Emergency Management Program Specialist

Recruitment # AR-001

Location Middletown, CT

Date Opened 12/19/2025 12:00:00 AM Salary $82,055 - $105,983/year Job Type Open to the Public Close Date 1/8/2026 11:59:00 PM

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Introduction

Do you have experience in planning, technical writing, program management, grants administration, training or public information? If so, we invite you to check out this opportunity with the State of Connecticut
The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) is hiring an
Emergency Management Program Specialist
with the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS) in Middletown.

What We Can Offer You

• NEW: Visit our State Employee Benefits Overview page to learn about our medical and dental insurance plans, sick/vacation/personal leave accruals, state holidays, tuition reimbursement and more
• Professional growth and development opportunities.
• A healthy work/life balance to all employees.

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.

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS
This is a full-time, 40 hour per week position on first shift. Schedule is Monday-Friday between 8:00am and 4:30pm, with hybrid work opportunities available.

Working closely with local, state, federal, tribal, and private sector partners, DEMHS provides a coordinated, integrated program for statewide emergency management and homeland security.

We are currently seeking to fill one Emergency Management Program Specialist Position within the Training and Exercise unit.

In Training & Exercise You Will

• Develop and provide all hazards training to stakeholders, with a specific focus on cyber- and information security;
• 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 unit's program manual.

About Us
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.

• 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
• 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
• 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

For an inside look at what it's like to work as an employee for the State of Connecticut, please watch the video below
Selection Plan

Recruitment Information
Candidates selected for an interview must provide the following at the time of interview:

State Employees

• Two (2) most recent performance evaluations
• Completed CT-HR-13

Non-State Employees

• Two (2) professional reference contact information including name, email, and phone number (at least one being a current and/or previous supervisor)
• Completed CT-HR-13

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. Any pending disciplinary history within the past 2 years and review of attendance records are also considered in this selection process.

Click here to complete the Criminal Convictions addendum (CT-HR-13). The CT-HR-13 can also be found on the DAS website by typing in "CT-HR-13" into the "Search Department of Administrative Services" search field.

For Assistance In Applying
Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Reference Library 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.
• Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69, 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
• 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

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 Jake Ferrari at

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;
• Prepares and conducts training courses;
• Assists in planning, developing, coordinating and evaluating comprehensive training programs;
• Conducts needs assessments;
• Develops course objectives, curricula, outlines and contents;
• Selects and develops training methods and materials;
• Researches learning material and resources;
• Monitors and evaluates training courses and participants progress;
• Provides technical assistance and consultation;
• Maintains records and prepares reports;
• Organizes and maintains a library of training materials;
• May conduct drills and exercises;
• Performs related duties as assigned.

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.

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 in the field of cyber security;
• Experience participating in work groups, task forces, or committees;
• Experience developing emergency management plans or procedures;
• 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;
• Experience with emergency management and homeland security training and exercise programs including design, development, execution and evaluation.

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 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.