Chief of Special Operations

Texas A&M University System•Austin, TX

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Chief of Special Operations collaborates with the District Chief, Regional Section Chiefs, and Assistant Chiefs to coordinate and manage Special Operations across Texas. The role 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 for initiative and independent judgment. The Texas Division of Emergency Management is an emergency response entity, so working hours, travel, and duties may change as needed. After-hours and weekend availability is required, including the ability to work outside regular hours during activations in the field, at a DDEOC, or at the State Operations Center. The position may require extended disaster deployments from the assigned duty station without relief or with minimal rest, extensive travel, and face-to-face interactions. The role is located on-site, is not eligible for telecommuting, and includes an assigned take-home fleet vehicle. It is an at-will position serving at the discretion of the head of the agency. Compensation is fixed and non-negotiable at $19,293.75 monthly, or $231,525 annually.

Requirements

Ten years of related experience in management.
Valid Texas Driver’s License.
Complete and obtain certification in IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, and IS-800 within 12 months of employment, along with any other training as determined.
Ability to work after hours, weekends, extended or non-traditional hours, and during emergency activations.
Ability to deploy for extended periods after a disaster without relief or with minimal rest.
Ability to travel extensively; the role requires 70% travel.
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.
Skill in operating office and specialized equipment, including a laptop and software such as Microsoft Office, plotter, projectors, camera, GPS device, binoculars, two-way radio, satellite radio or phone, and other specialized EOC audiovisual equipment.
Ability to prioritize, plan, organize, and manage multiple simultaneous technical projects.
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.
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 causative factors, resolve current problems, and prevent recurrence.
Must be analytical, detail-oriented, and able to multitask without sacrificing accuracy or timeliness.
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information and situations responsibly.
Ability to maintain the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, which may include communications systems, computer networks and systems, cybersecurity systems, electrical grids, hazardous-waste treatment systems, or water-treatment systems.
Face-to-face and person-to-person interactions are required.

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 among 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 district personnel to support shared understanding through coordination and communication.
Use appropriate evaluation strategies and techniques to determine program progress.
Provide liaison and support among 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 by vehicle or other transportation modes, and drive.