Emergency Management Intern

Kane County, Illinois is seeking an Emergency Management Intern for a 3-6 month position in Geneva, IL. The intern will assist with emergency planning, logistics support, public education, training coordination, and updating emergency plans. Applicants should have a high school diploma, be at least 21 years old, and possess computer skills. No prior experience is required, though public safety or military experience is preferred.
General Summary: The general function of the position within the organization is to perform moderately complex work related to the coordination of all-hazards emergency management. This position is responsible for emergency planning, mitigation, response, and recovery under moderate supervision and is generally 3-6 months in duration but can be tailored, depending on academic requirements.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

(This list represents essential functions performed by the position, though duties may include only some of the items listed below.)
• Assist the Kane County Office of Emergency Management (KCOEM) in maintaining their Emergency Operations Center (EOC), which may include updating contact lists and other relative documents, testing equipment, developing procedures or “how to” guides, or other identified needs.
• Provide logistics support which may include tracking available assets and resources, researching best practices, auditing, creating “go kits”, database management, moving of physical items, potential personal protective equipment and supply distribution, and other responsibilities as needed.
• Provide education and outreach to the public and partners of KCOEM on general emergency management topics. This may include general presentations, outreach at community events, or educational documents.
• Assist in the implementation and coordination of multi-disciplinary emergency preparedness trainings, exercises, and activities for the EOC, other County departments, and external partners.
• Assist with updates and maintenance of the Kane County Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) in accordance of the standards promulgated by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency & Office of Homeland Security. Duties may include reviewing municipal EOPs or assisting with other operational plans.
• Help in the development and growth of the KCOEM volunteer program. Duties may include database management, policy updates/development, recruiting, etc.
• Help in the development of public information products, including social media posts, press releases, and mass messaging.
• Respond to emergency incidents as needed or requested. Duties may include answering calls, providing damage assessment assistance, providing direct support in the EOC, or other identified needs.
• Assist in the development and testing of forms and workflows in KCOEM’s common operating picture tool.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

1. Must have High School Diploma (or equivalent), be at least 21 years of age, have a valid drivers license & satisfactory driving record, and pass a fingerprint-based background check.

2. Knowledge and ability to use computers and related technology is required. Ability to use Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Publisher) is preferred.

3. Requires individual to complete IS-100, 200, 700 within 30 days of internship.

4. There is no previous experience requirement, though previous public safety or military experience is preferred.

TRAINING, EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE:

1. There is no specific educational requirement for this position, though education in the field or a related field is preferred.

2. KCOEM will provide the intern the opportunity to take general emergency management training through FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute (online independent study), the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, and others as they are available. KCOEM will also provide job specific training to the intern.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Prolonged periods of sitting, talking, listening, working on a computer = 50%

Lifting up to 20 pounds at a time, sitting, standing, walking, using legs to climb stairs, balancing, kneeling, crouching, crawling; using hands to handle or feel objects, using hands and arms to reach, push or pull, standing for an extended period of time without a significant rest period= 50%

EQUIPMENT USED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Office equipment (computers, copier, phones, etc.), radio equipment, etc.

WORKING CONDITIONS WHILE PERFORMING ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Office work is performed in a typical office environment where there is no physical discomfort or exposure to external hazards. Work performed in the field is subject to conditions that range from inclement weather to dangerous conditions such as snow/ice, cold, heat, noise, wetness/humidity, sudden temperature changes, and poor visibility at the job site or during travel. Travel to and from field locations may subject worker to increased risk of driving hazards. Field locations may subject worker to communicable diseases, raw sewage, immobilizing mud, biting insects, pathogens, poison ivy, toxins, hazardous materials, chemicals, and animals. May occasionally need to relate to members of the public who exhibit challenging, atypical or hostile behaviors and/or communication.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

Reports to: Operations Manager

Directs Work of: None