Job Description

Posting number: DHSEM-OEM-00300-10/2026

Department: Department of Public Safety

Division: Homeland Security and Emergency Management

Job classification: Emergency Preparedness & Communications Specialist VI

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Public Safety, Management, Training, Emergency Management, Communications, Program Management

Summary

This position is open only to current Colorado state residents.

An eligible list established with this recruitment may be used to fill other similar positions within the Colorado Department of Public Safety in the next 12 months.

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Our Mission - Engaged employees working together to safeguard lives and to provide diverse public safety services to local communities.

Our Vision - Creating safer and more resilient communities across Colorado.

Our Core Values - Unity, Honor, Service

The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness.

The State is dedicated to non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.

At CDPS, our culture is driven by our commitment to creating a safer Colorado and guided by a public service focus. We strive to provide effective solutions and services to our fellow Coloradans. We model a culture of collaboration, innovation, and growth for our employees. We maintain a professional and inclusive workplace.

Careers with a purpose:

If you are passionate about public safety and public service, and are eager to dedicate your career to serving Coloradans, consider joining CDPS. Our team at CDPS consists of exceptional individuals and is an environment where you can challenge yourself and acquire new capabilities to build a rewarding and fulfilling career.

We are committed to providing public safety services to our communities including safety on our roads, preparing for and mitigating environmental disasters such as floods and wildland fires, disaster recovery, combating crime, promoting school safety, and victim services.

Classification and Salary:

Emergency Preparedness & Communications Specialist VI

Anticipated Hiring Range: $8,071 - $10,493/month; $96,852- $125,916/year

Full Salary Range: $8,071 - $12,914/month; $96,852 - $154,968/year

Benefits:

We provide a wide range of benefits to our employees.

• Medical and dental options are available for permanent employees and their dependents. We also offer short and long-term disability coverage, and life insurance that includes legal resources and discounts.
• Eligible employees receive 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. This program offers personalized health coaching, skill groups and more. 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.
• We offer excellent retirement benefits including mandatory PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus optional 401K and 457 plans. For information on mandatory employee salary deferral (in lieu of contribution to Social Security), visit Colorado PERA for details.
• We provide 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. It is our effort to support the well-being of employees and the workplace. EAPs provide short-term counseling, referrals and resources, as well as training and organizational development services.
• Tuition reimbursement and reduced college tuition at CSU Global and DeVry University.
• We offer Credit Union of Colorado membership eligibility.

To learn more about State of Colorado benefits, please visit State of Colorado benefits.

Examples of duties

About the Work Unit

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 Division is comprised of the Director’s Office, Office of Emergency Management (OEM), Office of Grants Management (OGM) and Office of Prevention and Security (CIAC).

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.

Integrated Preparedness Section:

The Integrated Preparedness Section is responsible for facilitating the implementation of the Integrated Preparedness Planning (IPP) Cycle at both the division, regional, 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 Grants Management, and the Office of Prevention and Security – CIAC. Integration efforts also include information from the efforts of the integrated preparedness planning at local and regional levels. The Integrated Preparedness Section works closely with county emergency managers and regional Homeland Security Coordinators on IPPs that will help to inform the DHSEM IPP.

Work Environment

• Hybrid, minimum three days in the Centennial office
• Work unit core business hours, Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. with some flexibility available
• On-Call Status could be required at times -- During activations of the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC( this position may be required to report to the SEOC during nights, weekends, and/or holidays

About the Job

This position implements the Integrated Preparedness Planning process and manages an integrated statewide comprehensive emergency management training and exercise program. It facilitates and resources for county and municipal emergency management agency training and exercise program. It coordinates and collaborates with federal, state and local stakeholders to integrate input into the State and Division IPP. It oversees the development of a state training and exercise program and sets priorities and commits resources to support the program.

Key Responsibilities

Supervisor of the Integrated Preparedness Section

Provide direction and oversight to the Integrated Preparedness Specialists and the Integrated Preparedness Coordinator. Communicate Division goals and objectives to both and synchronize their efforts in support of the goals and objectives. Understand and communicate POETE requirements and needs of state agencies and local emergency management agencies to the Division. Integrate the Division offices into the IPP process. Coordinate and integrate resources for subordinate teams.

Develop and maintain a culture of customer service and support throughout section. Develop and communicate performance expectations to subordinates. In coordination with division leadership, provide professional development to subordinates.

Implement the State Integrated Preparedness Planning Program

Implement an integrated statewide comprehensive Integrated Preparedness Planning program that incorporates all five elements of the POETE model. Develop and execute an IPP program that facilitates and supports local IPP development and implementation and incorporate those development requirements into the DHSEM IPP. Deliver subject matter expertise and provide technical assistance to local jurisdictions through all phases of IPP development. Receive local IPP products and evaluate for trends and gaps. Prepare reports and share trend and gap data with Division and other State stakeholders. Work with Division and other stakeholders to develop recommendations for State IPP priorities and grant guidance. Use IPP information to prioritize resources in order to support the most beneficial local activities. Additionally, chair the Division IPP committee and guide the development of the Division/State IPP. Organize and coordinate Division and State agency effort to prepare and produce a Division/State IPP that address the elements of POETE and guides Division and State efforts. Ensure the Division/State IPP meets federal grant requirements.

Serve as State Training Officer and Oversee the State Training Program

Serve as the State Training Officer and the State Administrative Agency Training Point of Contact. Oversee coordinated planning and integration of the State emergency management training program with local emergency management agencies and other State agencies. Maintain and promote an integrated training and exercise program to ensure broad participation. Maintain required documentation for the program and complete reporting requirements. Establish and implement techniques to maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Develop and maintain an instructor cadre to meet the requirements of the State IPP. Ensure the program is consistent with the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP). Synchronize exercises with other state agencies to streamline and coordinate delivery to counties and municipalities. In coordination with the Field Services Section, assist with planning, development and facilitation of local exercises. Oversee the development and maintenance of a statewide exercise library. Provide subject matter expertise to the development and execution of the National Emergency Management Basic Academy. Provide subject matter expertise to Field Services for the Colorado Academy for Professional

Emergency Managers, as requested. Coordinate planning and execution of the Colorado Emergency Management Conference and provide support to other conferences, symposiums, and other events as requested. Support OEM Emergency Management Accreditation Program accreditation and NIMS compliance in accordance with Colorado Revised Statue.

State Emergency Operations Center Support

As directed, provide pre-disaster support to the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) training and exercise program up to 10% of time. During a state declared disaster, provide operational support to the State Emergency Operations Center as directed.

Participate in Division Leadership Activities

Participate in OEM and DHSEM leadership meetings as required. Integrate Integrated Preparedness planning efforts across OEM and DHSEM offices and sections to coordinate and synchronize work. Contribute to strategic planning as required. Represent OEM and DHSEM to external stakeholders as required. When directed, serve as the OEM Executive Officer in a temporary duty status.

Qualifications

Note, to be considered for this position, you must meet one of the following options for consideration.

Proven Experience, Knowledge, Skills

• Nine (9) years of relevant experience in Integrated Preparedness Planning that includes managing an integrated comprehensive emergency management training and exercise program.

OR

• A combination of related education and relevant experience in Integrated Preparedness Planning that includes managing an integrated comprehensive emergency management training and exercise program equal to nine (9) years. If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications, transcripts must be attached at the time of application.

Preferred Qualifications and Competencies

• Knowledge of the POETE framework (Planning, Organization, Equipment, Training, and Exercises) to build integrated preparedness programs.
• Knowledge of Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) for designing, developing, and evaluating exercise programs.
• Knowledge of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP) standards.
• Experience implementing statewide or regional Integrated Preparedness Plans (IPPs), identifying trends/gaps, and delivering technical assistance to local jurisdictions and state agencies.
• Experience creating training for internal users, including developing training materials and job aides
• Experience with meeting facilitation
• Experience collaborating with multiple stakeholders
• Strong skills in mediating conflicts, managing competing interests among diverse state and local agencies, and aligning section initiatives with overarching division strategic goals.
• Experience leading team members (e.g., Integrated Preparedness Specialists/Coordinators), setting performance expectations, providing professional development, and managing corrective action/performance improvement plans.

Conditions of Employment

• Must be a Colorado resident at the time of application.
• Requires successful completion of a background investigation that includes a polygraph exam, a fingerprint based criminal history search and reference checking.
• On-call status may be required at times

Appeal Rights

If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for the position, you may protest the action by filing an appeal with the State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director within 10 days from the date you receive notice of the elimination. Also, if you wish to challenge the selection and comparative analysis process, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director within 10 days from the receipt of notice or knowledge of the action you are challenging. Refer to Chapters 4 and 8 of the State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, 4 CCR 801, for more information about the appeals process. The State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures are available at www.colorado.gov/spb. A standard appeal form is available at: www.colorado.gov/spb. If you appeal, your appeal must be submitted in writing on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative, and received at the following address within 10 days of your receipt of notice or knowledge of the action: Colorado State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director, Attn: Appeals Processing, 1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver, CO 80203. Fax: 303-866-5038. Phone: 303-866-3300. The ten-day deadline and these appeal procedures also apply to all charges of discrimination.

Supplemental information

Disability Accommodation

If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure equitable opportunity applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to Human Resources at: cdps_hr@state.co.us.

The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

Colorado Department of Public Safety is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship.

Recruitment Timeline Information and Important Notices

• Applications are considered complete and accurate at the time of submission. Therefore, additional information may not be solicited or accepted after your application has been received.
• Closing Date: All applications that are received by the closing of this announcement will be reviewed against the Minimum Qualifications in this announcement. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications may proceed to the next step. Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted based on merit and fitness through a comparative analysis process.
• Supplemental Question: Effective responses to Supplemental Questions will directly relate to your professional experience, career accomplishments, and views about organizational values and approaches, and how they relate specifically to this position and requirements as you understand them. Answers generated by AI-tools will typically be unresponsive.
• Transcripts: An unofficial copy of transcripts must be submitted at the time of application should education be used as qualification. Transcripts from colleges or universities outside the United States must be assessed for U.S. equivalency by a NACES educational credential evaluation service. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and must be included as part of your application materials. Failure to provide a transcript or credential evaluation report may prevent your application from moving forward in the selection process.
• Military Veterans: If you are a military veteran you must submit a copy of your DD-214, Member 4 Copy, and VA disability letter if available/applicable at the time of application so we can determine if you are eligible for veteran's preference points. Military personnel who are stationed outside of Colorado may be eligible for this position by submitting the completed DD-2058 "State of Legal Residence" form.
• Application Tips: For an overview of the State of Colorado application process and application tips, please view this video.
• Resumes, Cover Letters, or other documents submitted will not be reviewed, assessed, or used in the initial stages of the comparative analysis (transcripts submitted to verify that the applicant meets either the education requirement or minimum qualification substitution are exempt from this).
• Notifications: All correspondence regarding your status in the selection/examination process will be sent via email to the email address listed on your application. Include your current working email address on your application and check the email provided on your application frequently as you could receive time sensitive correspondence regarding this position. We highly recommend that you set up your email to accept messages from "state.co.us" and "info@governmentjobs.com" addresses. It is your responsibility to ensure that your email will accept these notices and/or review your junk mail and spam filtered email.
• e-Verify: CDPS uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.
• Selection Process: After applications are screened for the Minimum Qualifications, CDPS intends to use the comparative analysis process outlined below. Pursuant to state personnel board rule, if there are 6 or few candidates who minimally qualify, said candidates may be referred directly to the Appointing Authority for a post referral assessment and/or consideration.
• Comparative Analysis Steps may include (dates are tentative and subject to change):
• Structured application review by a panel of SMEs - November 6-12
• One-way video interview via Spark Hire - November 13-18
• Panel Interview - Week of November 30th