Hospital Preparedness Planner (Planner 3 - PN 20098646)

State-of-Ohio; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 43,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Coverage

Paid time off

11 paid holidays per year

Education and Development

Job summary

State of Ohio is seeking a Hospital Preparedness Planner to lead initiatives ensuring readiness for public health emergencies across natural and man-made threats in Ohio. The role emphasizes planning, coordination, and continuous improvement of preparedness programs.

You will work with multiple healthcare facilities, local and state partners, and contribute to exercises, trainings, and compliance with federal preparedness standards. Strong research and communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Completion of undergraduate core program or 24 mos. exp. in assigned program area.
• 9 mos. trg. or 9 mos. exp. in operational, mathematical, analytical

Responsibilities

• Lead critical initiatives to ensure Ohio is ready to respond to public health emergencies.
• Develop and maintain emergency preparedness plans for the Department of Health.
• Coordinate with healthcare facilities, local health departments, NGOs, and state/federal agencies for a common operating picture.
• Support and coordinate agency emergency response operations.
• Staff the Emergency Support Function #8 Desk at the State Emergency Operations Center.
• Organize exercises, after-action reviews, and trainings.
• Represent the Department on preparedness committees and at public health conferences.
• Assist with grants, proposals, and federal preparedness standards compliance.

Skills

Planning & Development

Job description

All job postings will expire at 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the application deadline.

Organization: Health

Agency Contact Name and Information: Steven G. Candidates chosen for an interview will be contacted directly.

Work Location: 246 North High Street, 1st Floor, Columbus, Ohio, 43215, United States

Compensation: $31.47

Schedule: Permanent - Full Time

Work Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm

Classified Indicator: Classified

Union: OCSEA

Primary Job Skill: Planning and Development

This posting expires on November 5, 2026.

Who We Are

Our mission at the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) is advancing the health and well-being of all Ohioans. Our agency is committed to building a modern, vibrant public health system that creates the conditions where all Ohioans flourish.

The Bureau of Health Preparedness (BHP) plays a vital role in this mission. We lead in preparing for and responding to public health threats — from natural disasters and disease outbreaks to bioterrorism and radiological emergencies. Our all-hazards approach ensures Ohio is ready for anything.

What You'll Do

Are you ready to play a pivotal role in safeguarding the health and safety of millions of Ohioans? As a Hospital Preparedness Planner, you’ll lead critical initiatives that ensure Ohio is ready to respond to public health emergencies, from natural disasters to man-made threats.

• Provide subject matter expertise on all-hazards planning and response (e.g., research, writing, and development [or update] of plans, plus working during emergency operations to coordinate ODH actions in response to large or small incidents).
• Develop and maintain emergency preparedness plans for ODH.
• Coordinate with various healthcare facility types, local health departments, non-governmental organizations plus state and federal agencies to provide a common operating picture, manage resources, coordinate actions, and share information among local, regional, state and federal stakeholders.
• Support and coordinate agency emergency response operations (but not as a direct first responder in the field).
• Staff the Emergency Support Function #8 (Public Health and Medical Services) Desk at the State of Ohio Emergency Operations Center to support efficient and effective coordinated state-level emergency response operations.
• Organize exercises, after-action reviews, and trainings.
• Represent ODH on preparedness committees and at public health conferences.
• Assist with grants, proposals, and federal preparedness standards compliance.

We're Looking for Someone Who:

• Is mission-driven and passionate about public health.
• Conducts independent research to build subject matter expertise.
• Translates strategic objectives into actionable plans.
• Works collaboratively across teams and agencies.
• Remains composed and resourceful in challenging situations.
• Communicates clearly and effectively through written or oral means.
• Embraces continuous learning, training, and innovation.
• Can use technology and data to make informed decisions.
• Is organized, accountable, and follows through on assignments.
• Shows initiative and leads with poise and purpose.

Additional Information:

Normal working hours areMonday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This is an hourly position, with a pay range of 32 on the OCSEAPay Range Schedule.

Unless required by legislation, the selected candidate will begin at Pay Grade 32, Step 1 of the OCSEA Pay Range Schedule ($31.47 per hour), with an opportunity for pay increase after six months ($32.84) of satisfactory performance and then a yearly raise thereafter.

STATUS OF POSTED POSITION:

You may check the status of your application by signing in to your profile on this website (careers.ohio.gov). We will communicate with you through the email you provided in your profile and job application.

Background Check Information:

The final candidate selected for this position will be required to undergo a criminal background check. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position. An individual assessment of an applicant's prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration.

Educational Transcript Requirements:

Official educational transcripts are required for all post-secondary education claimed on the application before a formal job offer can be made. Transcripts must be provided within five (5) working days of the request; failure to provide them will cause elimination from further consideration. Transcripts must be originals sent directly from the institution featuring an institutional watermark, ink stamp, or embossed stamp. Web printouts will not be accepted. ODH reserves the right to evaluate the credibility of any degree or educational institution.

Why Work for the State of Ohio:

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:

• Medical Coverage
• Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
• Public Retirement Systems (such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)

*Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.

Qualifications:

• Completion of undergraduate core program or 24 mos. exp. in assigned program area (e.g., engineering, landscape architecture, rehabilitation, mental health technology, transportation, physical, behavioral & social science, urban or community planning, natural resources, business or public administration);

• 9 mos. trg. or 9 mos. exp. in operational, mathematical, analytical