment and experience in your application. To ensure compliance with Oregon Equal Pay laws, Human Resources will conduct a wage analysis based on the information you have provided in your application to determine the appropriate starting wage if you are selected.
+ I acknowledge I have provided all relevant education and employment history.
02
What is your highest level of education?
+ High School diploma or equivalent to completion of twelfth grade.
+ Associate's degree.
+ Two-years of technical certificate or coursework.
+ Bachelor's degree.
+ Master's or higher degree.
03
How many years of experience in emergency management and disaster preparedness do you have?
+ At least three-years of experience.
+ Four-years of experience.
+ Five-years of experience.
+ Six-years of experience.
+ Seven-years of experience.
+ Eight-years of experience.
+ Nine-years of experience or more.
04
Do you have at least three-years of experience in a supervisory or management role?
+ Yes
+ No
05
Describe your experience building collaborative emergency management capabilities across multiple public, private, and non-profit organizations to ensure robust service delivery to protect the general public. (20 points)
06
Describe your experience with Emergency Operations Center activations including your roles within the EOC. Please detail your training credentials and how they were applied during activations. (15 points)
07
Describe your experience with mass notification systems. Include a description of at least one example when the public had to be notified about an impending incident. (15 points)
08
Describe your experience leading through ambiguity or uncertainty in an emergency management context. Please focus on one specific example and describe: 1. Your role and level of responsibility 2. The uncertainty or competing priorities involved 3. The actions you personally took to move the situation forward 4. How you communicated with leadership and partners 5. The outcome and any lessons learned (30 points)
09
Describe how your knowledge, skills, and experience prepare you to respond to a FEMA Disaster Declaration process, from damage assessment to Presidential Declaration. (20 points)
10
To be considered for this position, you are required to provide a cover letter If not provided your application will be rejected. (10 points)
+ I have provided a cover letter, it is attached. I understand that if NOT attached my materials will be rejected as incomplete.
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