Disaster Assistance Programs Specialist I

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 supervision of the Program Manager I (PM I), the Disaster Assistance Programs Specialist I (DAPS I) will perform average to difficult tasks relating to the provision of federal and state disaster assistance within the Recovery Operations. DAPS I works within various programs including but not limited to: Public Assistance (PA) Disaster Grant, California Disaster Assistance Act (CDAA), Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG), Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness grant (HMEP), Pre-Disaster Mitigation program (PDM), Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA), and other grant programs. The incumbent functions in a demanding and changing environment, which requires the DAPS I to act with great independence while effectively maintaining a routine workload and also regularly responding to short term tasks. Required to meet regulatory and internal deadlines on all assignments. May be required to travel on short notice, work in a Joint Field Office, and work overtime as necessary in support of Cal OES program objectives.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

This position is located in the Public Assistance Southern Unit in Santa Ana, 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

THIS POSITION IS SUBJECT TO THE POST & BID PROCESS:

Priority will be given to Cal OES Post & Bid applicants (if any). Post & Bid applications must be received or post marked no later than 07/06/2026 , to be considered. Post & Bid applications will be accepted from individuals currently employed by the Cal OES, with permanent status in the classification.

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:

• Knowledge of FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) Program, including eligibility criteria and funding mechanisms
• Familiarity with construction methods, building codes, and mitigation techniques to strengthen infrastructure resilience
• Adapt to changing priorities
• Have excellent communication and interactive skills
• Demonstrate the ability to be accountable
• Use creativity and innovation to resolve issues
• Be proficient in the use of various computer word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications and be willing to learn new technological tools and to incorporate them in daily tasks
• Written and oral communication skills, with the ability to present information and express ideas in a clear, confident, and convincing manner
• Have experience in analyzing and interpreting various legislative documents, government codes and regulations
• Demonstrate ability to follow directions, protocols, and procedures
• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work in a multi-disciplined team environment
• Perform both independently and in a cooperative team environment
• Demonstrate the ability to prioritize and work well under pressure to meet quick deadlines
• Possess excellent customer service skills
• Be able to work in remote areas and makeshift office environment

Benefits

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

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:

• 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
• Free Parking
• Electric Carport

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 and a standard or generic SOQ may disqualify an applicant from consideration.

Please review the Duty Statement and the Desirable Qualifications.

The SOQ should specifically outline how you meet any or all of the desirable qualifications outlined in the Job Posting and Duty Statement. 

SOQ FORMAT INSTRUCTIONS: 

• The SOQ should be no more than one page, single-sided, single-spaced in 12-point Arial font, with your name and date in upper right corner.

PLEASE ANSWER THE FOLLOWING:

• Please describe your background, education, and/or training as related to the Duty Statement and Desirable Qualifications.

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.