Work Location: Papago Park Military Reservation (PPMR), Phoenix, AZ

Salary: $22.8671 – $32.4840 per hour (DOE) 

Grade: 22

Closing Date: November 25th, 2024 

This position reports to the Technological Hazards Branch Manager and this position is responsible for preparedness plans for all radiological incidents and supporting the Branch Manager in the administration of the Technological Hazards and Radiological Emergency Preparedness (REP) Program for the Division. Also provides support in developing, implementing, and maintaining emergency response and recovery capabilities for a major incident at a commercial nuclear power plant (Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station (PVGS). Position is assigned to the State Emergency Operations Center Plans Section during activations or exercises, or other SEOC positions as required. Prepares for anytime (24/7) response and no-notice recall to the State or Alternate Emergency Operations Center and/or Joint Field Office during disaster or exercise activations.

Responsibilities include:
• Support the Technological Hazards Branch Manager in coordinating with Maricopa County, City of Buckeye, 91st Civil Support Team, Tribes, counties and the utility in the annual review and update of the off-site radiological emergency response plan. Negotiate plan review with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security/Federal Emergency Management Agency and Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Support two REP staff in all off-site response and recovery responsibilities.
• Maintain comprehensive insight and knowledge of the federal laws, rules and regulations, applicable state statutes, local ordinances and the emergency response plan governing radiological emergency management. Prepare opinion correspondence to external partners on proposed changes to protocols, procedures, and policies which might have an impact on Radiological Emergency Preparedness (REP) program objectives, reasonable assurance, accomplishments, etc. Maintain currency in communication, warning systems, data acquisition and analysis, budgetary processes and comprehensive planning/training/exercising/evaluating methods.
• Supports exercise scenarios with appropriate federal, state, county and local government, tribal and volunteer organizations. Support and provide information to facilitate exercise scenarios and Extent of Play with federal organizations. Brief federal/state/county/tribal/local/volunteer agency response and recovery officials.
• Attend State and National meetings, seminars and conferences and training courses related to position responsibilities. Actively participate in conferences and annual meetings regarding radiological emergency preparedness for PVGS and statewide incidents.
• Gather information in support of weekly, monthly and quarterly mandated test on alerting/warning communications equipment. Assist with coordination of the annual mandated siren activation test within the 10-mile radius of the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station. Support/help/evaluate the annual off-site radiological medical drill and hostile action-based exercises. Participate in training personnel or Offsite Response Agencies in Palo Verde Reception and Care Center Exercises, monitoring and decontaminating evacuees and their belongings.
• Inform the Division of on-site developments. Respond to emergency conditions, situations or events regarding PVGS. Perform assigned emergency work in the State Emergency Operations Center regarding, all-hazards, PVGS ,or any other radiological incidents.
• Confer with the Technological Hazards Branch Manager in administration of the program budget, provide oversight of inventory of equipment and procurement purchasing, attend staff meeting, provided monthly reports and maintain equipment / vehicles for response effort.
• Trains individuals/first responders/Civil Support Team (CST) in methods of personnel and environmental protection in situations involving radiation exposure. Train REP staff and/or other staff as required in methods of personnel and environmental protection for the same.
• Support REP staff and train as necessary calibration, repair/replace supplies and equipment needed for training and the response effort. Assist REP staff in the research, testing and determination of types of radiation equipment to be used for efficient emergency response.

Knowledge of:
• Knowledge of the principles and practices in administration and management.
• Knowledge of agency policy and procedures.
• General knowledge of radiation and radiological effect on human health.
• General knowledge of federal, state and local laws relating to radiological/nuclear emergency preparedness.
• General knowledge of the FEMA Radiological Emergency Preparedness Program requirements, Code of Federal Regulations 10CFR350, NUREG-0654, the EPA Protective Action Guidelines and other applicable federal, state, local and tribal laws related to radiological emergency preparedness.
• Knowledge of response and recovery capabilities and obligation of federal, state, and local governments and the liabilities of responsible parties in a radiological/nuclear incident.
• Knowledge of computers, software, graphics and data applications. Knowledge of planning practices on procedures; project management.
• Knowledge of exercise methodology and training management.
• General knowledge of the operating systems for commercial nuclear power plants.

Skilled in:
• Communicate effectively, both in speaking and writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
• Understand written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
• Active listening and critical thinking; use logic and reasoning to identify strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Establish and maintain effective interpersonal relationships.
• Anticipate changing customers' needs and adapt.
• Anticipate and proactively respond to stakeholder concerns; use diplomacy and persuasiveness to present program concepts, effective solutions and plans in a comprehensive oral and written format.
• Leadership that will result in the accomplishment of work products and completed objectives.
• Capability to function as a team lead with interpersonal relations skills; facilitate and encourage communication between team members.
• Proficient use of computers, software (Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Google Sheets, Drive, Slides), graphics (PDF) and video conferencing (WebEx, Zoom, Teams, Meet).

Ability to:
• Develop and present radiological briefings to emergency management personnel, state/county/local agencies, volunteer organizations and first responders.
• Combine pieces of information to from general rules or conclusions, and to make informed decisions to solve problems.
• Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
• Read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
• Establish goals and expectations and manage time effectively.
• Anticipate changing priorities and proactively prepare adjustments to schedules: anticipate needs during absences and ensure work responsibilities and commitments will be met.
• Identify development needs within programs of responsibility and identify opportunities for systematic improvement.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships; analyze situations accurately and take appropriate action.
• Analyze and assess statewide preparedness posture.
• Interact with diverse audiences and be a team member.
• Coordinate and facilitate activities.

Completion of FEMA's Professional Development Series and Advanced Professional Series. Background in bookkeeping or record keeping. Familiarity with Acadis Readiness Suite. Familiarity with FEMA training programs and HSEEP methodology.

• Professional Development Series Certification within 1 year of date of hire.
• Advanced Professional Series Certification within 3 years of date of hire.
• Radiological Operations Support Specialist Certification within 1 year of date of hire (National Qualification System Type 4).
• This position requires possession of and ability to retain a current, valid state-issued driver's license appropriate to the assignment. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver's license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records and must complete any required driver training (see Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.12.).
• In State and out of state travel required.
• Selected incumbent is required to pass a criminal background investigation and have identification enabling them to enter federal facilities.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a SECRET security clearance granted by the federal government within 1 year of date of hire.
• Required to carry State issued cell phone.

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The State of Arizona offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:
• Sick leave
• Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year
• Health and dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Life insurance and long-term disability insurance
• Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Eligible DEMA employees participate in excellent retirement programs provided by the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and for fire personnel the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS).

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact hr@azdema.gov.
DEMA is a smoke-free work environment.
ADA/EEO Employer
The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity and Reasonable Accommodation Employer