02/05/2026
Crawford County, Illinois
Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director &
Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) Coordinator
Crawford County is seeking a full-time EMA Director & PHEP Coordinator to lead countywide emergency management and public health preparedness efforts. Responsibilities include all-hazards planning, emergency response coordination, grant and budget management, training, and compliance with state and federal requirements.
Reports to the Crawford County Emergency Management Committee and the Crawford County Board for all Emergency Management Agency (EMA)–related duties and responsibilities. For Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) duties, the position works under the general supervision and direction of the Crawford County Health Department Administrator, coordinating closely with the Health Department in accordance with Illinois Department of Public Health requirements.
Position Summary
This position serves as a full-time joint Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director and Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) Coordinator for Crawford County. The position provides leadership, planning, coordination, and implementation of all-hazards emergency management and public health emergency preparedness and response activities.
The successful candidate will develop, maintain, and implement emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation plans; coordinate with local, regional, state, and federal partners; manage grants and budgets; oversee response operations; recruit and train staff and volunteers; and ensure compliance with Illinois Emergency Management Agency – Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) and Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Emergency Preparedness and Response Grant requirements.
Emergency Management (EMA) Responsibilities
• Develop, implement, maintain, and evaluate comprehensive county-wide emergency management and disaster response plans.
• Conduct hazard identification, vulnerability assessments, and risk analyses; develop strategic mitigation and response plans.
• Coordinate emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts with local, regional, state, and federal agencies.
• Serve in a leadership role within the Incident Command System during emergencies and disasters.
• Organize, direct, and coordinate emergency response activities of county staff, volunteers, and partner agencies.
• Oversee the Crawford County Rescue Squad and related emergency response resources.
• Maintain and update emergency management equipment, facilities, resource inventories, and contact lists.
• Evaluate emergency operations following incidents and exercises and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable state and federal emergency management laws, regulations, and standards.
Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) Responsibilities
• Develop, coordinate, write, and maintain public health emergency preparedness, response, and recovery plans, manuals, and standard operating procedures in accordance with local, state, and federal regulatory requirements.
• Ensure public health emergency plans are integrated with county emergency management and partner agency response plans.
• Coordinate with staff and local, regional, and state partners to support Public Health activities, exercises, and response implementation.
• Represent Crawford County public health emergency preparedness efforts before local, state, and federal regulatory, advisory, and governing bodies, including LEPC, RHCC, IDPH, and PHEP meetings.
• Coordinate, plan, conduct, and evaluate public health emergency preparedness trainings, disaster drills, and exercises involving county departments, healthcare partners, community agencies, and the general public.
• Develop and deliver educational and informational presentations to staff, responders, volunteers, and community groups.
• Coordinate and manage the Crawford County Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), including recruitment, training, and deployment.
• Participate in emergency responses and assist Incident Command Staff during public health and all-hazards incidents.
• Enhance professional knowledge of public health threats, bioterrorism, and disaster planning through ongoing training and research.
Administrative, Grant, and Financial Responsibilities
• Work collaboratively with the Health Department Administrator to develop work plans, budgets, policies, procedures, and protocols.
• Secure and manage funding through state, federal, and other grant sources related to emergency management and public health preparedness.
• Ensure all grant deliverables, reporting, expenditure tracking, and compliance requirements are met.
• Complete required reports related to emergency preparedness grants, surveillance activities, and response operations.
• Prepare, manage, and oversee the EMA annual budget.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive and protected information.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Ability to direct and coordinate disaster relief and public health emergency activities of staff, volunteers, and partner agencies during emergencies, exercises, and training events.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Ability to direct and coordinate disaster relief and public health emergency activities of staff, volunteers, and partner agencies during emergencies, exercises, and training events.
Qualifications
Education and Experience
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Emergency Management, Public Health, Public Safety, Homeland Security, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of high school diploma or GED required.
• Proven experience in emergency management, public health preparedness, or a related field.
• Experience in strategic planning, risk management, training coordination, and multi-agency collaboration preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to make independent judgments and rapid decisions under pressure.
• Excellent oral, written, and public speaking communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations, including elderly, infants, children, hostile, and emotionally upset individuals.
• Working proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel and general computer applications.
• Strong time management and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, community partners, governmental agencies, healthcare providers, and professional groups.
• Knowledge of state and federal emergency management and public health preparedness regulations.
Certifications, Licenses, and Registrations
• Certification in Emergency Management (CEM, AEM) or related credential is a plus.
• Must maintain a valid Illinois driver’s license, automobile insurance, and access to reliable transportation.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made.
• Ability to sit, stand, bend, lift, climb stairs, and move intermittently throughout the workday.
• Ability to cope with mental and emotional stress during emergencies and high-pressure situations.
• Must possess sufficient sight, hearing, speech, emotional composure, strength, and fine motor skills to perform job duties.
• Must speak and understand the English language in a clear and understandable manner.
Work Environment
• Primarily works in a well-lit, reasonably ventilated office environment.
• During emergency incidents, work environment may vary based on the scope and complexity of the event and may involve frequent interruptions.
• Availability outside normal business hours is required during emergencies.
Salary & Benefits
Salary: Based on candidate experience, qualifications, and market considerations.
Pay Range: $50,000 salary
Benefits: IMRF Pension | Paid time-off | Health Insurance | Dental Insurance | Flexible Schedule
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
Crawford County is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, s*xual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Application Instructions
Please submit a resume and cover letter outlining qualifications and relevant experience in person, by mail, or by email to the Crawford County Clerk’s Office, Courthouse Annex, 100 Douglas St., Robinson, IL 62454; clerk@crawfordcounty.illinois.gov.
Please respond by February 20, 2026.
