Emergency Services Coordinator

Are you ready to shape the future of emergency preparedness across California? The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is looking for a dynamic, mission-driven Emergency Services Coordinator (ESC) to join the Emergency Support Functions Planning Unit (EFPU). In this key planning role, you will lead the development of state emergency plans, author vital guidance on public health and extreme temperature planning, and serve as the primary liaison between state, federal, tribal, and local partners to protect California communities.

About the role

The Emergency Support Functions Planning Unit (EFPU) collaborates with federal, state, tribal, local, and whole-community partners to develop and maintain key statewide emergency plans, annexes, and policy guidance—including the California State Emergency Plan (SEP), California Emergency Support Functions (CA-ESFs), public health and medical, mass care, education, animal/agricultural planning, and state Administrative Orders.

Under the general direction of the Program Manager I, the Emergency Services Coordinator (ESC) works with minimal oversight to lead complex, sensitive emergency planning projects and support Planning Division goals.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a subject matter expert in emergency planning
• Facilitate interagency coordination and collaboration
• Draft and review technical work products, including state emergency plans and guidance documents
• Analyze legislation impacting emergency management
• Mentor staff and provide guidance on planning initiatives
• Deliver formal presentations and conduct training sessions
• Build and participate in emergency preparedness exercises
• Lead multi-agency committees and statewide workgroups
• Develop actionable disaster response strategies from policy

Requirements

• Strong written communication skills, including drafting guidance, analyzing legislation, and ensuring digital document accessibility (Section 508 compliance)
• Demonstrated ability to serve as a project lead with minimal oversight
• Experience delivering formal presentations, conducting training, and representing an organization in exercises or emergency activations
• Proven ability to lead multi-agency committees and facilitate statewide workgroups
• Experience developing or updating state or local emergency management plans, particularly in public health, mass care, extreme temperature, emergency drinking water, or animal response
• Working knowledge of the Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS), National Incident Management System (NIMS), California Emergency Support Functions (CA-ESFs), and/or the California State Emergency Plan

Working Conditions

• This is an in-office position; hybrid telework is not available
• Participation in the DMV Pull Program is required; a valid Driver’s License is necessary
• This position is designated under the Conflict of Interest Code and requires completion of Form 700 within 30 days of appointment

Benefits

• Free parking
• On-site gym and locker room
• Electric carport
• Excellent CalPERS state pension plan
• 401(k) and 457(b) retirement plans
• Flexible schedules
• Generous paid time off
• Health, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families
• Career development opportunities
• Convenient location near local eateries, financial institutions, and Light Rail Station

Cal OES is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture by hiring and retaining individuals from a variety of backgrounds and personal experiences. Employees are empowered with the tools and resources necessary to meet the mission while expanding equity and inclusion efforts at all levels of the organization.