Program Specialist III

Program Specialist III in 83 - STATEWIDE, MS

State of Mississippi

$43,509.31 - $65,329.23 Annually

Location:

83 - STATEWIDE, MS

Full-Time

Job Number: S

0301 - HEALTH BOARD

Opening Date: 02/12/2026

Closing Date: 2/26/2026 at 11:59 PM Central Time (US & Canada)

Agency Minimum Salary: $43,509.31 – $65,329.23

Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree and 2-4 years of experience.

The Mississippi State Department of Health's mission is to protect and advance the health, well‑being, and safety of everyone in Mississippi. Questions about this position can be directed to recruitment.gov
.

The District Preparedness Coordinator coordinates with county and city emergency managers within the district on health‑related emergency management issues. The position assists health care facilities—including hospitals, nursing homes, personal care homes, rural health clinics, public health facilities and clinics, ESRD facilities, and hospices—with emergency response planning. The coordinator supports the development of annual health care emergency preparedness exercises in accordance with HSEEP guidelines and assists in the conduct of these exercises by serving as an observer, controller, or evaluator.

The role includes conducting emergency response, Incident Command System (ICS), National Incident Management System (NIMS), Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT), and other ESF‑8–related training for MSDH employees, public safety and homeland security personnel, state agencies, local fire and law enforcement, health care providers, EMS providers, and emergency managers. The position serves as the ESF‑8 liaison to local emergency managers, local officials, and local law enforcement, particularly in incidents involving potential chemical, radiation, or biological hazards.

Responsibilities also include accounting for and maintaining response assets such as personal protective equipment, communication equipment, and testing equipment, maintaining required levels of training, sustaining response capabilities within the district, and performing other duties as directed. Candidates must demonstrate strong critical thinking and problem‑solving skills and the ability to develop and maintain effective professional relationships. The individual selected must possess the physical and mental capability to successfully complete required training courses, including but not limited to Hazardous Materials Technician, nuclear/radiological, biological weapons of mass destruction (WMD), and other related courses as deemed necessary.

This position requires the ability to perform duties away from home for extended periods of time, with or without prior notice.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to effectively coordinate resources during routine operations as well as during declared emergencies. The individual must be responsive, flexible, and able to adapt quickly to meet identified needs during both training activities and emergency response operations. Strong public speaking and presentation skills are required, along with the ability to deliver training and coordinate efforts across multiple professional disciplines.

Excellent time management and organizational skills are essential to meet a demanding schedule that may require travel. This position requires availability 24 hours a day, including holidays and weekends, with the ability to respond on short notice when directed.

See MSPB Careers for information regarding this classifications

Employer:

State of Mississippi

Address: 210 East Capitol Street
Suite 800
Jackson, Mississippi, 39201