Emergency Management Specialist GS-0301-11 Office of Security and Emergency Management Emergency Management Center (EMC) Introduction: The Emergency Management Center (EMC), within the Office of Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management (OASAM), serves as the Department of Labor’s (DOL) focal point for all emergency management policy, planning, preparedness and response coordination. The EMC manages and has program oversight for the following program areas: Continuity of Operations (COOP), Critical Infrastructure Protection Program (CIP), Continuity of Government (COG), and Communications Security (COMSEC) and Operations Security (OPSEC). EMC is also responsible for a Test, Training and Exercise (TT&E) program for these areas. The EMC operates the Department’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) which provides situational awareness and functions as the information conduit for the Department during emergencies. This position works under the general supervision and programmatic management of the DOL Continuity Program Manager, EMC. Major Duties: The incumbent performs duties in the area of national security emergency management federal coordination, and serves as a liaison with counterparts in Federal departments and agencies participating in continuity of operations (COOP) and continuity of government (COG) related activities and operations to coordinate overall response. The incumbent plans, prepares, and carries out completion of staff assignments related to COOP and COG activities in support of the Director, EMC. The incumbent is a continuity specialist for the Department’s Continuity Program, represents the Agency as a recognized authority in a variety of settings, and provides interpretation of COOP and COG policies, procedures, and programs. The incumbent also develops plans and procedures to support the Department’s pandemic influenza preparedness and response program. The incumbent directly supports the Department’s Continuity Program Manager. The incumbent develops, reviews, establishes, and maintains
comprehensive continuity plans for the Department of Labor. The incumbent coordinates with the DOL Headquarters emergency points of contact, providing guidance for establishing essential functions, and ensuring headquarters operations and emergency resources continue with minimal disruption during emergencies. The incumbent directly supports the DOL Continuity Program Manager for COOP coordination, guidance, and oversight for all DOL subordinate agencies and regions. The incumbent will provide input and assist in the development of COOP strategic planning documents for DOL to provide oversight and assessment of the status of DOL COOP and COG capabilities and programs. The incumbent assists the COOP Program Manager in formulating guidance and establishing objectives, performance measures, and resource requirements for implementation of continuity programs for all the subordinate components of DOL. The incumbent performs national security emergency management program evaluation duties, and provides advice and assistance to working group and other agency planners and analysts. The incumbent prepares and represents COOP and COG related activities and orientations on the purposes and procedures of national security emergency management programs. The incumbent manages the collection and analysis of evaluation data generated during assigned tasks and provides guidance to personnel on program evaluation methodologies and procedures. The incumbent analyzes new or amended legislation, Executive Orders and Presidential policy documents and develops DOL policy, strategy and priorities concerning the Agency's roles and responsibilities in COOP and COG related activities. The incumbent reviews COOP plans for effectiveness and integration with national security programs related to Federal departments, agencies, and private sector guidelines. Maintains awareness of all aspects of policy and programs concerning emergency preparedness; critical infrastructure protection, and threat awareness issues. Activities focus on the implementation of 47 CFR Part 202, National Security and Emergency Preparedness Planning and Execution; HSPD5, Management of Domestic Incidents; HSPD-7, Critical Infrastructure Identification, Prioritization, and Protection; HSPD-8, National Preparedness; PDD 63, "Critical Infrastructure Protection"; Executive Order (EO) 12656, "Assignment of Emergency Preparedness Responsibilities"; the National Response Framework; National Continuity Policy / National Security Presidential Directive 51 / Homeland Security Presidential Directive 20 (NSPD-51/HSPD-20); and
Federal Continuity Directives -1 and -2. The incumbent must use judgment and ingenuity in interpreting the intent of program originators and senior officials for areas in which published guidance does not exist, and in developing applications for specific situations. As an additional duty and as directed by the EMC Director, the incumbent will also be responsible for serving as a watchstander in the DOL Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during both normal operations and emergency events. Responsibilities may include but are not limited to, the collection of situational awareness information, the development of reports based on that information, alerts and notifications to stakeholders and the follow-up with internal and external partners and stakeholders regarding requests for support and information. Serves as the DOL liaison and representative on external committees and work groups dealing with national security, homeland security, emergency management, emergency communications, and continuity topics and issues. Provide input to work group issues as required. Performs other duties as assigned. This position requires the incumbent to possess and maintain a TOP SECRET security clearance; with eligibility for Sensitive Compartmented Information. This position is subject to random drug testing. This position is designated Mission Critical Emergency. Incumbent participates as a key member of the DOL emergency response group in response to emergencies. Incumbent is subject to 24 hour on-call in the event of any emergency. This service may require irregular work hours, work at locations other than the official duty station, and may include duties other than those specified in the employee's official position description. Travel requirements in support of emergency operations may include relocating to a designated alternate site to support the implementation of the DOL Continuity Plan with little advance notice, and may require employees to function under intense physical and mental stress. This position is outside of the bargaining unit. The full performance level of this position is GS-11.
Qualifications Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position and that is typically in or related to the position. Specialized experience at the GS-7 level is knowledge of emergency management and continuity activities leading to fulfillment of federal requirements. Experience may have required the applicant to document procedures or assist in writing plans for continuity of essential functions for a large organization in the event of an emergency; utilize federal guidance in writing and developing tools to assist an organization with emergency management activities and exercises. Specialized experience at the GS-9 level is experience supporting a continuity program for a large organization; experience may have required the applicant to develop plans and procedures for an organization to continue functions in the event of an emergency. Working knowledge of HSPD-20 and FCDs 1 and 2. Experience may have required applicant to analyze federal requirements and conduct a review and evaluation of emergency plans for compliance; or experience supporting, developing, coordinating or conducting training sessions for emergency personnel. Specialized experience at the GS-11 level is responsible experience supporting or managing a continuity program for a large organization; for the development and implementation of activities surrounding emergency management programs and services. Experience may have required the applicant to lead or be part of a team to research and gather information in order to develop plans; make recommendations for program improvements. Working knowledge of HSPD-20 and FCDs 1 and 2. Experience may have required applicant to analyze federal requirements and conduct a review and evaluation of emergency plans for compliance; or experience supporting, developing, coordinating or conducting training sessions for emergency personnel. Experience as part of an internal or external workgroup focused on emergency management issues. Excellent level knowledge of continuity policies and requirements required. Continuity certification or completion of Continuity courses preferred, not required.
Factor 1. Knowledge Required by the Position – FL 1-8, 1550 Pts. Knowledge of the federal emergency management programs, pertinent laws, policies, regulations, precedents and related resources to ensure a coordinated Departmental response to emergency situations, activities, and concepts. Working knowledge of national security/emergency preparedness programs concerning: 1) communications systems equipment, security, regulations, and procedures; 2) information security principles, concepts, regulations, and technologies; 3) emergency management policies, plans, and procedures; 4) critical information protection policies, plans, and procedures; and 5) Continuity of Operations and Continuity of Government policies, plans, and procedures. Knowledge of the specific organization’s programs and missions, functions, and authorities, and the ability to comprehend and evaluate the many and varied factors and problems which must be considered during emergency or potential emergency situations. Ability and skill to plan, schedule, control, and conduct various activities and projects simultaneously and recommend ways to improve work operations in a program or support setting. Ability and skill to establish and maintain effective working relationships; meeting and dealing with officials at all levels throughout the DOL organization and other federal organization counterparts. Factor 2. Supervisory Controls – FL 2-5, 650 Pts. Reports directly to a senior level program manager, deputy director, or director. While incumbent works within broad guidelines provided by the Program Manager, special projects may be assigned directly by higher organizational levels within the agency. Guidance is in the form of organizational objectives to be achieved, indications of priorities, and administrative direction. The employee and supervisor, in consultation, develop the deadlines, projects, and work to be done. The employee is responsible for planning and carrying out assignments; resolving conflicts which arise; coordinating the work with others; and interpreting, policy on own initiative in terms of established objectives. Incumbent’s work products are accepted as technically authoritative, and are reviewed by the director for their conformance to Federal policies, organizational objectives, and deadlines. The incumbent is responsible for independently performing assignments and keeping the supervisor apprised of potentially controversial
issues. The incumbent informs the supervisor of project progress and problems, issues with policy implications, and any potential need for changes in service approach. Completed work is reviewed in terms of effectiveness in meeting requirements, and fulfilling anticipated results. Factor 3. Guidelines – FL 3-5, 650 Pts. Guidelines include the National Security Act of 1947, as amended; Homeland Security Presidential Directives (HSPD), Presidential Decision Directives (as amended); Executive Orders; National Security Council terms of reference for assigned studies; public laws; and applicable DOL program guidelines. The incumbent must use experienced judgment and ingenuity in interpreting the intent of program originators and senior officials for areas in which published guidance does not exist, and in developing applications for specific situations. Independent research is conducted to determine the applicability of the guidelines for many unique and difficult assignments and modify them accordingly to meet program objectives Factor 4. Complexity – FL 4-5, 325 Pts. Duties require various and highly complicated processes and methods. These include the in-depth research and analysis of intelligence, data, program requirements, budgetary constraints, regulatory limitations, and agency policy. The incumbent develops detailed plans, goals and objectives for the long-range implementation and administration of the emergency preparedness program. The incumbent develops measurement criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of the program. Analysis of statistical data may require a decision or interpretation for a new program approach, which may serve as precedent for other reviews. Incumbent interprets considerable data, plans the work and refines the methods and techniques to be used. The incumbent develops, reviews, establishes, and maintains comprehensive plans and coordinates with Departmental agencies, regions and various interagency points of contact. Factor 5. Scope and Effect – FL 5-5, 325 Pts. The purpose of the work is to serve as a focal point for the Department for emergency management policy, planning, preparedness and response coordination. The EMC provides management and oversight of the Emergency Operations Center, Emergency Relocation Sites, Communications Security, National Security Emergency Preparedness operations, and continuity programs. The work has a major impact on the efficiency and
effectiveness of operations that contributes to overall productivity of the organization. The work involves leading projects and broad studies of administrative and managerial processes and procedures to assess and subsequently refine the productivity, effectiveness, and efficiency of program operations. The issues involved may cross- Departmental and organizational lines or geographical areas. The incumbent is responsible for leveraging all available resources and collaborating with other office personnel to achieve specific management plans and objectives. Factor 6 & 7. Personal Contact/Purpose of Contacts – FL 3c, 180 Pts Primary contacts and stakeholders include, but are not limited to, staff members of the Department, agency emergency preparedness personnel, technical and policy staff of other agencies in the Executive Branch. Contact may also include commercial vendors and industry representatives. Contacts are to persuade DOL officials, contractors, and other decisionmaking officials to follow recommended courses of action consistent with established emergency management policies, objectives, and regulations. These contacts often necessitate interaction with higher-level program officials both within and outside of the Department, to provide briefings, which change or modify existing DOL emergency management programming and planning. Factor 8. Physical Demands – FL 8-1, 5 Pts. The work will normally be accomplished while the incumbent is seated at a desk or table. Physical demands may become exacting in times of emergencies, exercises, or training. In such times the incumbent may be required to remain in work status for an extended period and a high level of mental and emotional stress may occur. Work may require some travel. Incumbent must be able to deploy on short notice in the event of an emergency. Factor 9. Work Environment – FL 9-1, 5 Pts. The work is performed predominantly in an office setting. However, some work will be performed at alternate locations that may require lifting, bending and walking. Incumbent is required to carry pager and blackberry for on-call status.