Emergency Management Watch Officer

The Emergency Management Watch Officer position with the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency offers a rewarding path for those eager to support public safety. This role places you at the center of critical information flow during emergencies. You will build strong analytical and communication skills in a fast-paced environment. This opportunity will allow you to make a meaningful impact by helping guide statewide response efforts.

This role focuses on collecting, analyzing and sharing emergency information to support statewide readiness and response. It helps maintain clear communication and awareness across agencies during both routine and high-pressure situations. As an Emergency Management Watch Officer, you will perform the following duties:

• Information Analysis: Analyze incoming reports, media sources, and alerts to determine appropriate actions
• Communication Coordination: Relay information to partner agencies and maintain reliable communication channels
• Emergency Support: Assist with response actions, situation awareness, and resource coordination during incidents
• Data Management: Maintain logs, prepare reports, and support the development of operational documents
• Systems Proficiency: Operate communication systems, radios, and software used for emergency coordination
• Situation Monitoring: Track weather, incidents, and hazards to support timely notifications and briefings

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• FREE on-site parking
• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 PM to 9:00 AM, with a 30-minute lunch. Will work (3) 12.5 hour days per week.
• In the event of an emergency/disaster situation or training exercise, this position may be required to travel 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: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $60,538 (before taxes).
• 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:

• Three years of emergency coordination experience within the operation of a large municipal, county, statewide or national emergency center; and an associate degree in emergency management or other closely related field; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training.

Other Requirements:

• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines.
• 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.