Cal OES is currently recruiting for multiple positions across three teams.
Ready to Make a Real Difference When It Matters Most?
At the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), we don't just respond to crises—we prepare communities to face them head-on. As a leader in emergency management and homeland security, we're looking for passionate professionals who thrive under pressure and want their work to truly matter.
About CSTI
The California Specialized Training Institute (CSTI) is a critical component of Cal OES that operates year-round from our main campus in San Luis Obispo, office at Cal OES headquarters, and training sites across the state. We deliver over 150 specialized courses covering emergency management, hazardous materials, exercise development, fire and rescue, criminal justice, disaster recovery, and crisis communications - equipping first responders and emergency personnel with the skills they need when every second counts.
The Role: Emergency Management Coordinator/Instructor II
You'll be on the front lines of emergency readiness shaping how California responds to disasters. Working under the Senior Emergency Management Coordinator, you'll help design cutting-edge programs that align with state and national standards and Department of Homeland Security guidelines. You will teach selected all-hazards courses, coordinate with local communities on training and exercises, and oversee contract instructors to ensure training excellence.
Beyond your instructional responsibilities, you will research, develop and update course curriculum and exercises, and evaluate outreach programs statewide. Expect to travel throughout California to various training locations—occasionally including weekends —as you bring critical knowledge to communities that need it most.
Emergency Management Unit - San Luis Obispo County or Sacramento County, California
The Emergency Management team delivers comprehensive training to professionals across all phases of emergency management — preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation. We teach the full hazard spectrum, with specialized courses in crisis communications, emergency operations centers, ICS courses, school emergency planning, and populations with access and functional needs. The team also supports professional development through EOC position-specific credentialing, and a statewide instructional outreach program.
State Exercise Operations Unit - Orange County, California
The exercise team delivers a top-notch emergency management exercise support program committed to making a difference in people's lives. We lead comprehensive exercises and provide planning and execution support statewide. Our activities align with the federal Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP), and we also teach HSEEP courses.
Hazardous Materials Unit - San Luis Obispo County, California
The Hazardous Materials team delivers comprehensive training that integrates classroom learning with practical, scenario-based exercises to strengthen decision-making and operational readiness so that first responders are prepared to safely and effectively manage hazardous materials incidents. Our program aligns with state and federal standards and we offer a range of Pro Board–certified courses through both direct delivery and an instructional outreach program. We are proud that the Hazardous Materials Technician and Specialist certifications are recognized as having some of the most rigorous standards for hazardous materials response training in the nation.
If you're energized by challenging work, team collaboration, and the opportunity to strengthen California's emergency readiness, we want to hear from you.
Applying today is the first step towards a rewarding and challenging career with us!
Applications are scheduled to be released to the hiring manager on the following dates:
May 14, 2026
May 21, 2026
May 28, 2026
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
The primary duty location for the positions are:
- Emergency Management Unit position - San Luis Obispo County or Sacramento County
- Exercise Unit position -Orange County, California
- Hazardous Materials position -San Luis Obispo County
Hybrid Telework: These positions may be eligible for a hybrid work schedule. Additional in office days may be required based on business need.
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.