Information Technology Specialist I

Job Description And Duties

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.

About The Position

The Information Technology Specialist I (ITS I) provides hands-on technology support for Cal OES offices and emergency operations throughout California. This role combines day-to-day IT support with statewide field deployment during emergencies and disaster response activities.

The position troubleshoots computers, networks, mobile devices, and communications equipment; sets up technology at emergency field locations; and helps keep critical IT systems and equipment ready for deployment. The IT Specialist I also supports disaster exercises, provides technical guidance to staff, and works with IT and emergency response teams to solve problems in fast-paced environments.

This is an opportunity to use your technical skills in a role where reliable technology directly supports emergency response, recovery, and the communities Cal OES serves.

About The Southern California Campus

The new Southern California campus will serve as a central hub for coordinating emergency response and recovery efforts across the region. The campus will support responses to earthquakes, wildfires, floods, droughts, and other emergencies, while also strengthening preparedness and coordination during non-emergency periods.

Located on a 15-acre site in Costa Mesa, the campus will bring together state and local partners to improve communication, coordination, and collaboration. It will provide additional support and capacity during emergencies and complement the existing State Operations Center in Mather.

The campus will play an important role in supporting communities throughout Southern California, including Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, and the Inland Empire. Its work will help local governments prepare for disasters, coordinate response operations, and support recovery efforts with the shared goal of protecting Californians and helping communities recover from emergencies.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

Headquarters location: This position will be based in our Southern Regional Emergency Operations Center (SREOC), located in Costa Mesa, California with a projected completion in late 2027.

Prior to the opening of the new SREOC, the temporary reporting location will be in our Southern Field Office located in Santa Ana, California.

In Office: This position supports and manages the day-to-day business operations for Cal OES which is handled in an office location. This is not considered a hybrid telework position.

Department Information

The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture by hiring and retaining individuals from a variety of backgrounds and personal experiences. Our employees are empowered with the tools and resources necessary to meet our mission, while continuing to expand equity and inclusion efforts at all levels of the organization. We are committed to the spirit and work required to ensure the safety and resilience of every community in California.

The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is an emergency response, homeland security, and disaster recovery agency and as a result, is a dynamic and exciting place to work in a team-oriented environment. Cal OES provides training to enhance the understanding of emergency and incident management to all employees.

In the event of an emergency, employees may be contacted and requested to report to work in the event of an emergency. This contact may be outside of your normal working hours (evenings/nights, weekends, and holidays). This service may require irregular work hours, work locations other than the official duty location, and may include duties other than those specified in your official position description. Travel requirements in support of emergency operations may be extensive in nature (weeks to months), with little advance notice, and you may be required to relocate to emergency sites.

More information may be found here: Policy & Administration | California Governor's Office of Emergency Services

Department Website: http://www.caloes.ca.gov

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:

• Completed the FEMA IS100, IS200, IS700, and IS800 FEMA Training
• Associates or Bachelor’s Degree in IT Related Field
• Background deploying Mobile and Satellite Network solutions
• Network + or A+ or Cisco CCNA, certifications
• Prior work providing IT support during public safety or emergency events
• Knowledge of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) Incident Command System (ICS) ICT Structure

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:

• 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

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