On April 16, 2001, a band of severe weather entered North Carolina, resulting in 62 reported tornadoes that were produced by 12 super cell thunderstorms. As a result, disaster declarations were made in 32 of North Carolina’s 100 counties, including Wake County.
December 1, 2010 also brought about a declaration of a primary natural disaster in Wake County, as well as 41 other North Carolina counties, due to drought and excessive heat.
Emergency management professionals in Wake County’s Division of Emergency Management are called upon to coordinate and integrate the activities needed to build, sustain, and improve the county’s ability to protect from, respond to, or recover from natural or manmade disasters, including acts of terrorism.
Emergency Management Jobs in Wake County, North Carolina
Individuals seeking emergency management jobs, either in Wake County or elsewhere in the State of North Carolina, may work as an:
Emergency Management Planner
Emergency management planners are tasked with developing plans for preparedness, recovery, response and mitigation before and during disaster events. These professionals also often evaluate current plans and policies for emergency management programs or services and develop or implement new plans as needed. Emergency management planners, who are commonly under the guidance of an emergency management assistant director, also research and write plans in response to specific disaster situations.
Emergency management planners in North Carolina are required to possess, at a minimum, a four-year degree from an accredited college or university and at least 2 years of specialized emergency management planning, research, analysis, community services, or emergency services experience.
Emergency Management Support Services Supervisor
The job of an emergency management support services supervisor involves directing personnel and training activities for emergency management programs. These professionals, who typically are under the direction of an emergency management assistant director, are called upon to manage the emergency management office’s personnel program and staff development program, which includes all training activities.
The minimum job requirements for an emergency management support services supervisor includes a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, as well as at least 4 years of experience in developing or teaching emergency response procedures.
Training and Certification for Emergency Management Professionals
Due to the dynamic nature of emergency management, continuing education in the form of training and certification is commonplace. Individuals often seek professional certification, and many employers require the completion of specific certification programs. Typical professional certification in emergency management is achieved through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or the the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM).
Training opportunities for emergency management professionals in Wake County are paid through state and federal grants and often include study in such areas as:
- Public policy
- Damage assessment
- Decision-making in a crisis
- Debris management
- Injury simulation