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The County of San Mateo is currently seeking highly qualified applicants for the position of 

Deputy Director of Public Works - Facilities Services.

Please view the online brochure for a detailed description of this position and instructions on how to apply!
For a PDF copy of the brochure, please click here.

Application/Examination

To apply for this exciting opportunity, the following materials must be submitted online at https://jobs.smcgov.org/.
 

1. Resume
2. Detailed Cover Letter, no more than 2-pages, that describes why you are interested in this position and includes responses to the following:  
   1. Describe your professional experience and skills that prepare you to succeed in this role.
   2. Describe your greatest success that demonstrates your executive leadership skills. Explain what you did and its impact on the organization.

This is an Open and Promotional recruitment. Anyone may apply. Current County of San Mateo and County of San Mateo Superior Court of California employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, extra-help or limited term position prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score on this examination.

The examination process for this recruitment will consist of an Application Screening, and a panel interview. Applicants must successfully pass the Application Screening to move forward to the interview process. All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. All examinations will be given in County of San Mateo, California and applicants must participate at their own expense.

Tentative Recruitment Timeline 

Final Filing Date: Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at 11:59 PM PST
Application Screening: Thursday, April 30, 2026
Panel Interviews: Friday, May 15, 2026

About the County
San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 770,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically and linguistically diverse communities.

The County of San Mateo is committed to advancing equity in order to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work. 
 

The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer. We seek to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. 

HR Analyst: Sarah Huynh (D006 - Deputy Director of Public Works)

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT SECTION:

Applications are being accepted for the position of Park Maintenance Worker part-time/hourly) with the City of South San Francisco. This is a non-benefited, part-time/hourly position. 

Application Deadline: Open Until Filled Hourly Recruitment. This recruitment will remain open until the position is filled and may close at any time. Early application is encouraged.

Hourly Rate: $35.88 - $43.61 per hour

Schedule: 30 hours per week, including both weekdays and weekends, select holidays, and evenings.

The Department

The Parks and Recreation Department is the third largest department in the City and is organized by program area, with each program administered by a supervisor, coordinator, or specialist. The department is comprised of the Recreation, Community Services, Parks, Facilities and Common Greens divisions.

The Parks Division is in charge of planning and maintaining the city’s parks, playgrounds, sports fields, and other landscaping. There are approximately 25 parks and play lots, including Sign Hill Park, which has 60 acres of open space, and Centennial Way Linear Park, a 3-mile pedestrian and bicycle trail. Amenities include Centennial Dog Park, bocce ball courts, an above-ground skate park, a variety of ball fields, tennis and basketball courts, picnic shelters and group picnic areas.

IDEAL CANDIDATE SECTION:

The ideal Park Maintenance Worker will be able to prioritize work and coordinate multiple tasks while working cooperatively with a variety of people, consistently ensuring excellent customer service. Capable of organizing duties, meeting critical deadlines, and following up on assignments with minimal supervision to maintain parks and public facilities according to established standards. Additionally, the ideal candidate will have knowledge of basic techniques, tools, equipment, and materials used in park and landscape maintenance, as well as an understanding of occupational hazards and related safety practices.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintains all types of landscaped areas through mowing, watering, planting, trimming, weeding, and fertilizing.
• Applies insecticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.
• Operates trucks, tractors, mowers, chippers, and related grounds and tree maintenance equipment.
• Cleans and perform minor repairs to park and recreation equipment, buildings, and related facilities; maintains and prepares athletic fields.
• Assists in the maintenance of sprinkler systems; assists in the maintenance and minor repair of power-driven equipment.
• As assigned, works extended or irregular hours.
• Assists in the general cleaning and maintenance of the Corporation Yard.
• Performs other related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS: Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be:

Experience: One year of experience in parks and landscape maintenance work is preferred. 

Training: Equivalent to graduation from high school.

Licenses/Certificates: All licenses and certificates must be maintained as a condition of employment.

• Possession of an appropriate valid California driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record.

THE APPLICATION PROCESS

To be considered, applicants must submit the following REQUIRED items:

• City application
• Responses to the supplemental questionnaire

NOTE: Applications must be completed in full. All work experience, and education or training must be listed directly on the City application. Applications that state “See Resume” or omit required information will be considered incomplete and subject to disqualification.  Resumes may be attached separately; however, resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed City application. Only application materials and documents that are specifically required within this job announcement will be reviewed as part of the application process.

THE SELECTION PROCESS:

Applicants whose submitted application materials demonstrate knowledge, skills and abilities in best alignment with the required and desired qualifications of this position may be invited to an interview by the hiring department. 

Special Instructions:

Prior to appointment, candidates will be required to submit to any or all of the following (as applicable):

1. Reference Check
2. Department of Justice (DOJ) Fingerprint Check
3. Pre-Employment Medical Examination and Drug Screen

A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment. Determinations are made on a case-by-case basis with consideration given to the nature and recency of the conviction and relationship to job duties. All City standards must be met before the final appointment is made.

Candidates with a disability who may require special assistance in any phase of the recruitment process should advise the Human Resources Department upon submittal of application.  
 

The policy of the City of South San Francisco is to grant equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons without regard to race, color, sex, gender, age, religion, ancestry, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status or national origin.  It is the intent and desire of the City of South San Francisco that equal employment opportunity will be provided in recruiting, hiring, training, promoting, wages, benefits, and all other privileges, terms and conditions of employment.  The City of South San Francisco is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).
 

DISCLAIMER: This general announcement does not constitute an express or implied contract and is subject to change. Any provisions contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.

Recruitment Contact

Contact email: parkandrecadmin@ssf.net

The City of Brisbane will be sponsoring a City Clerk internship this year. Our internships are project-oriented and designed to give college students a good general overview of future employment opportunities and current issues in the Public Sector. You will have the opportunity for exposure to various areas of City Administration during your internship and to network with fellow interns and participate in professional development activities in San Mateo County and/or Santa Clara County.

City Clerk Intern project for 2026:

• Records Management – Assist in project oversight of our records management project, create innovative best practices to implement the records retention schedule and policy, and support the daily records management tasks in the City Clerk’s Office

The City of Brisbane will be sponsoring a History internship with the City Manager's Office. Our internships are project-oriented and designed to give college students a good general overview of future employment opportunities and current issues in the Public Sector. You will have the opportunity for exposure to various areas of City Administration during your internship and to network with fellow interns and participate in professional development activities in San Mateo County and/or Santa Clara County.

The History Intern will work closely with staff in the City Manager’s Office to help preserve and protect the City’s History Collection, ensuring materials are properly safeguarded and prepared in the event of a disaster. This role includes digitizing and photographing historical items, accurately cataloging them in the City’s archival system, and supporting ongoing records management efforts. The intern will also collaborate with the City Council History Subcommittee to research, plan, and develop future exhibits for the Library’s History Room, helping make the City’s rich history accessible and engaging for the community.

At San Mateo County's Department of Emergency Management, we're building something different. Our vision is audacious: become the most resilient county in the United States by 2030. We coordinate the full cycle of emergency management across 20 cities and 775,000+ residents. And we do it with a team that operates more like a startup than a bureaucracy – entrepreneurial, innovative, and relentlessly focused on what works.

WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS

When disaster strikes—earthquake, wildfire, atmospheric river, or cascading crisis—the difference between lives saved and lives lost often comes down to one thing: communication. Did the alert reach the right people? In the right language? At the right time? Did it actually motivate action?

As our Alert & Warning Coordinator, you will own this mission. You'll architect the systems, craft the protocols, and build the partnerships that ensure every resident – from Half Moon Bay to Redwood City, from tech executives to farmworkers – gets the information they need to prepare, survive, and recover.

WHAT YOU WILL ACTUALLY DO

Build & Innovate:

• Lead the implementation of the Five Elements Framework—an evidence-based framework developed with leading researchers – in all our alerts and warning initiatives.
• Design multilingual alert systems that reach every community, including those often left behind.
• Integrate cutting-edge technologies: IPAWS, Genasys Protect, AI-powered monitoring, and tools that don't exist yet.
• Develop dashboards and systems that give our partners real-time situational awareness.

Coordinate & Connect:

• Serve as the nexus point between local, state, and federal emergency communication systems.
• Coordinate with 20 cities, 18 unincorporated areas, fire districts, law enforcement, healthcare systems, and community organizations.
• Build relationships with trusted community messengers who can amplify our reach.
• Manage vendor relationships and contracts for emergency notification platforms.

Respond & Adapt:

• Maintain 24-hour readiness and participate in on-call rotation.
• Staff the Emergency Operations Center during activations—from Blue Sky preparedness to Dark Sky crisis.
• Lead after-action reviews that turn every incident into institutional learning.
• Troubleshoot systems under pressure when everything depends on them working.

WHO YOU ARE

You're not just checking boxes—you're solving problems nobody's solved before. You bring:

The Foundation:

• Bachelor's degree in emergency management, public administration, communications, or related field (Master's preferred but not required).
• 5+ years in program planning, emergency management, or crisis communications.
• FEMA ICS courses (100, 200, 700, 800) and IPAWS certification (IS-247, IS-251)—or willingness to complete.

The Technical Credentials:

• Deep knowledge of IPAWS protocols and alert & warning best practices.
• Fluency with emergency notification platforms, GIS, and communication technologies.
• Coding ability (Python, Java, or C++) to build tools, automate workflows, and solve problems.
• Understanding of radio communications systems and redundant infrastructure.

The Mindset That Sets You Apart:

• Insatiably curious. You read the research. You ask why. You're never satisfied with "that's how we've always done it."
• Agile under pressure. You don't just tolerate rapidly changing, demanding environments—you thrive in them.
• A team multiplier. You add value wherever you can, not just where your job description ends.
• Resilient. You bounce back. You adapt. You're ready for whatever comes next.
• An exceptional communicator. You write clearly, speak persuasively, and translate complexity into action.
• Equity-minded. You're committed to reaching every community, especially those historically underserved.

OUR CULTURE: NOT YOUR TYPICAL EM SHOP

We're breaking the emergency management mold. Our approach integrates:

• Growth mindset: Challenges are opportunities. Failures are learning.
• Agile structure: Swift, decentralized decision-making. No permission culture.
• Human-centered design: Solutions built around people, not bureaucracy.
• Our 3C Framework: Connection, Capability, Communication – the lens through which we approach everything.

We pair veteran emergency managers with data scientists, social scientists, and human-centered designers. We operate across Blue Sky (preparedness), Grey Sky (heightened readiness), and Dark Sky (crisis) conditions. And we're building something that will outlast all of us.

READY TO JOIN US?

Submit the following via email:

• Resume
• Cover letter responding to these questions (max 2 pages):

1. Describe your experience developing and managing alert & warning systems. What technologies have you worked with and what have you learned in the process?
2. Tell us about a time when communications went wrong during a crisis. What happened, how did you respond, and what systems did you build to prevent it happening again?
3. You are coordinating emergency response and your virtual EOC system fails. Walk us through your troubleshooting process.

Please craft the answers to these supplemental questions yourself.  If you use a tool such as AI, please customize your responses. We need to know how you think and what your experiences have been.  

Include the words "DEM Coordinator – Alert & Warning - Unclassified" in the subject line of email submission. 

Please submit the required materials electronically via email to: 

Rick Reed, DEM Coordinator

Email: rreed1@smcgov.org

Application materials will be reviewed as they are received and qualified candidates will be contacted by the department for an interview.  

APPLY IMMEDIATELY. Application materials will be accepted until the position is filled. This posting is open on a continuous basis and selection may be made at any time within the process.

NOTE: Application materials are only accepted via e-mail. Materials sent via regular mail and/or fax will not be accepted. Submissions that do not include all required elements (a resume and a cover letter with responses to supplemental questions) will not be considered.

The mission of the Department of Emergency Management is to advance community resilience through a proactive and comprehensive approach to emergency management, involving the whole community in every phase of disaster preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery. 

To learn more about the DEM please visit https://www.smcgov.org/dem

About the County 
San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities.
 
The County of San Mateo, as an employer, is committed to advancing equity to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.

The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels.

Analyst: Chet Overstreet (01232026) (Department of Emergency Management Coordinator - Q002)

The County Executive’s Office is seeking highly qualified candidates for the position of County Procurement Program Services Manager II.

The Procurement Division of the County Executive’s Office provides procurement services to all County departments and acts as a regulatory mechanism to help county departments obtain maximum value for each dollar spent, while maintaining compliance with all relevant County, State, and Federal laws, ordinances, and policies.   The Procurement Division (Division) also connects with and assists vendors in conducting business with the County.   

The Division successfully operates under several ordinances, codes, and policies designed to heighten worker standard of living, support local business, protect tax-payor dollars, and support eco-friendly practices.  The following are examples:

• The Living Wage Ordinance sets a minimum wage, which contractors are required to pay employees providing services under County contracts.  
• To support interested vendors, the Procurement Division offers a variety of trainings that review and explain the County’s Request for Proposals (RFP) process, contracting, and OpenGov.  
• The Procurement Division follows a Code of Ethical Conduct to ensure that expenditures of public funds, through the procurement and contracting process, occur in an ethical and responsible manner.   

In 2022, the County Procurement Division received the Award for Excellence in Procurement, an award conferred on organizations that demonstrate a commitment to procurement excellence. The division received this award again in 2023, 2024, and 2025.

The Position

The Program Services Manager II (PSM II) will have the opportunity to coordinate the day-to-day operations of the office including managing staff, overseeing OpenGov - the County’s electronic procurement system, developing and facilitating special projects, such as the Vendor Fair and, collaborating with the cities in San Mateo County regarding procurement and purchasing services, and updating policies and procedures, including the Procurement Handbook.  

The PSM II will supervise and manage a dedicated team within the Division. In addition, the PSM II will develop and deliver trainings, act as procurement consultant to all county departments and special districts, and work to increase office efficiency and effectiveness.  The PSM II will be part of the management team helping lead the dedicated team of lead, professional, technical, and clerical subject matter experts committed to exceptional customer service and fair, open, competitive, timely, and ethical procurement practices.  

We seek a collaborative and innovative leader with keen business acumen and a desire to lead a team to the next level of professional development.  We also seek an experienced manager with proven success using enhanced technology to procure $400 million of supplies, equipment, and services annually. Additionally, we seek someone committed to the values of this government agency, providing exceptional services to the communities we serve.

The Ideal Candidate

• Has experience in purchasing and RFP development. 
• Has demonstrated knowledge of and experience in government procurement and agreement administration and can serve as a subject matter expert for the County.
• Has skills and experience in planning, organizing, administering, reviewing, and evaluating departmental procedures for the procurement of services.
• Has knowledge of and experience incorporating relevant laws, regulations, and policies that affect and/or regulate government procurement.
• Has experience assisting with the administration of an e-procurement system.
• Has skills and experience in planning, coordinating, and leading County-wide special projects.
• Is an influential communicator and proven relationship-builder who can successfully collaborate with multiple stakeholders, including department heads, staff members, contractors, and vendors. 
• Is committed to maintaining a high standard of customer service to all departments, contractors, and vendors.
• Is an effective change agent who can guide employees throughout the organization in adopting new systems and procedural changes.
• Has excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Though not required, a designation as a Certified Purchasing Professional, such as Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB), Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO), Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM), or Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPO) is strongly desired. 

This is a limited-term position. Limited-term positions are full-time, fully benefited, temporary positions. This current position is funded for up to one year, depending on the department’s needs.  Limited Term employees receive medical and dental benefits, like regular employees, and a defined contribution retirement plan (401-A).  

Information for current County employees: Current and regular County of San Mateo Employees who are interested in this assignment must submit application materials and compete in the selection process. If you are successful in the selection process and are being considered for the assignment, HR will work directly with you and/or your department for options. This would be considered a work-out-of-class opportunity/career development opportunity. Please note there is no guarantee that you will be allowed by your department to rotate into this assignment nor is your department obligated to allow you to take on this assignment. The salary range for this position is "as is" and non-negotiable.

Examples Of Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Coordinate and direct the daily operation of Countywide procurement services, special programs, and large-scale projects.
• Assist in the development and implementation of departmental standards, policies, procedures, goals, and objectives; identify methods to streamline processes to drive efficiencies; maintain and update procedures and ensure compliance; research trends and best practices; and recommend and implement changes.
• Review, create, and implement countywide policies and procedures to establish and maintain criteria and guidelines for fair and efficient procurement practices.
• Oversee the maintenance of detailed records of assigned activities and results, such as reports, records, bids, contracts, and other documents.
• Coordinate with County officials and staff, the Board, vendors, the public, community organizations, and/or external agencies; develop internal and external partnerships; and represent the division in Countywide collaboration and work group meetings.
• Select, supervise, and evaluate professional, technical, and clerical subordinates; ensure provision of staff training; and direct personnel actions.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to qualify is three years of increasingly responsible experience managing complex procurement activities and providing operational oversight, including direct management of staff engaged in procurement activities. 

Knowledge of

• Principles, practices, and techniques of administration, organization, personnel management, supervision, training and development, and public relations.
• Laws, regulations, policies, and procedures related to large-scale public-sector procurement including solicitation of bids/proposals, financing, evaluation of offers, negotiations, and awarding contracts.
• Methods of administrative problem-solving and the implementation of effective solutions.
• Principles of analytical, statistical, and organizational design methods and study plan preparations necessary to formulate, implement, and evaluate administrative policies.
• Available information systems technologies, which enhance business practices.
• Basic practices and principles related to purchasing and procurement.
• Change management methods focusing on strategic sourcing and procurement.
• Techniques of organizing and motivating individuals and groups.

Skill/Ability to:

• Plan, organize, control, and evaluate the activities and staff in the provision of purchasing services for a large public organization.
• Supervise, train, mentor, coach, and direct staff for optimal achievement.
• Provide cohesive leadership as part of the management team in a complex environment.
• Use judgment and initiative in making recommendations and resolving problems that are highly complex and sensitive in nature.
• Formulate and implement policies and procedures for carrying out the functions of the Department.
• Develop short-term and long-range plans to anticipate service and supply needs for the County.
• Develop and recommend effective courses of action to satisfy customer needs.
• Utilize information technology systems and solutions to facilitate purchasing and centralized acquisitions.
• Assist with the implementation of, and adherence to, quality assurance activities, laws, codes, regulations, and standards.
• Evaluate programs using outcome data to determine the effectiveness of components and implement modifications as necessary.
• Assist in the coordination of purchasing and contracting services with County departments and public/private agencies.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the County Executive, County department heads and staff, other governmental agencies, and vendors.
• Advocate for strategic change and align with the County's procurement transformation.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing. 

Application/Examination

This is an open recruitment Anyone may apply.
 
The examination process will consist of an application screening (weight: pass/fail) based on candidates' application and responses to the supplemental questionnaire. Candidates who pass the application screening will be invited to a panel interview (weight: 100%).  
 
Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations, or further evaluation of work experience may be conducted to group applicants by level of qualification. All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, California, and applicants must participate at their own expense.
 
IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the "Apply" button above.  If you are not on the County's website, please go to http://jobs.smcgov.orgto apply.

Responses to the supplemental questions in the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application Form must be provided along with a completed County of San Mateo Employment Application Form.

Recruitment Schedule

• Final Filing Date: May 7, 2026, by 11:59 PM
• Application Screening: May 8-12, 2026
• Panel/Departmental Interviews: May 21-22, 2026

Analyst: Chet Overstreet (04172026) (Program Services Manager II - D088)

San Mateo County
San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities.

The County of San Mateo, as an employer, is committed to advancing equity in order to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.

The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels.

Analyst: Chet Overstreet (04172026) (Program Services Manager II – D088)

The City of Brisbane's Public Works Department will be sponsoring two summer internships this year. Our internships are project-oriented and designed to give college students a good general overview of future employment opportunities and current issues in the Public Sector.  You will have the opportunity for exposure to various areas of City Administration during your internship and to network with fellow interns and participate in professional development activities in San Mateo County and/or Santa Clara County.

Projects for 2026 include:

• Public Works (Engineering & Operations Support) – Provide support to the City’s Public Works Department across engineering, development review, and capital project delivery. Primary assignment will focus on documenting and improving development review processes, including application completeness and interdepartmental coordination. Secondary assignments may include assisting with capital improvement program tracking, permit review analysis, and evaluation of asset management systems to support more efficient service delivery.

• Public Works (Utilities) – Provide support to the City's Public Works Department - Utilities Division with various engineering projects in drinking water distribution, water resources, sanitary sewer collection, and storm drainage. Primary assignment will focus on mapping and geolocating drinking water facilities to comply with new state regulatory compliance.  Secondary assignments may include field engineering support on construction of capital utility projects and assisting with various engineering reports and studies.

About the Department

The San Mateo County San Mateo County Emergency Management (SMC EM) is not your typical government agency. We operate more like a startup within the public sector – building innovative programs, forging cross-sector partnerships, and redefining what modern emergency management looks like for a county of 775,000 residents across 20 cities and 18 unincorporated areas.

Our mission is to advance community resilience through a proactive and comprehensive approach to emergency management, involving the whole community in every phase of preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery.

To learn more about SMC EM, visit: https://www.smcgov.org/dem

 

About the Role

This is not a desk job. This is not a new position we are trying to figure out. And this is not a role where you sit behind a screen waiting for the next alert to go out.

For over a year, SMC EM has been deliberately building a countywide Alert and Warning (A&W) program that brings coherence, consistency, and credibility to how San Mateo County communicates with the public before, during, and after emergencies. We have developed training curricula, created frameworks, established partnerships, and advanced the conversation across the Operational Area. Now we need someone to carry that work forward – externally.

The Alert and Warning Coordinator is fundamentally an external-facing role. There are 32 agencies within the San Mateo County Operational Area that hold alerting authority and sending rights. Each has its own protocols, staffing models, and levels of experience with alert and warning systems. Your job is to be the connective tissue—socializing our approach to A&W with operational area partners, building alignment across jurisdictions, and ensuring that when an alert goes out in this county, it is timely, accurate, actionable, and drives protective action.

You will brief city councils, law and fire chiefs with equal confidence. You will sit with an Incident Commander during a fast-moving wildfire and translate urgency into a message that saves lives. You will train authorized users on alerting platforms and hold the line on quality when others want to cut corners. And you will do all of this while representing a department that is changing the culture of emergency management in one of the most complex operational areas in the state.

 

What This Role Actually Involves

Partnership and Coordination (Primary Focus)

• Serve as the primary liaison to the 32 agencies across the Operational Area on all matters related to alert and warning, building relationships and driving alignment toward consistent A&W practices countywide.
• Brief alert and warning programs, standards, and best practices to diverse audiences—from city councils and boards of supervisors to law and fire chiefs, emergency managers, and community organizations—adapting your message for each.
• Coordinate monthly and recurring touchpoints with Operational Area partners to advance shared A&W goals, identify gaps, and troubleshoot challenges collaboratively.
• Represent SMC EM at stakeholder meetings, advisory committees, work groups, tabling events, and public-facing engagements at all levels of government.
• Facilitate training seminars and hands-on workshops for authorized users across jurisdictions on alerting platforms, protocols, and message crafting.

 

Alert Crafting and Operational Readiness

• Develop, review, and issue emergency alerts that drive protective action – messages that are clear, accurate, geographically targeted, accessible across languages, and calibrated to the threat. This includes understanding what makes an alert effective, not just how to press “send.”
• Maintain fluency across multiple alerting platforms including IPAWS, Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), the Emergency Alert System (EAS), mass notification systems, and reverse 9-1-1.
• Participate in a weekly on-call rotation, maintaining 24-hour readiness and responding to the field or Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during emergencies or disasters.
• Conduct regular testing and evaluation of A&W systems to ensure functionality, reliability, and interoperability across jurisdictions.
• Participate in after-action reviews and improvement planning to refine protocols based on lessons learned from exercises and real-world incidents.

 

Program Development and Standards

• Advance the County’s A&W program by developing and refining emergency notification standards, protocols, templates, and processes that serve as a model for the Operational Area.
• Assess existing community alert and warning programs for effectiveness, identify service gaps, and recommend evidence-based improvements – incorporating research on protective action decision-making, message design, and crisis communications.
• Coordinate with local, state, and federal agencies to ensure A&W system integration and interoperability, including IPAWS compliance and alignment with emerging federal guidance.
• Manage vendor services and contracts related to alerting platforms and notification systems.
• Review and update Operational Area alert and warning plans on a regular basis.
• Prepare reports, briefing materials, presentation decks, and other professional documents as needed.

 

Who We Are Looking For

The right person for this role is not just technically proficient in alerting systems – they understand the weight of what an alert means and the responsibility that comes with it. They know that a poorly crafted message can erode public trust, cause unnecessary panic, or worse, fail to prompt the protective action that saves lives.

We are looking for someone who combines operational skill with judgment, presence, and the relational ability to be credible across a complex Operational Area.

 

Mindset and Character

• Growth mindset. You are insatiably curious, always learning, and never satisfied with “the way we’ve always done it.”
• Willingness to ask for help when uncertain and to verify information before acting. In this work, getting it right matters more than getting it fast.
• Thrives under pressure. You can pivot, adapt, verify, and make sound decisions in rapidly evolving, high-consequence situations.
• Comfort with ambiguity. Emergency management rarely offers a clear playbook. You can operate effectively when the situation is messy, the information is incomplete, and the stakes are high.
• Integrity and courage. If you believe an alert is inaccurate or could cause harm, you speak up – even when it’s uncomfortable.

 

Knowledge and Experience

• Strong knowledge of IPAWS protocols and the broader alert and warning ecosystem, including WEA, EAS, and mass notification platforms.
• Demonstrated fluency using alerting platforms—not just awareness of them, but hands-on operational experience issuing, testing, or managing alerts.
• Understanding what makes an effective emergency alert: message design principles, protective action messaging, audience considerations, and the science behind how people receive and act on warnings.
• Familiarity with local, state, and federal regulations governing public alerts and emergency communications.
• Experience engaging diverse stakeholders including elected officials, public safety leaders, community organizations and adapting communications to the audience.
• Excellent written communication skills, including experience with reports, briefings, proposals, and professional presentations.
• Familiarity with the five Emergency Management Sections (Management, Operations, Planning, Logistics, Finance/Admin) and the Incident Command System.
• Completion of ICS Courses 100, 200, 700, and 800, or ability to complete within first 90 days.
• Completion of IS-247.C (IPAWS for Alert Originators) and IS-248 (IPAWS for the American Public), or ability to complete within first 90 days.
• A valid California Driver’s License.
• Ability to work across a wide variety of settings (field, office, EOC) and disciplines (law enforcement, fire services, emergency medical personnel).

 

Preferred but Not Required

• Master’s degree in emergency management, public administration, public affairs, crisis communication, homeland security, or a related field.
• Experience working across multiple jurisdictions or within a complex multi-agency operational environment.
• Knowledge of information technology related to emergency management, including radio communication systems and interoperability standards.
• Experience with grant writing, program budgeting, or contract management related to emergency communication systems.

 

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify:

• Education: Bachelors and Masters (preferred) degree from an accredited college or university in emergency management, public administration, communications, homeland security, or a related discipline.
• Experience: Minimum five (5) years of experience in alert and warning operations, emergency communications, or emergency/disaster planning and management in a public, military, or private organization.

 

Application/Examination

How to Apply

If you are interested in being considered for this position, please submit the following materials via email:

• Resume
• Cover letter with responses to the Supplemental Questions below (maximum 2 pages)

1. Describe your hands-on experience with alert and warning systems and platforms. What role did you play in developing, issuing, or managing alerts and what did you learn about what makes an alert effective at driving protective action?
2. This role requires building alignment across 32 agencies with different levels of A&W experience and capacity. Describe a time you had to bring multiple organizations or stakeholders together around a shared standard or practice. What was your approach, and what did you learn?
3. Tell us about a time when you identified that information being communicated during an emergency or high-pressure situation was inaccurate or incomplete. What immediate steps did you take, and what did you put in place to prevent it from happening again?

Please include “SMC EM Coordinator – Alert & Warning - Unclassified” in the subject line of your email submission. Submit required materials electronically to:

Rick Reed, SMC EM Coordinator

Email: rreed1@smcgov.org

Important: APPLY IMMEDIATELY. Application materials will be reviewed as received, and qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview. This posting is open on a continuous basis and a selection may be made at any time. Submissions that do not include all required elements will not be considered. Application materials are only accepted via email.

About San Mateo County

San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California, serving a multitude of culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities.

The County of San Mateo, as an employer, is committed to advancing equity to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply.

The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels.

City of East Palo Alto is accepting applications for the Community & Economic Development Director position. 

Please note, applications are not accepted here via CalOpps.

To apply, click the job announcement link below and it will redirect you to where to submit your application.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Belmont’s High School Internship Program gives incoming Juniors and Seniors the chance to work sideby-side with city employees on real projects that impact their City. No experience needed - just curiosity, a desire to learn, and a commitment to show up. We'll teach you the rest.
 

AVAILABLE DEPARTMENTS

Police Department
Get an inside look at law enforcement from the ground up! Based in the Investigations Bureau, interns will explore all facets of the Department including patrol, dispatch, records, and code enforcement while gaining hands-on experience through ride- alongs, data analysis, and direct engagement with Department personnel and the community.

Constituent Services/City Clerk
Gain hands-on experience converting physical government records into digital files and learning how local government keeps its official documentation accurate and accessible.

Community Development – Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9am – noon. 
You'll observe permit counter operations, conduct research on zoning and sign ordinance amendments, support a residential design review project, and tour key areas of the city including commercial districts, residential neighborhoods, and the Harbor Industrial Area.

Public Works
Help the Public Works Department modernize its records by digitizing paper and legacy documents using Questys, while gaining hands-on GIS experience creating shape layers linked to digital records and supporting staff accessibility, public records requests, and the preservation of institutional knowledge.

Information Technology
Gain broad exposure to how technology powers local government by assisting with end-user support, IT ticketing, desktop and laptop setup, inventory management, e-waste procedures, and contributing to the launch of the new city website

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?
• Paid Experience – Earn a paycheck while you learn!
• Mentorship – Every intern is paired with City staff who guides you through the summer. 
• Real Life Work Experience – Step into the department and learn what City employees do.