Putnam County, New York is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Commissioner of Emergency Services. Applicants must meet the below required minimum qualifications and listed special requirements. The Commissioner of Emergency Services is appointed by the County Executive subject to confirmation by the County Legislature.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES: 

This is highly responsible managerial, administrative and technical work of a complex nature involving planning, supervising and implementing operations necessary to effectively mobilize and safeguard the community in the event of natural and man-made disasters, law enforcement emergencies, fire and other emergencies requiring the services of emergency response personnel.  Responsibilities include coordinating and administrating mutual aid, Fire and EMS training programs, natural disaster and civil defense operations. This position involves responsibility for overseeing all emergency service calls to the County PSAP*/911 Center, managing and coordinating communications with eight police agencies, seven emergency medical service agencies and thirteen fire departments, ensuring the effective coordination of emergency services. The Commissioner supervises staff engaged in receiving incoming communications from citizens, police agencies and other entities, and ensures appropriate emergency services, police, fire, and ambulance are dispatched promptly and accurately.  Additionally, incumbent is responsible for planning, organizing, equipping and training personnel, administering local natural disaster and civil defense programs, as well as planning and supervising County programs relating to E911, the CAD System, and Emergency Medical Services, including Advanced Life Support activities and performance.  Work is performed under general direction of the County Executive and in accordance with State and Federal laws, regulations and guidelines. Performs related work as required.

SOME TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:

• Plans programs to carry out Emergency Preparedness responsibilities required by State & Federal laws;
• Ensures proper emergency response to all natural and man-made emergencies including those of enemy attack and acts of terrorism;
• Develops, administers and updates a County Mutual Aid Plan for Police, Fire & Emergency Medical Service response;
• Directs the County’s PSAP/E911 operations, ensures the sole County Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) compliance, and maintains continuous status and location records of patrol and emergency vehicles;
• Acts as liaison between County Legislature, all Law Enforcement agencies, Fire Advisory Board, various Fire & EMS Agencies, the County Executive and other County officials;
• Oversees countywide emergency communications system, including the training of all Emergency Services Dispatchers; assigning frequencies, purchasing equipment, ensuring compliance with applicable FCC regulations;
• Meets regularly with Police, EMS and Fire Authorities relative to training, procedures, protocols and regional requirements;
• Assumes duties as Incident Commander during declared Emergencies;
• Establishes workable, practical emergency preparedness warning and information systems capable of receiving warnings of impending enemy attack or impending natural disaster;
• Oversees the County Fire Training Center and Emergency Operations Center, ensuring proper supplies are on hand, and provides instruction relative to proper use of facilities;
• Directs and administers County Emergency Response Teams;
• Maintains county inventory of plans and equipment required for emergency preparedness program;
• Promotes programs of public safety, fire prevention, access to proper pre‑hospital care and emergency preparedness through educational programs and distribution of printed materials;
• Performs a variety of related activities as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

To be determined by the County Executive.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Bachelor’s degree, or higher, and seven (7) years of high-level law enforcement experience which shall have included at least three (3) years of experience in the oversight of emergency planning, preparedness, and communications (including police dispatch). 
2. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Incident Management System (NIMS) training, ICS-400 level, within one (1) year of appointment.
3. Certification as a New York State or National Registry EMT or higher medical training at time of appointment preferred.
4. This position is considered to be a public officer. Pursuant to Article 3 of the NYS Public Officers law, the holder of this position must be a United States citizen and a resident of Putnam County, NY.

PLEASE NOTE: Your degree must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education.

*PSAP = Public Safety Answering Point

SALARY RANGE: $115,000 - $127,000 per year, commensurate with experience

SCHEDULE: Monday to Friday, On call

BENEFITS:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

APPLICATION: 

Applications and resumes may be submitted to the Putnam County Personnel Department by mail or email:

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Putnam County Personnel Department

110 Old Route 6, Bldg 3

Carmel NY, 10512