Careers | Sussex County, DE Division of Emergency Management

Employment with the Division of Emergency Management

Prospective Employee,

Thank you for your interest in the Sussex County Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management. Our team is dedicated to enhancing the preparedness, resilience, and safety of Sussex County through emergency planning, disaster response, mitigation, recovery, public education, and collaboration with local, state, and federal partners.

As a member of our Emergency Management team, you would play a vital role in coordinating resources before, during, and after emergencies to help protect the lives and property of our residents and visitors. We seek professionals who demonstrate integrity, initiative, critical thinking, and a commitment to public service while thriving in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Whether supporting disaster preparedness initiatives, coordinating emergency operations, managing grants, conducting training and exercises, or strengthening community resilience, employees of the Division of Emergency Management are committed to making Sussex County safer and better prepared for the future.

We appreciate your interest in joining our team and encourage you to check back regularly for future employment opportunities.

Emergency Management Internship

Learn. Participate. Make an Impact.

The Sussex County Division of Emergency Management Internship Program gives students an opportunity to put classroom knowledge into practice while working alongside emergency management professionals.

Interns contribute to real projects involving emergency planning, preparedness, training, exercises, community outreach, and coordination with local and state partners.

Interested in gaining hands-on experience in emergency management?

The Sussex County Division of Emergency Management accepts Internship Interest Forms on a continuing basis from students interested in future internship opportunities.

Internship opportunities are based on the current needs and availability of the Division. Submitting an interest form is not a formal application and does not guarantee internship placement.

If your interests, qualifications, and availability align with a potential opportunity, a member of our team may contact you to discuss next steps, including the formal Sussex County Human Resources process.

Apply Today

What You’ll Experience

Interns gain exposure to many areas of local emergency management, which may include:

Emergency planning and Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) projects
Training and exercises
Resource and capability planning
CERT activities
Municipal and community coordination
Public education and outreach
Meetings with emergency management partners
Special projects and initiatives

Interns may participate in activities at the Sussex County Public Safety Complex, DEMA, community locations, and other settings depending on current projects.

What We Expect

Interns are expected to be professional, dependable, organized, and willing to learn. Strong communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills are important, along with the ability to work independently and appropriately handle sensitive information.

Benefits That Support a Career

A career with Sussex County Emergency Management is more than a paycheck. Our compensation and benefits are designed to provide employees with stability today while helping them build a long-term career and prepare for the future. From competitive pay and comprehensive healthcare to paid leave, education benefits, and a defined-benefit pension, Sussex County provides a benefits package that supports our employees and their families throughout their careers and into retirement.

Paid Time Off

The benefits package provides substantial paid leave throughout the year. Employees accrue:

15 hours of sick leave per month
15 hours of vacation leave per month
15 hours of holiday leave per month
- Holiday bank payout opportunities yearly

That equals 45 hours of leave accrued each month across the three leave categories, before considering the additional holiday bank payout benefit.

Education & Additional Benefits

Sussex County also invests directly in employees who want to continue developing professionally.

Employees are eligible for tuition reimbursement of 75% of the cost of a course, up to $1,500 per fiscal year. The County also provides education bonuses, reimbursement for critical-care certifications, and paid training.

All uniforms are supplied, including Class A uniforms, and training is paid. Employees also have opportunities to participate in specialty teams and committees, providing additional avenues for involvement and professional growth.

Health & Insurance Benefits

Sussex County provides comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for full-time employees and their families, with employee premiums paid on a biweekly basis. For FY2027, employees may choose between Silver and Gold medical plans, allowing them to select the level of coverage that best fits their needs.

Dental

Effective January 1, 2026

Employee Only: $3.23 per paycheck
Employee + 1: $6.92 per paycheck
Employee + 2 or More: $13.85 per paycheck

Vision

Effective January 1, 2026

Employee Only: $1.85 per paycheck
Employee + 1: $3.69 per paycheck
Employee + 2 or More: $7.39 per paycheck

Equal Employment Opportunity

In accordance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, it is the policy of the Sussex County Department of Public Safety to prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or political or religious affiliations. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities and fostering a workplace that values diversity, inclusion, and respect for all employees.