Hazard Mitigation Specialist

JOB SUMMARY

The Hazard Mitigation Specialist supports the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe's emergency preparedness, hazard mitigation, communication systems, and response operations to help protect MIT and community members, property, natural resources, and culturally significant areas. This position develops and maintains emergency plans, evaluates natural hazards and wildfire conditions, and recommends measures that strengthen community preparedness and long-term resilience. The specialist oversees the day-to-day readiness of emergency radio communication equipment, coordinates emergency notifications, and develops clear public information for community members and Tribal personnel. Responsibilities include conducting field assessments, preparing technical reports and maps, coordinating educational outreach, and delivering emergency communication and preparedness training. The position also serves as an Emergency Management Duty Officer, participates in emergency response activities, and supports Public Information Officer functions during incidents, exercises, and special events. Successful performance requires sound judgment, technical expertise, cultural awareness, strong communication skills, and the flexibility to work independently during routine operations and rapidly changing emergency conditions.

MAJOR TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This list is intended only to illustrate the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or logical assignment to the position.

• Serve as a designated Emergency Response Team member and physically report to the assigned worksite during emergency activations, exercises, and response operations. Act as an Emergency Management Duty Officer during regular and non-business hours, responding to incidents, coordinating assigned activities, and maintaining operational readiness.
• Develop, review, and maintain hazard mitigation plans that are FEMA compliant, addressing natural disasters, wildfire threats, community vulnerabilities, and the protection of culturally significant areas and resources. Identify opportunities to strengthen long-term community resilience through practical preparedness and mitigation measures.
• Coordinate wildfire preparedness planning by identifying vulnerable locations, evaluating hazard conditions, and developing recommendations for community protection. Conduct field assessments throughout forested areas, community facilities, and other locations to document conditions and gather information supporting emergency planning.
• Develop and maintain emergency preparedness procedures addressing evacuation routes, wildfire response, community notifications, communication coordination, and incident operations. Review existing procedures and recommend updates based on changing conditions, operational needs, and lessons learned from exercises or actual emergencies.
• Collect, review, and analyze geographic information, hazard data, wildfire trends, and preparedness records to support planning decisions. Prepare technical reports, maps, assessments, and supporting documentation that communicate findings and recommended actions.
• Operate, maintain, inspect, and test emergency radio systems, two-way radios, communication consoles, and related equipment used during routine operations and emergency response. Conduct scheduled radio checks, monitor communication channels, troubleshoot equipment problems, and coordinate corrective maintenance to maintain reliable communication capabilities.
• Develop and maintain emergency radio operating procedures, communication protocols, and field communication plans. Coordinate radio system use during Tribal activities, special events, and emergency operations, including providing communication guidance for Incident Action Plans and monitoring operational communication needs.
• Prepare, coordinate, and distribute emergency notifications, preparedness alerts, evacuation messages, and other public safety communications through approved notification systems and social media. Ensure messages are accurate, timely, actionable, inclusive, and understandable to community members.
• Serve as a Public Information Officer or support assigned Public Information Officer responsibilities during emergencies, exercises, and special events. Coordinate communication requests, track important messages, and relay critical operational information to the Emergency Management Director, Chief Executive Officer, Legal Department, and other designated personnel.
• Develop educational materials, presentations, preparedness guides, and public information resources addressing emergency readiness, wildfire safety, evacuation procedures, hazard mitigation, and community protection. Organize and conduct community outreach events, informational meetings, and preparedness workshops that encourage participation and improve emergency awareness.
• Develop and deliver training on emergency radio operation, communication procedures, emergency preparedness, and response activities for Tribal employees, community members, and Emergency Response Team personnel. Provide practical instruction, equipment demonstrations, and operational guidance to strengthen communication proficiency and preparedness.
• Coordinate meetings and planning activities with Tribal departments, community members, and emergency response personnel to support hazard mitigation, cultural heritage protection, and emergency preparedness. Promote consistent communication, information sharing, and coordinated procedures across participating programs.
• Participate in emergency operations, response activations, preparedness exercises, drills, workshops, and emergency simulations. Provide radio communication support, incident message tracking, operational coordination, and planning assistance while remaining responsive to changing emergency conditions.
• Maintain organized records of hazard assessments, mitigation plans, communication equipment inspections, radio testing, emergency procedures, training activities, outreach events, and incident communications. Coordinate updates to preparedness documents and operating procedures to support continuity of emergency management services and department operations.
• Because of the Tribe's commitment to community service and the well-being of its members, each employee may be expected to perform a wide range of office and field duties from time to time. Such duties may or may not be related to their regular responsibilities.

EDUCATION - EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING FOR POSITION

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Emergency Management, Communications, Environmental Science, Public Administration, Geography, Natural Resources, Homeland Security, Information Systems, or a closely related field.
• Three years of professional experience in emergency management, hazard mitigation, wildfire preparedness, or emergency communications.
• Experience developing emergency preparedness plans, hazard mitigation documents, evacuation procedures, and technical planning materials.
• Experience operating, maintaining, or coordinating emergency radio systems, two-way radios, and related communication equipment.
• Experience conducting hazard assessments, reviewing geographic information, or supporting wildfire preparedness and cultural heritage protection activities.
• Experience developing public information materials, conducting community outreach, and delivering emergency preparedness presentations or training.
• Experience supporting emergency operations, incident response activities, emergency exercises, or emergency communication coordination.

Preferred:

• Experience working with culturally sensitive information, Tribal community preparedness programs, or heritage protection planning.

SPECIFIC SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES REQUIRED FOR POSITION

Skills:

• Emergency preparedness and hazard mitigation planning techniques.
• Emergency radio system operation and troubleshooting skills.
• Technical report writing and geographic mapping skills.
• Public speaking, community outreach, and instructional communication.
• Emergency notification development and incident information coordination.
• Wildfire hazard assessment and field documentation techniques.

Ability:

• Interpret complex emergency planning and hazard information.
• Communicate clearly during stressful and rapidly changing conditions.
• Coordinate competing operational responsibilities with minimal supervision.
• Maintain confidentiality and respect culturally sensitive information.
• Establish positive working relationships with community members.
• Respond effectively to emergency situations requiring immediate action.

Knowledge:

• Emergency management principles and hazard mitigation procedures.
• Wildfire preparedness, evacuation planning, and mitigation practices.
• Emergency radio systems and communication operating protocols.
• Incident Command System and emergency operations procedures.
• Cultural heritage protection and community preparedness considerations.
• Emergency notification systems and public information procedures.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This position requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, and movement between office, field, and community locations throughout the workday. Employees must regularly operate computers, tablets, radios, communication consoles, telephones, and other equipment used for emergency planning and communication activities. Field assignments may require walking across uneven terrain, forested areas, gravel roads, and other outdoor locations in varying weather conditions. The employee must have sufficient visual capabilities to review maps, technical documents, communication displays, hazard information, and emergency notifications. Clear verbal communication is required when conducting presentations, delivering training, operating radios, and coordinating emergency response activities.

The position may occasionally require lifting and carrying communication equipment, emergency supplies, outreach materials, or other items weighing up to 30 pounds. Outdoor assignments may involve exposure to smoke, dust, and changing environmental conditions during wildfire preparedness activities, field assessments, or emergency operations. Extended periods of equipment monitoring, standing, walking, or remaining at an assigned emergency worksite may be necessary during incidents and activations. Evening, weekend, holiday, and non-business-hour assignments may be required, and employees must remain focused and effective during stressful situations and rapidly changing operational conditions.