Emergency Preparedness Specialist

Job Description

UW Tacoma’s Campus Safety & Security unit has an outstanding opportunity for an Emergency Preparedness Specialist to join their team!

About this Opportunity

Reporting to the Director of Emergency Preparedness & Campus Safety, this position enhances the UWT campus’s ability to respond effectively to emergencies by developing and refining protocols, procedures, and training materials as well as contributing to policy development, business continuity planning, and process improvement initiatives that advance a culture of safety and preparedness across UWT.

Key Responsibilities

Emergency Preparedness and Response (50%):

• Create and implement emergency preparedness assessment frameworks to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of existing campus emergency plans and activities. Develop high-level directives and procedures and present recommendations to campus leadership for review and approval. Work closely with appropriate organizational units, community groups, and state, county, and city agencies to gain broad-based support and assistance as needed.
• Assist department administrators in the development of department-level preparedness and mitigation plans aligned with campus-level plans. Schedule and conduct training, drills, and exercises to test emergency response plans at all organizational levels. Routinely collaborate with key groups, including lab managers and principal investigators (PIs), Health & Safety Committee, Building Coordinators, departmental administrators and related student organizations to evaluate safety and compliance concerns and recommend improvements to policies, procedures, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Coordinate with campus partners and UW Emergency Management (UWEM) in Seattle to ensure alignment with University-wide standards. Advise UWT leadership of actionable efficiencies to develop between campus and enterprise operations in various emergency scenarios. In collaboration with the Public Information Officer, develop and maintain clearly documented communication procedures and standards for use before, during, and after a variety of emergency event types. Partner with the Public Information Officer to ensure coordinated messaging during emergencies.
• Prepare and maintain accurate records, forms, logs, and documentation related to emergency preparedness activities, training sessions, and compliance requirements, including phone trees, vendor and community partner contacts. Organize and maintain shared collaboration tools.
• Serve as a liaison with Tacoma Fire Department inspectors performing inspections of the campus. Collaborate with UWT Facilities on relevant work orders. Serve as Incident Commander when appropriate during emergency situations. Conduct in-depth after-action reviews with appropriate individuals and organizations to identify areas for improvement and inform future planning.
• Provide guidance on emergency preparedness budgets and procurement of supplies and materials. Support annual Clery Act training sessions and reporting. Conduct emergency preparedness outreach activities such as presentations, campus tabling, orientation sessions, and development of online resources to promote awareness among students, faculty, and staff.
• Communicate updates and procedures effectively across campus using multiple channels. Create visual aids such as flowcharts and checklists to support understanding and implementation of policies. Maintain and update emergency preparedness content on the UWT website. Serve as a liaison with institutional oversight groups, including UW Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) and UWEM.

Business Continuity and Recovery (25%):

• Collaborate with institutional stakeholders to identify critical functions and services that must be restored promptly during emergencies. Develop and maintain campus-wide business continuity and recovery plan. Determine necessary systems, contracts, and communication protocols to support timely restoration of critical services.
• Support department managers in creating and executing business continuity plans to meet recovery time objectives. Develop and conduct assessments such as tabletop exercises and drills to evaluate business continuity plans and recommend improvements. Coordinate updates to the business continuity database to ensure accurate and current information.
• Identify gaps in campus-wide emergency assessment, preparedness, and training. Prioritize improvements and make relevant recommendations to campus leadership. Identify opportunities to establish cooperative agreements with local jurisdictions, higher education districts, and other regional partners to support mitigation and continuity planning. Draft contractual agreements as appropriate.

Environmental Health and Safety (20%):

• In close collaboration with UW Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) and UWT campus leadership, support the maintenance and continuous improvement of environmental health and safety at UWT. Conduct incident investigations and ensure proper documentation. Help inform leadership and educate those involved. Educate and promote reporting tools for UWT. Assist with the coordination of EH&S occupational health, workplace safety, and training programs at UWT as needed. Maintain UWT-specific health and safety plans and procedures centrally. Support UWT Facilities chemical waste management processes and other EH&S activities across campus as needed.
• Serve as an appointed member of the UWT Health & Safety Committee and participate in University committees and cross-functional project teams, as appropriate. Support UWT units and EH&S to investigate accidents, injuries, exposures, and near miss events. Track and verify completion of corrective actions resulting from incidents, inspections, audits, and risk assessments.

Teamwork (5%):

• Collaborate with all F&A teams to improve processes and enhance service. Assist other staff in meeting deadlines. Support, coordinate, and lead special projects or assignments as needed. Participate with and serve as support for other Campus Safety and F&A activities, including committee representation. Participates with and serves as a backup for other Campus Safety and Emergency Preparedness activities.

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Manager.

• Bachelor's degree in emergency management, public health, or related field, or equivalent combination of education, professional certification, and relevant experience.
• Three or more years of progressively responsible experience supporting emergency management, risk management, regulatory compliance, or related field.

Additional Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience conducting training programs, procedures, or other emergency response activities. Ability to give presentations, conduct tabletop exercises, and lead drills.
• Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with audiences of diverse cultural, educational, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Proficiency with a variety of software including Microsoft Office applications (e.g., Word, Excel, Outlook) and calendaring systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Credentials such as Certified Emergency Manager (CEM), FEMA ICS/NIMS training, or completion of Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) courses.
• Experience collaborating with municipal, county, or state emergency management agencies, including participation in joint exercises or mutual aid agreements.
• Experience using emergency notification systems, continuity planning software, and data analysis tools to support preparedness and response efforts

Working Conditions

This position is considered Essential Staff and in the event of an emergency and could require long hours and weekend work.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

Pay Range Maximum:

Other Compensation:

Benefits:

Shift:

Temporary or Regular?

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

Union/Bargaining Unit:

About the UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives - on our campuses, in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [email protected].

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.