DISASTER RESEARCH 426

April 15, 2005

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Interim National Preparedness Goal Released
  2. PERI Virtual Symposium: Early Warning Systems
  3. ICC Seeks Nominations for 2005 Building and Fire Safety Awards
  4. New Study on Measuring Mitigation from the ProVention Consortium
  5. Scholarship Opportunity: 2005 Nick Winter Memorial Scholarship
  6. Funding Opportunity: 2005 Transit Security Grant Program (TSGP)
  7. 2005 ASDSO Awards Program
  8. Building Safety Week: May 8-14, 2005
  9. Dissolution of the Partnership for Public Warning
  10. Reminder: Hazards Center Seeks Communications Specialist
  11. Some New Web Resources
  12. Conferences and Training
  13. Jobs, Jobs, Jobs

1) Interim National Preparedness Goal Released

As directed by the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 8 (HSPD-8), “National Preparedness,” the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released the Interim National Preparedness Goal. The goal will guide federal departments and agencies; state, territorial, local, and tribal officials; the private sector; nongovernmental organizations; and the public in determining how to most effectively and efficiently strengthen preparedness for terrorist attacks, major disasters, and other emergencies.

The seven priorities for national preparedness are:

  • Implement the National Incident Management System and National Response Plan;
  • Expand regional collaboration;
  • Implement the Interim National Infrastructure Protection Plan;
  • Strengthen information sharing and collaboration capabilities;
  • Strengthen interoperable communications capabilities;
  • Strengthen chemical, biological, radiation, nuclear, and explosive weapons detection, response, and decontamination capabilities; and
  • Strengthen medical surge and mass prophylaxis capabilities.

Beginning in fiscal year 2006, DHS expects state governments to update their homeland security preparedness strategies to reflect how they are addressing the seven national priorities in order to receive further federal assistance.

For more information about HSPD-8 and the National Preparedness Goal, visit http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/odp/assessments/hspd8.htm or e-mail hspd8@dhs.gov. The plan itself and a Target Capabilities List are available on the Lessons Learned Information Sharing Web site at http://www.llis.gov/, which is password protected and requires user registration.

2) PERI Virtual Symposium: Early Warning Systems

The complex issues involved in how to get to the point at which useful and effective early warning systems are in place is the central theme of the next Public Entity Risk Institute (PERI) Virtual Symposium. “Early Warning Systems - Interdisciplinary Observations and Policies from a Local Government Perspective” will take place April 18-22, 2005, and will be conducted in the Symposium Center on PERI’s Web site and via e-mail. There is no fee associated with the symposium.

Find out more about the symposium, read a concept paper prepared by moderator Eelco Dykstra, and enroll for the symposium at http://www.riskinstitute.org/test.php?pid=page&tid=10. Issues and ideas papers will be e-mailed to enrollees each day of the symposium.

3) ICC Seeks Nominations for 2005 Building and Fire Safety Awards

The International Code Council (ICC) is accepting nominations for its 2005 awards. Awards will be presented in several categories to honor individuals and organizations for accomplishments in the building safety and fire protection industries and service to the ICC.

The Bobby J. Fowler Award is given in honor of the first chairman of the ICC Board of Directors and a visionary behind the consolidation of the model code industry. The award is presented to an individual whose contributions to the building safety industry advance the ICC’s goal to build a safer environment.

The ICC Code Official of the Year Award is given to an individual whose contribution to the code enforcement profession is meritorious and worthy of recognition. Nominees should be an example for all members of the code enforcement profession by furthering the cause of safety in the built environment.

The ICC Affiliate Award is presented to a member of the building industry who consistently demonstrates the qualities of integrity, professionalism and dedication. This award also recognizes an individual’s spirit of public service related to the development of codes and standards in the interest of public safety.

The ICC Community Service Award acknowledges outstanding service by an individual, organization, jurisdiction, or community group that promotes public health, safety, and welfare by initiating activities or actions considered to be above and beyond normal expectations.

The ICC Fire Service Award is given to an ICC member for exemplary service, professional abilities, and leadership and support in the development of ICC fire codes. This award also recognizes fire prevention and protection professionals who serve as an example to others in their field.

Nominations forms and additional details on award categories are available on the ICC Web site, http://www.iccsafe.org/, and must be submitted by July 22, 2005. Completed forms can be mailed to ICC Award Nominations, Attention: Karla Higgs, Birmingham District Office, 900 Montclair Road, Birmingham, AL 35213. Awards will be presented during the ICC Annual Conference in Detroit, Michigan, on September 26, 2005.

4) New Study on Measuring Mitigation from the ProVention Consortium

As the human and financial costs of disasters triggered by natural hazards continues to rise decade by decade, disasters are increasingly being recognized as a threat to sustainable development, poverty reduction initiatives, and the achievement of a number of the Millennium Development Goals. Despite this, many development organizations remain reluctant to pursue disaster risk reduction as a key objective, or even to protect their own projects against potential hazards.

Although there are many challenges to mainstreaming natural disaster reduction into development programming, a new study concludes that some technical obstacles can be overcome without great difficulty (Charlotte Benson and John Twigg, Measuring Mitigation: Methodologies for Assessing Natural Hazard Risks and the Net Benefits of Mitigation - A Scoping Study, 2004). The study was carried out as part of a project by the ProVention Consortium, a global coalition of governments, international organizations, academic institutions, the private sector, and civil society organizations dedicated to increasing the safety of vulnerable communities and to reducing the impact of disasters in developing countries.

The study shows that many of the standard tools used in designing development projects - such as environmental appraisal, economic appraisal, vulnerability and social analysis, risk assessment, and logframe analysis - can be used or readily adapted to assess risks from natural hazards and the potential benefits of mitigation options. At present, these often cover risk in the broadest sense (operational, financial, political, etc.) but usually make little reference to natural hazards. Consequently, hazards and related vulnerability are rarely considered in designing and appraising development projects, even in high-risk areas.

Another key finding is that monitoring and evaluation is still relatively neglected in disaster reduction work. There is also still too much emphasis on assessment of activities and outputs, rather than impacts. Failure at the project planning stage to provide baselines and clarify the structure of a project’s objectives, outcomes, outputs, and activities also handicaps evaluation by making it difficult to identify progress and causality.

The study concludes by making a number of recommendations to practitioners and policy makers that will help them to improve their approach to appraisal and evaluation.

The full report, a shorter synthesis report, and a policy brief are available free of charge from the ProVention Consortium. Electronic copies can be downloaded from the project’s Web page (http://www.proventionconsortium.org/projects/methodology_assess.htm); printed copies are available on request by writing to provention@ifrc.org.

A new phase of the project is about to begin. This will produce a set of short guidance notes on specific project and country program-level appraisal and planning tools, together with a more detailed handbook on monitoring and evaluating disaster reduction projects. These materials will become available during 2005-2006. Progress updates will be published on the ProVention Consortium’s Web site (http://www.proventionconsortium.org/).

5) Scholarship Opportunity: 2005 Nick Winter Memorial Scholarship

Announcing the 2005 Nick Winter Memorial Scholarship Fund Award Competition for Undergraduate and Graduate Students

The New England Floodplain and Stormwater Managers Association, Inc. (NEFSMA), together with the Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM), and the ASFPM Foundation, will grant a $2,000 scholarship for the 2005-2006 academic year to a full-time student currently enrolled in a field of discipline related to floodplain management or an applicant to a graduate program in a related field.

The deadline for applications is May 31, 2005. View the full announcement and download an application at http://www.nefsma.org/ (click on “Scholarship” on the left scroll bar).

6) Funding Opportunity: 2005 Transit Security Grant Program (TSGP)

The Fiscal Year 2005 TSGP Guidelines and Application Kit is now available online at http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/fundopps.htm. The FY05 TSGP provides for security and preparedness enhancements for designated transit systems. Funding is allowed for planning, organizational activities, equipment acquisitions, training, exercises, and management and administrative costs.

New and returning users may apply for the FY 2005 TSGP by signing-in or registering for a user ID and password on the Grants Management System (GMS) available online at https://grants.ojp.usdoj.gov/. Instructions regarding electronic submissions through GMS are available at http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/fundopps.htm. Assistance with GMS may also be obtained by calling (888) 549-9901. The completed FY05 TSGP application must be submitted via GMS no later than May 6, 2005.

For additional information, e-mail TSGP@dhs.gov.

7) 2005 ASDSO Awards Program

The Association of State Dam Safety Officials (ASDSO) is currently seeking nominations for the 2005 ASDSO Awards Program. The National Rehabilitation Project of the Year award recognizes a unique remedial design that advances the state-of-the-art in the field of dam safety. The Regional Awards of Merit are given to individuals or organizations working in the dam safety field that have made outstanding contributions to dam safety on a regional level.

The deadline for nominations is June 1, 2005. Nomination forms and additional details are available at http://www.damsafety.org/ (What We Do/Awards & Honors Programs). Call (859) 257-5140 with questions.

8) Building Safety Week: May 8-14, 2005

Building Safety Week will be celebrated May 8-14 to recognize the importance of making homes and buildings safe places where people can live, work, and play. Sponsored by the International Code Council Foundation, Building Safety Week was first observed in 1980.

The theme of Building Safety Week 2005, “Making Homes, Schools, and Workplaces Safer Together,” reflects the importance of getting everyone involved in the prevention of safety and security hazards. A dedicated Web site, http://www.icc-foundation.org/news/bsw.html, provides information to educate the public and children about building safety. It also includes resources for building safety and fire prevention professionals to use in educating communities about building safety throughout the year.

9) Dissolution of the Partnership for Public Warning

Nine months after scaling back operations pending funding for the implementation of its National Strategy for Integrated Public Warning Policy and Capability, the Board of Trustees of the Partnership for Public Warning (PPW) has announced the dissolution of the organization. The PPW was created as a nonprofit consortium in December 2001 by representatives from federal, state, and local government; emergency management; private industry; academia; and others who recognized the need to identify the major challenges to improving the nation’s public warning capability and reach consensus on effective solutions and strategies.

The PPW’s accomplishments include the following:

  • Establishing the only national collaborative, public-private partnership where government, industry, and the public could work together on public warning issues
  • Focusing national attention on the need to improve America’s public warning capability
  • Developing and promoting the first standard message format for public warning-the Common Alerting Protocol
  • Conducting an assessment of the Emergency Alert System and providing recommendations for improvement
  • Evaluating the Homeland Security Advisory System and providing recommendations for developing a more effective way to communicate terrorist threat information to the public
  • Producing a consensus-based national strategy and implementation plan for creating a more effective national capability to warn and inform citizens during times of emergency

While acknowledging that there is still a vital need for public-private partnerships in the area of public warnings, the board expects that other organizations will step forward and build upon the foundation laid by the PPW.

The board thanks all the organizations and individuals who worked with the partnership to improve America’s public warning capability. The PPW’s Web site will remain available until May 31, 2005: http://ppw.us/ppw/.

10) Hazards Center Seeks Communications Specialist

Founded in 1976, the Natural Hazards Center at the University of Colorado at Boulder is an international clearinghouse of knowledge concerning the social science and policy aspects of disasters. The Center collects and shares research and experience related to preparedness for, response to, recovery from, and mitigation of disasters, emphasizing the link between hazard mitigation and sustainability to both producers and users of research and knowledge on extreme events.

The communications specialist will be responsible to the director and program manager for the effective management of the Natural Hazard Center’s special publications editing and outreach efforts. In particular, the communications specialist will perform the following duties:

  • Research, write, and distribute the Center’s Disaster Research e-newsletter
  • Manage, maintain, and update the Center’s Web site
  • Edit Center publications (both print and electronic forms) to improve clarity, consistency, and accuracy and to ensure publications meet the needs of targeted audiences
  • Assume responsibility for and coordinate the production of Center special publications, meeting deadlines and budgets
  • Coordinate the planning and implementation of communications and outreach initiatives and strategies for the Center and its programs

Preferred Qualifications:

  • A university degree in a field related to natural hazards planning, management, or research, graduate degree highly preferred
  • Prior work experience in communications or with nonprofit outreach efforts
  • Ability to edit and write a range of materials for a variety of audiences
  • Highly organized, detail-oriented, team-player with superior time management skills
  • Flexible with the ability to work in a dynamic environment
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Proficiency with Web content management and organization, as well as Dreamweaver software
  • Advanced knowledge of MSOffice Suite and Adobe Creative Suite

For more information about the Natural Hazards Center, go to http://www.colorado.edu/hazards/. Please send a resume, writing sample, and cover letter via U.S. mail to Greg Guibert, Natural Hazards Center, University of Colorado at Boulder, 482 UCB Boulder, CO 80309 or via e-mail to greg.guibert@colorado.edu by May 16, 2005. Materials will be reviewed as they are received. This is a full time position with excellent benefits and a starting salary in the mid 30's.

11) Some New Web Resources

[Below are some new or updated Internet resources we've discovered. For an extensive list of useful Internet sites dealing with hazards, see http://www.colorado.edu/hazards/resources/.]

http://wtc.nist.gov/
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has released its latest findings from the building and fires safety investigation of the World Trade Center (WTC) disaster of September 11, 2001. The findings include the final probable collapse sequence for the towers, which updates and finalizes hypotheses released by NIST in October 2004, and lessons learned from three other projects: analysis of building and fire codes and practices; occupant behavior, egress, and emergency communications; and fire service technologies and guidelines.

http://www.curee.org/CV/
The Consortium of Universities for Research in Earthquake Engineering (CUREE) has posted its membership database on its Web site. CUREE has 320 professor members in addition to its 28 member universities. The database can be searched based on specialty area and provides curriculum vitae and other information.

http://www.mipt.org/pdf/CRS_RL32803.pdf
The National Preparedness System: Issues in the 109th Congress is a new report from the Congressional Research Service available on the National Memorial Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism Web site.

http://ealert.pewclimate.org/ctt.asp?u=2965528&l=86536
A recent Pew Center on Global Climate Change workshop, Innovative Approaches to Climate Change: A State-Federal Workshop, explored states’ actions while highlighting some of the lessons learned from these efforts for state and federal policy makers. Presentations from the workshop, which included panel discussions and keynote presentations from top state environmental, energy and transportation officials, as well as representatives of industry and Congress, are available here.

http://ealert.pewclimate.org/ctt.asp?u=2965528&l=86550
The Pew Center on Global Climate Change has compiled answers to key questions raised by Michael Crichton in his latest novel State of Fear.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sn/tvradio/programmes/supervolcano/game.shtml
In conjunction with “Supervolcano,” the BBC’s factual drama that imagines how a super-eruption would devastate the planet, the network created this interactive online game that casts players as emergency managers tasked with saving communities from a volcanic eruption.

http://www.worldweather.org/
http://severe.worldweather.org/
These two Web sites on worldwide official weather forecasts and warnings, the World Weather Information Service and the Severe Weather Information Centre, developed and operated by the Hong Kong Observatory on behalf of the World Meteorological Organization, began formal operation in March.

http://www.iso.com/studies_analyses/fireProtection/
ISO (Insurance Services Office) conducted this study on fire protection in the United States, Effective Fire Protection: A National Concern, which focuses on the impact of growth to fire service delivery systems.

12) Conferences and Training

[Below are some recent announcements received by the Natural Hazards Center. A comprehensive list of upcoming hazards-related meetings and training is available from our Web site: http://www.colorado.edu/hazards/conf.html.]

Workshop on Forest Health Collaboration: The Central Rockies Workshop - Colorado, South Dakota, Wyoming. Sponsor: Western Governors’ Association. Casper, Wyoming: May 19-20, 2005. This three-state, collaborative workshop will encourage consideration about how best to collaborate on forest health issues in each of the states. Workshop attendees will have the opportunity to learn what is working around the West and what the challenges are in developing successful collaborative efforts. Technical sessions will feature community wildfire protection plans, processes for selecting fuel reduction projects, grants and available resources, stewardship contracting, and more. For more information, visit http://www.regonline.com/Checkin.asp?EventId=22172.

Emergency Communications Summit. Organizer: Performance Institute. Arlington, Virginia: June 13-15, 2005. Topics on the agenda for this conference include best practices for improving procedures, systems, and interoperability for joint public safety operations as well as updates on the latest information for NIMS and P25 standards. For more information, contact the Performance Institute, 1515 North Courthouse Road, Suite 600, Arlington, VA 22201; (703) 894-0481; http://www.performanceweb.org/CENTERS/Law_Enforcement/Events/L149/L149.pdf.

2005 MRA International Workshop and Conference on Mountain Rescue. Organizer: Mountain Rescue Association (MRA). Vail, Colorado: June 14-19, 2005. This 47th annual conference will highlight international mountain rescue affairs and feature technical, medical, leadership, and field exercises. For more information, visit http://www.vailmountainrescue.com/conf.asp.

2005 NEHA Annual Educational Conference and Exhibition. Sponsor: National Environmental Health Association (NEHA). Providence, Rhode Island: June 26-29, 2005. Conference educational programs include Terrorism and All-Hazards Preparedness, Geographic Information Systems, General Environmental Health, and Hazardous Materials and Toxic Substances. For more information, contact NEHA, 720 South Colorado Boulevard, Suite 970-S, Denver, CO 80246; (303) 756-9090; e-mail: staff@neha.org; http://www.neha.org/AEC/2005/index.shtml.

4th Annual Government Symposium on Information Sharing and Homeland Security. New Orleans, Louisiana: June 27-29, 2005. This event will bring together more than 700 leaders in the national security community and private sector to address the critical topics confronting the intelligence, law enforcement, and national security communities. It will examine where the United States stands with regard to the 9/11 Commission recommendations and how the new congressional legislation on intelligence reform and terrorism prevention is impacting the way the government collects, analyzes, and shares information. The intent is to help in closing the gaps in information sharing between the different government sectors. For more information, contact National Conference Services, 6640-C Dobbin Road, Columbia, MD 21045; e-mail: info@ncsi.com; http://federalevents.com/ishs/.

America’s Fire Expo. Organizers: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), ROC Exhibitions, “NFPA Journal Latinamericano.” Miami, Florida: July 19-21, 2005. This expo, which offers educational and networking opportunities as well as a showcase of the latest products and services, is designed for leaders and decision makers from the fire safety and security industries in Latin America, the Caribbean Basin, and the Southeastern United States. For more information, contact ROC Exhibitions, 1963 University Lane, Lisle, IL 60532; (630) 271-8210; e-mail: info@rocexhibitions.com; http://www.americasfireandsecurity.com/.

2005 Conference of the Floodplain Management Association. Sacramento, California: September 6-9, 2005. The technical component of this year’s conference, “Flood Risk Management: Structural and Non-Structural Solutions. How Much Is Enough?” will include floodplain management issues, floodplain mapping, coastal issues, postdisaster recovery, mitigation planning, public education and outreach, and more. Abstracts are due May 31, 2005. For more information, visit http://www.floodplain.org/.

APWA International Congress and Expo/The Best Show in Public Works. Sponsor: American Public Works Association (APWA). Minneapolis, Minnesota: September 11-14, 2005. This annual Public Works event will feature education sessions on emergency management, stormwater/flood control, engineering/construction management, snow and ice, and more. For more information, contact Dana Priddy or Diana Forbes at the APWA, 2345 Grand Boulevard, Suite 500, Kansas City, MO 64108; (800) 848-2792; e-mail: congress@apwa.net; http://www.apwa.net/meetings/congress/2005/.

8th Symposium of the International Association for Fire Safety Science. Organizer: China Fire Protection Association (CFPA). Beijing, China: September 18-23, 2005. This scientific conference for the global fire safety science community will feature everything from fundamental breakthroughs to new best practices. Papers and posters will be presented in all areas of fire safety science. For more information, contact CFPA, 5th Floor, No. 19A, Huawei Xili, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100021, P.R. China; +86-10-8778 9259; e-mail: iafss2005@126.com; http://2005.china-fire.com/en_index.htm#.

2005 IBHS Annual Conference on Property Loss Reduction. Organizer: Institute of Business & Home Safety (IBHS). Lake Buena Vista, Florida: October 20-21, 2005. This annual congress on property loss reduction brings together professionals in the insurance industry, emergency management, government agencies, and academic institutions to discuss the latest developments in natural hazards mitigation. For more information, contact IBHS, 4775 East Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL 33617; (813) 286-3400; e-mail: info@ibhs.org; http://www.ibhs.org/congress/.

International Technical Rescue Symposium 2005. Sponsor: Mountain Rescue Association. Fort Collins, Colorado: November 3-6, 2005. This event will bring together representatives from across the spectrum of rescue disciplines, including mountain rescue, park services, water rescue, outdoor recreation, fire service, and rescue teams to share news and views on advances in equipment and techniques, technical problems, and other issues of mutual concern. For more information, download a brochure at http://www.mra.org/ITRS_Brochure2005.pdf.

Greenhouse 2005: Action on Climate Change. Organizer: Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). Melbourne, Australia: November 13-17, 2005. Interest in climate change is high, particularly with regards to taking effective action. There is a clear need for industry, scientists, and government at all levels to work closely together to tackle this significant environmental issue. Demand is strong for the latest information on the science, the likely impacts of climate change, adaptation strategies, and approaches to reducing atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations. This conference will cover these themes as well as international issues, policy development, communication, and education. Abstracts are due August 15, 2005. For more information, e-mail: info@greenhouse2005.com; http://www.greenhouse2005.com/.

13) Jobs, Jobs, Jobs

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Emergency Management Director
Pasco County, Florida

General Description: Responsible managerial, planning, operations, and administrative work in coordinating and promoting a countywide comprehensive emergency management program and for organizing plans for emergency preparedness, response, and recovery operations for all natural, technological, and manmade hazards affecting the county.

Minimum Qualifications Essential Job Functions: (Essential functions are fundamental job duties. They do not include marginal tasks, which are also performed but are incidental to the primary functions.) Develops and implements the county’s emergency management system. Develops policy and programs for emergency management. Coordinates multihazard preplanning activities, as well as emergency response activities for all public, private, and volunteer agencies within the jurisdiction. Develops, updates, and performs periodic testing of plans that will minimize the effects of disasters within the county. Makes periodic and special reports of activities and accomplishments. Provides oversight and funding support to the multiagency Hazardous Incident Team (HIT). Develops and implements budgets that include multiple state and federal grants. Maintains liaison with other county, state, and federal agencies responding to hazards that are multijurisdictional in nature. Represents the county in matters pertaining to hazardous materials, planning, and response, as related to the federal regulations (SARA Title III Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know). Represents local government interests on the Regional Domestic Security Task Force. Represents local government interests in development of legislation as it pertains to emergency management. Coordinates emergency response and recovery operations for all hazards affecting the county. Develops and delivers public information programs. Performs related work as required.

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills: Possess a high level of initiative, proven leadership skills, and a willingness to accept responsibility for direction of a team effort. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, officials, civic groups, and the general public. Ability to conduct effective public relations programs relating to emergency management. Knowledge of local and state laws and regulations relative to organizing and maintaining an emergency management program. Knowledge of the technical, tactical, and educational techniques involved in the development of an emergency management program. Knowledge of organizational techniques. Skilled in the detailed preparation of plans and operating procedures. Considerable working knowledge of the Incident Command System and National Incident Management System. Strong working knowledge of emergency response strategies and tactics. Demonstrate continuous and current training in emergency operations. Must be available and prepared to respond to any emergency/disaster or potential emergency, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Physical Skills: Ability to communicate effectively using speaking, hearing, writing, and vision skills.

Education, Training, and Experience: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor’s degree in emergency management, business or public administration, or a related field. Five years of responsible experience in leading an emergency management program for county government, large business, military organization, civil defense, or other governmental agency concerned with the development, maintenance, or implementation of plans for emergency management functions during a natural or manmade disaster. Public sector experience preferred. A comparable amount of directly related experience may be substituted for the minimum educational requirements.

Licenses, Certifications, or Registrations: Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) designation from the International Association of Emergency Management (IAEM) preferred. Must possess a valid driver’s license.

NOTE: A Pasco County job application must be submitted via U.S. mail or in person. Go to http://www.pascocountyfl.net/ to view current job listings and closing dates, for a job application, and for mailing address. Pasco County is an equal opportunity employer.

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Watershed Manager/Trainer
Southeast Watershed Forum, Nashville, Tennessee

The Southeast Watershed Forum is looking for a water quality specialist to assist in developing and conducting community watershed training workshops throughout the region. A background and a minimum of five years experience in pollution source assessments, stormwater best management practices, consensus building, facilitation, strategic planning, and intergovernmental water quality programs is recommended. This person will provide technical reviews and evaluations of local planning efforts, and design programs and processes to assist in local land use planning initiatives. Position can be full time or part time. Salary is commensurate with experience.

The application deadline is June 30, 2005. E-mail resumes and inquiries to seforum@southeastwaterforum.org. Find out more about the Southeast Watershed Forum at http://southeastwaterforum.org/.

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Homeland Security Faculty Position
Vincennes University, Indiana

Vincennes University, a comprehensive community college located in Vincennes, Indiana, invites applications for the position of department chair and assistant/associate professor of Homeland Security and Public Safety. This is a nine-month, tenure-track position with full benefits. Competitive salary will be based upon preparation, qualifications, and experience.

Vincennes University will begin offering limited bachelor of science degrees in the 2005-2006 academic year. The Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Public Safety is one of the new degrees to begin in the fall semester. This is the first Bachelor of Science degree in Homeland Security and Public Safety to be offered in the state of Indiana. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is a self-starter and wants to get in on the ground floor in developing this new program. The degree program is designed to funnel graduates from seven associate degree programs in the Law and Safety Department into the bachelor’s degree program.

Duties: Primary teaching duties include undergraduate-level courses in homeland security and emergency management. Nonteaching duties include curriculum and program development, advisement, professional development activities, administering the department and its equipment, student recruitment, and serving on departmental, divisional, and university committees.

Qualifications: Candidates must possess at least a master's degree in homeland security and/or emergency management or a closely related discipline, with a PhD preferred. Candidates must also possess demonstrated work experience in the area of emergency management and/or homeland security. Prior teaching experience in higher education is strongly preferred. Strong communication skills are very important as this position will require one to work with the local Emergency Management Agency and State Emergency Management Agency.

Founded in 1801, Vincennes University is a comprehensive, residential community college located in historic Vincennes, Indiana. In addition to its well-established, high-quality campus, the University has branch campuses and extensive distance learning programs. A full range of transfer and technical/occupational programs is offered, and the university draws students from every Indiana county as well as from many states and foreign countries.

Screening of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Applicants should submit a letter of interest, vita, copies of transcripts, and contact information for five professional references. Completed applications are to be sent to Director of Human Resources, Vincennes University, 1002 North First Street, Vincennes, IN 47591. For additional information or questions, contact Dean Burgei at Dburgei@vinu.edu; http://www.vinu.edu/.

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Director of Projects
Applied Technology Council, Redwood City, California

The Applied Technology Council (ATC) is seeking an experienced full-time structural engineering professional to manage and supervise ATC’s technical projects, which cover a broad range of topics in structural engineering and hazard mitigation. This is a key position within ATC’s management and organizational structure with promotion potential. Responsibilities include (1) supervision and management of project personnel, (2) technical proposal development, (3) report review and technical writing, (4) supervision and execution of quality control of ATC product and report development activities, and (5) presentations on ATC projects and products at technical meetings and conferences. The position location is Redwood City, California (San Francisco Bay area). Salary for the position is negotiable and will be commensurate with qualifications and prior experience.

Qualifications and desired expertise for the position include demonstrated leadership skills and experience; postgraduate degree(s) in civil (structural) engineering, and/or a professional license as a civil or structural engineer; experience in supervising and managing structural engineering and technical personnel and projects; research and development experience in fields related to extreme loads, such as earthquake, wind, and blast; demonstrated success in preparing technical proposals and winning competitive projects; ability to facilitate discussion and consensus among high-level technical specialists; and substantial demonstrated experience in preparing, publishing, and presenting technical reports and papers.

Superior English verbal and writing skills and proficiency in the use of computer spreadsheet and word processing software are required.

A complete job description can be downloaded from http://www.atcouncil.org/rel033105.shtml. Persons interested in applying for the position should send six copies of a letter summarizing their qualifications, along with a complete resume, to the Applied Technology Council, 201 Redwood Shores Parkway, Suite 240, Redwood City, California 94065; (650) 595-1542; Fax: (650) 593-2320; e-mail: crojahn@atouncil.org). Applications are due May 31, 2005. Applied Technology Council is an equal opportunity employer.

Questions for the readership and contributions to this e-newsletter are encouraged. Questions and messages should be indicated as such and sent to hazctr@colorado.edu.

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