Preparedness Exercise Team Lead

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Employee Benefits:

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 Team Lead 
Job Title: Emerg Mgt Program Coord III 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Hlth Emer Preparedness Respons 
Posting Number: 11205 
Closing Date: 12/04/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-24 
Salary Range: $5,425.33 - $7,155.75 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework:  
Travel: Up to 30% 
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:  
MOS Codes: 0518,1730,1732,5702,5711,14N,14NX,19ZX,1C3X1,1C5X1,1N0X1,38A,38B,38FX,3E9X1,514B,5I0,5IX,612X,712X 
740A,74A,74D,86M0,8C000,OAR10,OAR11,OAR12,OAR18,OS,OSS 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

Under the direction of the Preparedness Branch Manager in the Center for Health Emergency Preparedness and Response (CHEPR), the Preparedness Exercise Team Lead performs highly visible advanced (senior level) consultative and technical work requiring specialized knowledge of public health and medical preparedness, response and recovery activities. As Team Lead for the Exercise Team, lead, assign, and prioritize the work of Exercise Team personnel. 

Serves as the technical expert on all preparedness exercise requirements and guidelines. Oversees the development, conduct, and evaluation of Emergency Support Function (ESF) 8 Public Health and Medical exercises, to include drills, tabletops, functional, and full-scale, within DSHS. Oversees the development of and may develop technical guidance documents for the Exercise Team. Oversees the development of the Multi-Year Integrated Preparedness Plan for CHEPR and ensures submission to the federal reporting platform. Consults and coordinates with local and regional public health departments, the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), the Texas Office of Homeland Security (TxOHS), and other state and federal partners to ensure coordinated exercise efforts. 

Serves as a member of the DSHS Incident Management Team in the State Medical Operations Center (SMOC) or the State Operations Center (SOC) during disaster response and/or recovery efforts. Actively participates and/or serves in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. 

Works under limited supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. 

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

(40%) Under the direction of the Preparedness Branch Manager, serves as the Exercise Team Lead coordinating, assigning, and prioritizing the work of the exercise team members. Develops team goals and objectives. Provides overall direction to the team in the development and prioritization of exercise needs and recommendations. Assist the Preparedness Branch Manager in administrative matters to include providing feedback on performance standards and evaluations, approving leave based on work assignments, and participating in the hiring panel for new exercise team members. Uses initiative to improve internal team processes as well as exercise and evaluation processes. Works closely and effectively with all Center for Health Emergency Preparedness and Response (CHEPR) staff to ensure an integrated preparedness exercise program. Works closely with the Preparedness Management Unit to track CDC and ASPR Cooperative Agreement exercise deliverables. Uses a variety of software including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and SharePoint in order to develop documents, reports, presentations and briefings. 

(35%) Maintain expert level of knowledge of the role and responsibilities of public health and medical in emergency preparedness and response as it relates to designing exercises. Oversees and or develops complex public health and medical preparedness exercises (tabletop, drill, functional, or full-scale exercises) incorporating responsibilities from DSHS and TDEM plans and following HSEEP best practices. Coordinates with CHEPR Teams, other DSHS Central Office programs, DSHS Public Health Regions (PHRs), and other state and regional partners on the following: exercise development, exercise conduct, exercise evaluation, and real-world incident After Action Reports (AARs) and Improvement Plans (IPs). Oversees and or develops After Action Reports (AARs) and Improvement Plans (IPs) post exercise and or post real-world incident. Coordinates with the Planning Team Lead to ensure AAR and IP items impacting DSHS Preparedness and Response Plans are used to improve the documents. Oversees the team’s maintenance of the IP Tracking System for overall agency improvement to response. Oversees the team’s development and or update of technical guidance documents for use among exercise team members. Provides technical assistance to the PHRs within their Exercise Year of the Public Health Integrated Preparedness Plan Rotation (PHIR) on exercise conduct and evaluation.

(10%) Oversee and/or develop the Multiyear Integrated Preparedness Plan (MYIPP) Workshop and the MYIPP for submission to the CDC to meet grant requirements. Coordinates with CHEPR Teams, other DSHS Central Office programs, DSHS Public Health Regions (PHRs), and other partners in the development of the MYIPP. Coordinates with the DSHS PHRs to host and conduct the Homeland Security Exercise Evaluation Program (HSEEP) training course. Maintain lead status as an HSEEP instructor with the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM)

(10%) Regularly interacts with external stakeholders and may represent CHEPR at meetings, committees, or workgroups. Prepares and writes specialized reports as needed, including progress reports for CDC and ASPR to meet grant requirements. Prepares and conducts specialized presentations and briefings on public health preparedness, response and recovery activities. Provides exercise related guidance and technical assistance to PHRs and LHDs.

(5%) Other duties as assigned. Actively participates and/or serves in the State Medical Operations Center (SMOC)or the State Operations Center (SOC) during disaster responses and/or recovery efforts. Completes and maintains all training requirements for the agency and for disaster role assignment. Serves in supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of public health infrastructure for local, state, and federal programs.
Knowledge of all hazard emergency preparedness and response activities.
Knowledge of local, state and federal laws, regulations and practices related to emergency management. 
Knowledge of federal health services available to local communities during emergencies and disasters. 
Knowledge of the basic concepts of planning, training and exercising principles and methodologies. 
Knowledge of the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program. 
Knowledge of project management and personnel management techniques.

Skill in implementing the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program.
Skill in developing complex exercises, After Action Reports, and Improvement Plans.
Skill in project management. 
Skill in systems development, process facilitation techniques, teambuilding, negotiation, and conflict resolution. 
Skill in directing the work of others and tracking multiple projects at different stages of development. 
Skill in accurate and effective written and oral communication.
Skill in public speaking and delivery of presentations.
Skill in providing technical assistance and training to a variety of stakeholders. 
Skill in using computer software including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and SharePoint. 
Skill in developing, implementing and evaluating complex plans and procedures. 
Skill as an effective leader.
Skill in problem identification, analysis, and resolution. 

Ability to lead, plan, assign and prioritize workload of self and others to meet deadlines.
Ability to develop complex exercises.
Ability to write complex technical guidance documents, After Action Reports, and Improvement Plans. 
Ability to plan and conduct effective meetings.
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Ability to maintain effective working relationships with managers, co-workers, the public, governmental officials, partners and stakeholders. 
Ability to efficiently develop concise reports and presentations.
Ability to work independently, exercising sound judgement. 

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

None

Initial Screening Criteria:

1. At least four years of experience developing and conducting public health or emergency management exercises OR at least a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a public health, emergency management, or related field of study. 
2. At least one year of experience as the primary person responsible for writing complex documents involving multiple partners/stakeholders.
3. Experience participating in disaster response operations in an Emergency Operations Center (EOC), Medical Operations Center (MOC), or in the field.
4. Experience directing the work of others or project management.
5. Master Exercise Practitioner (MEP) preferred, but not required

Additional Information:

None

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility:

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.  Download the I-9 form