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Emergency Management Program Specialist

Recruitment # 250724-0511AR-001

Location Bridgeport, CT Middletown, CT

Date Opened 7/29/2025 3:30:00 PM

Salary $82,055* - $105,983/year (*New state employees start at the minimum)

Job Type Open to the Public

Close Date 8/13/2025 11:59:00 PM

Go Back Apply View Benefits (https://www.jobapscloud.com/CT/jobs/?b=Benefits)

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+ Introduction

The State of Connecticut (https://portal.ct.gov/) , Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP (https://portal.ct.gov/despp?language=en\_US) ) is recruiting four (4) Emergency Management Program Specialists (https://www.jobapscloud.com/CT/specs/classspecdisplay.asp?ClassNumber=0511AR&R1=undefined&R3=undefined) to serve within the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS (https://portal.ct.gov/despp/services/emergency-management-and-homeland-security?language=en\_US) ).

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS

Schedule: This is a full-time position, standard working hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM.

BENEFITS AND BALANCE AT THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT

Our state has a lot to offer - from fun activities for all ages, to great food and shopping, to beautiful state parks and forests, to our diverse cultures and rich history. Connecticut is a great place to live! Learn more about Connecticut here.

Work at a Forbes-recognized company! Connecticut is proud to be featured on both America's Best Employers by State and Best Employers for New Grads in 2024. With our dynamic job market and commitment to fostering a thriving workforce, Connecticut stands out as a top destination for both seasoned professionals and fresh graduates seeking to launch their career.

What we can offer you:

+ The opportunity to work for a Forbes top company: 'Forbes' State of Connecticut Ranked One of the Best Employers of 2023 (https://portal.ct.gov/das/press-room/press-releases/2023/forbes-state-of-ct-ranked?language=en\_US) - State of CT Receives National Recognition for Offering Job Growth, Competitive Benefits, and Flexible Schedule

+ Professional growth and development opportunities

+ A healthy work/life balance (https://www.jobapscloud.com/ct/sup/EVPPDF123020.pdf) to all employees

Visit our new State Employee Benefits Overview (https://www.jobapscloud.com/CT/jobs/?b=Benefits) page!

YOUR ROLE

Working closely with local, state, federal, tribal, and private sector partners, the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS) provides a coordinated, integrated program for statewide emergency management and homeland security.

We are currently seeking to fill four Emergency Management Program Specialist Positions within the following four units.

School security:

+ Coordinate with local, regional board of education, and higher education institutions to annually review and update School Safety and Security Plans

+ Conduct school specific training and exercises

+ Administer the State School Security Grant Program and the Multi-media School Security Grant Program

+ Support school building safety assessments

PIO:

+ Serve as the PIO during State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) activations

+ Develop and maintain crisis communications, public information, public education, and community outreach plans and procedures

+ Maintain DEMHS social media accounts and work with news media to provide press releases and coordinate briefings

Training & Exercise:

+ Develop and provide all hazard training to stakeholders, with a specific focus on domestic violence extremism and targeted violence and terrorism prevention

+ Design and deliver Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) compliant exercises

+ Develop formal after action reviews and corrective action plans after exercises and real world incidents

+ Develop and maintain the Integrated Preparedness Plan (IPP)

Region 1 - Bridgeport:

+ Administer the Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) and Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) to Region 1 municipalities and the Region 1 Emergency Planning Team

+ Support regional office activations and municipalities during emergencies, disasters, and special events

+ Review local emergency operations plans, school security plans, hazardous material site plans, and maintain or develop other regional emergency management and homeland security plans and procedures

+ Support regional and municipal trainings and exercises

More details can be found in the class specification (https://www.jobapscloud.com/CT/specs/classspecdisplay.asp?ClassNumber=6976CL&R1=undefined&R3=undefined) .

ABOUT OUR AGENCY

DESPP is committed to protecting and improving the quality of life for all by providing a broad range of public safety services, training, regulatory guidance, and scientific services utilizing enforcement, prevention, education and state of the art science and technology. DESPP is structured on three key Strategic Pillars created by Commissioner Ronnell Higgins (https://portal.ct.gov/despp/division-of-emergency-service-and-public-protection/ronnell-higgins-biography?language=en\_US) .

1. Operational Efficiency, Efficacy and Excellence • Making decisions through the thoughtful and informed use of data • Challenging the "that's the way it's always been done" construct—i.e., thinking outside the box as to how we can improve • Constantly seeking better results

2. Shared Fiscal Responsibility • Recognizing our collective responsibility to steward the agency's resources • Realigning planned budgetary actions to ensure that they are in taxpayers' interests • Preparing together for potential budget stresses and fiscal challenges

3. Ethics and Accountability • Critically and constantly measuring our practices against our policies • Performing quarterly performance evaluations agency-wide to measure success and flag areas needing improvement • Regularly engaging external partners for feedback and assessments • Opening our doors to Connecticut students and workers for apprenticeships, internships, and career pathways

Selection Plan

IMPORTANT NOTES FROM DESPP:

Candidate selected for an interview must provide the following at the time of interview:

State Employees:

+ Two (2) most recent performance evaluations and a completed CT-HR-13 form (https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/DAS/Statewide-HR/A---Z-Listing-Task-PDFs/Criminal-Convictions---Addendum-to-Application-for-Examination-or-Employment-Form---CT-HR-13.pdf) .

Non-State Employees:

+ Two (2) professional references contact information (Name, Email and Phone Number) and a completed CT-HR-13 form (https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/DAS/Statewide-HR/A---Z-Listing-Task-PDFs/Criminal-Convictions---Addendum-to-Application-for-Examination-or-Employment-Form---CT-HR-13.pdf) .

Candidates who have been selected for employment with the Department of Emergency Services & Public Protection are subject to a detailed background investigation, including a fingerprint supported state and federal criminal history record check along with reference checks. Selection for employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of the background investigation. Click here (https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/DAS/Statewide-HR/A---Z-Listing-Task-PDFs/Criminal-Convictions---Addendum-to-Application-for-Examination-or-Employment-Form---CT-HR-13.pdf) to complete the Criminal Convictions addendum.

Also considered in this selection process: Any pending or disciplinary history within the past 2 years and review of attendance records. Failure to provide the required documents listed above or submit your application accurately and on time, will eliminate you from the recruitment process.

FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:

Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Reference Library (https://portal.ct.gov/das/home/services-for-state-employees/statewide-human-resources/applicant-reference-library?language=en\_US) for additional support throughout the recruitment process.

BEFORE YOU APPLY:

+ Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.

+ Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below by the closing date listed on the job posting.

+ Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69 (https://www.cga.ct.gov/2021/act/pa/pdf/2021PA-00069-R00SB-00056-PA.pdf) , resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency.

+ Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift.

+ Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State. Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing [email protected] .

+ Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.

+ Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via the ‘Apply’ or ‘Apply Online’ buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.

AFTER YOU APPLY:

+ Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire’s expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).

+ Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression!

+ Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.

+ The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.

+ Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics.

QUESTIONS? WE’RE HERE TO HELP:

Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to Ben Beaudry at [email protected] .

Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection and the Department of Public Health, this class is accountable for independently performing a full range of tasks in planning, monitoring, evaluating and implementing the State's Comprehensive Emergency Preparedness Plans, Homeland Security Plans or statewide public health emergency preparedness plans and drills.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

+ Prepares periodic reports;

+ Uses personal computers to develop and maintain databases;

+ May serve as assistant to an Incident Commander or as an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Assistant Operations Officer (functional titles) in simulated or actual events;

+ May serve as EOC communications duty officer, including Emergency Alert System Coordinator;

+ May serve as agency public information officer; attends meetings, workshops, conferences and training sessions;

+ Performs related duties as assigned.

DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY SERVICES AND PUBLIC PROTECTION RADIOLOGICAL EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS PROGRAM:

+ Develops and updates the Radiological Emergency Response Plans (RERP), as required in Section 28-31 of the Connecticut General Statutes, to respond to and recover from the effects of a catastrophic event at a nuclear power plant;

+ Provides technical support in the areas of research, planning, data collection, data analysis and training for state agencies and local community emergency responders;

+ Implements the Connecticut Radiological Emergency Response Plan;

+ Acts as liaison to the Federal Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state and local communities and agencies;

+ Aids in development of state and local RERP mitigation measures, including developing new programs to implement new national public precautionary actions;

+ Develops and updates public information publications;

+ Gives briefings;

+ Trains state and local officials in the preparation of long-term plans compatible with federal and state plans;

+ Develops, reviews and revises RERP training programs, including conducting annual and biannual drills and exercises;

+ Analyzes and prepares evaluations of Connecticut’s emergency preparedness status;

+ Analyzes technical information regarding transportation resources;

+ Performs related duties as required.

CATASTROPHIC ALL HAZARDS PROGRAM:

+ Develops and updates plans to respond to and recover from the effects of a wide range of catastrophic all hazards events, including terrorism/homeland security events;

+ Provides technical support in the areas of research, planning, data collection, data analysis and training for state agencies and local community emergency responders;

+ Maintains and implements the State’s Comprehensive Emergency Preparedness (CEMP) Plans, procedures and guidance documents;

+ Supports planning for hazard-specific events such as homeland security/terrorism events, major aircraft accidents, debris management, mass casualty and other topics;

+ Acts as liaison to the Federal Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state and local communities and agencies;

+ Aids in development of local CEMP mitigation programs, plans and measures;

+ Assists local communities in developing grant applications, guidelines, programs and protocols;

+ Coordinates activities of State and Federal Disaster Assessment Teams;

+ Administers the Public Assistance (PA) and Individual Assistance (IA) programs;

+ Develops and updates public information publications;

+ Gives briefings;

+ Participates in Emergency Operations Center Operations;

+ Participates in periodic drills and exercises;

+ Analyzes and prepares evaluations of Connecticut’s emergency preparedness status;

+ Coordinates and provides staff support for multi-agency emergency preparedness committees and work groups

+ Researches, identifies and recommends emergency preparedness equipment and systems to improve readiness of state and local agencies;

+ Performs related duties as required.

GRANTS ADMINISTRATION:

+ Performs specialized related duties in the area of grants management;

+ Performs research including needs analysis, literature review and regulations critique to identify problems and determine priorities;

+ Develops alternatives;

+ Gathers information related to program area;

+ Develops goals and objectives, evaluation standards, timetables, other program components and department policy for program area and individual projects;

+ Facilitates direct grant process;

+ Provides technical assistance and acts as resource person to grantees;

+ Evaluates program proposals and applications for conformance with regulations and state goals;

+ Recommends funding;

+ Monitors and assesses ongoing programs for conformance to reporting requirements, general budget and timetable guidelines and program effectiveness;

+ Prepares quarterly and annual reports and statewide annual plan or section of plan related to program area;

+ Attends meetings of appropriate state, local and regional organizations and performs other liaison functions to coordinate efforts in program area;

+ Performs related duties as required.

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH

+ Develops, implements and maintains public health emergency preparedness/homeland security plans;

+ Coordinates periodic drills and exercises to ensure required performance measures are met including organizing participation;

+ Evaluates drills and exercises and prepares after action reports;

+ Collects and documents information during exercises and real events;

+ Assists with implementation of overall planning, training and exercising system;

+ Provides technical assistance and acts as a liaison to local health departments, hospitals and community health centers in planning and implementing drills and exercises;

+ Collects and analyzes data for use in emergency preparedness and homeland security related planning;

+ Represents agency on drill and exercise planning committees;

+ Monitors expenditures against exercise program budget;

+ Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY SERVICES AND PUBLIC PROTECTION

RADIOLOGICAL EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS PROGRAM:

+ Knowledge of

+ information dissemination practices and techniques;

+ the principles of nuclear power generation and the principles of radiological hazards;

+ federal and state regulations applicable to emergency management and associated programs;

+ personal computers, desktop publishing and database management;

+ the incident command system;

+ equipment and systems used in a radiological emergency;

+ current state and local RERP plans and procedures;

+ the background and objectives of emergency management programs;

+ the nature and effects of various types of natural and man-made disasters;

+ Considerable

+ oral and written communication skills;

+ interpersonal skills;

+ Ability to

+ analyze problems, interpret data, determine alternatives and propose solutions;

+ prepare and present oral reports of considerable complexity with clarity and persuasiveness;

+ establish and maintain effective working relationships;

+ prepare comprehensive hazard response plans;

+ utilize computer software.

CATASTROPHIC ALL HAZARDS PROGRAM:

+ Knowledge of

+ information dissemination practices and techniques;

+ the principles and phases of emergency management/preparedness;

+ federal and state regulations applicable to emergency preparedness/homeland security and associated programs;

+ personal computers, desktop publishing and database management;

+ the incident command system;

+ current state and local CEMP plans and procedures;

+ the background and objectives of emergency management programs;

+ the nature and effects of various types of natural and man-made disasters;

+ Considerable

+ oral and written communication skills;

+ interpersonal skills;

+ Ability to

+ analyze problems, interpret data, determine alternatives and propose solutions;

+ prepare and present oral reports of considerable complexity with clarity and persuasiveness;

+ establish and maintain effective working relationships;

+ prepare comprehensive hazard response plans;

+ utilize computer software.

GRANTS ADMINISTRATION:

+ Considerable knowledge of

+ grant preparation and administration;

+ program evaluation and monitoring functions;

+ Knowledge of research methods and techniques;

+ Considerable

+ interpersonal skills;

+ oral and written communication skills;

+ Supervisory ability;

+ Ability to utilize computer software.

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH

+ Knowledge of

+ drill/exercise design and conduct;

+ Homeland Security Exercise Evaluation Program (HSEEP) requirements and ability to train others in meeting such requirements;

+ Considerable

+ oral and written communication skills;

+ considerable interpersonal skills;

+ Ability to

+ analyze problems, interpret data, determine alternatives and propose solutions;

+ prepare and present oral reports of considerable complexity with clarity;

+ establish and maintain effective working relationships;

+ organize and prioritize multiple tasks;

+ develop efficient systems to collect and organize date;

+ utilize computer software.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Six (6) years of experience in planning, technical writing, program management, grants administration, training or public information.

NOTE: Planning is defined as collecting and analyzing technical data (social, environmental, economic, governmental), determining problems and concerns and developing long term plans accordingly. These are formal, written plans, i.e. statements of goals and objectives, recommended alternatives for action and policies and programs to achieve the goals and objectives. Generally, these plans will impact statewide activities or a large-scale corporation, which has branch or satellite facilities. Candidates must perform these types of duties the majority of time and the planning function must be the major thrust of the job.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

+ College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.

+ A Master's degree in emergency preparedness/homeland security, planning, public administration, public information or a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.

+ Successful completion of a Connecticut Careers Trainee program approved by the Department of Administrative Services may be substituted for the General Experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

+ Experience administering or participating in state, local, or federal emergency management or homeland security grant programs;

+ Experience developing emergency management plans or procedures;

+ Experience participating in work groups, task forces or committees;

+ Experience filling an emergency management position in an emergency operations center during real world

+ incidents or exercises;

+ Experience coordinating with federal, state, tribal, local or community organizations.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

+ Incumbents in this class must possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's License.

+ Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

+ Emergency management drills and actual emergencies may require work outside of normal hours.

+ On-call status may be required.

CHARACTER REQUIREMENTS

DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY SERVICES AND PUBLIC PROTECTION

In addition to the checking of references and of facts stated in the application, a thorough background investigation of each candidate may be made by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and/or the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection before persons are certified for appointment.

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.

Click on a link below to apply for this position:

Fill out the Supplemental Questionnaire and Application NOW using the Internet. Apply Online