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Incident Command Jobs in Hawaii (NOW HIRING)

Loss Prevention Specialist

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$19.25 - $24.75/hr

Must have some knowledge of the National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) and the Incident Command system (a plus). * In-depth knowledge of access control systems. * Must be effective in handling ...

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Incident Command information

What is incident command?

Incident Command refers to a standardized, on-scene management system used to coordinate emergency response operations. It is designed to enable effective and efficient incident management by integrating facilities, equipment, personnel, procedures, and communications within a common organizational structure. The Incident Command System (ICS) is widely used by fire, police, emergency medical services, and other agencies during emergencies such as natural disasters, accidents, or terrorist events. ICS helps ensure a coordinated response, clear leadership, and safety for responders and the public.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an incident commander, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Incident Commander, you need strong leadership, decision-making skills, and thorough knowledge of emergency response protocols, typically supported by relevant certifications such as ICS (Incident Command System) training. Familiarity with emergency management tools, communication systems, and resource-tracking software is crucial. Exceptional communication, composure under pressure, and the ability to coordinate diverse teams are vital soft skills. These competencies ensure effective crisis management, minimize risks, and facilitate swift, organized responses to emergencies.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in incident command roles, and how can they be managed effectively?

Professionals in Incident Command often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing situations, coordinating multiple teams, and maintaining clear communication under pressure. Effectively managing these issues requires strong leadership, adaptability, and a solid grasp of established incident command protocols. Regular training, clear delegation of tasks, and the use of real-time communication tools can significantly improve team coordination and response effectiveness during emergencies.

What is the difference between Incident Command vs Firefighter?

AspectIncident CommandFirefighter
Required credentialsEmergency management training, certifications like ICS, NIMSFirefighter certification, EMT/paramedic licenses
Work environmentCommand centers, incident sites, coordination rolesFire scenes, rescue operations, emergency response
Employer & industry usageEmergency management agencies, fire departments, disaster response teamsFire departments, rescue services, emergency response units

Incident Command and Firefighter roles often overlap during emergencies, but Incident Command focuses on managing and coordinating the response, while Firefighters are directly involved in suppression and rescue efforts. Both roles require specialized training and are essential in emergency situations, but their responsibilities and work environments differ significantly.

Is incident command a good career?

Incident command is a critical role in emergency response and disaster management, requiring strong leadership, decision-making, and communication skills. It often involves working in high-pressure environments and may require certifications such as ICS (Incident Command System) training. The career can be rewarding for those interested in public safety and crisis management, with opportunities for advancement and specialization.

What does an incident command do?

An incident command is responsible for managing and coordinating emergency response efforts during incidents such as fires, accidents, or natural disasters. They establish objectives, allocate resources, and communicate with teams to ensure a safe and effective response. Incident commanders often use tools like the Incident Command System (ICS) and may hold certifications such as ICS or NIMS to perform their duties effectively.

What are popular job titles related to Incident Command jobs in Hawaii?

For Incident Command jobs in Hawaii, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Incident Command job openings in Hawaii as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Civil Defense Staff Officer (Plans) - SR-24

County of Hawai`i

Hilo, HI • On-site

$74K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


County Of Hawaii rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

249th of 849 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Duties Summary Performs as a staff specialist and advisor for one or more emergency management mission areas and the associated mission area core capabilities; when activated, fills one or more incident command positions; develops and maintains appropriate plans and procedures; and performs other related duties as required. There is one (1) immediate permanent full-time vacancy with the Civil Defense Agency in Hilo. The eligible list may be used for other permanent and temporary vacancies as they arise during the life of the list.

Temporary appointment may lead to conversion to permanent appointment. Special Working Conditions: After hours, weekends, and holiday work are required. On 24-hour status in anticipation of natural disaster, enemy attack.

Reports to office under disaster conditions. Performs long hours on duty during civil defense alerts and emergencies. Examples of Duties Performs as staff specialist and advisor for one or preparedness mission areas (protection, prevention, mitigation, response, and recovery) of the overall emergency management program.

Develops, implements, and maintains specific and interrelated portions of the agency's operational plans and procedures in accordance with local needs and County, State, and Federal laws and policies. Plans and coordinates the preparation, review, and maintenance of mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery plans. During Emergency Operations Center activations, will serve in assigned Incident Command System (ICS) positions.

Keeps abreast of County, State, and Federal laws, ordinances, and policies to ensure that local emergency operational plans and procedures are kept current. Represents the agency on committees involved in emergency management activities. Orients, briefs, and provides training for governmental officials, community representatives, and volunteers on preparedness and mission area expertise.

Subject to call 24 hours, 7 days a week to respond to the emergency operation center, forward operating bases, or other field sites during activation or emergency situations. During activations may work from one or more locations to include a forward operating base, camp, staging area, or point of distribution. Operates a motor vehicle to perform work-related duties.

Supports and conducts damage assessments immediately following an incident. Conducts field observations of conditions before, during, and after incident impacts. Enforces and complies with Federal, State, and County laws, regulations, and policies relating to occupational safety, health, and the environment.

Performs other related duties as assigned. CIVIL DEFENSE STAFF OFFICER (PLANS): Assists business in developing business response plans and continuity of operations plans. Reviews community and business response plans and recommends approval to the Civil Defense Administrator.

Prepares, develops, and maintains the agency's Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP). Assists County organizations in preparing and developing their Continuity of Operations Plans. Minimum Qualification Requirements Training and Experience: A combination of education and experience substantially equivalent to: graduation from an accredited college or university with a baccalaureate degree (scan and attach a copy of your official college transcript to your application), and four (4) years experience in administration, communications, training, logistics, or disaster preparedness and recovery that involved the development and implementation of administrative or operational policies, plans, and procedures.

License/Certificate Requirements: possession of a good driving record certified by a traffic abstract confirming no DUI convictions, license revocations, or suspensions for three (3) years preceding an no moving violation for one (1) year preceding. A current traffic abstract is valid for 30 days from date of issuance by the district court. (You will be required to submit your current traffic abstract at time of the job interview), and possession of a valid State of Hawai'i Driver License (Class 3) or any other valid comparable driver's license at the time of filing.

(You will be required to submit your valid driver's license at the time of hire.) Notes: possession of a current Department of Transportation Medical Examiner's Certificate is required prior to appointment, and possession of a valid State of Hawai'i Driver's License (Class 4, non-CDL) with air brake certification is required prior to completion of probation, and possession of a Forklift Operator's Certificate is required prior to completion of probation. Examination: All applicants who meet the minimum qualification requirements will be assigned a score of 70 points. An education and experience evaluation will be conducted based on the applicant's training, education and experience as presented in the application

Please read the minimum qualification requirements carefully. Be certain to list all pertinent training and experience, as this may be important in determining your examination score. It is essential that the applicant describe fully the duties and responsibilities of each position held, specify the date of each position held (from and to, month and year), and indicate the number of hours worked per week.

Attach all required documentation (e.g. official transcript, professional license(s)/certification(s), DD-214, etc.) at the time of submitting your application. Note: In-person interviews and/or further testing in Hawai'i County may be required at the discretion of the hiring department/agency

If in-person interviews and/or further testing are required, applicants who are referred to the hiring department/agency must be available to participate in person and at their own expense at that phase of the selection process. Knowledge of: the Federal Emergency Management Agency's National Preparedness System to include the preparedness missions, core capabilities, and lifelines; principles and practices of organization and administration; principles and practices of program planning; government organizations, operations, and functions; federal, state, and local emergency management laws, operations, and objectives particularly as they relate to the functional/specialty area assigned; community resources; geographic and topographic features of the Hawai'i Island; report writing; and public relations. Ability to: develop and implement a program for individual and community preparedness; formulate plans and procedures; plan and organize the activities of large groups of people; understand emergency response needs and assist in developing educational and training programs to meet those needs; understand the functions of federal, state, and local emergency management programs; act decisively in emergencies; work with and motivate key personnel in various governmental, businesses, and volunteer groups; communicate effectively, orally and in writing; prepare clear and concise reports; establish and maintain good working relationships with personnel of various public and private agencies; and supervise others during disasters and emergency activations.

Physical Requirements: Persons seeking appointment to positions in this class must meet the health and physical condition standards deemed necessary and proper to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations. Physical Effort Grouping: Heavy Benefits of County Employment: The County of Hawai'i offers a competitive compensation package. Your total compensation is comprised of your salary and a generous range of valuable benefits, subject to eligibility requirements.

Flexible Working Arrangements: Options may include alternate work schedules (4-10) and flexible working hours. (Not all Departments/Agencies participate and not all positions are eligible.) Vacation: Start accruing paid vacation time immediately upon hire - up to 21 days per year. Sick Leave: Start accruing paid sick leave time immediately upon hire - up to 21 days per year

Holidays: The County provides 13 paid holidays per year (plus General Election Day when applicable). Training and Development: The County has a variety of training and development opportunities for employees. County Tuition Reimbursement Program: This scholarship program rewards employees who take the initiative to advance their education and learning.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program: You may be eligible for this federal program which forgives portions of federal student loans for individuals working in public service. Retirement Plan: The Employees' Retirement System is a qualified defined benefit public pension plan that provides retirement, disability, survivor and other benefits to all eligible full-time and part-time county employees in the State of Hawaii as well as their beneficiaries. Deferred Compensation: Save additional money for retirement - this voluntary supplemental retirement savings plan allows for the investment of tax-deferred contributions.

Flexible Spending Plan: Use pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified dependent care and/or medical expenses, as well as insurance premiums. Health Benefit Plans: The County of Hawai'i offers a variety of health benefit plans for eligible employees. Employee Assistance Program (EAP): This voluntary assistance program provides employees and their family members with free professional and confidential assistance in overcoming personal and work-related problems.

Group Life Insurance: Free life insurance policy for active employees. Credit Union Membership Other Leaves: You may be eligible for other leaves, including Family Leave, Funeral Leave, Leave Sharing, Military Leave, Donor Leave, Victims Protection Leave, as well as leave for Parent-Teacher Conferences, Disaster Relief, Blood Bank Donations, and Jury Duty. All benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and change due to legislative actions and/or changes negotiated through collective bargaining.

Please check out the benefits tab for additional information. Supplemental Information Please scan and attach these supporting documents to your on-line application, if required: an official college transcript, a valid driver's license, a temporary assignment verification, professional licenses, and/or certificates. Veterans applying for veteran's preference points shall also scan and attach their DD-214 form and as needed, their VA claim letter to the on-line application.

ELECTRONIC NOTIFICATION TO APPLICANTS: Please ensure that the email address and mobile phone number you provide is current, secure, and readily accessible to you. We will not be responsible in any way if you do not receive our emails and text messages or fail to check your email box or NEOGOV account INBOX in a timely manner. Checking your NEOGOV account INBOX daily is recommended and is the most secure method to check on notices sent to you.

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In the upper right hand corner of the account is your name, and under your name, click on INBOX to view all notices sent you. The notices will appear here in the INBOX even in the event you don't receive it on your cell phone, computer, or other electronic device. This is the best way to check and view all notices sent to you.

You will receive a confirmation email upon successfully submitting your application. Failure to receive this confirmation email, indicates that your application was not submitted. APPLICATIONS MUST BE FILED ONLINE AT: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/countyhawaii E-mail: jobs@hawaiicounty.gov


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