1) Reminder: 2008 Quick Response Research Program Call for Proposals
The Natural Hazards Center is soliciting proposals for the next round of Quick Response (QR) grants. These small grants are intended to enable social and behavioral science researchers from the United States to conduct short-term studies immediately following a disaster. Grants average between $1,000 and $3,500 and are intended to cover food, travel, and lodging expenses.
If, during the course of the next year, a disaster matching an applicant’s preapproved proposal occurs, the grant can be activated and the researcher is able to immediately travel to the site. Grantees are required to submit a report of their findings to be shared with the hazards community. Reports are published by the Natural Hazards Center and are available free online.
Proposals for natural, technological, and human-induced events are considered for funding. Physical science- and engineering-based proposals are not eligible. To learn more about the program and to find out how to apply, visit www.colorado.edu/hazards/research/qr/, or request a program announcement from Corey Reynolds at (303) 492-4180 or corey.reynolds@colorado.edu. The deadline for proposal submission is October 26, 2007. Only complete proposals that meet all of the criteria outlined in the 2008 announcement will be considered.
2) Reminder: Call for Session Ideas: 2008 Annual Hazards Research and Applications Workshop
The Natural Hazards Center invites proposals for session topics for the 2008 Annual Hazards Research and Applications Workshop. Proposed session topics will provide guidance to the Center as it plans and prepares next year’s program. Session ideas may be modified, combined, or otherwise altered by the Center, and submission of a topic does not guarantee inclusion in the program.
The annual workshop is designed to bring members of the research and applications communities together for face-to-face networking and discussion of cutting-edge issues related to hazards and disasters and society’s efforts to deal with them. It provides a dynamic, provocative, and challenging forum for the diverse opinions and perspectives of the hazards community.
To submit a session idea, go to www.colorado.edu/hazards/workshop/current.html. Session topics must be submitted by November 2, 2007, to be considered.
3) Public Comment Period for Draft National Response Framework Extended
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has extended the public comment period on the draft National Response Framework (NRF) until October 22, 2007. The extended comment period provides additional time for interested parties to provide feedback on the draft document.
The NRF was posted on the DHS Web site for public comment on September 10, 2007, and it focuses on response and short-term recovery and articulates the doctrine, principles, and architecture by which our nation prepares for and responds to all-hazard disasters across all levels of government and all sectors of communities.
Individuals who wish to submit comments can obtain instructions for submission online at www.fema.gov/nrf/ or www.regulations.gov. All public comments received by DHS will be posted on the Federal Docket Management System. Comments may be viewed online by searching for docket number FEMA-007-0007 at www.regulations.gov.
4) Call for Papers: 18th World Conference on Disaster Management
The Canadian Centre for Emergency Preparedness (CCEP) is calling for presentations for the 18th World Conference on Disaster Management (WCDM). The conference will be held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto, Canada, from June 15-18, 2008.
WCDM is the premier annual event that addresses issues common to all aspects of disaster/emergency management. The conference program includes speakers from many parts of the world and provides excellent opportunities for training and networking among those in the fields of emergency planning/management, business continuity, emergency response, risk management, IT disaster recovery, disaster management research, emergency communications, emergency health, security, environmental, community planning, as well as for the organizations which supply and service these professions. The 2008 conference is expected to attract over 1,800 attendees from Canada, the United States, and from around the globe.
Presentations should fall into one or more of the following categories:
- Real Events/Lessons Learned
- Emerging Trends in Disaster Management
- The Human Element in Disaster Management
- Technical Issues/Threats
- Disaster Management Principles & Practices
- Academic//Research and Development
Presentation abstracts must be submitted by December 2, 2007.
A more detailed call for papers is available at www.wcdm.org.
Questions should be directed to Adrian Gordon at (905) 331-2552 Ext: 221 or agordon@ccep.ca.
5) Share Your Levee Education Materials
The FloodSmart Campaign of the National Flood Insurance Program is gathering resources and materials that floodplain managers find useful in educating local residents about the status of or flood risks behind levees.
Understanding levees is an important issue for many communities and educating local residents can be a challenge. Materials that you use to make this process easier would be fabulous to share with other floodplain managers nationwide, as well as others working on the local level.
All materials that are received will be considered for inclusion in a toolkit about levees currently in development. The toolkit will be distributed to local officials, public information officers, and a host of other local representatives across the country.
Please send your materials to Amanda Benedetto at FloodSmart Marketing Team, 1111 19th Street, N.W., 10th Floor, Washington, D.C. 20036 or to info@femafloodsmart.com.
6) Some New Web Resources
[Below are some new or updated Internet resources we have discovered. For an extensive list of useful Internet sites dealing with hazards, see www.colorado.edu/hazards/resources/.]
The U.S. Economic Impacts of Climate Change and the Costs of Inaction
The total economic cost of climate change in the United States will be major and nationwide in scope, but remains uncounted, unplanned for, and largely hidden in public debate, says this new study from the University of Maryland. The study pulls together and analyzes previous economic research on climate change, along with other relevant data, in order to develop a more complete estimate of costs.
National Strategy for Homeland Security
The White House recently released the National Strategy for Homeland Security. A letter from President Bush describes the document: “ As we face the dual challenges of preventing terrorist attacks in the Homeland and strengthening our Nation’s preparedness for both natural and man-made disasters, our most solemn duty is to protect the American people. The National Strategy for Homeland Security serves as our guide to leverage America’s talents and resources to meet this obligation.”
Ready.gov Instructional Videos
These Department of Homeland Security (DHS) demonstration videos, part of the Ready Campaign, highlight the specific steps older Americans, individuals with disabilities and special needs, and pet owners should take to prepare for emergencies. DHS worked with the AARP, the National Organization on Disability, and The Humane Society of the United States to develop these new emergency preparedness resources.
Pandemic Influenza: An Analysis of State Preparedness and Response Plans
This Congressional Research Service report includes an analysis of state pandemic influenza plans in eight topical areas: (1) leadership and coordination; (2) surveillance and laboratory activities; (3) vaccine management; (4) antiviral drug management; (5) other disease control activities; (6) communications; (7) healthcare services; and (8) other essential services.
Weapons of Mass Destruction, Emergency Management, and Medical Web Sites
This document is a comprehensive list of Internet sites of use for emergency planning, especially weapons of mass destruction and medical emergency planning. The list is divided into numerous sections, including special populations, mental health issues, hospitals and health facilities, and decontamination. The list will be continually updated.
Insurance for the Next Big One
This New York Times editorial calls upon Congress and the White House to ensure that insurance is available and affordable for every homeowner before the next big disaster. “The tens of millions of Americans who already live in high-risk areas must have access to insurance, and it is time for Congress and the White House to start thinking about how to make sure that happens,” the editorial reads.
A Military Guide to Terrorism in the Twenty-First Century
The U.S. Army has updated its handbook on terrorism in the 21st century. The handbook is a high-level terrorism primer that includes an overview of the history of terrorism, descriptions of terrorist behaviors and motivations, a review of terrorist group organizations, and the threat posed to forces, both in the United States and overseas. The manual is designed to be used to help train and educate personnel on terrorism.
7) Conferences, Training, and Events
[Below are some recent announcements received by the Natural Hazards Center. For a comprehensive list of upcoming hazards-related meetings, visit our Web site at www.colorado.edu/hazards/resources/conferences.html.]
4th Annual Canadian Risk and Hazards Network Symposium—Richmond, British Columbia: November 6-8, 2007. With thetheme "Practitioners and Researchers: Forging Partnerships for Disaster Resilient Communities," this year’s conference is dedicated to building disaster-resilient communities based on strong partnerships. Program highlights include resilience, protecting critical infrastructure, collaborating with communities, respecting culture and tradition in recovery, psychosocial effects on communities, assessing and mitigating risks, information and communication needs, clarifying the role of governments, sharing best practices, and preparing for public health emergencies. Visit www.jibc.ca/crhnet/.
2007 Mid-Atlantic All Hazards Forum (AHF)—Baltimore, Maryland: November 6-8, 2007. The Mid-Atlantic All Hazards Forum (AHF) is a public-private partnership of Mid-Atlantic states and private corporations. It is sponsored by the All Hazards Consortium (AHC), a new 501c3 organization formed by the Mid-Atlantic states. This grass roots, first-of-its-kind initiative is a new regional model designed to improve regional preparedness in the broad areas of homeland security and emergency management by facilitating dialogue among state government leadership and increasing interaction between all of AHF's stakeholders. See http://www.allhazardsforum.com.
American Water Resources Association (AWRA) 2007 Annual Water Resources Conference—Baltimore, Maryland: November 6-9, 2007. The 42 nd annual AWRA conference will include 240 technical and poster sessions, as well as panel sessions. This year’s conference will focus on highlighting the collaborative process, which is essential to future success, but difficult to implement. The conference will also welcome the Interstate Council on Water Policy, which will lead a technical session on collaborative networking: what works and what doesn't. Visit www.awra.org/meetings/Baltimore2006/.
FireRescue Conference & Exposition—Las Vegas, Nevada: November 7-10, 2007. The FireRescue Conference & Exposition has proven to be a vital Fire/Rescue event in the western United States. Produced in partnership with the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and sponsored by FireRescue Magazine, it provides leading manufacturers and suppliers of fire-rescue products and services with the opportunity to meet and conduct business with a unique combination of both national and local fire-rescue decision-makers. Targeting a diverse audience of fire-rescue professionals, such as company and training officers, firefighters, wildland firefighters, fire chiefs and federal disaster responders, this event offers an innovative conference program with comprehensive training “academies” and a dynamic show floor with targeted specialty pavilions. See www.firerescueexpo.com.
IBHS Annual Conference on Property Loss Reduction—Orlando, Florida: November 8-9, 2007. Sponsor: Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). This year’s conference theme is “Stronger Together.” Scheduled speakers include Bob Hartwig, president and chief economist of the Insurance Information Institute, and Alex Soto, president of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America and president of InSource Inc., Miami, FL. Visit www.ibhs.org/congress/.
Australian Earthquake Engineering Society (AEES) Conference—Wollongong, Australia: November 23-25, 2007. This conference will be held at Wollongong University and will consist of three half-days (Friday afternoon, Saturday and Sunday mornings), with each half day divided into two sessions. The conference is open to all researchers involved in earthquake engineering or engineering seismology in Australia. Potential topics will include those related to earthquake engineering and engineering seismology, as well as extreme event topics including blast, tsunami, critical infrastructure protection, emergency management, and insurance. The format will offer a blend of keynote speakers, oral presentations, and poster presentations. For more information, see www.aees.org.au.
Asia-Pacific EcoHealth Conference: Sustaining People and Places in a Changing World—Basel, Switzerland: November 26-29, 2007. This year’s conference will explore some of the key issues surrounding the interdependent relationships of humans and their environments. It will showcase the latest research and contribute to the development of partnerships to create new strategies in addressing looming ecological crises. Potential themes include cultural change in environment and health, ecological literacies in health practice, systemic thinking in environment and healthcare, and indigenous and local perspectives. Visit www.deakin.edu.au/events/ecohealth2007/.
8) Jobs, Jobs, Jobs
Assistant Professor - Department of Geography (Human-Environment Interaction)
Indiana University; Bloomington, Indiana
Research and teaching specialization is open, but we seek candidates who can contribute to our programs in atmospheric science or geographic information science. Examples include, but are not limited to, biogeography, climate impacts, hydroclimatology, land-cover change, landscape ecology, and water resources. Teaching duties include both undergraduate and graduate courses. Applicants should have or expect to receive the doctoral degree by August 2008.
Applications received by October 15, 2007 are guaranteed full consideration; the position will remain open until filled. Applicants should send a letter of application describing research and teaching interests, c.v., sample publications, and syllabi. Three letters of reference should be mailed under separate cover. Apply: Scott M. Robeson, Chair, Department of Geography, Indiana University, 701 E Kirkwood Ave, Bloomington, IN 47405-6101, USA.
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Emergency Management Coordinator
University of Central Florida; Orlando , Florida
Responsibilities:
The selected candidate will be responsible for assessing the University’s susceptibility to natural and man-made disasters, including: hurricanes, fires, hazardous materials incidents, bomb threats, nuclear, chemical or biological terrorism, and civil disorders. Work with University Police and external authorities to monitor changing circumstances to identify hazard or threat conditions, provide updated threat evaluations and determine how these threats will affect the missions of the University. Additionally, the candidate will develop and maintain the University’s Emergency Management and Continuity of Operations Plans (EMP/COOP) for managing major emergencies and disasters, integrating all roles and responsibilities across all campuses in accordance with all applicable statutes and regulations. Test and evaluate EMP/COOP by developing and conducting appropriate exercises or drills. Prepare and maintain a formal University Emergency Operations Center (EOC) manual to support the emergency plans and modify the manual annually to reflect plan changes and EOC or data alterations. Establish mutual aid agreements with community and government emergency management agencies serve as liaison to those agencies and train with them to work effectively together during an emergency. Develop education and training programs and materials to orient and instruct campus students, faculty, and staff about emergency planning and their personal responsibilities for preparedness
Qualifications:
Master’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization, or a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization and two years of appropriate experience. Emergency Management Certification is preferred.
Contact Information:
Carmen Brache
407-823-6300
Fax: 407-823-0146
eh&s@mail.ucf.edu
www.ehs.ucf.edu
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Joint Faculty Position-Coastal Policy
East Carolina University; Greenville, North Carolina
East Carolina University seeks candidates for a full-time, tenure-track position at the Associate Professor level. The will be a joint appointment within the Institute for Interdisciplinary Coastal Science and Policy (IICSP) and the applicant’s corresponding home department. This position carries a reduced teaching load commensurate with a half time appointment. The goal of IICSP is to promote research that enhances understanding of the complex interactions between human behavior and the coastal/marine environments. ICSP presently includes faculty with expertise spanning a wide range of disciplines in the natural and social sciences.
The position is broadly defined to consider all candidates with strong evidence of research in coastal policy issues. We are open as to discipline and encourage applications by individuals from across the social sciences (eg. political science, public administration, public policy, economics, sociology, anthropology, recreation/tourism, geography, or planning). The ideal candidate shall have a primary orientation in Coastal Policy as demonstrated by a strong publication record, significant external funding and a commitment to graduate education. IICSP affords the opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary setting to teach courses in the PhD Program in Coastal Resources Management.
Evaluation criteria:
Research-The successful candidate will have a significant coastal policy-oriented publication record as indicated by quantity of publications and quality of the publication outlets; evidence of external funding and a record of interdisciplinary research.
Outreach/Service-Desirable factors include evidence of professional impact through international activities, record of dissemination to wide audiences, interaction with policy-making organizations, and organization of conferences, workshops and other synergistic activities.
Teaching-Evidence of effective teaching and active involvement in all aspects of graduate education especially in an interdisciplinary setting is a plus.
East Carolina University , the third largest university in the UNC system, is a rapidly growing institution of over 26,000 students committed to excellence in research and teaching. ECU is located within North Carolina’s coastal plain and a short distance of the Albemarle-Pamlico estuarine system.
Minimum requirements for the position include a doctoral degree in a policy-relevant discipline, established publication record and relevant work experience. Appointment is expected to be at the rank of Associate Professor; however, other ranks will be considered. Salary will be competitive and commensurate with qualifications.
Please submit a letter of interest, a current curriculum vita and names and contact information of three references online. Review of applications will begin November 15, 2007 and continue until the position is filled. For additional information please contact Professor Jamie Kruse, renci@ecu.edu (252) 737-1772. To view the complete job description and submit an application, visit the website below and use keyword “coastal policy”. The position number is 29860.
East Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action University that accommodates individuals with disabilities. Individuals requesting accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should contact the Department for Disability Support Services at (252) 737-1016 (Voice/TTY).
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Policy and Outreach Coordinator
Association of State Floodplain Managers; Madison, Wisconsin
Membership in the Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) continues to expand, along with the appeals for assistance that we receive from local, state and federal entities, as well as our partners in the non-profit, academic, research, and private industry sectors. In order to better serve our members, ASFPM and the ASFPM Foundation are responding to growth needs by seeking to hire a Policy and Outreach Coordinator. This position will advance flood policy analysis and outreach, assist in writing publications, develop promotional campaigns, and support policy and program projects that lead to the reduction of flood loses throughout the nation. ASFPM is an organization that supports science-based policy. Please view the full job posting at:
www.Floods.org/Files/ASFPM_Policy_Outreach_Coord_Announcement_0907.pdf
This is a full time position which does not necessarily need to be located in the Executive Office in Madison, Wisconsin. Application closing date is Thursday, November 15, 2007.
ASFPM is a national, nonprofit, professional membership association with 11,000 members and 26 State Chapters throughout the United States.
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Program Manager II – Public Health Preparedness
National Association of County and City Health Officials; Washington, D.C.
The National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO), a national organization representing approximately 3,000 local health departments (LHDs) nationwide, has an immediate opening for a 100% FTE Program Manager to manage programs supporting the Public Health Preparedness Team, Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) Project. This position is funded through a cooperative agreement from the Office of the Surgeon General, US Department of Health and Human Services (OSG/HHS).
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
This Program Manager position is responsible for providing direct management of the MRC Cooperative Agreement funded by the Office of the Surgeon General, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, MRC Program Office. The Project Manager, in collaboration with the OSG/HHS MRC Program Office, will be responsible for establishing the overall priorities for the NACCHO Medical Reserve Corps Program and assure that the MRC Project within NACCHO is connected and integrated into the broader work of the organization and that all member needs related to public health preparedness and the Medical Reserve Corps are met.
This individual will contribute to the advancement of local public health practice by performing a variety of activities related to strategic planning and program implementation; external partner relations; internal programmatic oversight; and resource development around public health preparedness.
General responsibilities include operational oversight for project strategic planning, coordination, and evaluation; budget development and management; collaboration with internal and external partners; support to NACCHO advisory committees, other NACCHO members, and staff on project activities; serving as liaison to federal project officers and other funders; and project promotion.
NATURE OF WORK
This is a highly advanced professional position that involves frequent collaboration with fellow staff, committee and board members, funding agencies, partner organizations, and local public health agencies. The work of this position requires the exercise of discretion, sound independent judgment, and a high level of accountability. This position also requires excellent planning, interpersonal, and writing skills.
WORK DUTIES MAY INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
External: Member Support
- Ensure that public health preparedness at the local level is enhanced through NACCHO’s activities related to the MRC.
- Sustain an effective knowledge base of current preparedness programs, policies and priorities among practitioners.
- Contribute to the professional development of NACCHO’s constituency through trainings, the production of resource materials, and/or sharing of information, as determined by members’ needs.
External: Partner Relations
- Represent NACCHO at federal advisory committees, as needed.
- Liaison with other national organizations as appropriate.
- Serve as primary staff liaison with the OSG/HHS MRC Program Office and other funding agencies (and potential funding agencies), as appropriate.
- Participate, or ensure participation, in project meetings and advisory committee meetings for related initiatives in the public health community, as appropriate.
External: Technical Resource
- Serve as principal point of contact for external requests and inquiries regarding MRC issues.
- Represent NACCHO, its programs, and public health preparedness broadly at conferences, trainings, and other public events.
Internal: Strategic Oversight
- Represent MRC issues and priorities within strategic planning discussions.
- Provide leadership for long-term planning related to the MRC at NACCHO.
- Work to secure sufficient resources for NACCHO’s MRC activities.
- Ensure that NACCHO’s MRC work is consistent with its strategic plan.
Internal: Program Management
- Ensure that all program management functions are performed for NACCHO’s MRC project.
- Serve as general point of contact for MRC units on administrative or operations issues related to NACCHO’s MRC project.
- Supervise all MRC program staff.
- Develop or assist in the development of annual proposals of continuation grants for public health preparedness programs, as well as quarterly status reports required by funders.
- Develop and effectively manage project budgets and ensure fiscal requirements of cooperative agreements for the MRC project are met.
- Participate in team long-term project planning, and ensure the timely completion of project deliverables.
- Assure the coordination and preparation of written summaries of project meetings, including committee meetings and conference calls.
- Coordinate NACCHO work with that of other organizations and ensure integration of work as appropriate.
- Ensure collaboration among NACCHO, NACCHO members, various committees, partner organizations, and funding agencies for project-related work.
- Develop mechanisms for evaluating program effectiveness.
- Manage relations with contractors and member LHDs and MRC units.
- Serve as resource to program staff in ensuring that deliverables of high quality are produced in a timely fashion.
- Provide project-related technical assistance to local public health agencies, in collaboration with program staff.
Employment Standards
Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in relevant field with a minimum of five years relevant work experience, preferably in a professional office setting. Master’s Degree in Public Health or closely related field preferred.
Knowledge
- Knowledge of public health issues at the local, state, and/or federal level
- Broad knowledge of the MRC program and public health preparedness issues
- Good working knowledge of Windows XP and Microsoft Office 2000
- Strong understanding of grant management processes
- Understanding of NACCHO’s advisory and leadership structure
- Experience providing effective coaching and constructive feedback to enhance the job performance of others
- Preferred: Technical competence around MRC issues
- Preferred: Experience developing competencies and training programs based on emergency preparedness competencies for all public health workers
Abilities
- Ability to establish effective working relationships with diverse groups, and interact effectively with co-workers, board members, personnel in partner agencies, funders, and other external stakeholders
- Excellent resource development abilities
- Ability to make decisions in a timely fashion and prioritize issues and ideas in a proactive and reactive manner
- Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing
- Ability to work well under pressure
- Ability to complete tasks within assigned time frames
- Ability to balance and effectively accomplish multiple priorities
- Ability to work independently
- Ability to work effectively within a team
Skills
- Advanced grant application and management skills
- Advanced budget management skills
- Strong contract negotiation skills
- Strong program evaluation skills
- Strong meeting facilitation skills
- Excellent research skills
- Excellent training skills
- Strong organizational skills
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Strong analytical skills
- Strong attention to detail
SELECTION PROCESS: This position open to internal and external candidates wishing to be considered for these job responsibilities.
Qualified applicants should send cover letter and resume to: NACCHO, 1100 17 th Street, NW, Second Floor, Washington, DC 20036. Fax: 202-783-1583, Attn: Program Manager-MRC. Or email dpoux@naccho.org. No phone calls please.
If you or your organization would like to add a job posting here in the DR, please feel free to e-mail the information to hazctr@colorado.edu.
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.