HSEEP Exercise Controller – Lead Scenario Play

Applied Training Solutions; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Training Solutions, LLC is seeking an experienced Controller to support HSEEP-compliant state exercises. You will manage scenario delivery, injects, and simulation inputs to ensure realistic, safe, and consistent exercise conduct on-site in Virginia.

The role requires strong communication, familiarity with exercise control principles, and the ability to adapt to dynamic scenarios and participant actions. Travel and on-site coordination with facilitators and evaluators are essential.

Qualifications

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience participating in emergency management exercises or operational environments.
• Ability to follow scenario scripts and control guidance.
• 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
• 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

Skills

Communication skills

Emergency management

Adaptability

US citizenship

Job description

Position: Controller Posted: 01/14/2026 Controller 1099 - Consultant Various locations within the Commonwealth of Virginia 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.