Integrated Preparedness Specialist

State of Colorado•Denver, CO

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position is located within the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM). The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management is a consolidated Emergency Management and Homeland Security team. The Division's mission is to lead and support Colorado’s efforts to prevent, protect, mitigate, respond to and recover from all-hazard events. The Office of Emergency Management conducts the four phases of emergency management (Preparedness, Response, Mitigation and Recovery) in coordination with other State Agencies and in support of local jurisdictions. It integrates emergency management efforts across all levels of government, including state, local, tribal and federal. The Integrated Preparedness Section is responsible for facilitating the implementation of the Integrated Preparedness Planning (IPP) Cycle at both the division, multi-jurisdictional and local levels. This cycle is based on the Planning, Organizing, Equipping, Training, Exercising (POETE) model. The cycle also includes evaluation of plans, processes, and procedures and continuous improvement to ensure that all jurisdictions have the capabilities to handle threats and hazards. To be successful, the Section must work collaboratively and cooperatively with its partner sections in the Office of Emergency Management, the Office of Public Safety Communications, and the Office of Prevention and Security – CIAC. Integration efforts also include information from the efforts of the integrated preparedness planning at local and multi-jurisdictional levels. The Integrated Preparedness Section works closely with county emergency managers on IPPs that will help to inform the State Office of Emergency Management (OEM) IPP. The Integrated Preparedness Specialist is responsible for strengthening emergency management capabilities through the development, coordination, delivery, and evaluation of training and exercises. Working collaboratively with State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial (SLTT) partners and DHSEM programs, the position translates identified preparedness priorities, risks, and capability gaps into targeted training, exercises, and improvement activities. The position uses priorities and gaps identified through preparedness assessments, planning efforts, exercises, real-world incidents, and after-action processes to inform a coordinated three-year training and exercise schedule. Through training, exercise evaluation, and improvement planning, the position helps partners build and validate capabilities, identify strengths and gaps, develop corrective actions, and achieve measurable preparedness improvements.

Requirements

Seven (7) years of relevant experience in emergency management at the local, tribal, state, federal, private, non-profit level.
A Bachelor's degree and four (4) years of professional experience in emergency management at the local, tribal, state, federal, private, non-profit level.
A Master's Degree and two (2) years of professional experience in emergency management at the local, tribal, state, federal, private, non-profit level.
Requires successful completion of a background investigation that includes a polygraph exam, a fingerprint based criminal history search, reference checking, driving history.
Must be able to participate in State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) during activations that may include during nights, weekends, and/or holidays.
Must be valid Colorado Driver's License.
Must be a Colorado resident at the time of application.

Nice To Haves

Experience in the development of Integrated Preparedness Plans
Experience with the use of grant funds to include the Emergency Management Preparedness Grant and the State Homeland Security Grant
Master Exercise Practitioner (MEP)
Experience leading, mentoring, and managing a geographically dispersed team.
Strong verbal, written, and presentations skills.
Experience integrating information from multiple sources and maintain situational awareness during complex incidents.
Certification as a Professional Emergency Manager (CEM) or Advance Professional Series.
Experience in the tracking of preparedness activities in Integrated Preparedness Improvement Plans

Responsibilities

Collaborate with Local Emergency Managers to assess plans, identify capability gaps, and guide the development of Integrated Preparedness Plans (IPPs) and workshops.
Offer guidance during the local Colorado Emergency Preparedness Assessment (CEPA) and assist in integrating assessment results into Integrated Preparedness Plans (IPPs).
Facilitate the POETE cycle by designing exercises, conducting After Action Reviews (AARs), developing course curricula, and serving as a controller or evaluator for state and local events.
Act as a subject matter expert to integrate local needs into the OEM’s multi-year Integrated Preparedness Plan and needs assessments.
Provide critical support to the State and local Emergency Operations Centers (SEOC/EOC) during activations, including training and exercise coordination.

Benefits

Medical and dental options are available for permanent employees and their dependents.
Short and long-term disability coverage
Life insurance that includes legal resources and discounts.
Basic Life and AD&D insurance equal to their annual earnings subject to a minimum benefit of $50,000 and a maximum of $250,000.
Basic Life and AD&D are provided by the State of Colorado at no cost to employees.
The State of Colorado's Wellness Program, State of Health, is a no-cost, year-long program that supports an employee’s health and wellness goals.
Participants can earn a $20 per month health insurance premium discount.
Through BenefitHub, State of Colorado employees have access to discounts, promotions and special programs from hundreds of retailers, restaurants, travel and entertainment venues throughout Colorado and across the country.
State contribution into a Health Savings Account when enrolled in a High Deductible Health Plan.
Eligible employees have access to medical leave under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the State of Colorado Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program (FAMLI).
Eligibility for hybrid or other flexible work arrangements based on the nature of the role.
Excellent retirement benefits including mandatory PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus optional 401K and 457 plans.
Generous time off including 11 paid holidays annually and accrued annual and sick leave and four annual wellness days.
The Employee Assistance Program (C-SEAP) is available in every region of the state.
Tuition reimbursement and reduced college tuition at CSU Global and DeVry University.
Credit Union of Colorado membership eligibility.