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Exercise Coordinator (Contractual)

Recruitment #16-008998-0015

Introduction

Exercises are an important component of the preparedness process for building and maintaining capabilities.  According to the National Incident Management System (NIMS), “Preparedness is achieved and maintained through a continuous cycle of planning, organizing, training, equipping, exercising, evaluating, and taking corrective action.” Presidential Policy Directive 8 confirms this by stating, “The national preparedness system shall include guidance for planning, organization, equipment, training, and exercises to build and maintain domestic capabilities.”   For preparedness activities, the MDERS focuses on developing response capabilities for its stakeholders in both Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties, including law enforcement, fire, EMS, emergency management, public health, and the hospitals.  An important focus of the MDERS is the development of capabilities that are multi-jurisdictional and/or multi-disciplinary.  It is important to have an exercise program that is focused on developing and evaluating MDERS targeted capabilities utilizing the model espoused by the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP).  As part of the evaluation process, improvement plans are developed that cover a range of planning, organizing, equipping, training and exercising initiatives that help to further build targeted capabilities.  An important part of the improvement planning process is the documentation of those steps taken to improve capabilities.

GRADE

9998

LOCATION OF POSITION

Montgomery and Prince George's Counties

Main Purpose of Job

The Maryland-National Capital Region Emergency Response System (MDERS) is seeking a highly-qualified Exercise Coordinator to oversee the development of and implementation of an exercise program for MDERS stakeholders that focuses on developing and evaluating response capabilities to critical incidents.

The Exercise Coordinator will serve as the conduit between leadership, stakeholders, MDERS staff, and vendors to create an effective exercise plan for stakeholders and to evaluate progress towards achieving targeted capabilities.

The Exercise Coordinator will work with MDERS employees and stakeholders to develop an exercise program that is consistent with the ongoing process of capability development planning within MDERS. The Exercise Coordinator will keep abreast of, and implement innovative discussion- and operations-based exercises for stakeholders.

The Exercise Coordinator will work with exercise vendors to plan, conduct and evaluate exercises, but will also take a direct role in planning, conducting, and evaluating exercises. As part of the evaluation process, the Exercise Coordinator will ensure that objectives are evaluated using predefined metrics established for development of the evaluated capabilities.

The Exercise Coordinator will maintain all necessary documentation relating to MDERS-sponsored exercises and provide regular reports to MDERS staff and stakeholders.

POSITION DUTIES

Coordinates with MDERS stakeholders to assess needs and requirements for discussion- and operations-based exercises.  Works with MDERS staff and stakeholders to plan, organize, develop, conduct, facilitate, and evaluate a strategic multiyear exercise program for stakeholders.  

Coordinates with vendors to plan, conduct, and evaluate a variety of exercises.  Takes the lead role in planning, conducting, and evaluating exercises.   Ensures coordination of logistics and administrative support for exercise initiatives.  Makes POETE recommendations for capability development plans based upon priorities established by stakeholders.  Establishes relationships with exercise counterparts in the National Capital Region and coordinates for regional exercise initiatives that support MDERS capability development.  Develops Project Management Plans (PMPs) for exercise initiatives. 

Coordinates with the MDERS Finance/Logistics and the MIEMSS grant manager to manage the budget, reimbursement process, and grant requirements for MDERS-sponsored exercises.  Based upon after action findings from real world incidents and exercises, develops, documents, tracks, and evaluates improvement plans and implements necessary measures to achieve MDERS targeted capabilities. 

Develops, analyzes, and documents metrics for measurement of the outcomes of the exercise initiatives. 

Develops and deliver routine reports and presentations to various stakeholder groups on the progress of the exercise program.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience: Two years of experience in planning, conducting, and evaluating exercises for first responders (fire, EMS, law enforcement, emergency management, public health, hospitals).

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in emergency management, health services, law enforcement, emergency medical services, or related discipline.

Successful completion of Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP)

Three years’ experience as a responder in law enforcement, fire, EMS, public health, emergency management, or hospital setting.   

Three years’ experience in using real-world or exercise improvement planning to increase capability development.

Ability to plan, design, develop, conduct, and evaluate discussion- and operations-based exercises according to the HSEEP model.       

Ability to work with stakeholders, MDERS staff, and leadership to achieve consensus on developing an appropriate multi-year exercise plan for a variety of MDERS stakeholders that include fire, EMS, law enforcement, public health, emergency management, and hospital personnel.        

Ability to coordinate with vendors and stakeholders to provide exercises to stakeholders.          

Ability to work with MDERS staff and stakeholders in a manner that fosters a collegial, cooperative, and friendly working environment for all.    

Ability to create strategic plans, budgets, and project schedules to produce deliverables within parameters set forth by subject matter experts.         

Ability to effectively communicate, in writing and verbally, to individuals and large audiences.        

Ability to create written and verbal reports, as well as presentations, to convey status updates on project progress, risks, mitigation, adjustments, and future plans.        

Proficiency in standard office productivity computer applications, such as Microsoft Office Suite.      

Ability to establish, collect, monitor, and analyze performance metrics and provide concise reports that effectively relay pertinent findings.         

Ability to document, track, and report on the status of exercise improvement planning activities.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle.

Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator's license valid in the State of Maryland.

SELECTION PROCESS

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment.  It is important that you report all related education and experience that is relevant to this recruitment qualifications. All information concerning your qualifications, including a copy of your diploma or transcripts must be provided if selected for an interview.  We will not consider information submitted after the closing date.  

Successful candidates will be placed on the employment (eligible) list. 

The resulting list may be used for future vacancies with this agency or other state agencies.

BENEFITS

Contractual employees who works for an agency covered under the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program (the Program), have a current employment contract and work 30 or more hours a week (or on average 130 hours per month) may be eligible for subsidized health benefits coverage for themselves and their dependents. 

As a contractual employee, you will be responsible for paying 25% of the premiums for your medical and prescription coverage, including any eligible dependents you have enrolled.

The State of Maryland will subsidize the remaining 75% of the cost for these benefits. You can also elect to enroll in dental coverage, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and life insurance, but will be responsible to pay the full premium for these benefits.

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

Online application process is STRONGLY preferred.  If the online application process is not available, you may submit a paper application and supplemental questionnaire (by the closing date) to:  

Department of Budget and Management Recruitment and Examination Division

301 W. Preston Street, Room 608,

Baltimore, MD 21201

Attn: Amanda Karnezis

Information received after the closing date will not be considered.  Application inquiries may be directed to 410-767-4850. 

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country, and encourage them to apply.

Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

TTY  Users: call via Maryland Relay  

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity.  

 

 




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