KENT—The search for a new Emergency Management Director (EMD) and Deputy Director (EMDD) has intensified, with the selectmen setting a Jan. 16 deadline for applications for the volunteer positions.
At present, there is only one person, Deputy Director Eric Epstein, manning the office.
“It’s an important position,” said First Selectman Marty Lindenmayer. “I had barely taken office when we had a big rain and windstorm with no one to back up Eric.”
When fully staffed, the department should have a director and two deputy directors to coordinate all emergency operations.
“We’re trying to recruit people with a background in this area to apply for it,” Lindenmayer said. “We would like the volunteers to be from here in Kent, if possible, but it’s not necessary. We have great people here, but the position requires training all the time, both online and in-person. There are so many specialty things they have to do—and, it’s unpaid, so that has to be brought into consideration.”
The position has no set office hours and the workload averages five to 10 hours per week. The successful applicant will report directly to the first selectman and must be able to be flexible during emergencies. He or she will supervise the deputy director(s), the CERT team leader and various volunteers.
Among the position’s responsibilities is formulating emergency management policies and procedures, creating an operating budget, planning, organizing and coordinating emergency responses, reviewing the public notification system and its procedures, and coordinating emergency communications among different agencies.
At present, two persons have indicated their desire to be considered. Interviews will begin following the Jan. 16 deadline.
Those who are interested should submit a cover letter identifying which position they are applying for and include a short resume of pertinent experience, including training received. One reference should be included.
Applications can be delivered to Administrative Assistant Joyce Kearns via email at adminassist@townofkentct.org, dropped in the white drop box at the front entrance to town hall, or sent mailed to Kent Town Hall ATTN: Joyce Kerns, P.O. Box 678, Kent, CT 06757.
For more information, call Lindenmayer at 860-927-4858.
