Local Emergency Preparedness Coordinator

About this Role

The Health Program Specialist I (HPS I) serves as a Local Emergency Preparedness Coordinator within the Center for Preparedness and Response, supporting statewide public health emergency readiness initiatives. This position provides technical program consultation to local health jurisdictions (LHJs) on Public Health Emergency Preparedness, Hospital Preparedness Program, and Pandemic Influenza activities. The HPS I reviews, monitors, and analyzes LHJ work plans, performance measures, and preparedness efforts to ensure compliance with federal and state requirements. This role includes delivering technical assistance, training, and communication to LHJs, as well as preparing programmatic reports that identify best practices, challenges, and areas for improvement. The incumbent collaborates with local, regional, and state partners to assess preparedness gaps and recommend strategies to strengthen emergency response capabilities. The position also conducts annual site visits, facilitates regional meetings, and participates in emergency operations as needed.

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.

Key Responsibilities

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 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.”   

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

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 analytical and critical-thinking skills to review complex program data and identify areas for improvement.

Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with local, regional, and state partners.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to provide clear guidance and technical assistance.

Experience managing multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities in a dynamic environment.

Ability to interpret and apply policies, requirements, and program guidelines in a consistent and solution-oriented manner.

Comfort with facilitating meetings, conducting trainings, or presenting information to diverse audiences.

Willingness to travel and adapt to changing needs during emergency preparedness or response activities.