Controller

Applied Training Solutions; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 75,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Job summary

Applied Training Solutions, LLC in Virginia seeks an experienced Controller to support HSEEP-compliant state exercises. The Controller will manage scenario delivery, injects, and simulation inputs, coordinating with facilitators and exercise leadership to ensure realistic and safe conduct.

Responsibilities include guiding exercise play, maintaining control notes, and participating in briefings, rehearsals, and after-action discussions.

Qualifications

• Experience participating in emergency management exercises or operational environments.
• Familiarity with Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP).
• Ability to follow scenario scripts, inject schedules, and control guidance.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a Controller for seminars, workshops, tabletop, functional, and full‑scale exercises conducted in accordance with HSEEP doctrine.
• Support execution of exercise play by delivering scenario information, injects, and simulated inputs as directed.
• Interact with exercise participants to provide scenario updates, role‑play non‑participating entities, and respond to participant actions.
• Maintain accurate control notes and logs to support after‑action reporting and evaluation.
• Participate in controller briefings, rehearsals, and debriefs as required.

Skills

Emergency management experience

HSEEP knowledge

Strong communication

Interpersonal skills

Adaptability

Education

FEMA HSEEP training IS-120/IS-130/IS-139

ICS-200/ICS-300 training

Job description

Position Summary

Applied Training Solutions, LLC is seeking an experienced Controller to support HSEEP-compliant state exercises. The Controller is responsible for supporting the execution of exercise play by managing scenario delivery, participant interaction, and simulation inputs in accordance with the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP). This role works under the direction of the Lead / Senior Controller and in coordination with facilitators, evaluators, and exercise leadership to ensure realistic, safe, and consistent exercise conduct.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a Controller for seminars, workshops, tabletop, functional, and full-scale exercises conducted in accordance with HSEEP doctrine
• Support execution of exercise play by delivering scenario information, injects, and simulated inputs as directed
• Interact with exercise participants to provide scenario updates, role‑play non‑participating entities, and respond to participant actions
• Ensure scenario play remains aligned with exercise objectives, scope, and design
• Follow control guidance, rules, assumptions, and artificialities established for the exercise
• Coordinate closely with the Lead / Senior Controller to maintain consistent exercise tempo and flow
• Monitor participant actions and decisions and report notable issues, deviations, or safety concerns to control leadership
• Support facilitation efforts by reinforcing scenario context and guiding play as needed
• Maintain accurate control notes and logs to support after‑action reporting and evaluation
• Participate in controller briefings, rehearsals, and debriefs as required
• Support hot washes and after‑action discussions as directed
• Maintain professionalism, objectivity, and confidentiality throughout the exercise process

Basic Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience participating in emergency management exercises or operational environments
• Working knowledge of exercise conduct and control principles
• Ability to follow scenario scripts, inject schedules, and control guidance
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to adapt to dynamic exercise environments and changing participant actions
• Familiarity with Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP)
• Must be a U.S. citizen

Preferred Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in emergency management or planning roles
• FEMA HSEEP training (e.g., IS-120, IS-130, IS-139, or equivalent)
• Experience serving as a Controller for state or multi‑agency exercises
• Incident Command System (ICS) training (ICS-200, ICS-300 preferred)
• Experience supporting Emergency Operations Center (EOC) or field‑based exercises
• Knowledge of FEMA, EMAC, and interagency coordination processes

Other Requirements

U.S. Citizenship Required: Yes
Performance Location: On‑site while on assignment (various locations within the Commonwealth of Virginia)
Relocation Assistance: Not applicable
Clearance Required: None
Travel Required: Yes – up to 100% while on assignment

Working Environment

The work environment will include Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs), field exercise sites, training venues, or office locations depending on assignment. The position may require extended work hours beyond 12 hours per day, working under high operational tempo, and travel to locations throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.

About Applied Training Solutions, LLC

Applied Training Solutions, LLC is a leading simulations company providing innovative systems, products, and solutions to government and commercial customers.

We are committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and make all employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. U.S. citizenship is required for most positions.