Job Description

There’s no pledge more important than the one we make to look after our environment, and we’re committed to helping you do exactly that.

Join us as we strive to ensure a sustainable future for our communities and the world we live in.

Become part of our global network of skilled engineers, scientists, auditors, planners and environmental specialists, all working together to leave this world better than we found it.

Who are we looking for?

Are you a seasoned emergency management professional with a national perspective and a passion for both winning work and delivering results? GHD’s Fast Incident Response Services Team (GHD FIRST) is seeking a Technical Director for Emergency Preparedness to oversee and grow our emergency management programs across the United States. This is a high-impact, hands-on leadership role for a “seller/doer” with 15+ years of experience, capable of shaping strategy, expanding client relationships, and ensuring teams execute flawlessly.

As the Houston-based Technical Director, you will drive the growth of GHD FIRST’s emergency preparedness services nationally, serving as the primary client interface and leading the delivery of high-quality programs. You will mentor and support teams in planning, executing, and evaluating emergency response drills, trainings, and tactical plans (among other preparedness work), while leveraging your expertise to coach both clients and staff.

Our Hybrid Work Model:

Be part of the dynamic culture! Our workplace thrives on a hybrid model, combining in-office collaboration and flexibility. Join us in the office three days a week to contribute, connect and excel in our vibrant environment.

Working with an energetic and high performing team, this position offers a variety of work and will see you involved in:

• National client leadership: Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients across the U.S., identifying new opportunities for emergency preparedness services.
• Program execution: Lead and oversee the planning, execution, and evaluation of emergency response drills, exercises, tactical plans, and preparedness programs.
• Mentorship and coaching: Support GHD teams and client staff in ICS, incident management, and emergency preparedness best practices.
• Business growth: Act as a “seller/doer,” contributing to proposals, presentations, and strategic initiatives to grow GHD FIRST nationally.
• Project oversight: Manage project scope, schedules, budgets, and deliverables to ensure high-quality execution.
• Cross-functional collaboration: Work with other GHD service lines to provide integrated solutions to clients and enhance GHD’s national presence.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Emergency Management, Environmental Engineering, Geology, or related field (advanced degree a plus).

Experience

• 15+ years of experience in emergency response, incident management, or emergency preparedness.
• Demonstrated ability as a “seller/doer” — bringing in new work and leading delivery.
• Certified in NIMS ICS Position-Specific Training Program for multiple roles, with experience teaching and mentoring staff and clients.
• Proven experience leading large-scale drills, exercises, or real-world incidents.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and client-facing skills.
• Experience with industrial, utility, pipeline, or railroad clients is highly desirable.
• National perspective and ability to grow programs beyond a regional footprint.

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As a multicultural organization, we encourage individual achievement and recognize the strength of a diverse workforce. GHD is an equal opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, genetic information, national origin, sex (including same sex), sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, age, disability or handicap, citizenship status, service member status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.