Job Title: Director
Department/Agency: Department of Search and Rescue (DSR)
Closing Date: December 13, 2024
Type of Position: Political Appointee
Posting Type: Employment Opportunity/Open to the Public
Pay Grade and Salary Range: GS-18/$65,000 - $80,000 p.a.
Email Your Resume, Cover Letter and References to: OfficeGovElectASG@gmail.com
Your Resume - Attach your updated resume in either a txt, Word document, or PDF format. Confirm the subject line includes the position you are applying for: Department of Search and Rescue (DSR)
Submit a Cover Letter and Headshot - Include a personalized cover letter explaining your interest and qualifications for the role. Be sure to include a recent headshot photo.
Provide Professional References - Send a list of at least three professional references. Include their names, phone numbers, and email addresses. You are welcome to include letters of reference if available.
General Description
The Director of the Department of Search and Rescue (OSR) is a key leadership position responsible for overseeing the development, coordination, and execution of all search and rescue operations within American Samoa. This position is essential to ensuring public safety, emergency preparedness, and response across the territory. The Director provides executive leadership, strategic direction, and policy guidance to the agency, ensuring that it operates in alignment with the needs of the territory and adheres to the highest standards of emergency response and safety.
As the head of the agency, the Director oversees multi-disciplinary teams, including search and rescue operations, fire protection, marine patrol, and emergency medical services. The Director will manage the agency’s resources, foster interagency cooperation, lead large-scale emergency response efforts, and ensure that the agency’s operations are well-equipped and capable of responding to all emergencies in American Samoa.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Leadership and Strategic Planning:
Provide overall leadership for the Department of Search and Rescue, including the development and execution of strategic initiatives and operational plans.
Set the agency's vision and goals, ensuring alignment with the American Samoa Government's objectives for public safety and emergency preparedness.
Serve as the primary decision-maker in emergency response operations, ensuring timely and effective action.
Personnel Management and Development:
Appoint, supervise, and evaluate key personnel, including the Fire Chief, Marine Patrol Chief, and Chief of Emergency Medical Services.
Ensure the hiring and management of additional staff as needed for optimal agency performance.
Develop, implement, and oversee comprehensive training programs for all personnel to ensure proficiency in search and rescue, emergency medical services, fire protection, and marine patrol operations.
Foster a culture of professional development, safety, and continuous improvement within the agency.
Operational Oversight and Resource Management:
Oversee the day-to-day operations of the agency, ensuring efficient and effective deployment of resources during routine operations and emergencies.
Manage the agency’s budget, ensuring resources are allocated effectively and efficiently to meet the operational needs of the agency.
Ensure that all necessary equipment, vehicles, and tools required for search and rescue operations are maintained, tested, and ready for use at all times.
Establish and maintain strong logistical operations to support emergency services and maintain high levels of preparedness.
Policy Development and Compliance:
Develop and implement policies, procedures, and operational protocols to guide the agency’s activities, ensuring they meet legal, operational, and safety standards.
Regularly review and update policies to ensure compliance with changes in laws, regulations, and best practices.
Oversee the development and enforcement of maritime safety regulations in coordination with the Commissioner of Public Safety.
Interagency Coordination and Collaboration:
Build and maintain strong relationships with local, federal, and military agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Public Safety, and American Samoa Medical Center Authority, to ensure effective coordination during emergency responses.
Establish collaborative agreements with other public safety agencies to improve resource sharing, communication, and operational efficiency.
Coordinate multi-agency emergency response efforts, ensuring that all partners work in unity during large-scale operations or disasters.
Community Engagement and Safety Awareness:
Serve as the primary public spokesperson for the SRA, representing the agency in the media, public forums, and community events.
Lead public outreach initiatives to raise awareness about emergency preparedness, safety practices, and community resilience in the face of disasters.
Develop educational programs, conduct workshops, and deliver presentations to the public to promote safety and awareness of emergency procedures.
Regulatory and Legal Responsibilities:
Ensure the agency operates in compliance with the American Samoa Code Annotated (A.S.C.A.) and all relevant legal frameworks governing public safety and emergency services.
Oversee the commissioning of officers as deputy law enforcement officers under A.S.C.A. § 46.0201 to carry out enforcement duties related to search and rescue, fire safety, and marine patrol operations.
Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations in the management of maritime activities, emergency medical services, and fire safety.
Emergency Response Leadership:
Lead the response to major emergencies, ensuring the efficient deployment of resources and personnel to safeguard lives and property.
Coordinate search and rescue missions, both land and sea, during natural disasters, accidents, and other large-scale emergencies.
Provide crisis management leadership, ensuring that emergency response teams are fully operational and prepared to respond effectively to any situation.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Comprehensive knowledge of search and rescue operations, fire protection, marine patrol, and emergency medical services.
Thorough understanding of the American Samoa Code Annotated, laws related to public safety, and operational procedures for emergency management.
Knowledge of interagency coordination strategies, multi-agency emergency management, and disaster response.
Familiarity with the cultural, geographical, and logistical challenges specific to American Samoa.
Strong leadership and management skills, including the ability to direct and motivate diverse teams across multiple disciplines.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with government officials, community leaders, media, and the public.
High-level decision-making and problem-solving skills, particularly in high-pressure situations requiring quick action.
Budgeting and financial management skills, with the ability to allocate resources efficiently to meet operational needs.
Proficiency in using modern technology and systems for emergency response and resource management.
Ability to manage complex, multi-disciplinary teams and operations during emergency situations.
Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders across various sectors, including government, military, and private sector entities.
Capacity to implement policies and procedures to ensure operational efficiency and legal compliance.
Ability to lead through crisis and emergency situations, ensuring the safety and security of American Samoa’s residents.
Academic and Experience Requirements
Education:
A Bachelor’s degree in emergency management, public safety, public administration, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
Experience:
At least 10 years of experience in emergency services, including significant experience in leadership roles overseeing multi-disciplinary teams in search and rescue, fire protection, marine patrol, or emergency medical services.
At least 5 years of experience in an executive or senior leadership position, with responsibility for managing budgets, resources, personnel, and interagency coordination.
Proven experience managing large-scale emergency operations and crisis management.
Familiarity with governmental operations in American Samoa or similar regions is strongly preferred.
Experience with public safety regulations, including maritime laws, emergency medical services, and disaster management.
Salary
The salary is competitive and based on experience and qualifications. Specific compensation details will be provided upon request.
Additional Information
For questions regarding the position or application process, please contact the Office of the Governor-Elect directly via email at officegovelectASG@gmail.com
*The American Samoa Government is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified candidates will be considered for political appointments without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal and territorial laws. Appointments will be made based on qualifications, experience, and the ability to serve effectively in alignment with the policies and goals of the administration.
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