Program Monitor-LDH (Tactical Communication Officer)

State of Louisiana; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Louisiana Department of Health invites applicants for a Tactical Communications Officer to strengthen public health emergency response. The role focuses on coordinating emergency communications, maintaining ESF-8/HAN infrastructure, and ensuring rapid information sharing among state and federal partners.

Responsibilities include managing communications equipment, disseminating alerts to thousands of providers, and serving as a main liaison during emergencies.

Qualifications

• Five years of experience in developing, managing, or evaluating health or social service programs; or in public health, public relations, social services, health services, health regulation, or administrative services; OR
• Six years of full-time work experience in any field plus two years of experience in developing, managing, or evaluating health or social service programs; or in public health, public relations, social services, health services, health regulation, or administrative services; OR
• A bachelor’s degree plus two years of experience in developing, managing, or evaluating health or social service programs; or in public health, public relations, social services, health services, health regulation, or administrative services; OR
• An advanced degree or a Juris Doctorate plus one year of experience in developing, managing, or evaluating health or social service programs; or in public health, public relations, social services, health services, health regulation, or administrative services.
• EXPERIENCE SUBSTITUTION: Every 30 semester hours earned from an accredited college or university will be credited as one year of experience towards the six years of full-time work experience in any field. The maximum substitution allowed is 120 semester hours which substitutes for a maximum of four years of experience in any field.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate emergency communications planning, training, drills, and workshops to support public health emergency preparedness and response.
• Maintain the operational readiness and functionality of the Emergency Support Function 8 (ESF-8) communications infrastructure, including the Louisiana Health Alert Network (HAN).
• Manage and support communications systems and equipment, including cell phones, mobile satellite networks, satellite phones, 700 MHz radios, HAM radios, and related hardware and software.
• Disseminate timely and accurate health alerts and emergency notifications to more than 37,000 healthcare providers and other public health partners through the HAN system.
• Serve as a key point of contact for state agencies, federal partners, emergency operations centers, healthcare facilities, and other response organizations during public health emergencies.
• Facilitate rapid information sharing and coordination among local, state, and federal partners to support effective emergency response and informed decision-making.
• Ensure continuous, 24/7 emergency communications readiness to support the timely identification of public health threats, minimize response delays, and protect the health and safety of Louisiana residents.

Job description

The mission of the Louisiana Department of Health is to protect and promote health and to ensure access to medical, preventive, and rehabilitative services for all residents of the State of Louisiana.

Learn more about Louisiana Department of Health

Join our team as a critical part of Louisiana’s public health emergency response! As a Tactical Communications Officer, you’ll help keep essential communications running 24/7, coordinate emergency response efforts, and ensure timely, reliable information reaches public health partners across the state. Your work will help protect communities, strengthen emergency preparedness, and make a meaningful difference when it matters most. Apply today!

• Five years of experience in developing, managing, or evaluating health or social service programs; or in public health, public relations, social services, health services, health regulation, or administrative services; OR
• Six years of full-time work experience in any field plus two years of experience in developing, managing, or evaluating health or social service programs; or in public health, public relations, social services, health services, health regulation, or administrative services; OR
• A bachelor’s degree plus two years of experience in developing, managing, or evaluating health or social service programs; or in public health, public relations, social services, health services, health regulation, or administrative services; OR
• An advanced degree or a Juris Doctorate plus one year of experience in developing, managing, or evaluating health or social service programs; or in public health, public relations, social services, health services, health regulation, or administrative services.
• EXPERIENCE SUBSTITUTION:
• Every 30 semester hours earned from an accredited college or university will be credited as one year of experience towards the six years of full-time work experience in any field. The maximum substitution allowed is 120 semester hours which substitutes for a maximum of four years of experience in any field.

The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.

Job Duties:

• Coordinate emergency communications planning, training, drills, and workshops to support public health emergency preparedness and response.
• Maintain the operational readiness and functionality of the Emergency Support Function 8 (ESF-8) communications infrastructure, including the Louisiana Health Alert Network (HAN).
• Manage and support communications systems and equipment, including cell phones, mobile satellite networks, satellite phones, 700 MHz radios, HAM radios, and related hardware and software.
• Disseminate timely and accurate health alerts and emergency notifications to more than 37,000 healthcare providers and other public health partners through the HAN system.
• Serve as a key point of contact for state agencies, federal partners, emergency operations centers, healthcare facilities, and other response organizations during public health emergencies.
• Facilitate rapid information sharing and coordination among local, state, and federal partners to support effective emergency response and informed decision-making.
• Ensure continuous, 24/7 emergency communications readiness to support the timely identification of public health threats, minimize response delays, and protect the health and safety of Louisiana residents.

Position-Specific Details:

Location: Office of Public Health / Bureau of Community Preparedness / East Baton Rouge Parish

Appointment Type: This position will be filled as aProbationary appointment

Cost Center: 3262107800

Position Number(s): 50385262

Contact Information:

Shambrielle Pooler

[e-mail]

LA Department of Health (LDH)

Division of Human Resources

PO Box 4818

Baton Rouge, LA 70821

225-342-6477

This organization participates in E-verify, and for more information on E-verify, please contact DHS at 1-888-464-4218.

LDH supports Louisiana’s commitment to being a State as a Model Employer (SAME) by promoting the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities.

Information on the Louisiana Works, Louisiana Rehabilitation Services is available here.

LDH is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to recruit a highly productive and diverse workforce and will provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and prospective employees. Employment decisions shall be based strictly on merit and without regard to religious or political beliefs, sex, race, or any other non-merit factor.