DISASTER ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS SPECIALIST I

State of California; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 53,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent CalPERS state pension plan

401(k) and 457(b) Plans

Flexible Schedules

Generous paid time off

Health, dental & vision insurance

Career development investment

Free Parking

Electric Carport

Job summary

The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services is seeking a Disaster Assistance Programs Specialist I in Orange County with hybrid telework. This role manages federal/state disaster grants and administers program tasks within the Recovery Branch.

You will coordinate PA, FMAG, and CDAA grants, support open disaster declarations, and serve as the primary contact for closing projects while meeting regulatory deadlines.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) program, including eligibility criteria.
• Familiarity with grant programs, including CDAA and FMAG requirements.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work under deadlines.
• Strong written and oral communication skills for diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Perform tasks related to PA program management and disaster grants.
• Coordinate with federal and state grant programs and track closure of projects.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for closing assigned disaster projects.

Skills

PA program knowledge

Building codes

Excellent communication

Deadline driven

Job description

Job Posting: Disaster Assistance Programs Specialist I

California Governor's Office of Emergency Services

JC-532804 - Disaster Assistance Programs Specialist I

$4,764.00 - $6,554.00 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: 10/8/2026

This is a 12 month Limited-Term position that may be extended up to 24 months and/or with the possibility of becoming permanent.

Under the supervision of the Program Manager I (PM I), the Disaster Assistance Program Specialist I (DAPS I) performs average to difficult tasks relating to the provision of federal and state disaster assistance within the Cal OES Recovery Branch. Works within various programs including grants management, public assistance, research, analysis and documentation, and administration pursuant to the federal Public Assistance Disaster Grant, federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG), California Disaster Assistance Act (CDAA) grants, and other grant programs. Works on assignments related to open state and federal disasters and emergency declarations and is the primary point of contact for closing assigned disaster projects and/or applications. Function in a demanding and changing environment, which requires the DAPS I to act with great independence while effectively maintaining a routine workload and also regularly responding to short term tasks. Required to meet regulatory and internal deadlines on all assignments.

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

Working Conditions

This position is located in the Public Assistance Southern Unit in Santa Ana, CA

Hybrid Telework: This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule. Additional in office days may be required based on the business needs.

DMV Pull Program: Participation in the DMV Pull Program is required. The position(s) require(s) 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.

Conflict of Interest (COI): 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.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• DISASTER ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS SPECIALIST I

Disaster Assistance Programs Specialist I

Classification: DISASTER ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS SPECIALIST I $4,764.00 - $5,964.00A $5,230.00 - $6,554.00B New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions: Multiple

Work Location: Orange County

Telework: Hybrid

Job Type: 12 Month Limited Term - 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 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.

The Recovery Directorate is responsible for managing disaster recovery and providing assistance to local governments, special districts, certain nonprofit organizations, individuals, businesses and agricultural communities impacted by disasters. The Recovery Directorate ensures state and federal support are provided in an efficient and timely manner throughout the recovery process.

The Recovery Directorate is comprised of three sections — Recovery Operations, Hazard Mitigation, and Interagency Recovery Coordination. Recovery personnel are responsible for assisting in the management of statewide disaster recovery efforts, as well as assisting agricultural communities, businesses, certain nonprofit organizations, individuals, local governments and special districts impacted by disasters.

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:

Recovery Directorate | California Governor's Office of Emergency Services

All hires may be subject to a criminal background check.

Desirable Qualifications

• Knowledge of FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) Program, including eligibility criteria and funding mechanisms
• Familiarity with construction methods, building codes, and mitigation techniques to strengthen infrastructure resilience
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities
• Possess excellent communication and interactive skills
• Ability to be accountable
• Uses creativity and innovation to resolve issues
• Be proficient in the use of various computer word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications and be willing to learn new technological tools and incorporate them in daily tasks
• Written and oral communication skills, with the ability to present information and express ideas in a clear, confident, and convincing manner
• Have experience in analyzing and interpreting various legislative documents, government codes and regulations
• Demonstrate ability to follow directions, protocols, and procedures
• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work in a multi-disciplined team environment
• Perform both independently and in a cooperative team environment
• Ability to prioritize and work well under pressure to meet quick deadlines
• Be able to work in remote areas and makeshift office environments

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

• 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

Contact Information

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

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

Human Resources Contact:
HR Unit - BM
[phone]
[e-mail]

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]

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice)TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

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.

The State of California 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.