Emergency Management Program Specialist - Job ID: 26-006
The Douglas County Emergency Management department is seeking a highly motivated Program Specialist to support and lead a wide range of administrative, coordination, and project-based functions. This position works closely with the Emergency Management Director and partners across County departments, external agencies, and community volunteers to support preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation activities.
The Program Specialist exercises initiative, independent judgment, and discretion while working on complex, and at times sensitive or confidential matters. This role plays a key part in supporting emergency operations, grant management, training and exercises, public education, and volunteer coordination. Essential functions include:
- Support Emergency Management programs, projects, and special events
- Coordinate with internal departments, external agencies, and community partners
- Assist with public education, training, and exercise programs
- Support the Local Emergency Planning Committee/Emergency Management Board
- Manage documentation and reporting for EMPG and HMEP grants
- Manage EM Department's financial reconciliation with County Finance
- Support Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activations & lead the EOC Support Team
- Assist with volunteer coordination and management
- Respond to public and interagency inquiries
Required Education & Experience: Associate degree or equivalent from two-year college or technical school; three years of related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience; ability to obtain the Kansas Certified Emergency Manager designation within two years of employment.
Preferred Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university; five years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience; Kansas Certified Emergency Manager designation.
This is a part-time position (20 hours per week) with benefits, with occasional evenings, weekends, and extended-hour work required during emergencies or special events. Applications are accepted online at http://dgcoks.gov/jobs. The review of applications for this position will begin immediately, and it will remain open until filled. For priority consideration, apply by February 27 at 5pm. The pay range for this position is $26.52 - $38.44/hr. and includes excellent benefits:
Insurance & Voluntary Benefits
- Health insurance (PPO and HRA options) with coverage beginning the first day of the month following the start date and various family/dependent coverage levels available
- Dental, vision, life, prescription, critical illness, pet, and many other voluntary insurance options
- Optional flex spending account, identity protection, legal assistance, and more
- Discounted gym memberships and an incentivized employee wellness program
Paid Time Off
- Accrual of 14 paid vacation and 15 paid sick days each calendar year (accrual begins immediately)
- Availability of 1 paid personal day and 10 paid holidays each calendar year
- Increases in vacation leave accrual over time
Retirement
- Automatic enrollment in KPERS (Kansas Public Employees Retirement Systems)
- Optional 457 deferred compensation plans available
Douglas County is dedicated to eliminating racial inequities. Successful candidates will demonstrate the ability to develop and maintain working relationships with diverse co-workers, community members, and customers. Qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identification, national origin, or any other factor prohibited by law. To request a full copy of the job description for this position, please contact Douglas County Human Resources at personnel@dgcoks.gov.
Starting Salary and Benefits: $26.52 - $38.44/hr + benefits
Application Deadline: Friday, 02/27/2026 at 5:00 p.m.
Locations:
Courthouse:
1100 Massachusetts Street
Lawrence, KS 66044
Judicial and Law Enforcement Center:
111 East 11th Street
Lawrence, KS 66044
