Job Description
Posting Details Interviews are to be conducted within two weeks of the closing date. NM Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) works to protect the people of New Mexico and the nation through a comprehensive and coordinated program of mitigating hazards, preparing for emergencies, preventing attacks, and recovering from disasters regardless of cause. Our department prepares for a wide variety of emergencies, including wildfires, flooding, health crises, and domestic attacks. When necessary, the state assists localities whose capabilities are overwhelmed, and DSHEM serves as the conduit for federal assistance. Our work in emergency management is coordinated around the five mission areas of the National Preparedness Goal: prevention, protection, mitigation, response, and recovery. The Local Preparedness Program serves as a force multiplier for local jurisdictions' preparedness efforts by serving as emergency management subject matter experts who aid in the development and sustainment of community preparedness initiatives and planning efforts. Why does the job exist? This position exists to support and strengthen emergency preparedness and resilience efforts across New Mexico by providing technical assistance, training, and strategic guidance to local governments, Tribal Nations, nonprofit organizations, and other community stakeholders. Local Preparedness Coordinators (LPCs) are responsible for documenting regional needs, supporting inclusive planning processes, and promoting continuous improvement aligned with federal and state guidelines. This position may assist the DHSEM Grants Bureau by helping local partners understand and meet programmatic requirements. How does it get done? The LPC gathers information through regional outreach and stakeholder engagement; conducts plan reviews; supports local jurisdictions in aligning with preparedness goals; and maintains jurisdictional profiles for use by the State EOC. Each LPC facilitates coordination meetings, contributes to regional and statewide preparedness reports, and assists with training and exercise cycles when able. This position will also be responsible for serving as one of the following: Private Sector Liaison, Voluntary Agency Liaison, or Assistant CERT Program Manager. Key responsibilities include: Technical Assistance and Outreach: Facilitate collaborative partnerships with counties, Tribes, municipalities, NGOs, and other stakeholders. Tailor engagement to each community's cultural and geographic context. Planning and Review: Review Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs), Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA), and Stakeholder Preparedness Review (SPR), as well as other related plans or reports. Recommend revisions and assist with continuous improvement planning. Data Collection and Reporting: Support data and policy tracking to encourage informed decision making at the state and local levels. Program Support: Collaborate with other DHSEM programs, including Training and Exercise, Recovery, Mitigation, and Grants. May assist with preparedness assessments and jurisdictional risk profiles. Emergency Response: May deploy to local jurisdictions or support State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) as needed during activations. Who are the customers? County and municipal governments Tribal governments and inter-tribal organizations Emergency managers and public safety officials Nonprofits and volunteer organizations (such as the NM VOAD) Private sector preparedness partners Whole community stakeholders, including schools, healthcare, faith-based groups, and culturally specific networks Ideal Candidate County and municipal governments Tribal governments and inter-tribal organizations Emergency managers and public safety officials Nonprofits and volunteer organizations (such as the NM VOAD) Private sector preparedness partners Whole community stakeholders, including schools, healthcare, faith-based groups, and culturally specific networks Minimum Qualification Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in any field. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university and/or related experience in this occupation totaling four (4) years may substitute for the required education. Employment Requirements Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License. Must possess and maintain a current Defensive Driving Course Certificate from the State of New Mexico or must pass and receive Defensive Driving Course Certification within six (6) months of date of hire as a condition of continued employment. Working Conditions Work is performed in an office or with exposure to Visual/Video Display Terminal (V