Resource Management Unit Contract Specialist | HEALTH PROGRAM SPECIALIST I

The Center for Preparedness and Response (CPR) within the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is a critical center dedicated to safeguarding the health and well-being of Californians during public health emergencies. CPR coordinates statewide preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts for events such as natural disasters, disease outbreaks, bioterrorism, and other emergencies impacting public health.

Through robust planning, collaboration with local health departments, and partnerships with federal, state, and community organizations, CPR ensures readiness to manage and mitigate health threats effectively. Its responsibilities include developing emergency response plans, training health professionals, conducting exercises to test response capabilities, and providing resources and guidance to strengthen California’s public health infrastructure. By fostering resilience and preparedness, CPR plays a vital role in protecting the state’s diverse populations from evolving health challenges.

“The salary information listed on this advertisement may not reflect recent salary increases from salary adjustments or changes in the fiscal year.”  

“CDPH is an E-Verify Employer”  
Department Website: https://www.cdph.ca.gov

The Resource Management Unit Contract Specialist (Health Program Specialist I) serves as a subject matter expert in contract development and procurement for the Center for Preparedness and Response. This position is responsible for analyzing, negotiating, and preparing complex contracts, purchase orders, and service orders while ensuring compliance with State Contracting Manual (SCM), Department of General Services (DGS) policies, and departmental guidelines. Key duties include providing technical assistance to staff, developing scopes of work and budgets, monitoring contract performance, reconciling invoices, and maintaining accurate fiscal and procurement records. The incumbent also participates in procurement processes such as Requests for Proposals (RFP), scoring, and negotiations, while offering guidance on resolving vendor issues. Additional responsibilities include preparing reports, policy documents, and correspondence, as well as attending meetings and training sessions to support strategic planning and maintain program knowledge.

In July 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025. This program temporarily reduces employees’ monthly base pay in exchange for paid leave credits. This position is subject to PLP 2025 and will have a monthly base pay reduction of 3% in exchange for 5 hours of leave credits through June 2027. The salary ranges shown on this job posting do not reflect the salary reduction.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• HEALTH PROGRAM SPECIALIST I

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Strong knowledge in contract development and management, including drafting Scopes of Work (SOW), budgets, and deliverables for complex procurements.
• Ability to analyze and reconcile invoices and budgets, ensuring accuracy and allowability.
• Proficiency in developing and maintaining tracking systems and databases for contracts, invoices, and fiscal management using tools like Excel.
• Experience providing technical guidance and resolving complex procurement issues, including negotiations and vendor disputes.
• Strong communication (oral and written) and stakeholder engagement skills, including preparing policy letters, reports, and presenting updates to management and partners.
• Ability to plan and participate in procurement processes, such as Requests for Proposals (RFP), scoring, and contract negotiations.

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included.

https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobPosting.aspx?JobControlId=512448

At the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), equity, diversity, and inclusion are at the core of our mission to advance the health and well-being of California’s diverse people and communities. We are genuinely and strongly committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness where we can grow and learn together with a diverse team of employees. In recruiting for team members, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring to us and the work we do.

About California Department of Public Health

At the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), equity, diversity, and inclusion are at the core of our mission to advance the health and well-being of California’s diverse people and communities. We are genuinely and strongly committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness where we can grow and learn together with a diverse team of employees. In recruiting for team members, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring to us and the work we do.The Human Resources Division (HRD) partners with CDPH’s programs and management to provide guidance and consultative services on HR matters that are necessary for the Department to carry out its mission to deliver quality public health services.

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