Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for an Emergency Management Planner

🎯 Role Definition

As an Emergency Management Planner, you are the architect of resilience. You will be responsible for the full lifecycle of emergency preparedness, from risk assessment and plan development to training, exercises, and post-incident analysis. This role requires a strategic thinker who can coordinate with a diverse range of stakeholders—including government agencies, first responders, private sector partners, and the public—to build a robust and integrated emergency management program. You will serve as a subject matter expert, ensuring compliance with federal and state mandates while fostering a culture of preparedness throughout the organization and community.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Emergency Management Specialist or Coordinator
Public Safety Dispatcher or Officer with planning experience
Junior Planner (Urban, Regional) with a focus on hazard mitigation

Advancement To:

Emergency Management Manager or Director
Senior Emergency Management Planner
Regional Emergency Management Coordinator

Lateral Moves:

Business Continuity Planner
Homeland Security Analyst

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Develop, review, and continuously update comprehensive, all-hazards Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs) and associated annexes in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and guidance.
Conduct thorough Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments (HIRA) and Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments (THIRA) to inform planning priorities and mitigation strategies.
Design, develop, conduct, and evaluate a progressive series of discussion-based and operations-based exercises (e.g., tabletop, functional, full-scale) in accordance with the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP).
Create and implement comprehensive After-Action Reports (AARs) and Improvement Plans (IPs) following exercises and real-world incidents to ensure continuous improvement of response capabilities.
Develop and deliver engaging training programs for staff, volunteers, and external partners on topics including the Incident Command System (ICS), EOC operations, and personal preparedness.
Coordinate and facilitate planning meetings with a diverse array of internal and external stakeholders, including law enforcement, fire, EMS, public health, public works, and non-governmental organizations.
Research, write, and manage federal and state grant applications (e.g., FEMA, DHS grants) to secure funding for equipment, training, and planning initiatives, and oversee grant reporting requirements.
Serve in a key leadership or support role within the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during activations, providing planning section expertise, situational analysis, and resource tracking.
Develop and maintain Continuity of Operations (COOP) and Continuity of Government (COG) plans to ensure the performance of essential functions during and after a disaster.
Manage and maintain emergency management technologies, including mass notification systems, situational awareness platforms, and incident management software.
Establish and maintain mutual aid agreements with neighboring jurisdictions and partner organizations to enhance regional response capabilities.
Develop public information and educational materials, and conduct community outreach events to promote public awareness and personal preparedness.
Represent the organization at local, regional, state, and federal emergency management meetings, workshops, and conferences to foster collaboration and stay current on best practices.
Analyze and integrate data from various sources, including GIS, weather services, and critical infrastructure assessments, to support evidence-based planning and operational decision-making.

Secondary Functions

Support the development of strategic plans and long-range goals for the emergency management program.
Provide technical assistance and subject matter expertise to other departments and agencies on their emergency planning and preparedness efforts.
Maintain a comprehensive inventory of emergency response resources and assets available within the jurisdiction.
Assist in the development and management of the emergency management program's annual budget.
Review and provide constructive feedback on emergency plans and policies developed by external partners and regulated industries.
Participate in a rotating on-call duty officer schedule to ensure 24/7 readiness for emergency notifications and potential EOC activation.
Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis to identify trends and vulnerabilities.
Contribute to the development of hazard mitigation plans and projects aimed at reducing long-term risk to the community.
Collaborate with the public information officer to develop and disseminate timely and accurate warnings and emergency information to the public.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) Development: Expertise in creating comprehensive, all-hazards plans compliant with CPG 101 standards.
HSEEP (Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program): Proven ability to design, conduct, and evaluate exercises from tabletops to full-scale drills.
NIMS/ICS (National Incident Management System/Incident Command System): Deep understanding and practical application of ICS principles, including completion of ICS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, and 800 courses.
Grant Writing & Management: Experience successfully applying for and managing state and federal grants (e.g., FEMA, UASI).
Continuity of Operations (COOP) Planning: Skill in developing plans to ensure essential functions continue during an emergency, following FCD 1/2 guidance.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS): Proficiency in using GIS software (like Esri ArcGIS) for hazard mapping, situational awareness, and damage assessment.
EOC Operations & Technology: Familiarity with the layout, functions, and technologies (e.g., WebEOC, Everbridge) of an Emergency Operations Center.

Soft Skills

Stakeholder Collaboration & Communication: Exceptional ability to build consensus and work effectively with diverse groups, from agency heads to community volunteers, through clear written and oral communication.
Project Management: Strong organizational skills to manage multiple complex planning projects simultaneously, meeting deadlines and objectives.
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving: Adept at analyzing complex situations under pressure, identifying challenges, and developing creative and effective solutions.
Public Speaking & Training: Confidence and skill in presenting complex information and delivering training to varied audiences in a clear and engaging manner.
Adaptability & Composure: Ability to remain flexible, organized, and calm in a fast-paced, high-stress, and rapidly evolving emergency environment.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

Preferred Education:

A Master's degree in a relevant field.
Certification as a Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) or state-equivalent credential.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Emergency Management or Disaster Management
Public Administration or Public Policy
Homeland Security
Urban and Regional Planning

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-7 years of progressively responsible experience in emergency management, homeland security, or a closely related field.

Preferred: Direct experience working in a municipal, county, or state-level emergency management agency; demonstrated experience as a lead planner for a major plan update or a full-scale exercise; and proven experience working within an activated Emergency Operations Center (EOC).