Geohazard Operations Team Leader

Job Description and Duties

Are you looking for an exciting and fast-paced career? Join the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and be part of an organization that serves as a leader in emergency management and homeland security through dedicated service to all. We are looking for enthusiastic and motivated individuals to join our team. If you are interested in a challenging opportunity in a high-energy, team-oriented environment, you are encouraged to apply.

Under the general direction of the Program Manager II (PM II), Debris and Watershed Operations Division, the Program Manager I (PM I) serves as the lead of the Watershed Mitigation, Coordination, and Outreach Unit (Watershed Unit) and is responsible for directing the State’s post-fire watershed mitigation, coordination, and outreach program. The PM I plans, organizes, and directs a multidisciplinary team of professional, technical, and analytical staff - including engineering geologists, remote data and geospatial specialists, and watershed analysts - engaged in post-fire watershed risk reduction, geohazard analysis, emergency protective measure implementation, and the facilitation of remote sensing and geospatial technologies. Directs the Unit’s core lines of effort: ensuring life safety and protection of property from post-fire debris flow hazards; protects post-fire water quality; facilitates intra- and inter-agency collaboration on watershed issues. Serves as Recovery’s centralized source for imagery, reconnaissance, and geospatial intelligence; and facilitates pre- and post-disaster geohazard analyses.

Directs fully developed staff functions; supervises a small group of professional, technical, or analytical staff performing journeyperson-level work; and personally, performs the most difficult or sensitive work, including complex geohazard assessments and the cradle-to-grave facilitation of state-led Watershed Protection Missions. Oversees field-based geohazard operations and assessments, directs the issuance and administration of Mission Resource Taskings (MRTs), and ensures the integration of FIRIS-derived imagery, LiDAR, satellite, and other geospatial products into operational decision-making. Responsible for the management, supervision, and organization of resources, as well as the implementation of program objectives. To ensure program and incident objectives are met, the PM I may be required to work extended hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and to conduct field operations in remote, rugged, and post-disaster environments. Performs all program work and is responsible for managing staff during both steady-state and disaster recovery operations.

Primary management duties involve supervisorial responsibility for staff; plans, coordinates, and directs resources effectively; develops, reviews, and approves all program-related documentation, guidance, and standard operating procedures. Represents Cal OES and the Watershed Unit in coordination with local, state, federal, and tribal partners; solicits and ensures necessary input from and coordination.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

This position is located in the Watershed Mitigation, Coordination, and Outreach Unit in Mather, CA.

Hybrid Telework: This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule. Additional in office days may be required based on the business need.

DMV Pull Program: Participation in the DMV Pull Program is required. The position(s) require(s) a valid Driver’s License (DL). You must answer the questions addressing your DL on your application. Ensure you provide your DL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions.

Conflict of Interest (COI): This position is designated under the Conflict of Interest Code and is required to complete Form 700 within 30 days of appointment. Failure to comply with the Conflict of Interest Code requirements may void the appointment.

Special Requirements

Application Package Requirements
To have your application considered for this job opportunity:

• List the Job Code (JC) and Position Number for this position in the “EXAMINATION(S) OR JOB TITLE(S) FOR WHICH YOU ARE APPLYING” section on the State Application, STD. 678.
• List your most current employment history first in the “EMPLOYMENT HISTORY” section on the STD. 678.
• Provide the “From” and “To” dates with the month, day and year, the “Hours Per Week” that you worked and the Total Worked (Years/Months). You may include overtime hours.
• You must complete the “DUTIES PERFORMED” on the State Application ( do not note “see attached resume” in this section ). Failure to comply and your application is considered incomplete.
• SROA and Surplus are encouraged to apply and must submit a copy of their letter.
• Please note consideration shall be given to work experience gained in a part-time or full-time job, regardless of whether the job was a paid or a volunteer position or was within, or outside of, state service

If using education to qualify please submit a copy of your transcripts. If selected, official transcripts will be required. Foreign education must obtain and submit verification of United States course/degree equivalency.

NOTE: Incomplete applications received may not be considered. Resumes are welcomed but do not take the place of the completed State Application STD 678. Applications received via fax or email will NOT be accepted. If you would like confirmation of receipt, please send certified mail.

**A candidate pool may be established for subsequent vacancies.**

**All hires may be subject to a criminal background check.**

**We encourage applicants to apply electronically.**

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Extensive experience supervising and leading staff, including setting clear expectations, holding a team accountable for results, evaluating performance, and developing and growing employees over time.
• Proven ability to manage projects, programs, or operations from start to finish, establishing scope, schedule, and priorities; leading cross-functional teams; and ensuring accountability for deliverables, timelines, and quality.
• Demonstrated ability to lead effectively in high-pressure, fast-paced environments, independently managing competing priorities, shifting field conditions, and urgent deadlines while keeping staff focused and supported.
• Excellent interpersonal and diplomatic skills, with a track record of cultivating and sustaining collaborative working relationships across internal teams, partner agencies, government officials, tribal nations, and community partners.
• Experience leveraging data and information management systems – such as GIS, databases, dashboards, and reporting tools – to organize a team’s work, measure performance, maintain data integrity, and support sound, evidence-based decision-making.
• Demonstrated leadership in operational and program planning, process improvement, and guiding a team through change, including developing and implementing plans, protocols, and field operations strategies.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking and the ability to translate complex or technical information into clear, actionable guidance for diverse audiences.
• Ability to lead and make sound decisions within a technically complex program by drawing on the expertise of staff and subject-matter experts, building trust, and removing obstacles – leading the work without needing to be the technical expert.
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with collaboration and coordination tools such as Microsoft Teams, Smartsheet, and ArcGIS Online, or comparable platforms.
• Experience mentoring staff, serving in a leadership or lead capacity, and contributing to a positive, mission-driven, and inclusive team culture.

Benefits

Cal OES employees are eligible for a number of benefits and working for us is a great opportunity to join a committed team. Benefits include but are not limited to the following:

• Free Parking
• On-site Gym and Locker room
• Electric Carport
• Excellent CalPERS state pension plan
• 401(k) and 457(b) Plans
• Flexible Schedules
• Generous paid time off
• Health, dental & vision insurance for the employee or the employee's family
• Investment in careers development
• Located near many local eateries, financial institutions, and the Light Rail Station

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Statement of Qualifications

All applicants must provide a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) for the hiring manager’s review. Failure to include an SOQ may disqualify an applicant from consideration.

A resume in lieu of the SOQ responses may disqualify an applicant from consideration. A standard or generic SOQ may disqualify an applicant from consideration.

Please review the Duty Statement and Desirable Qualifications for this position.

SOQ FORMAT INSTRUCTIONS:

• The SOQ should be no more than one page, single sided, single-spaced in 12-point Arial font.

PLEASE ANSWER THE FOLLOWING:

1. Describe your experience leading, supervising, and developing staff. Include how you set expectations, hold a team accountable, and grow your staff.
2. Describe your experience managing a project, program, or operation to results. Include how you set direction, coordinated stakeholders, and delivered on time.

For assistance in uploading documents, including the SOQ, you may want to consider watching the following video from CalHR's Training Catalog:  Upload SOQ to your Application Package

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.
• Statement of Qualifications - Please refer to the Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) section at the bottom of this job bulletin for the filing instructions and the SOQ Question(s). Applications submitted without the SOQ may not be considered.