Emergency Preparedness Manager

Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority

Salary: $157,783.54 - $191,813.38 Annually

Job Type: Full-Time

Job Number: 26-CK-26-00022

Closing: 3/3/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Location: CA 95134-1927, CA

Department: System Safety & Security Admin.

Division: System Safety & Security

Job Description

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is seeking an experienced Emergency Preparedness Manager to lead the planning, mitigation, and response to all hazards, emergencies, significant events, and disasters affecting the agency and the communities it serves.

Under general direction, this role oversees VTA's Emergency Management program, including staffing, policies, and procedures in compliance with federal, state, and local requirements. The Emergency Preparedness Manager serves as a key advisor to executive leadership and partners across the organization and with external agencies to strengthen organizational resilience, support initiatives such as EOC development, continuity of operations planning, hazard mitigation, and large-scale event coordination, and ensure effective response and recovery efforts.
About the Emergency Management DepartmentOur Emergency Management Department will consist of four sections comprised of the administrative staff, emergency preparedness managers, and specialists that work with enterprise-wide VTA departments, multi-jurisdiction municipalities, and an array of emergency management offices in the region to ensure that VTA and its employees have the resources and information they need to prepare, mitigate, respond to and recover from all-hazards, emergencies, significant events, and disasters.Major upcoming projects: EOC Development, Hazard Mitigation Plan, COOP, and managing the new Training and Exercise Contract.Who We Are
• Professionals trained to educate our community about emergency management principles.
• Coordinators and implementers of training programs to enhance VTA resiliency.
• Providers of emergency notifications, updates, and alerts.
• Information analysts who provide key decision-makers with situational awareness.
• Developers of VTA's emergency management plans, including their maintenance and evaluation.

Definition

Under general direction, the Emergency Preparedness Manager plans, organizes, directs, and coordinates VTA incident, emergency, and disaster response activities.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Emergency Preparedness Manager is responsible for directing standardization and implementation of Homeland Security best practices and procedures in VTA's incident, emergency, and disaster response procedures and practices. The incumbent provides direction and interfaces with executive management and local, state, and federal agencies related to emergency management issues.

The Ideal CandidateThe ideal candidate is an experienced Emergency Preparedness Manager with a proven record of leading all-hazards emergency management programs within a public-sector, transportation, or critical infrastructure environment. They possess extensive knowledge of federal, state, and local emergency management requirements and demonstrate the ability to apply Homeland Security, NIMS, and SEMS principles to incident response, Emergency Operations Center (EOC) operations, and agency-wide emergency planning.
This individual has experience overseeing emergency management staffing, policies, and procedures and is comfortable serving as a key advisor to executive leadership during both planned events and emergency incidents. They are skilled at maintaining situational awareness, making informed decisions under pressure, and coordinating response and recovery efforts with local, state, and federal partners, including emergency management agencies and public safety stakeholders.

The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience with developing, maintaining, and exercising Emergency Operations Plans (EOP), Continuity of Operations Plans (COOP), and hazard mitigation strategies, and understands the complexities of protecting public transportation systems and critical infrastructure. They are adept at facilitating interdepartmental collaboration, managing training and exercises, and leveraging technology to enhance preparedness, communications, and operational readiness.

In addition, the ideal candidate is a strong communicator and relationship-builder who can effectively represent the agency in regional emergency management forums and community settings. They are forward-thinking, adaptable, and committed to strengthening organizational resilience, ensuring regulatory compliance, and safeguarding employees, transit operations, and the diverse communities served by VTA.

About VTA
The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority employs more than 2,000 people dedicated to providing solutions that move Silicon Valley. Unique among transportation organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area, VTA is Santa Clara County's authority for transit development and operations (light rail and bus), congestion management, transportation-related funding, highway design and construction, real estate and transit-oriented development, and bicycle and pedestrian planning. With local, state, and federal partners, VTA works to innovate the way Silicon Valley moves and provide mobility solutions for all.

Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is an independent special district that provides sustainable, accessible, community-focused transportation options that are innovative, environmentally responsible, and promote the vitality of our region.

VTA provides bus, light rail, and paratransit services, as well as participates as a funding partner in regional rail service including Caltrain, Capitol Corridor, and the Altamont Corridor Express.

As the county's https://www.vta.org/programs/congestion-management-agency, VTA is responsible for countywide transportation planning, including congestion management, design and construction of specific highway, pedestrian, and bicycle improvement projects, as well as promotion of transit-oriented development.

VTA provides these services throughout the county, including Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Palo Alto, San Jose, Santa Clara, Saratoga and Sunnyvale. VTA continually builds partnerships to deliver transportation solutions that meet the evolving mobility needs of Santa Clara County.
As we continue to implement our https://www.vta.org/VTAForward#:~:text=VTA%20Forward%20is%20aimed%20to,%3A%20Stabilize%2C%20Revitalize%20and%20Transform, we aim to strengthen and increase our workforce to take on future opportunities and challenges by elevating our people and our services.

For more information about our VTA Forward Plan, visit: https://www.vta.org/VTAForward#:~:text=VTA%20Forward%20is%20aimed%20to,%3A%20Stabilize%2C%20Revitalize%20and%20Transform

Family-Friendly Workplace Certification Program (FFWCP)
The County of Santa Clara FFWCP recognizes VTA as a business that creates supportive workplaces for employees and their families.

Family-friendly workplaces improve health outcomes and job satisfaction for employees and increase work productivity and retention for employers. Employers can create a family-friendly workplace by meeting and exceeding state and federal employment laws relating to parental leave, lactation accommodation, and work/family balance.

Essential Job Functions

Typical Tasks:

• Oversees VTA's Emergency Management activities, including staffing, policies, and procedures in accordance with federal, state, and local requirements;
• Plans, develops, implements, and monitors emergency management initiatives, goals, and objectives and provides expertise to executive staff on related matters;
• Represents the agency to regulatory and government agencies, community groups, external partners, and the public to ensure effective communication and collaboration in emergency management activities;
• Oversees the operation of the VTA Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and facilitates coordination with other agencies and entities for effective emergency response and recovery;
• Develops and maintains a comprehensive emergency preparedness education program for staff, contractors, and the agency community;
• Stays current on technological advancements in the field to ensure effective integration of technology in emergency management activities;
• Participates in community events to increase awareness of emergency preparedness and the role of emergency management;
• Oversees research and procurement of Emergency Management and Department of Homeland Security-related grants to improve VTA's readiness posture and maximize the agency's preparedness and response capabilities;
• Leads VTA's emergency and disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts, coordinating with local, state, and federal agencies such as the California Office of Emergency Management, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and municipal emergency management agencies;
• Facilitates collaboration among agency departments and external partners to develop and implement agency-wide emergency planning and preparedness initiatives, including hazard analyses, protection planning for critical infrastructure, emergency alerting and notification, and drills and exercises;
• Engages with public and private disaster resources in the County of Santa Clara and surrounding cities to assess needs and create disaster response elements;
• Assesses VTA's emergency management capabilities and coordinates with the County of Santa Clara, City of San Jose, and emergency stakeholders;
• Implements National Incident Management System's (NIMS) and State Emergency Management Systems (SEMS) principles and procedures in incident response situations and the Enterprise Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) through Standard Operating Procedures;
• Prepares and submits progress reports as required; ensures compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, including those under the Stafford Act;
• Establishes and maintains a Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) to re-establish and sustain government agency functions in emergency or disaster incidents;
• Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Employment Standards

Sufficient training, education, and administrative experience to demonstrate possession of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Development of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is typically obtained through a combination of training and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a four-year degree in Emergency Management, Public Safety, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field and five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience overseeing programs or projects related to emergency management, public safety continuity of operations, disaster mitigation, preparedness response, and recovery coordination.

Possession of a valid California Driver's license is required. Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) Certification and Hazardous Materials Technician Certification are preferred.

A master's degree in a related field and relevant certifications e.g., Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) issued by a state and/or International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM), is preferred. Business Continuity, Emergency Management, associate in risk management (ARM), or Project Management Professional (PMP) credentials preferred.

Must obtain FEMA ICS 100, 200, 700 and 800 certifications within six months of appointment.

Supplemental Information

Knowledge of:

• Regulations governing homeland security preparedness and emergency preparedness, including Stafford Act, FEMA Public Assistance Guides, Office of Management & Budget Circulars, FTA- MAP21, and FEMA National Framework;
• Federal emergency management policies and concepts, including Presidential Policy Directive (PPD) 40 and Federal Continuity Directives (FCDs) 1 and 2;
• Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP), Mass notifications for law enforcement, service, and emergency agencies;
• Principles and practices of emergency management, including EOC operations, Incident Command, first responder procedures, continuity of operations, and security measures;
• Principles and practices of public transportation policies, funding sources, and real estate leasing and development;
• Principles and practices of public administration, organization, management analysis, fiscal management, grant management, and program development;
• Principles and practices of effective supervision and training;
• State and national laws and policies regarding emergency management.

Ability to:

• Select, supervise, train, evaluate, motivate, counsel, and discipline subordinate staff;
• Effectively plan, organize, implement, and evaluate emergency management and homeland security programs;
• Ensure VTA complies with federal, state, and local agencies;
• Analyze data pertaining to department functions, interpret management information, maintain records and reports, and develop short and long-term budget plans;
• Define problem areas, evaluate, recommend, and implement solutions to complex issues and problems;
• Oversee and evaluate emergency management programs;
• Analyze situations, identify problems, recommend solutions, and evaluate the outcome;

• Monitor developments and legislation related to assigned area of responsibility; evaluate the impact on VTA's operations and recommend and implement policy and procedure improvements;
• Actively participate in various professional groups, boards, and committees; effectively advocate for VTA's interests;
• Coordinate with executives in other divisions in the preparation and submittal of reports and other documents to regulatory agencies and different audiences;
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing;
• Effectively represent VTA in dealings with government agencies and other entities;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted during work;
• Develop and implement change through new and innovative processes and technology.

General Application Instructions

Please read this job announcement in its entirety before applying. We recommend printing or saving a copy for future reference.

To be considered, applications must be submitted online through the Human Resources department by the posted deadline. If the job posting is listed as "continuous," we encourage you to apply as soon as possible, as the posting may close without prior notice. Once your application is submitted, you will receive an immediate email confirmation.

Personalized responses to Supplemental Questions that connect your past experiences to this specific role are the most effective. AI-generated content may lack the specificity required to address the key criteria outlined in the job description. While we encourage the use of AI as a tool to enhance your work, we want to evaluate your non-AI-assisted communication skills. You may use AI to generate ideas, but please ensure your final responses are in your own voice and reflect your unique experience. Overreliance on AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish your chances of success.

Important: Only online applications will be accepted for this recruitment. We do not accept paper applications, resumes, Job Interest Notification Cards, or incomplete/unsubmitted applications in place of a fully completed application.

Communication & Contact Information
All updates regarding your application-including notices for testing and interviews-will be sent via email. Be sure to select email as your preferred method of communication and maintain a valid, up-to-date email address. Applicants are also responsible for keeping their phone numbers and mailing addresses current in their online profiles.

Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to provide individual updates. Please check your application status through your online account. For technical support, contact NEOGOV at (855) 524-5627, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (PST), excluding holidays.

Application Review & Processing
All current and prior relevant work experience-including experience with VTA-must be fully detailed in the Work Experience section of your application. Entries such as "see resume" are not acceptable. Incomplete or improperly completed applications may be rejected, even if you meet the minimum qualifications.

While you are welcome to upload a resume, it does not substitute for completing the online application in full. Be sure that your application accurately reflects the education and experience necessary for the position.

Applications are reviewed throughout the recruitment process to determine whether candidates meet the minimum qualifications. Meeting these minimums or advancing through any stage does not guarantee further consideration. Any misrepresentation or falsification of qualifications, experience, education, or training may result in disqualification and/or exclusion from future employment opportunities with VTA.

This classification is represented by American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees AFSCME). Wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment are governed by the applicable collective bargaining agreement between VTA and the union.

Tentative Examinations:

Oral Panel: Week of March 16, 2026

Conditions of Employment

Final candidates must successfully complete a Livescan background check, reference checks, verification of education or certifications, and a criminal history review before appointment.

For sensitive positions, VTA requires all safety-sensitive positions to have a 6-month DOT physical clearance. Obtained at the time of preboarding from a VTA-contracted Concentra Location.

Eligibility List

The established Eligible List from this recruitment will be used to fill the current vacancies and additional vacancies that may occur. Eligible Lists typically remain in effect for six (6) months. However, Human Resources may abolish Eligible Lists at any time during the six (6) month period. Human Resources may extend eligible Lists for up to two (2) years. Eligible Lists may be used for more than one recruitment.

Americans with Disabilities Act Accommodations

VTA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities in the recruitment and examination process. To request an accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department at (408) 321-5575 or email mailto:Personnel@vta.org at least five business days before the test.

Equal Employment Opportunity

VTA is an equal employment opportunity employer. VTA does not and will not tolerate discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of age, ancestry, color, marital status, mental or physical disability, genetic information, national, origin, immigration status, political affiliation, race, religion, creed, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, medical condition, disabled veteran or veteran status, etc.

To apply, please visit https://apptrkr.com/6946143

Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority

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