C. E. A.

State of California; California; On-site; USD 135,000 - 161,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent CalPERS state pension plan

Flexible Schedules

Generous paid time off

Health, dental & vision insurance

Job summary

California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) seeks a C.E.A. B, Southern Regional Administrator to provide strategic, operational, and intergovernmental leadership across 11 counties and 200+ cities.

Based in Orange County, this role leads regional programs and coordinates FEMA-aligned policies and regional readiness. The ideal candidate has extensive emergency management experience, strong policy expertise, and proven staff development skills.

Qualifications

• Extensive emergency management experience spanning preparedness, response, recovery, and continuity of operations across multiple jurisdictions.

Responsibilities

• Lead regional emergency management programs and advance policies, plans, and frameworks aligned with FEMA and state requirements.
• Oversee activation, staffing, and readiness of regional response resources and facilities.
• Build and maintain partnerships with local, state, federal, tribal, and other agencies; brief executives and officials on policy implications.
• Direct staff development, performance management, and cross‑agency coordination to improve outcomes.

Skills

Emergency management

Leadership across jurisdictions

Policy development

Intergovernmental collaboration

Staff development

Analytical skills

Executive briefings

Job description

Job Posting: C.E.A. B, Southern Regional Administrator

California Governor's Office of Emergency Services

JC-533534 -

JC-533534 - C.E.A. B, Southern Regional Administrator C. E. A.

$12,131.00 - $14,453.00 per Month New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 11/20/2026

Join the leadership team of the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) - the nation’s premier state-level emergency management and homeland security agency, charged with protecting the people of California from all threats and hazards. Cal OES employs over 1,700 dedicated individuals who achieve the agency’s mission through service to all. It is a dynamic, high energy work environment, where a team oriented approach to complex problem solving is encouraged and skills and leadership development of its employees is a priority. The Southern Division seeks an experienced emergency management leader to provide strategic, operational, and intergovernmental leadership across 11 operational county areas and more than 200 cities. The position plays a critical role in strengthening regional preparedness, response, recovery, continuity of operations, and mutual aid capabilities.

The Southern Regional Administrator leads regional emergency management programs and advances policies, plans, and operational frameworks aligned with state and federal requirements, FEMA standards, and regional needs. The incumbent also oversees the activation, staffing, and operational readiness of the Southern Regionional Response Team, the CalOES Southern Region Campus and the alternate Emergency Operations Center in Southern California. As a senior representative of Cal OES, the incumbent builds and maintains partnerships with local, state, federal, tribal, military, and other governmental organizations; provides guidance on emergency management policy, FEMA programs, mutual aid, and disaster recovery; and may serve as a Deputy State Coordinating Officer or Governor’s Authorized Representative at a Joint Field Office following a major disaster declaration.

The ideal candidate is an accomplished emergency management leader with:

• Extensive emergency management experience spanning preparedness, response, recovery, continuity of operations, and disaster operations, including leadership of complex, multi‑agency programs across multiple jurisdictions.
• Strong strategic and policy expertise, including developing, implementing, and evaluating emergency management plans, procedures, and operational frameworks in alignment with state and federal requirements.
• Operational expertise in Emergency Operations Centers, incident management, mutual aid, regional coordination, and emergency response readiness.
• Knowledge of FEMA programs and disaster assistance, including applicable regulations, grant requirements, and recovery operations. Experience with declared disasters and emergency management grants is highly desirable.
• Proven leadership and staff development skills, including building high‑performing teams, managing performance, and supporting professional growth.
• Exceptional judgment and analytical skills, with the ability to make timely decisions under pressure, manage competing priorities, and use exercises, after‑action reviews, and operational data to drive continuous improvement.
• Outstanding communication, collaboration, and relationship‑management skills, including the ability to brief executive leaders and elected officials, develop actionable policy recommendations, negotiate effectively, and influence outcomes across organizational and jurisdictional boundaries.

When you join Southern Region, you join a family of professionals that function as a team. You will build trust and camaraderie with your co‑workers, as together you respond to emergencies and challenging situations. Cal OES provides employees with a variety of career choices and opportunities. We hope that you will consider a rewarding and challenging career with us!

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

Working Conditions

The Southern Regional Administrator position headquarters is based in Orange County, but will be expected to travel throughout the state. Participation in the DMV Pull Program is required. The position requires 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. 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. All hires may be subject to a criminal background check.

Minimum Requirements

This position does not have a Classification Specification. Requirements and qualifications for this position can be found in this announcement. For additional questions, please contact the hiring department listed below.

C.E.A. B, Southern Regional Administrator

Classification:

C. E. A. $12,131.00 - $14,453.00B New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions:

1

Work Location:

Orange County

Telework:

In Office

Job Type:

Career Executive Assignment - Non Tenured, Full Time

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 Response Directorate leads the State’s incident response efforts and maintains critical situational awareness throughout emergencies and disasters. The Directorate supports immediate actions to save lives, protect property, reduce impacts, and meet the basic needs of affected communities.

The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) responds to a broad range of threats and hazards, including natural disasters, human‑caused incidents, technological hazards, accidents, planned events, and other emergencies. The Directorate also supports proactive preparedness activities and coordinates mutual aid to ensure resources are available when and where they are needed.

The Response Directorate strengthens and supports local response efforts by coordinating state government, private sector, and nongovernmental partners in support of local governments and other affected entities. Response operations are conducted in accordance with the Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS) and are designed to promote effective coordination, communication, and resource management across all levels of government and partner organizations.

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: Southern Region Response Operations | California Governor's Office of Emergency Services

Examination Qualification Requirements

All applicants must possess the knowledge and abilities, and any other requirements described in this announcement.

Note: Eligibility to take a CEA examination does not require current permanent status in the civil service.

Minimum Qualifications

CEA examinations are open to all applicants who possess the knowledge and abilities, and any other requirements as described in the examination bulletin. Eligibility to take a CEA examination does not require current permanent status in civil service.

General Qualifications

State civil service employees must possess essential general qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, and ability to work cooperatively with others.

Knowledge and Abilities

Applicants must demonstrate the ability to perform high administrative and policy‑influencing functions effectively. Such overall ability requires possession of most of the following more specific knowledge and abilities:

(1) Knowledge of the organization and functions of California State Government including the organization and practices of the Legislature and the Executive Branch; principles, practices, and trends of public administration, organization, and management; techniques of organizing and motivating groups; program development and evaluation; methods of administrative problem solving; principles and practices of policy formulation and development; and personnel management techniques; the department's or agency's Equal Employment Opportunity Program Objectives; and a manager's role in the Equal Employment Opportunity Program.

(2) Ability to plan, organize, and direct the work of multidisciplinary professional and administrative staff; analyze administrative policies, organization, procedures and practices; integrate the activities of a diverse program to attain common goals; gain the confidence and support of top level administrators and advise them on a wide range of administrative matters; develop cooperative working relationships with representatives of all levels of government, the public, and the Legislature and Executive branches; analyze complex problems and recommend effective courses of action; and prepare and review reports; and effectively contribute to the department's or agency's Equal Employment Opportunity objectives.

These knowledge and abilities are expected to be obtained from the following kinds of experience with substantial participation in the formulation, operation, and/or evaluation of program policies (experience may have been paid or volunteer; in State service, other government settings, or in a private organization):

CEA Level A - Responsible for broad administrative and program activities, including the execution and/or evaluation of program policies.

CEA Level B - Responsible for extensive managerial and program administration or broad program manager experience with substantial participation in the formulation, operation, and/or evaluation of program policies.

CEA Level C - Responsible for extensive highly professional influence and contributes to program, policy, and the methods to provide professional services needed to set policies, to meet the mission of the State department and often exercising technical and or professional skills that are required at this level.

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 in emergency management, disaster preparedness, response, recovery, continuity, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex, multi‑agency emergency management programs.
• Experience directing emergency management operations across multiple jurisdictions or geographic areas.
• Experience managing and developing professional staff, including performance management, recruitment, training, and organizational development.
• Demonstrated ability to make sound decisions in high‑pressure, rapidly changing environments.
• Demonstrated experience developing, implementing, and evaluating emergency management policies, procedures, plans, and operational frameworks.
• Strong analytical ability and experience developing policy recommendations for senior executives.
• Experience managing or coordinating complex emergency or disaster operations involving multiple agencies and jurisdictions.
• Familiarity with state, federal, local, tribal, and/or military emergency response structures.
• Experience serving in an incident management, recovery, coordination, or executive role during a declared disaster would be highly desirable.
• Experience with the Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) or other emergency management grant programs.
• Demonstrated success building collaborative relationships with local government, state agencies, federal agencies, tribal governments, military organizations, and other emergency management partners.
• Experience representing an organization before executive‑level governmental or intergovernmental bodies.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to brief senior executives and elected or appointed officials.
• Strong organizational, negotiation, facilitation, and conflict‑resolution skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to developing staff and building high‑performing teams.
• Ability to communicate complex emergency management, regulatory, and operational issues clearly to both technical and executive audiences.

Examination Information

The examination process will consist of a Standard State Application (form STD 678), Resume, and Statement of Qualifications evaluation. The Statement of Qualifications will be used to evaluate your experience and may also serve as documentation of each candidate's ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing since this is a critical factor to successful job performance. The Application, Resume, and Statement of Qualifications may be the only basis for your final score and rank on the eligible list. The most qualified candidates may be scheduled for an interview as part of the examination process if it is deemed necessary in order to make a decision.

If you meet the requirements stated in this announcement, you may take this competitive examination. Possession of the Examination Qualifications requirements does not assure a place on the eligible list. Your performance in the examination will be compared with the performance of others who take this examination, and all successful candidates will be ranked according to their scores.

A minimum rating of 70% must be attained in the Examination to obtain list eligibility for this position. All candidates will receive written notification of their examination results.

The results of this examination will only be used to fill this position. Applications will be retained for twelve months.

Hiring interviews for the Job may be conducted with the most qualified candidates.

The examining Department reserves the right to revise the examination plan to better meet the needs of the service, if the circumstances under which this examination was planned change. Such revision will be in accordance with civil service law and rules and all competitors will be notified.

Special Testing Arrangements

If you have a disability and need special testing arrangements, answer the Reasonable Accommodations question appropriately on your Application (STD 678). You will be contacted to make specific arrangements. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this announcement.

Benefits

Cal OES is conveniently located near downtown, many local eateries, financial institutions, and the Light Rail Station. 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 and their family
• Investment in career development
• Free Parking
• Electric Carport

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

Contact Information

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

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

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact: EEO Officer [phone] [e-mail]

Standard State Application (STD 678) Information

• 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.
• 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.

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug‑free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.