Preparedness Exercise Specialist

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.

Employee Benefits:

DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.

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Functional Title: Preparedness Exercise Specialist 
Job Title: Emerg Mgt Program Coord II 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Hlth Emer Preparedness Respons 
Posting Number: 14858 
Closing Date: 03/26/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Management 
Salary Range: $4,801.16 - $6,281.33 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-22 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework:  
Travel: Up to 30% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 1100 W 49TH ST (RBB) 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 0518,1730,1732,5702,5711,14N,14NX,19ZX,1C3X1,1C5X1,1N0X1,38A,38B,38FX,3E9X1,514B,5I0,5IX,612X,712X 
740A,74A,74D,86M0,8C000,OAR10,OAR11,OAR12,OAR18,OS,OSS 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

Under the general direction of the Preparedness Branch Manager, performs highly visible advanced consultative services and technical assistance work for the Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) and Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP). Work involves planning, developing, implementing and evaluating public health preparedness and response exercises following Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) guidance. Provides consultative services and technical assistance to public and private partners, stakeholders, and local and state agencies in the development of integrated drills and exercises relating to health and medical activities. Regularly interacts with a variety of stakeholders, including executive leadership, and may represent the program at local, regional and state meetings, committees, or workgroups. Works closely and coordinates with other teams in the Center for Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Section. Develops and maintains a working relationship with the Texas Division of Emergency Management training and exercise team, as well as other state level response agencies and stakeholders. Actively participates in public health emergency/disaster response which may include on-call duty and/or alternate work schedule. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

This position actively participates in the State Medical Operations Center (SMOC) or State Operations Center (SOC) during disaster response and/or recovery efforts and completes all training and exercise requirements. CHEPR supports DSHS’ mission of providing response support to the State Medical Operations Center and/or State Operations Center, requires staff to report onsite within two hours, and the ability to work 12-14 hour shifts. Disaster response activations can require working in-person, 7-days a week, for as long as 2-4 weeks, or more.

This position is 100% grant funded and is contingent on grant funding.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

(35%) Oversees the development, strategic planning, implementation, tracking, coordination, logistic support and evaluation of an integrated, statewide program of public health and medical (ESF-8) related drills and exercises. Work involves designing developing, and coordinating diverse types of exercises, including seminars, workshops, tabletops, games, drills, functional and full-scale exercises. Consults and collaborates with regional and local public health departments, the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), other state and federal agencies as well as other public and/or private entities to ensure coordinated exercise efforts in order to optimize investment of time and financial resources. Serves as primary point of contact with contractors employed by DSHS to develop and manage preparedness and response exercises. Supports and/or facilitates After Action Report (AAR) and Improvement Planning (IP) activities. Coordinates and manages production and content of After Action Reports and summaries for exercises and real-world incidents at the state level, including development, review, synthesis, editing, distribution and storage. Assists with the writing of the Integrated Preparedness Plan (IPP) for the Center for Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Section and ensures submission to the federal reporting platform. Ensures exercise activities are consistent with federal guidelines including, but not limited to the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP).

(30%) Regularly interacts with partners and may represent the program at local, regional and state level meetings, committees, or workgroups. Works with, and makes presentations to, community organizations, professional groups, and other governmental agencies to establish effective exercise design for evaluating public health and hospital preparedness program plans. Works with partners to offer technical assistance in exercise design, development and after action activities.

(25%) Works with partners and stakeholders to coordinate, improve, and stimulate interest in exercise programs integrating public health and medical activities with other all-hazards emergency preparedness efforts. Responds to special requests and assignments from Section, Division and Agency leadership, including, but not limited to, active participation in Center for Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Section workgroups, agency committees, and interagency workgroups. Participation in these activities may involve creating written documents and providing information or other public health preparedness expertise.

(10%) Other duties as assigned may include active participation during a disaster response and/or recovery effort in the State Medical Operations Center and/or TDEM State Operations Center, serving in a supporting role during a disaster response and/or recovery effort, and assisting in work to maintain continuity of operations of the agency during a disaster response and/or recovery effort. These response/recovery activities may require an alternate work schedule.  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of local, state and federal public health agencies.

Knowledge of emergency management and public health.

Knowledge of strategic planning processes and tools.

Knowledge of the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program.

Knowledge of program planning, implementation and evaluation. Knowledge of diverse types of exercises Knowledge of Emergency Support Function-8.

Knowledge of structure of public health agencies, administrations and management.

Skill in designing effective drills and exercises. Skill in effective customer service.

Skill in synthesizing and analyzing complex information for a variety of purposes and from a variety of sources.

Skill in project management. Skill in problem identification, analysis and resolution.

Skill in conducting needs assessments.

Skill in accurate and effective written and verbal communication in English. Skill in public speaking.

Skill in providing technical assistance to a variety of stakeholders.

Skill in organizing and prioritizing workload and meeting deadlines to accomplish a number of simultaneous tasks.

Skill in use of Microsoft Office applications. Skill developing objectives.

Ability to plan and conduct effective meetings.

Ability to organize and prioritize workload, establish goals and objectives, and to meet deadlines.

Ability to prepare written reports.

Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing in English.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, management, the public, stakeholders, government officials and partners.

Ability to present complex information to a variety of audiences.

Ability to assemble, summarize and interpret pertinent technical literature.

Ability to identify problems and implement appropriate solutions.

Ability to work independently, exercising sound and rational judgment.

Ability to initiate projects.

Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.  

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

None

Initial Screening Criteria:

1. At least one year of experience or a bachelor’s degree in public health, healthcare or emergency management. 
2. Experience designing, developing, conducting and/or evaluating public health, medical, healthcare, or emergency management exercises  
3. Experience writing complex procedures, guidelines or reports

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility:

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.  Download the I-9 form