The Sangamon County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Emergency Management Specialist. This position reports directly to the OEM Director and is responsible for assisting in the county's planning, preparedness, response, and recovery efforts for all types of disasters and emergencies. The Emergency Management Specialist also services as Chief of the Sangamon County OEM Volunteer Rescue Squad.
This is a full-time position with standard Monday through Friday work hours; however, the successful applicant must understand that emergency management operations require flexibility. Occasional evening, weekend, and extended hours may be necessary during severe weather events, large-scale incidents, or other emergencies affecting Sangamon County.
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| Responsibilities |
This position divides time between assisting with Office of Emergency Management (OEM) duties and serving as Chief of the Sangamon County OEM Volunteer Rescue Squad (RS). In addition to supporting the OEM Director in all aspects of the county's emergency management program, the Emergency Management Specialist is responsible for the following:
* Assist in the development, coordination, and delivery of the OEM Training and Exercise Program, ensuring compliance with state and federal standards.
* Support the administration of the County Ambulance Ordinance by reviewing agency permits and conducting quarterly compliance inspections.
* Assist in the preparation, maintenance, and periodic review of the Sangamon County Emergency Operations Plan, ensuring alignment with the National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) and other applicable guidance.
* Maintain accurate inventories of OEM and Rescue Squad equipment, supplies, and assets, and ensure proper readiness and accountability.
* Coordinate with the Director of Emergency Management to ensure continuous leadership availability within the county during emergencies or activations.
* Serve as Chief of the Sangamon County OEM Volunteer Rescue Squad, providing leadership, training, and operational oversight for volunteer personnel.
* Assist in planning and coordinating community outreach, training and public education initiatives related to preparedness and safety.
* Represent OEM at meetings, exercises, and interagency coordination sessions as directed.
*Perform additional duties as assigned to support OEM's mission and ensure effective emergency management operations.
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| Requirements |
The successful applicant will demonstrate the ability to coordinate with diverse agencies and organizations, exercising tact and diplomacy to build cooperation without authority or conflict. The successful candidate must be a reliable and resourceful professional with hands-on experience in operations support, public safety coordination, and crisis response. The individual should be skilled in maintaining readiness, supporting field operations, and assisting agency leadership during both routine and emergency conditions. The candidate should demonstrate clear communication, strong attention to detail, and a commitment to community safety.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Associate degree in a relevant field of study or higher.
- At least ten (10) years of experience working with first responders or in a related operational/public safety role.
- A minimum of five (5) years of experience managing volunteers, preferably in emergency services or public safety.
- Must possess a current EMT-B certification, and maintain CPR and First Aid certification.
- Must possess a valid Illinois driver’s license; a Class B CDL is preferred.
- Must be or become a resident of Sangamon County within sixty (60) days of employment.
- Must successfully pass a background investigation.
Required Training (to be completed within one year of hire):
- FEMA National Incident Management System (NIMS) Independent Study courses:
- IS-100: Introduction to the Incident Command System
- IS-200: Basic Incident Command System
- IS-700: National Incident Management System (NIMS), An Introduction
- IS-800: National Response Framework (NRF), An Introduction
- Ability to obtain and maintain additional training and certifications relevant to search and rescue, unified command, emergency management, or other areas as determined by the OEM Director.
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| Skills |
The successful applicant must be self-motivated, possess strong communication and organizational skills, and demonstrate proficiency with computers, including Microsoft Word, with the ability to learn additional software and technical tools as needed. Candidates should be able to take direction, manage multiple priorities, and follow through on assigned tasks effectively. Experience working with a volunteer agency, open-water diving certification, and canine training for search and rescue are desirable. Knowledge of emergency services operations, licensing processes, and related regulations is a plus.
This position supports the Director of Emergency Management and requires strong administrative, logistical, and coordination skills to assist with planning, documentation, record-keeping, and interagency communication. The successful candidate must be capable of conducting meetings, delivering training classes, and supervising volunteers as assigned. They should demonstrate the ability to effectively collaborate with a wide range of agencies, organizations, and community partners—using tact, diplomacy, and professionalism to foster cooperation and resolve challenges, even without direct authority.
Applicants should possess a working knowledge of Sangamon County’s geography, terrain, fire protection districts, law enforcement agencies, dispatch centers, and municipalities, along with an understanding of the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS), Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System (ILEAS), and their roles in regional coordination. Familiarity with emergency dispatch operations and communication protocols is preferred. The ability to identify potential grant opportunities, assist with grant research, and support the development of funding proposals is also desirable.
The position requires sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to maintain confidentiality while representing the department in a professional manner. The successful candidate must be able to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment, with flexibility to support emergency activations, exercises, and special events outside normal working hours.
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| Benefits |
2 weeks paid vacation, 3 paid personal days, 12 paid sick leave days and 13 paid holidays per year.
Individual and family health, dental and life insurance options. A retirement package through the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF).
Full time Monday – Friday, 37.5 hours per week plus on call hours as needed
FSLA Exempt
Location: Sangamon County Office of Emergency Management, 2801 N. 5th St, Springfield, IL 62702
Pay grade: 10
Salary Range: $51,213 - $64,017. Starting salary is dependent on experience and qualifications
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ALL applicants MUST submit the following documents:
- Sangamon County General Application for Employment found here:
- A Resume
- Two personal and two professional references
The application, resume and references may be submitted by mail or electronic email to: Mia Ray, Office of Emergency Management, 2801 N. 5th Street Springfield, IL 62702, Maria.Ray@SangamonIL.gov Please direct questions regarding the position to: Maria.Ray@SangamonIL.gov Applications will be accepted until position is filled. Sangamon County is an EEO Employer.
Applications will be accepted until position is filled.
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