Wildfire County Coordinator

Job Description:

Wildfire County Coordinator

Description

Position Description

Final Filing Deadline: Friday, March 20, 2026

Exam #26/41G01/03LC

The County of Monterey is a diverse community set in a picturesque coastal location and offers tourists and residents alike the comfort of a moderate, Mediterranean climate, miles of beautiful beaches, spectacular mountain ranges, groves of redwoods, low-rolling foothills, and scenic valleys. Boasting such world-renowned attractions as the spectacular Big Sur Coast, Laguna Seca Raceway, 17-Mile Drive, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, the Steinbeck Center, the Monterey Jazz and Blues Festivals and Pebble Beach - possibly the world’s most famous golf course, it’s easy to see why over 450,000 residents choose to live here and an estimated four million visitors a year make the County of Monterey their destination of choice.

The County of Monterey is committed to honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans and eligible military spouses and awards veterans’ preference points for this recruitment. To learn more about the eligibility requirements and the process, be sure to read the Hiring Preference for Veterans and Eligible Military Spouses section located towards the end of this job flier.
Department Summary
The Monterey County Department of Emergency Management (DEM) serves as the Operational Area Authority under the California Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS) and the National Incident Management System (NIMS). DEM is responsible for coordinating all phases of emergency management across Monterey County jurisdictions and partner agencies.
The department provides leadership in incident coordination, situational awareness, resource management, and emergency operations, ensuring an integrated and effective countywide response to disasters and large-scale emergencies. DEM also administers planning and training programs, public warning and information systems, and interagency collaboration to enhance community resilience and disaster readiness.

Join our team of dedicated emergency management and administrative professionals who are committed to excellence, innovation, and public service. We are a high-performing, community-focused organization that values collaboration, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving to build a safer, more resilient Monterey County.

Position Summary
The current vacancy is a part-time limited term position. However, t he Eligible List established by this recruitment may be used to fill current and future vacancies on a regular full-time, part-time, or temporary basis.

The Wildfire County Coordinator (Emergency Services Planner) is a grant-funded, limited term, part-time professional position responsible for advancing countywide wildfire mitigation, preparedness, and resilience initiatives. The position supports coordinated implementation of adopted plans, including the Community Wildfire Protection Plan, and strengthens alignment among fire protection districts, County departments, state and federal agencies, community-based organizations, and the public.

Under direction, the Coordinator serves as the central point of coordination for wildfire prevention, risk reduction, and strategic planning efforts. The role includes development, update, and maintenance of wildfire-related plans and annexes; drafting and recommending policy measures to improve defensible space compliance, land use integration, and vegetation management standards; and ensuring consistency with state and federal guidance, local ordinances, and established fire service practices.

Primary responsibilities include facilitating cross-jurisdictional coordination; leading plan writing and updates for the Community Wildfire Protection Plan and related documents; supporting defensible space and home hardening outreach; assisting with fuels reduction and vegetation management planning; identifying and pursuing supplemental funding opportunities; tracking performance metrics and preparing required grant reporting; and developing public-facing educational materials aligned with County and partner agency standards.

This position requires sound judgment, strong organizational and analytical skills, and the ability to translate technical wildfire risk data into practical planning and policy recommendations. The Coordinator must apply a public safety lens to all activities, prioritize risk reduction strategies grounded in established best practices, and ensure compliance with grant requirements, County policies, and applicable regulations.

Examples of Duties

• Assist in the coordination, promotion and execution of area-wide emergency services programs, resource management, operational readiness, and response plans and capabilities; recommends emergency services policies, procedures, and regulations; assist in the development of long range strategic planning efforts with a variety of public/private partners; performs a variety of technical and administrative duties and projects to assist the Emergency Services Manager.
• Assist in the development, coordination, implementation, and evaluation of policies, plans and procedures for monitoring and evaluating the Department of Emergency Management capabilities during emergencies and disasters. Programs include efforts related to preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery activities; and resource management and inventory. This position is responsible to coordinate and promote emergency planning with affected county departments, incorporated cities, special districts, nonprofit organizations, as well as business and private organizations.
• Develop, prepares implement, and review a variety of emergency contingency plans, protocols, and standard operating procedures to meet established goals including, and in response to, identified natural and technological hazards; formulate plans involving radiological safety, communications, emergency response, and directed hazard mitigation plans, Continuity of Operations Planning [COOP]/Continuity of Government [COG], debris management plans, Emergency Operations Plans; Hazard Specific Response plans and Logistics and Recovery plans.
• Ensure and maintain the Operational Area Emergency Operations Center's [EOC] up-to-date, functional and readiness status, including the WebEOC system integration, and research and recommend new technology and best practices.
• Develop, design and provide for the recruitment, selection, training and exercises development of emergency services [EOC] team members/personnel; identify training needs of county stakeholders including law enforcement, fire, EMS, non-profits, private business, etc.; prepare, develop and execute training and educational programs and ongoing exercise training sessions/programs to other local public safety agencies and the general public as needed.
• Analyze data, conduct special studies and prepare comprehensive reports, i.e. Board of Supervisors' reports, budget committee reports, annual reports, and other special reports as required.
• Conduct, facilitate and/or attend information seminars, conferences, presentations, public and professional meetings, and meetings with representatives of schools, community, business and industry to discuss, assess, and develop effective plans for emergency management purposes and regarding governmental policies and procedures related to emergency management.
• May serve as the duty officer and acting Emergency Services Manager for Monterey County as needed.

To view the complete classification description, please visit the County of Monterey Website: Emergency Services Planner

The Successful Candidate
Will have a proven track record demonstrating the following knowledge, skills, abilities:

Thorough knowledge of :

• Basic principles, practices, and methodology required in the preparation of a multi-hazard functional plan The function of Emergency Operation Centers, facilities, warning equipment and systems required during disaster/emergency operations including IPA WS (Integrated Public Alerting and Warning System); and coordinated response to emergencies.
• The function of Emergency Operation Centers, facilities, warning equipment and systems required during disaster/emergency operations including IPA WS (Integrated Public Alerting and Warning System); and coordinated response to emergencies.
• Principles and practices of emergency services planning, including whole community planning, core capabilities, current technology, trends and techniques in the areas of emergency and disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.
• Principles of organization, planning, management, supervision, training/development and personnel administration.
• Federal, state, regional and local emergency services programs, community organization and resources.
• Functions and organization of local governmental structures including the application of public safety operations, i.e. general functions of the Sheriff’s Department, police, EMS and fire departments, and other public safety agencies.
• Federal, State and local laws and ordinances related to local and regional disaster preparedness, response, recovery and regulatory requirements applicable to emergency management.
• Thorough knowledge of National Incident Management System (NIMS) and understanding of the California Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS) including the National Preparedness Directives and Frameworks.
• Use and proper care of personal computer equipment.

Skill and Ability to:

• Determine emergency service and disaster preparedness program objectives and priorities to achieve those objectives.
• Research, analyze and evaluate complex statistical data, reports, problems, information, critical situations, policies, and procedures related to emergency services, and recommend effective resolution and implementation, and/or prepare periodic reports required by Federal, State and County agencies.
• Exercise independent judgment and initiative; remain calm and think clearly in emergency situations.
• Take and transmit/provide clear and complete directions/information.
• Communicate effectively in writing and orally, to prepare comprehensive oral and written reports in support of management objectives, i.e. administrative, technical and statistical reports; write comprehensive emergency response plans; to speak before public officials, the press, and the general public in order to promote and gain concurrence and cooperation.
• Effectively manage, train, develop and motivate County employees and stakeholders in emergency management principles.
• Operate a personal computer and specialized applications/systems.
• Establish and maintain effective public relations and working relationships with those contacted through the course of work.
• Perform a variety of tasks simultaneously.

Examples of Experience/Education/Training

Any combination of training, education and/or experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities and required conditions of employment is qualifying. An example of a way these requirements might be acquired is:

Education :
College course work equivalent to a Bachelor's Degree in public or business administration, disaster planning or related field from an accredited college or university.

AND
Experience :
Approximately three years of increasingly responsible administrative or management experience in an organization which has included planning, development, and organizing of disaster preparedness, response and recovery efforts within or in close coordination with an office of emergency services, public safety organization or related domain, administrative procedures and policies, budget and program analysis in the area of emergency services, or a closely related field.

OR
Certification :
Possession of a California Specialized Training Institute (CSTI) Emergency Management Specialist certification, or a FEMA Professional Development Series certificate.

AND
Experience :
Approximately two years of increasingly responsible administrative or management experience in a large organization which has included planning and development of administrative procedures and policies, budget and program analysis in the area of emergency services, or a closely related field.

Additional Information

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
The required conditions of employment include, but are not limited to the following:

• Be available to report after work hours, work irregular or protracted hours, shifts, nights, weekends and holidays during times of emergency and/or disaster situations, periods of extended duration, and for on call duty as scheduled.
• Possess and maintain a valid California Class C driver’s license or the ability to provide suitable transportation that is approved by the appointing authority.
• Be available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and during times of disaster and/or emergency.
• Obtain FEMA Professional Development Series certification within 6 months of hiring.
• Prospective incumbent needs to pass a background check which includes fingerprinting.

BENEFITS:

The County of Monterey offers an excellent benefits package. Please visit our website to view the X Unit Benefit Summary Sheet. This information is not legally binding, nor does it serve as a contract. The benefits listed in the Monterey County Personnel Policies and Practices Resolution, or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) prevail over this listing.

NOTES:

As a condition of employment, prospective employees may be required to submit to a background review which may include a review of information concerning present and/or prior employment, driving record, and record of any criminal convictions. Employment is contingent upon acceptable documentation verifying identity and authorization for employment in the U.S.; a list of acceptable documents is available on the USCIS Form I-9. If you are hired into this classification in a temporary position, your rate of pay will be hourly, and you will not be eligible for the benefits listed in the summary.

Application and Selection Procedures

Apply On-Line at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/montereycounty ,

Final Filing Deadline: Friday, March 20, 2026 11:59 PM (PST)

OR

Hard copy applications may be obtained from and submitted during normal business hours, Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM by contacting:

County of Monterey

Attn: Laura Carucci, Senior Human Resources Analyst

168 W. Alisal Street, 3rd Floor Salinas, CA 93901

Email: [email protected] Phone: (831) 759-6723

The selection process is tentative, and applicants will be notified if changes are made. To assess applicants' possession of required qualifications, the examination process may include an oral examination, pre-examination exercises, performance examination, and/or written examination. The competitive examination process includes submittal of required application materials. A complete application package will include:

• A completed County of Monterey Employment Application
• Responses to the Supplemental Questions

All application materials must be received by final filing deadline. Resumes, cover letters, letters of interest, and other correspondence will not be accepted as a substitute for required application materials. All required application materials will be competitively evaluated. Those applicants that are determined to be the most appropriately qualified will be invited to participate further in the selection process.
HIRING PREFERENCE FOR VETERANS AND ELIGIBLE MILITARY SPOUSES
The County of Monterey is committed to honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans and eligible military spouses (i.e., surviving spouses of veterans, spouses of totally disabled veterans, and spouses of active-duty service members) and awards veterans’ preference points for this recruitment. To obtain a Veterans and Eligible Military Spouse Preference Application, please visit the Human Resources website or click on the following link: Click Here to View the Veterans and Eligible Military Spouse Preference Application

To apply for veterans’ preference points, veterans or eligible military spouses must complete and email a Veterans and Eligible Military Spouse Preference Application with supporting documentation of their eligibility by the final filing deadline to [email protected]

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

Monterey County is a drug-free workplace and an equal opportunity employer. The County seeks candidates who can make contributions in an environment of cultural and ethnic diversity. Monterey County is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact Laura Carucci, Senior Human Resources Analyst at (831) 759-6723, or [email protected] .

http://www.co.monterey.ca.us/government/departments-a-h/human-resources/human-resources/benefits/benefit-summary-sheet

Closing Date/Time: 3/20/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$7,477.25 - $10,213.67 Monthly