Job Description

Requisition No: 867327

Agency: Division of Emergency Management

Working Title: Operations Officer - 31001427

Pay Plan: CS Exempt (EOG)

Position Number: 31001427

Salary: $40,911.84

Posting Closing Date: 01/05/2026

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State Watch Office Operations Officer

Bureau of Response

Florida Division of Emergency Management

This position is located in Tallahassee, Florida

The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) plans for and responds to both natural and man-made disasters. These range from floods and hurricanes to incidents involving hazardous materials or nuclear power. FDEM is the liaison between federal, state, and local agencies. FDEM prepares and implements a statewide Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan, routinely conducts extensive exercises to test state and county emergency response capabilities, provides technical assistance to local governments as they prepare emergency plans and procedures, as well as conducts emergency operations trainings for state and local government agencies.

FDEM serves as the lead agency for the State Emergency Response Team (SERT), whose primary goal is the coordination of the state’s efforts during disaster response and recovery. This coordination is conducted within the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) in Tallahassee. Additionally, FDEM manages the State Watch Office (SWO); the 24-hours a day operation tasked with providing situational awareness to stakeholders statewide. After a disaster, FDEM conducts damage assessment surveys and advises the Governor of the State of Florida on whether to declare an emergency and seek federal relief funds. It is against this backdrop that FDEM strives to demonstrate its mission of, “Coordinate, collaborate and communicate with our community stakeholders for a resilient Florida” along with our vision of, “Leading the Profession in building prepared and resilient communities”.

and Responsibilities:

The incumbent serves as the State Watch Office Operations Officer within the Bureau of Response's Operations Section. This position monitors incidents, emergencies, and events within the State of Florida that could require a state response and ensures the operational readiness of the SEOC. This position is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and disseminating information with local, county, state, and federal partners to aid in their response roles. The duties include, but are not limited to:

• Maintain awareness of all natural, technological, and manmade hazards that are impacting or have the potential to impact the state of Florida through the use of data feeds, news broadcasts, social media, and direct reports received by government officials and private citizens.
• Collect and categorize information from external customers using provided questions and standard operating procedures in a timely and professional manner.
• Document incident information in computer-based applications, generate reports, and provide warning and notification to local and state officials.
• Communicate incident information and emergency response actions to local, state, and federal officials using established systems, including telephone, facsimile, interoperable radio, the National Warning System (NAWAS), satellite phones, hot ringdown telephones, and other converged voice and data networks.
• Conduct tests of the SWO communications systems and related equipment on a regular basis to ensure operational readiness.
• Assist with administrative and operational matters as necessary to support 24-hour situational awareness, warning operations, and the SEOC.
• Assist with planning initiatives related to the Operations Section, establishment of policies and procedures related to the SWO, SEOC, and FDEM programs.
• Assist with updates to all Standard Operating Procedures, guides, and job aids related to the SWO.
• Participate in SEOC activations and performs all duties as assigned by the Operations Chief.
• Travel as required and attend conferences, training, meetings, etc. as required.
• Perform other duties as required.

In response to emergency events, FDEM employees may be required to work irregular hours, to work more than 8 hours per day, to work extended periods (including weekends and holidays), to work at locations other than their official headquarters, and to perform duties in addition to those outlined in the employee’s position description. Employees must be able to deploy to emergency sites with limited advance notice.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Basic knowledge of emergency management at the local and state level, and/or public safety response functions at the local level.
• Knowledge of Public Safety Communications.
• Basic knowledge of Incident Command System principles.
• Skill in collecting, reviewing, and summarizing information with computer software.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Ability using Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) with the ability to learn and navigate division enterprise business systems.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and perform effectively under stressful conditions for extended periods of time.
• Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. without assistance.
• Ability to work on a rotating schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to travel, work in a field environment, and work non-traditional hours on a frequent basis, often with short notice and for extended periods during disaster conditions.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. without assistance.
• Experience using Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) with the ability to learn and navigate division enterprise business systems.

Special Notes:

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) is committed to successfully recruiting and onboarding talented and skilled individuals into its workforce. FDEM appreciates the service and sacrifices made by veterans and their family members. Further, FDEM recognizes the immeasurable value veterans bring to the workplace and is committed to increasing the number of veterans that serve in its workforce.

FDEM is committed to increasing recruitment and hiring of individuals with disabilities and improving employment outcomes. An individual with a disability is qualified if he or she satisfies the skills, experience, and other job-related requirements for a position and can perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must contact the FDEM Human Resources Office at (850) 815-4177. FDEM requests applicants notify HR in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

Successful completion of background screening will be required for this position.

The State of Florida and FDEM participate in E-Verify. This federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

In response to emergency events, FDEM employees may be required to work irregular hours, to work more than eight hours per day, to work extended periods (including weekends and holidays), to work at locations other than their official headquarters, and to perform duties in addition to those outlined in the employee’s position description. Employees must be able to deploy to emergency sites with limited advance notice.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.