Overview
About this Role
At the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), equity, diversity, and inclusion are at the core of our mission to advance the health and well-being of California’s diverse people and communities. We are genuinely and strongly committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness where we can grow and learn together with a diverse team of employees. In recruiting for team members, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring to us and the work we do.
The Center for Preparedness and Response (CPR) within the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is a critical center dedicated to safeguarding the health and well-being of Californians during public health emergencies. CPR coordinates statewide preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts for events such as natural disasters, disease outbreaks, bioterrorism, and other emergencies impacting public health.
Through robust planning, collaboration with local health departments, and partnerships with federal, state, and community organizations, CPR ensures readiness to manage and mitigate health threats effectively. Its responsibilities include developing emergency response plans, training health professionals, conducting exercises to test response capabilities, and providing resources and guidance to strengthen California’s public health infrastructure. By fostering resilience and preparedness, CPR plays a vital role in protecting the state’s diverse populations from evolving health challenges.
Key Responsibilities
The Planning, Preparedness, and Coordination Section Chief leads statewide public health emergency planning and ensures the development, maintenance, and implementation of CDPH’s all-hazards and continuity response plans. The position oversees emergency preparedness activities, manages critical funding deliverables, and coordinates with local, state, and federal partners on planning, training, and exercise efforts. The incumbent supervises multidisciplinary staff, providing leadership, coaching, and oversight of program operations and personnel matters. The role includes directing statewide training and technical assistance related to public health and medical response systems. The Section Chief represents CDPH leadership in high-level meetings and collaborates closely with internal and external stakeholders to advance preparedness objectives. Travel and occasional after-hours work are required to support emergency response activities and statewide coordination.
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:
• Strong experience in emergency preparedness, response planning, and all-hazards planning.
• Proven leadership ability, including supervising multidisciplinary teams and managing complex program operations.
• Skill in coordinating with local, state, federal, and healthcare partners on planning, training, and exercise activities.
• Ability to develop, manage, and track grant-related deliverables and emergency preparedness funding requirements.
• Strong communication and presentation skills for delivering training and providing technical assistance statewide.
• Experience analyzing program issues and providing strategic recommendations to leadership.
• Ability to work effectively in high-pressure or emergency environments, including after-hours response when required.
About California Department of Public Health (CDPH)
CDPH works to protect the public's health in the Golden State and helps shape positive health outcomes for individuals, families and communities. The Department's programs and services, implemented in collaboration with local health departments and state, federal and private partners, touch the lives of every Californian and visitor to the state 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Our Shared Vision
CDPH public health professionals, researchers, scientists, doctors, nurses, and other staff members have a shared vision to protect and improve the health of all Californians. We are dedicated to public service and passionate about our work and the people and communities we serve and protect.
Diversity Statement
At CDPH, equity, diversity, and inclusion are at the core of our mission to advance the health and well-being of California’s diverse people and communities. We are genuinely and strongly committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness where we can grow and learn together with a diverse team of employees. In recruiting for team members, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring to us and the work we do.
