Administrative Specialist , Emergency Preparedness
ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST (EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS)
The Circuit Executive’s Office of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit is accepting
applications for the position of Administrative Specialist (Emergency Preparedness). Applications are
being accepted through July 31, 2018 or until the position is filled. A cover letter with a resume and a self edited
writing sample of no more than five pages should be mailed to:
Cheryl Vessels
Assistant Circuit Executive for Human Resources
United States Court of Appeals
for the Eleventh Circuit
56 Forsyth Street, NW
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
The selected candidate will be subject to a background investigation as a condition of employment.
Reimbursement for expenses associated with interview(s) and/or relocation is not available.
POSITION SUMMARY: The Administrative Specialist (Emergency Preparedness) reports directly to the
Assistant Circuit Executive (ACE) for Project Management. The principal responsibilities of the position are
to develop, implement, and monitor the emergency preparedness plans and assist with coordination and
guidance regarding administrative functions within the Eleventh Circuit. Functions include, but are not
limited to project management, emergency preparedness planning and coordination, security coordination,
and general court administration.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Develop, plan, and implement a wide range of Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) and/or
Occupant Emergency Programs (OEPs) practices/programs; analyze and resolve difficult and
complex issues related to these programs.
Oversee the bi-annual emergency preparedness drills, comprehensively review the OEPs and
evaluates emergency preparedness drills and exercises in accordance with policies and procedures.
Develop, write and evaluate plans and procedures to mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover
from emergencies.
Serve as the primary contact for emergency planning.
Plan, coordinate, and provide education and training relative to emergency concepts, principles, and
staff roles/responsibilities.
Review and make recommendations concerning court building occupant emergency plans, continuity
of operations plans, disaster recovery plans, related secondary programs and contingency operations,
building evacuations and the emergency notification system, including maintaining updated plans.
Exercise aspects of administrative control of a wide variety of complex, time-sensitive nonjudicial
projects and activities (both recurring and unique) of the court of appeals of the circuit by
researching, developing, coordinating, overseeing, scheduling, and distributing final products.
Consult with judges, senior managers, and staff of the courts throughout the circuit relating to the
business and administration of the courts within the circuit and provide advice, guidance, and
appropriate recommendations to the Court of Appeals and the judicial council of the circuit as
requested.
Provide advice, guidance, and consultation to the chief circuit judge when requested.
Arrange and set up meeting rooms and compile meeting materials for meetings of the judicial
council, court executives, and administrative staff when requested.
Consult with court unit executives concerning the broad range of security of persons, records,
automation systems, and facilities to obtain and provide information, and to provide advice and
guidance related to the numerous emergency preparedness plans.
Draft and recommend strategies to influence authorities and facilitate decision making concerning
individual and facility security and complex emergency preparedness issues.
Keep abreast of educational opportunities and trends in individual security protections and
emergency preparedness.
Serve as liaison to the United States Marshals Service, the Federal Protective Service, local and
national law enforcement agencies, and the Administrative Office of the United States Courts on all
matters related to court security, individual and facility protections.
Assist with the planning and coordination of special court events such as dedications, investitures,
portrait ceremonies, working luncheons, dinners, retirement celebrations, and holiday functions,
which involve multiple judicial officers as participants.
Assist with the planning and coordination of special events held in the Tuttle Building with other
agencies or civic organizations that involve judicial officer participation.
Serve as liaison with City officials and private entities with regard to street closures to ensure
unobstructed access to the Tuttle and Godbold buildings.
Direct and coordinate administrative staff for special events such as building dedications,
investitures, portrait ceremonies, retirement celebrations, and holiday functions when requested.
Perform other functions within the Circuit Executive’s Office as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS: A minimum of three years of progressively responsible
administrative experience which demonstrates the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully
perform the duties of this position. At least one year of experience must be equivalent to work at
classification level 26 (CL-26). Experience working in a legal and/or court environment, particularly
appellate courts and/or federal courts is desirable.
Program/project management expertise involving developing, implementing, and monitoring emergency
preparedness plans as well as coordinating administrative functions desirable. Occasional overnight travel
required within the circuit. The candidate must have the ability to perform physical work such as lifting and
moving of files, materials, furniture and equipment (approximately 50 pounds) is required.
The successful candidate must have the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, as
well as the ability to digest a substantial quantity of oral and written materials and produce clear, concise,
and accurate written work project; exceptional organizational skills and a strong sense of personal and
professional integrity; demonstrated ability to research and analyze data; skill in meeting planning and
coordination; ability to independently coordinate various court events at the expected standards held in a
number of cities throughout the circuit. Further, the candidate must be able to exercise initiative on a daily
basis, work independently, interact cooperatively with other staff and court personnel. Excellent computer
skills and a desire to engage in technology are essential. Skill in using a variety of software applications
(Word, Excel, Adobe Acrobat) is required.
The substantial amount of interpersonal communication required in the fulfillment of the duties and
responsibilities of the position makes it necessary that the candidate manifest the highest degree of
professionalism, poise, courtesy and tact at all times. The candidate must have the ability to consistently
demonstrate integrity, sound ethics, exercise mature judgment and possess the ability to maintain strict
confidentiality of all court matters.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: Applicants must be United States citizens or eligible to work
for the federal government. All applicant information is subject to verification. The appointment is
provisional and contingent upon the satisfactory completion and approval of a ten-year background
investigation with periodic updates every five years thereafter. It is the policy of this court that all new
personnel are hired for a twelve-month initial probationary period, at the end of which time their work
and progress will be evaluated. All court employees are required to adhere to a Code of Conduct for
Judicial Employees, copies of which are available upon request. Employees of the United States
Circuit Court are considered “at-will” employees, and, as such, may be terminated with or without
cause. The Office of Personnel Management civil service position classification standards and appeal
procedures do not apply to federal court employees. The Federal Financial Reform Act requires direct
deposit of federal wages for court employees.
THE UNITED STATES COURTS ARE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS