Preparedness Exercise Specialist

Date:
Sep 2, 2026

Location:

AUSTIN, TX

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.

DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.

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Functional

Title:

Preparedness Exercise Specialist

Job Title:

Emerg Mgt Program Coord II

Agency:
Dept of State Health Services

Department:
Hlth Emer Preparedness Respons

Posting Number: 20845

Closing Date: 09/16/2026

Posting Audience:
Internal and External

Occupational Category:
Management

Salary Range: $4,801.16 - $6,281.33

Pay Frequency:
Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-22

Shift: Day

Additional Shift

Telework:

Travel:
Up to 25%

Regular/Temporary:
Regular

Full Time/Part Time:
Full time

FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt:
Exempt

Facility

Location:

Job Location City: AUSTIN

Job Location Address: 1100 W 49TH ST (RBB)

Other Locations: 740A,74A,74D,86M0,8C000,OAR
10,OAR
11,OAR
12,OAR
18,OS,OSS

MOS Codes: ,,5711,14N,14NX,19ZX,1C3X1,1C5X1,1N0X1,38A,38B,38FX,3E9X1,514B,5I0,5IX,612X,712X

Under the general direction of the Preparedness Branch Manager, performs highly visible advanced consultative services and technical assistance work for the Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) and Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP). Work involves planning, developing, implementing and evaluating public health preparedness and response exercises following Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) guidance. Provides consultative services and technical assistance to public and private partners, stakeholders, and local and state agencies in the development of integrated drills and exercises relating to health and medical activities.

Regularly interacts with a variety of stakeholders, including executive leadership, and may represent the program at local, regional and state meetings, committees, or work groups. Works closely and coordinates with other teams in the Center for Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Section. Develops and maintains a working relationship with the Texas Division of Emergency Management training and exercise team, as well as other state level response agencies and stakeholders.

Actively participates in public health emergency/disaster response which may include on-call duty and/or alternate work schedule. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

This position actively participates in the State Medical Operations Center (SMOC) or State Operations Center (SOC) during disaster response and/or recovery efforts and completes all training and exercise requirements. CHEPR supports DSHS’ mission of providing response support to the State Medical Operations Center and/or State Operations Center, requires staff to report onsite within two hours, and the ability to work 12-14 hour shifts.

Disaster response activations can require working in-person, 7-days a week, for as long as 2-4 weeks, or more.

This position is 100% grant funded and is contingent on grant funding.

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

(35%) Oversees the development, strategic planning, implementation, tracking, coordination, logistic support and…