Terms: Full-Time / Exempt / Full Benefits

Salary: $77,147.20 —$85,612.80 annually, Grade 12

Application Deadline: July 1, 2026

About the Role:

Under the supervision of the County Administrator and in alignment with the ND Century Code 37-17.1, the Emergency Manager is responsible for organizing and managing the County Emergency Management program. The role focuses on reducing vulnerability of people and communities to damage, injury, loss of life, and property from natural, manmade, technological, or adversarial emergencies and disasters. The Emergency Manager maintains lead coordination and assures the state of readiness of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC).

The position demands strong multi-tasking abilities in a dynamic environment, proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (Excel for budget tracking, grant management, and data analysis; Word for plan development, maintenance, and reporting; Teams for internal/external collaboration and meetings), Adobe software for document creation and management, and excellent public information skills for clear, timely, and effective communication with stakeholders, the pubic and County Administration.

Primary Job Duties:

1. Organizes and manages the County Office of Emergency Management to maintain a comprehensive all-hazards Emergency Operations Plan to include preparedness, planning, response, recovery, and mitigation consistent with ND Century Code and state/federal guidelines.
2. Maintain a FEMA-approved Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan, review Plan every five (5) years for formal approval, to reduce long-term risks for hazards.
3. Submits Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) application to the ND Department of Emergency Services, including budgets and work plans; completes required work prescribed in the Work Plan, and submits quarterly progress reports and reimbursement with supporting documentation. Strong Excel proficiency is essential for budget development and tracking.
4. Maintain a Three-Year integrated Preparedness Plan per ND Department of Emergency Services and FEMA National Training Program guidelines; completes required training and exercises.
5. Provides lead support for the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) under SARA Title II, engaging stakeholders (fire, law, emergency medical services, public works, volunteers, and other whole community stakeholders) in maintenance and annual review of the Hazardous Materials Response Plan; reviews Tier II information and submits annual Section 304 notice.
6. Promotes emergency preparedness through awareness and education programs, monitors community needs, conducts training for officials and citizens, and completes required reports for ND Department of Emergency Services and FEMA. Employs clear, professional communications to diverse audiences.
7. Serves a liaison for County officials; coordinates services with staff and departments; prepares and submits reports; and represents the department in meetings with local officials, community leaders, state agencies, and the public. Strong multiple-tasking and communication skills are critical for managing multiple priorities and providing concise updates to County Administration and stakeholders.
8. Maintains 24/7 readiness of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), including staffing equipment, supplies, and procedures. Activates and manages the EOC as needed; maintains resource lists and oversees activities during emergencies.
9. In coordination with incident/Unified Command, conducts initial assessments, notifies ND Department of Emergency Services via WebEOC when emergencies are imminent or occurring, and submits timely situation reports. Ensures local agencies are notified and briefed.
10. Manages grants, including research, application assistance, and disaster reimbursements; maintains records for audits per state and federal requirements. Utilizes Microsoft Excel, Word, and Adobe for accurate documentation and reporting.
11. Performs other duties as assigned and required.

Accountabilities:

1. Ensures County employees and the general public receive timely information on disaster preparedness and emergency awareness through professional communication, training, and educational meetings.
2. Fosters a positive, productive work atmosphere by maintaining professionalism, clear communication, and a collaborative team environment with all departments and employees.
3. Stays current on emergency management developments through publications, seminars, conferences, and training.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

The employing agency does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in employment or the provision of services, and complies with the provisions of the North Dakota Human Rights Act.

• Bachelor’s degree in Emergency Management, Public or Business Administration, or related field; and three (3) to five (5) years of direct Emergency Management program coordination experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• While operational emergency response experience (e.g. fire, law enforcement, EMS) is beneficial for understanding on-scene needs, it is not a substitute for demonstrated experience in comprehensive emergency management program development and administration.
• Must be a National or State Certified Emergency Manager or have the ability to obtain Sate Certification within three (3) years of employment.
• Thorough knowledge of County policies, local, state (including ND Century Code 37-17-1), and federal laws, ordinances, statues, and regulations governing emergency management.
• Demonstrated experience preparing and administering budgets and grants, managing personnel, and researching methods/procedures.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel (budgeting, data analysis, tracking), Word (document and plan development), and Teams (collaboration, meetings, coordination); proficiency with Adobe software for PDF/document management and creation.
• Strong public information skills, including crisis communication, media relations and the ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively with diverse stakeholders, the general public, and County Administration.
• Proven ability to multi-task effectively in high-pressure, dynamic situations while maintaining attention to detail and prioritizing tasks.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record, and pass civil, criminal, credit, and driver’s license background checks.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, analytical, and decision-making skills; proficient in computer and technology used in Emergency Management.
• Candidates must already be authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis. Burleigh County does not provide visa sponsorship.