County seeks new EMA head

Applications accepted through June 19

By Stephanie Nelson (Contact) | Andalusia Star-News

Published Wednesday, June 10, 2009

The county announced Monday that applications are now being accepted for the emergency management agency (EMA) director position.

In May, the county commission voted to end a nine-year agreement combining the position of EMA and E-911 director in an effort to save an estimated $16,000-$24,000 annually. The most recent EMA/E-911 director, Kristy Stamnes, was asked to choose between the two positions and announced on May 13 she would become the county’s fulltime E-911 director. Her decision left the county without a fulltime EMA director.

County officials said the vacant position is being advertised internally and externally simultaneously in an effort to “save time.” Applications from current county employees will be viewed first. If no one meeting the stated criteria is found, the commission will look at other applications.

Pay for the position is listed as “negotiable based on qualifications;” however, the commission had offered the position to Stamnes at $36,700 plus benefits.

Required qualifications are as follows:

• the ability to obtain status as a certified local emergency management director as defined by the Code of Alabama 31-9-61.

• graduation from a college or university; a degree in emergency management, public administration, business management or a related field is preferred.

• minimum of three years work experience in emergency response and disaster preparedness or a related field.

• possession of a valid Alabama’s driver’s license.

• the ability to work non-standard hours, nights and weekends and maintain on-call status.

Additionally, there are 26 job duties included in the position advertisement.

Deadline for applications is 5 p.m. on Fri., June 19. A complete job description can be found at www.joblink.alabama.gov by typing in “emergency management.”