Job Description
Job Summary/Basic Function:
This position assists the Director of Emergency Management in administering Boise State University’s comprehensive emergency management program across mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. A primary responsibility is developing and maintaining the Department of Public Safety’s GIS-based common operating picture in collaboration with the University GIS Administrator. The Deputy Emergency Manager develops tools and builds maps that integrate geographic and operational information to support DPS operations, hazard assessment, emergency planning, situational awareness, and incident management.
The position supports Emergency Operations Center readiness and operations by maintaining procedures, organizing operational information, and providing mapping and analytical support to personnel managing incidents. The deputy also supports emergency management planning, training, and exercises and may be required to work outside normal business hours during incidents and planned events.
Campus Security Authority: This position is identified as a “Campus Security Authority (CSA)” per the federal law known as the Clery Act. Per this law, the employee is required to report any crimes that they become aware of to the Clery Compliance Officer. Additionally, CSAs are required to complete annual training prescribed by the Clery Compliance Officer.
This position is not eligible for a hybrid/remote work schedule.
This position is not eligible for VISA sponsorship.
Department Overview:
Boise State University’s Department of Public Safety is responsible for more than ”people safety.” In addition to university Security, our team includes the university's Emergency Management Department, Transportation (Shuttle buses and the Cycle Learning Center) and Parking, and Integrated Security Technology. Department of Public Safety employees are responsible for the safety of everyone on campus through a variety of programs. We believe in supporting our team members in all roles of their life. We offer flexible scheduling, competitive pay rates, meaningful and impactful work, and healthy teams. Public Safety will encourage you to take time doing what is most important to you, whether that is spending time with family, traveling, or increasing your education. We want the best employees. If you are a high performer who's gotten lost at other organizations who just don't seem to get it, come meet us. We are different and always seeking ways to improve. Apply and let us prove it!
Level Scope:
Recognized subject matter expert who knows how to apply theory and put it into practice with in-depth understanding of the professional field with limited oversight from managers. Independently performs the full range of responsibilities within the function; requires deep job knowledge of area typically obtained through higher education combined with experience. Manages large projects or processes and problems faced are difficult and often complex; analyzes problems/issues of diverse scope and determines solutions. May manage programs that include formulating strategies and administering policies, processes, and resources; functions with a high degree of autonomy. Influences others regarding policies, practices and procedures.
Essential Functions:
Department of Public Safety Standard Employee Responsibilities (All Department of Public Safety employees are expected to):
- Provide respectful, responsive, and solution-oriented service to students, employees, visitors, university partners, and the broader community.
- Build and maintain positive working relationships across the department, university, and community. Take time to understand the people and areas we work with and strengthen trust through collaboration and dependable service.
- Understand their role and responsibilities, take ownership of their work, and follow through on commitments.
- Promptly report significant concerns, incidents, suspected violations of law or university policy, risks, or emerging issues through the appropriate chain of command and any other required reporting channel. Do not delay notification when an issue may affect safety, operations, employees, the university community, or senior leadership.
- Identify problems and opportunities, use sound judgment, and contribute ideas and recommendations that improve service, safety, efficiency, access, preparedness, or departmental effectiveness.
- Communicate clearly, accurately, respectfully, and through appropriate channels. Share information others need and communicate early when circumstances may affect responsibilities, timelines, or outcomes.
- Work collaboratively across the department and university, respect the responsibilities and expertise of others, and consider the broader effects of decisions and actions.
- Protect confidential, sensitive, and restricted information and exercise appropriate discretion.
- Maintain the knowledge and skills necessary for the position through training, professional development, feedback, and continued learning.
- Follow applicable university and department policies, procedures, regulatory requirements, safety expectations, and professional standards.
- Contribute to a professional and constructive workplace by addressing concerns appropriately, supporting coworkers, learning from experience and feedback, and helping improve how work is accomplished.
Develop and Maintain GIS Capabilities and the Common Operating Picture:
- Develop, implement, and maintain DPS’s GIS-based common operating picture in collaboration with the University GIS Administrator and institutional data owners.
- Build and maintain digital and printable maps, spatial data layers, web maps, and operational dashboards that support DPS operations, emergency planning, exercises, incident management, and planned events.
- Work with DPS units and campus partners to identify operational information needs and translate them into mapping products, data requirements, and application specifications.
- Integrate authoritative information about campus facilities, building floor plans, infrastructure, hazards, access routes, incidents, and resources while preserving institutional data ownership and governance responsibilities.
- Conduct spatial analysis and prepare mapping products to inform hazard assessments, identify potential impacts, and support operational decisions.
- Establish data update procedures and evaluate GIS information for accuracy, currency, completeness, and suitability. Document sources and communicate information gaps and limitations.
- Configure authorized viewing, editing, and sharing permissions in coordination with the University GIS Administrator, information technology staff, and data owners.
- Troubleshoot routine mapping and dashboard issues, coordinate specialized technical assistance, and maintain documentation and continuity procedures.
- Develop user guidance, train personnel, and incorporate operational feedback into improvements to GIS tools and workflows.
Maintain EOC Readiness and Support Incident and Event Operations:
- Maintain EOC procedures, equipment, supplies, communications tools, and operational information resources; conduct readiness checks and coordinate resolution of identified deficiencies.
- Perform assigned EOC functions under the director’s leadership during incidents, exercises, and planned events.
- Collect, verify, organize, and display operational information; prepare maps, status reports, briefings, and documentation for personnel managing incidents.
- Support resource request tracking and documentation of assignments and their status, as directed by authorized incident management personnel.
- Maintain Incident Management Team rosters, contact information, and readiness records.
- Serve as Emergency Management’s point of contact for WebEOC and other assigned incident information systems, coordinating configuration, maintenance, user access, and training with technical partners.
- Implement campus emergency notifications or messaging as directed by authorized personnel.
- Participate in assigned on-call coverage and respond to campus for incidents or unplanned events, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Develop and Maintain Emergency Plans and Risk Reduction Initiatives:
- Develop, review, and update assigned emergency plans, procedures, and supporting materials in collaboration with DPS units and campus partners.
- Identify and evaluate natural, technological, and human-caused hazards and potential impacts to the campus community, facilities, and university operations.
- Review campus practices, operational experience, and available data to identify vulnerabilities and recommend practical mitigation and preparedness measures.
- Coordinate assigned mitigation and recovery planning projects and track implementation of approved improvements.
- Maintain relationships with local, regional, state, and federal partners to align university planning with available resources, capabilities, and mutual support arrangements.
Support Training, Exercises, and Program Improvement:
- Support the development and delivery of training on emergency management procedures, EOC functions, and incident information systems; provide instruction on GIS products and mapping tools.
- Support exercise planning and delivery with DPS units, campus departments, and external partners, including integrating GIS tools and mapping products into exercise activities.
- Assist with after-action reviews, report preparation, and corrective action tracking following incidents, planned events, exercises, and readiness testing.
Contribute to program and workflow evaluations and implement assigned improvements, with particular responsibility for GIS capabilities and operational information tools.
Perform other duties as assigned
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
- Knowledge of emergency management principles and practices across mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery, including hazard identification, risk assessment, and emergency planning.
- Knowledge of the National Incident Management System (NIMS), Incident Command System (ICS), Emergency Operations Center (EOC) functions, and the EOC’s role in supporting incident management.
- Knowledge of GIS concepts and mapping principles, including spatial data, coordinate systems, map scale, symbology, and methods for clearly presenting geographic and operational information.
- Skill in creating, editing, configuring, publishing, and maintaining digital map layers, web maps, printable maps, and operational dashboards using GIS software.
- Ability to develop and maintain a GIS-based common operating picture that integrates geographic and operational information to support DPS operations, emergency planning, situational awareness, and incident management.
- Skill in basic spatial analysis to identify locations, proximity, affected areas, and potential impacts to campus facilities, access routes, and operations.
- Ability to translate operational needs into usable mapping products, data requirements, and application specifications in collaboration with the University GIS Administrator, information technology staff, and institutional data owners.
- Ability to evaluate data for accuracy, currency, completeness, and relevance; identify authoritative sources; reconcile conflicting information; and communicate information gaps and limitations.
- Ability to establish and document data collection methods, ownership, update schedules, and maintenance procedures for GIS products and operational information.
- Ability to apply university requirements for confidentiality, data security, and authorized access when collecting, maintaining, and sharing sensitive operational information.
- Ability to troubleshoot routine mapping, publishing, sharing, and dashboard issues and recognize when specialized GIS or information technology assistance is needed.
- Ability to support EOC operations under the director’s leadership by collecting and organizing incident information, maintaining status displays and documentation, and preparing timely maps, reports, and briefings.
- Strong organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to work independently, anticipate needs, prioritize competing demands, communicate workload limitations early, and maintain accuracy under time-sensitive and changing conditions.
- Strong verbal, written, presentation, and facilitation skills, including the ability to explain technical information clearly to varied audiences and communicate professionally during incidents.
- Ability to provide respectful, responsive service, understand the needs of campus and DPS partners, and develop practical tools that help people perform their work effectively.
- Ability to build collaborative relationships and coordinate projects with DPS units, campus departments, technical specialists, and external partners.
- Ability to take ownership of assigned responsibilities, follow through on commitments, exercise sound judgment within delegated authority, and recognize when to seek assistance or elevate concerns.
- Ability to communicate concerns promptly and constructively, explain the reasons behind recommendations, and address disagreements in ways that preserve productive working relationships.
- Ability to develop and deliver training, support exercises, prepare after-action reports, and apply lessons learned to improve plans, procedures, and GIS capabilities.
- Ability to interpret and apply applicable emergency management requirements, university policies, and operational procedures.
- Ability to use digital collaboration, documentation, and incident information tools, including Google Workspace, and learn new technologies.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent plus 5 years of experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience and seven years of relevant experience, including three years of managerial experience.
- Functional experience using digital mapping tools (such as ArcGIS Online or Google Earth) or crisis management platforms (such as WebEOC) in an Emergency Operations Center or public safety setting.
Salary and Benefits:
Salary range is $66,705.60 to $76,500 annually and is commensurate with experience. Boise State University provides a best-in-class benefits package, including (but not limited to):
Required Application Materials:
- Resume with employment history (including dates of employment).
- Cover Letter indicating your interest and qualifications for the position.
- 3 Professional References.
About Us:
Nestled along the Boise River and steps from the state capitol, Boise State University fosters a vibrant and welcoming academic environment that fuels student and employee success. We’re a trailblazing institution, nationally recognized for our innovative spirit and commitment to positive impact on Idaho and beyond.
We’re building a thriving community of faculty and staff whose unique skills, experiences, and perspectives come together to create a rich and rewarding academic experience. Applications from all backgrounds are welcomed.
Learn more about Boise State and living in Idaho’s Treasure Valley at https://www.boisestate.edu/about/
