Joshua Atkins
Tacoma,WA
Summary
Dynamic professional with 27 years of emergency management and military experience, and a proven track record of coordinating vital emergency operations, fostering community readiness, and optimizing alert systems for over 500,000 residents and first responders.
Extensive background in emergency response, training, and collaboration with partners allows for coordinated initiatives that yield sustained benefits in my current role as Alert and Warning Coordinator at Pierce County Emergency Management.
Strategically aligned to enhance and promote departmental mission through collaborative planning, community empowerment, and impactful engagement within county emergency management sector.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Alert and Warning Coordinator
Pierce County Department of Emergency Management
Tacoma, WA
12.2018 - Current
- Manages diverse software and hardware systems tailored for mass notification, encompassing training, database management, and technical support, allowing Pierce County Emergency Management and partner agencies to inform over 500,000 employees, first responders, and residents regarding emerging hazards.
- Serves in the department's Duty Officer program, providing 24/7 responsiveness to community issues and support for partner agencies, including hazardous material releases, equipment resource requests, and search-and-rescue activities. Manages training and operational guidelines for the same.
- Coordinates the upkeep, training, and deployment of department resources necessary to support community and first responder needs for training and exercise, mass care, and incident command.
- Serves as Operations Section Chief during Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activations to coordinate situational awareness, resource and response activities, and public messaging during emergencies.
- Coordinates and evaluates emergency management programs to enhance community preparedness, response strategies, and practices.
- Orchestrated the scope of work and vendor collaboration during a digital infrastructure enhancement at Pierce County EOC, encompassing nearly $100,000 in grant funding.
- Managed program execution throughout a series of upgrades to county's Outdoor Warning System (OWS) sirens, totaling nearly 2 million dollars, fostering inclusive and equitable warning systems for residents and visitors.
- Functioned as interim department EOC manager, facilitating over four months of continuous operations during the county’s COVID-19 response, alongside activation for civil demonstrations, regularly scheduled staff training, and communications systems upgrades.
Lead Service Attendant
AMTRAK/National Railroad Passenger Corporation
Seattle, WA
03.2018 - 08.2018
- Oversaw and guided a team of food and wait staff, ensuring efficient food and beverage service to Amtrak passengers.
- Managed protection, sale, secure handling, and financial tracking of organizational funds and property.
- Operated on and around rail equipment, per Federal Railroad Administration safety standards.
- Maintained cleanliness of rail car interiors in compliance with Food and Drug Administration, and Amtrak service standards.
- Suggested and explained recommended services to meet customer needs and resolve specific issues.
Medical Care Supervisor
United States Army
, Worldwide
02.1998 - 02.2018
- Coordinated the prioritization and execution of emergency and routine medical care, while overseeing the administrative management of medical treatment facilities with a licensed provider.
- Managed training, professional growth, and medical preparedness of uniformed service members.
- Oversaw evaluation and treatment for upwards of 500 patients per month, offering emergency medical care, conducting routine examinations, managing vaccine administration, and directing mass casualty triage.
- Planned and conducted training sessions for uniformed service members on the principles and application of critical medical care, certifying over 350 first responders.
- Directed agency efforts for medical wellness screening and mobilization readiness, achieving over 90% reduction in patient return visits.
- Planned and led medical outreach and security operations in high-risk areas, establishing multiple care facilities for the benefit of communities in host nations.
- Served as lead instructor for training programs on stress reduction and substance abuse, facilitating over 1,000 patient interactions.
- Assessed individuals or groups for behavioral health needs, supporting immediate interventions that address mental health and substance abuse difficulties, and leading discussions oriented toward trauma recovery.
Education
Associate of Science - Health Science
Purdue Global
FEMA - Incident Command System -
Emergency Management Institute
Skills
- Critical response coordination
- Alert systems management
- Emergency preparedness trainer
- Logistics management
- Guideline implementation
- Risk mitigation employment
- Training program oversight
- Information analysis
- Community engagement
- Advanced leadership
- Dispute resolution training
- Advanced trauma training
Professional Development
- Advanced Leadership and Management Course, United States Army
- Introductory Leadership and Management Course, United States Army
- Medical Operations and Planning Management Course, United States Army
Timeline
Alert and Warning Coordinator
Pierce County Department of Emergency Management
12.2018 - Current
Lead Service Attendant
AMTRAK/National Railroad Passenger Corporation
03.2018 - 08.2018
Medical Care Supervisor
United States Army
02.1998 - 02.2018
Associate of Science - Health Science
Purdue Global
FEMA - Incident Command System -
Emergency Management Institute