Chief of Special Operations

Texas Division of Emergency Management•Austin, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) is an emergency response entity, so working hours, travel, and duties may change as needed. The Chief of Special Operations collaborates with the District Chief, Regional Section Chiefs, and Assistant Chiefs to coordinate and manage Special Operations across the state. The position guides and supports planning, development, and implementation of the disaster district framework and provides executive oversight and management of special operations teams. It works under limited supervision, with moderate latitude to use initiative and independent judgment. The role requires availability for after-hours and weekend work, extended or non-traditional hours during activations in the field, DDEOC, or State Operations Center, and deployment from the assigned duty station for extended periods after disasters, potentially with minimal rest or no relief. Extensive travel is required as needed; the position requires travel up to 70% and driving. A take-home fleet vehicle is assigned. The position is on-site and not eligible for telecommuting, is at-will, and serves at the discretion of the head of the agency. Salary is fixed and non-negotiable at $19,293.75 per month ($231,525 annually). The role provides training and guidance to field staff, coordinates support among agencies involved in special teams, manages relationships with local and regional partners and other organizations, supports Disaster District Emergency Operations Centers, and may represent TDEM in emergency exercises. It also plans, assigns, and supervises others. Face-to-face and person-to-person interactions are required.

Requirements

Ten years of related management experience.
Valid Texas Driver’s License.
Complete and obtain certification in IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, and IS-800 within 12 months of employment, and complete other training as determined.
Knowledge of, or ability to rapidly assimilate, agency, state, and federal regulations, legislation, guidelines, policies, and procedures.
Knowledge of emergency management principles and practices, including mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.
Ability to operate office and specialized equipment, including a laptop and software such as Microsoft Office, plotter, projectors, camera, GPS device, binoculars, two-way radio, satellite radio/phone, and other specialized audiovisual equipment in an EOC.
Ability to prioritize, plan, organize, and carry out multiple technical projects underway simultaneously.
Poise, tact, diplomacy, and ability to establish and maintain effective professional relationships with internal and external customers.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-stress environment and extended or non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and special events.
Ability to communicate and present instruction to diverse small and large groups and explain technical information in lay terms to people with varied educational and work backgrounds.
Ability to analyze problems, identify causes, and take action to resolve problems and prevent recurrence.
Analytical, detail-oriented, and able to multitask without sacrificing accuracy or timeliness.
Ability to responsibly handle sensitive and confidential information and situations.
Knowledge of methods for prioritizing, planning, organizing, and carrying out multiple concurrent technical projects.
Ability to maintain the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, potentially including communications systems, computer networks and systems, cybersecurity systems, the electrical grid, hazardous waste treatment systems, or water treatment systems.
Availability for after-hours and weekend work, extended field or operations-center activations, and extended disaster deployments with minimal rest or no relief.
Ability to travel extensively as needed and drive.

Nice To Haves

Experience in the National Incident Management System, including leadership in ICS command or general staff positions, DDEOC management positions, or similar emergency-response command, control, and coordination roles.

Responsibilities

Provide training and guidance to field staff coordinating regional response.
Provide executive oversight and management of special operations.
Support coordination of agencies involved in special teams across the state.
Guide relationship management between the DDEOC and local governments, emergency response organizations, regional organizations, TDEM, other state agencies, volunteer groups, and private industry.
Maintain appropriate communications with leadership, the SOC, and districts to support shared understanding through coordination and communication.
Use appropriate evaluation strategies and techniques to determine program progress.
Provide liaison and support between TDEM field staff, agency representatives, and Headquarters SOC staff.
Assist with preparing and supporting the Disaster District Emergency Operations Center during planned and unplanned events.
Participate in or observe local, state, and federal emergency exercises, representing TDEM and the state.
Plan, assign, and supervise the work of others.
Maintain regular attendance during the authorized work schedule and work extended hours when needed.
Travel as needed, including travel up to 70%, and drive.