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Emergency Planning Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

County of Chester, PA

Emergency Planning Coordinator

PA · On-site +1

$23.04/hr

The Emergency Planning Coordinator is responsible for the development and maintenance of several ... Participate in the weekly on-call Watch Officer Program. * Perform all other duties, tasks, and ...

Virginia Department of Emergency Management

Gathers, analyzes, and interprets emergency planning data and prepares recommendations to executive management. * Analyzes and resolves difficult and complex emergency management issues and problems ...

Gallatin County

Planning Assistant

Bozeman, MT · On-site

$25.59 - $29.40/hr

The position reports to the Chief Planning Officer and this position does not supervise other ... If the County Commission proclaims a local emergency due to an actual or threatening disaster such ...

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How much do emergency planning officer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for emergency planning officer in the United States is $33.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $36.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an emergency planning officer?

Emergency Planning Officers are professionals responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining plans and procedures to prepare for and respond to emergencies such as natural disasters, terrorist attacks, or major accidents. They work with local authorities, emergency services, and other organizations to ensure effective coordination during crises. Their duties include risk assessment, training staff, organizing emergency exercises, and ensuring legal compliance. By preparing for potential emergencies, they help protect public safety and minimize disruption to communities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an emergency planning officer?

To thrive as an Emergency Planning Officer, you need strong analytical skills, risk assessment expertise, and a relevant degree, such as in emergency management, public safety, or a related field. Familiarity with incident command systems, emergency management software, and certifications like CEM (Certified Emergency Manager) are highly valued. Outstanding communication, leadership, and decision-making abilities help you coordinate effectively during high-pressure situations. These skills ensure efficient planning, response, and recovery, minimizing the impact of emergencies on people and infrastructure.

What are some common challenges emergency planning officers face when coordinating with multiple agencies during disaster preparedness exercises?

Emergency Planning Officers often encounter challenges related to communication and alignment when working with various agencies, such as fire, police, healthcare, and local government. Each organization may have its own protocols, priorities, and terminology, which can lead to misunderstandings or delays without clear coordination. Building strong inter-agency relationships, establishing standardized procedures, and conducting regular joint exercises help mitigate these challenges and ensure a more effective response during actual emergencies.

What is the difference between Emergency Planning Officer vs Emergency Response Coordinator?

AspectEmergency Planning OfficerEmergency Response Coordinator
CertificationsCertifications in emergency management, safety, or related fieldsCertifications in emergency response, first aid, or safety management
Work EnvironmentDeveloping plans, conducting risk assessments, policy creationImplementing response during emergencies, on-site coordination
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, large corporations, public safety organizationsEmergency services, disaster response teams, public safety agencies

While both roles focus on safety and preparedness, the Emergency Planning Officer primarily develops and manages emergency plans and policies, whereas the Emergency Response Coordinator executes response actions during actual emergencies. The roles often collaborate but differ in their core responsibilities and daily activities.

Is emergency planning a stressful job?

Emergency Planning Officers often work in high-pressure situations that require quick decision-making and coordination, which can be stressful. The role involves preparing for and responding to emergencies, so resilience and strong organizational skills are important to manage stress effectively.
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What cities are hiring for Emergency Planning Officer jobs?

Cities with the most Emergency Planning Officer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Emergency Planning Officer jobs?

For Emergency Planning Officer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Emergency Planning Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Emergency Planning Officer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,725 per year, or $33 per hour.

Emergency Planning Coordinator

PA • On-site, Remote

County of Chester, PA
See more jobs at County of Chester, PAexternal

$23.04/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Salary: $23.04 Hourly
Location : Government Services Center - Westtown, PA
Job Type: Full Time, Non Exempt
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 04699
Department: Emergency Services
Division: ES Emergency Management
Opening Date: 08/04/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Weekly Hours: 40
Shift: 8:00am-5:30pm
Summary
Support the Mission of the Department of Emergency Services (DES); to promote and assist in providing safety and security to Chester County citizens so they can work, live, and grow in a healthy and safe community.
The Emergency Planning Coordinator is responsible for the development and maintenance of several Chester County plans and annexes, including but not limited to the Chester County Emergency Operations Plan (EOP), Debris Management Plan, and the Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP). This position also includes working alongside Chester County's 73 municipalities to develop and implement strategic plans to assist with their daily activities as well as all emergency hazards.
This position requires availability 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
Criminal background check is required.
All Department of Emergency Services employees are essential personnel and may be required to work during non-business hours for extended periods of time. Essential employee duties may involve assignments within the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), deployment to a field location, or other duties as required during periods of emergencies or training/exercise. Emergency assignments may be performed under adverse conditions, continue for periods ranging from a few hours to several weeks, and may require travel.
Essential Duties
  • Assist in the development and review of the Chester County EOP
  • Develop and maintain the Chester County Debris Management Plan and support annexes.
  • Maintain the Chester County HMP and actively engage with stakeholders throughout the five-year review process.
  • Assist with the development and maintenance of the Chester County COOP and assist other departments with the completion of their COOP.
  • Keep all EMC documentation current and respond to EMC inquiries as necessary.
  • Attend municipal meetings as requested.
  • Serve as the planning position within the EOC and complete various documents such as Incident Action Plans (IAPs), Situation Reports, etc.
  • Update and review plans and annexes, as required.
  • Attend required training to improve proficiency in plan development and review.
  • Develop, maintain update, and review electronic emergency planning databases.
  • Assist with development of GIS data to be used in emergency planning and EOC activation.
  • Available to provide damage assessment, resource management, or other services, as assigned.
  • Participate in and assist with Exercise and Design Team projects (internal and external).
  • Liaison with the Southeastern Pennsylvania Regional Task Force work groups and subcommittee initiatives.
  • Support municipal planning efforts of each municipality within Chester County.
  • Coordinate with appropriate agencies and stakeholders in plan development or revision.
  • Assist with Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activations and drills.
  • Participate in the weekly on-call Watch Officer Program.
  • Perform all other duties, tasks, and special projects, as assigned.

Qualifications/Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience
  • Associate's degree from an accredited college or university, two years of job-related experience, or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
  • Experience working with Pennsylvania Emergency Management laws and rules, for example, Title 35 PA CS and Title 6 US Code 313.
  • All DES employees must successfully complete the following FEMA course within 6 months of hire:
    • IS100 - Introduction to the Incident Command System
    • IS200 - ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents
    • IS700- National Incident Management System, An Introduction
    • IS800 - National Response Framework, An Introduction
    • IS2200 - Basic Emergency Operations Center Functions
  • Completion of basic PEMA and FEMA Independent study courses for Planning, Operations and Procedures within first six months of employment.
  • Completion of EMA County Basic and/or Advanced Local EMC or EMA Staff Certification within the first 12 months of employment.
  • Understanding of the Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP).
  • Knowledge and ability to communicate and implement ideas that lead to cooperative plans with multiple and diverse organizations, groups, and individuals.
  • Strong public speaking abilities in various environments.
  • Experience with creating presentations.
  • Accurate and detail oriented with strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to interface effectively with all levels of county government, public safety agencies, and stakeholders.
  • Strong time management and organizational skills with an ability to establish priorities.
  • Experience in disaster preparedness is preferred.
  • Knowledge of PEMA guidelines.
  • Ability to work independently or as part of a team and proceed with objectives .
  • Able to use common sense understanding to follow written and verbal instruction.
  • Flexible, with an ability to carry multiple tasks to completion within tight deadlines.
  • Exhibits a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn new tasks.
  • Ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and at all levels.
  • Professionalism, integrity, and honesty with an ability to handle confidential matters.
Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
  • Three or more years of experience working with Pennsylvania Emergency Management laws and rules, per Title 35 PA CS, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
  • Completion of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Basic or Advanced Academy.
  • Must be able to attain and maintain county professional emergency management certification status as specified by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA).
  • Strong working knowledge of Chester County public safety agencies, their mission, vision, and goals as well as strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
  • Experience with incident management and mass communication systems.
  • Experience with ESRI ArcGIS software.
  • Ability to create and update map layouts and views of moderate complexity.
  • Collect, verify, and enter GIS data from various sources, including application databases, GPS data collectors and other government entities.
  • General knowledge and understanding of County of Chester policies and procedures.
  • General knowledge and understanding of Emergency Services policies and procedures.

Additional Information
Relevant background checks, clearances, physicals, drug tests, and any other assessments or evaluations will be conducted after an offer of employment is given per County policy.
Computer Skills:
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have:
  • Basic to Intermediate Office Suite Skills, (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
  • Intermediate knowledge of records management systems.
  • Ability to learn County payroll system and onboarding database.
  • Ability to quickly learn internal software used by DES and the Emergency Management Division (Everbridge, Juvare/WebEOC, Guardian, DES Training, etc.)
Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, climb stairs, lift 25 pounds to a height of up to 30 inches, carry 25 pounds for a distance of up to 300 feet, drive a vehicle, and talk or hear. Occasionally, the employee will need to reach or work with arms above shoulder height; bend at the waist while working; kneel, stoop, crouch, or squat; and work with an uncommon level of noise. On rare occasions, the employee will need to climb or work on ladders, push items, twist, or rotate at the waist while working, and taste or smell.
The specific vision requirements for this position are as follows:
  • Close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less).
  • Color vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors).
  • Ability to recognize and identify the audible and visual signals.
Work Environment:
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet but can be moderate to loud depending on the assignment. Work assignments can change rapidly.
  • Will occasionally be exposed to outside weather and adverse weather conditions.
  • Will be required to operate a motor vehicle; at times this may include hazardous driving conditions.
Other:
  • A valid driver's license is required. May need to drive to remote locations.
  • Ability to work extended hours during emergencies.
  • Will occasionally be required to work extended hours, nights, weekends, and holidays.
  • Ability to attend meetings on site and off site (various hours).
  • Ability to travel to fire companies, municipalities, and facilities, transporting supplies in bad weather.
  • On-call time which may require working remotely.
  • Be part of the established on-call rotation for EOC activation.

The County of Chester offers comprehensive benefits to our employees.
01
Do you have an associate's degree from an accredited college or university, two years of job-related experience, or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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