Texas State University
Overview
The Exercise Specialist is responsible for supporting the Exercise Program Manager, EOP Program Manager, and the School Safety Readiness Associate Director in designing, coordinating, facilitating, and evaluating emergency preparedness exercises that test and improve the multi-hazard emergency operations plan of Texas independent school districts, open-enrollment charter schools, and junior colleges. This position ensures compliance with Texas Education Code Chapter 37, alignment with state and federal emergency preparedness standards, including FEMA’s National Incident Management System (NIMS), and Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) protocols. Responsibilities
Support the plan, design, and facilitation of emergency management planning and exercise events (e.g., tabletop, functional, and full-scale exercises). Assist the Exercise Program Manager to ensure alignment between tabletop exercises and the annual Emergency Operations Plan Review Cycle. Coordinate collaboration with local, regional, state, and federal agencies to provide and gain subject matter expertise as needed. Implement TxSSC logistics protocols to secure exercise locations, including working with internal Business Operations staff on contracts, interlocal agreements, and memoranda of understanding. Develop and disseminate marketing materials via email, website, and social media in collaboration with internal IT staff. Develop website registration content in collaboration with IT staff. Conduct post-exercise surveys in collaboration with internal Research staff. Maintain exercise data for reporting to the TxSSC director, board, university, and Texas legislators. Provide multi-hazard emergency operations plan technical support to districts via email, phone, video conferencing, and in-person as needed. Participate in regional, state, and federal exercises as directed by the Readiness associate director and TxSSC director. Attend regional, state, and federal conferences related to exercising to showcase the TxSSC’s work as directed by the Readiness associate director and TxSSC director. Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Emergency Management or a closely related field. At least 2 years of experience in emergency management, homeland security, or a related discipline. At least 2 years of demonstrated experience in planning, facilitating, and evaluating emergency response exercises. Demonstrated experience with HSEEP, EOC operations, ICS structure, and continuity of operations planning (COOP). Demonstrated experience with public sector agencies (e.g., municipal, healthcare, education). Demonstrated knowledge of FEMA and Texas-specific mitigation grant programs and funding mechanisms. Demonstrated experience conducting risk assessments, threat analysis, and gap analysis. Strong project management and organizational skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously and adapt to changing circumstances. Excellent written and verbal communication skills for preparing reports, delivering presentations, and working with cross-functional teams. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite – Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Experience in video and audio recording of resources. Completion of key FEMA and NIMS courses, including: IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, IS-800; ICS-300 and ICS-400; IS-120, IS-130, IS-230, IS-235, IS-2200; G-141 and G-449 (or equivalents) within 6–12 months of hire if not yet completed; L0146 (Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program – HSEEP). Preferred Qualifications
Working toward completion of the Master Exercise Practitioner Program (MEPP). At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in emergency management, homeland security, or a related discipline. At least 5 years of demonstrated experience in planning, facilitating, and evaluating emergency response exercises with educational environments. Job Details
Posting Number:
2026037 Posting/Functional Title:
Exercise Specialist - TxSSC University Pay Plan Title:
Training Specialist, TXSSC Location:
San Marcos Department:
Texas School Safety Center Recruitment Type:
Open Recruiting Job Type:
Full-Time Funding Source:
Permanent Monthly Salary:
$5,481-$6,851 Job Category :
Exempt Additional Information to Applicants
Work Environment : This position is an office-based role at Texas State University that requires extensive travel throughout the state. Expect travel 45-55 days per fiscal year to conduct tabletop exercises. Travel may increase as the Center’s program evolves. The role requires the physical ability to lift and move equipment when traveling, and hours may extend beyond a standard day, including some weekends. Interview Requirement : Candidates selected for an interview will be expected to prepare a presentation, no longer than 20 minutes, covering a high-level overview of key components for planning and implementing a Reunification Annex tabletop exercise (8 hours, in-person). Job Open Date:
09/25/2025 Open Until Filled:
Yes Normal Work Days:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday Normal Work Hours:
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Legal and Required Notices
Texas State University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all persons regardless of race, sex, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal or state law in employment, educational programs, activities and admissions. Employment with Texas State University is contingent upon the outcome of record checks and verifications including, but not limited to, criminal history, driving records, education records, employment verifications, reference checks, and employment eligibility verifications. Benefits
Join the Texas State Bobcat team and experience a career that offers more than just a job—it’s a path to a brighter future. As a Texas State employee, you’ll enjoy: Exceptional Benefits: Comprehensive health insurance with 100% premium coverage for employees and 50% for dependents, starting on your first day. Generous Time Off: Vacation, holidays, sick leave, and more to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Wellness and Balance: Access a FREE wellness program, plus mother and family-friendly resources to support personal well-being. Professional Growth: Training, development courses, certifications, and educational support programs. Welcoming Campus: Be part of a vibrant Bobcat community with numerous social and professional networks. Tuition Benefits: Tuition support for yourself and dependents. Retirement Security: TRS pension, retirement plans, and voluntary savings options with strong employer contributions. This description is provided for prospective employees. For more information, visit the Texas State University benefits page at https://www.hr.txst.edu/benefits.html Quick Link
https://jobs.hr.txstate.edu/postings/54351
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The Exercise Specialist is responsible for supporting the Exercise Program Manager, EOP Program Manager, and the School Safety Readiness Associate Director in designing, coordinating, facilitating, and evaluating emergency preparedness exercises that test and improve the multi-hazard emergency operations plan of Texas independent school districts, open-enrollment charter schools, and junior colleges. This position ensures compliance with Texas Education Code Chapter 37, alignment with state and federal emergency preparedness standards, including FEMA’s National Incident Management System (NIMS), and Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) protocols. Responsibilities
Support the plan, design, and facilitation of emergency management planning and exercise events (e.g., tabletop, functional, and full-scale exercises). Assist the Exercise Program Manager to ensure alignment between tabletop exercises and the annual Emergency Operations Plan Review Cycle. Coordinate collaboration with local, regional, state, and federal agencies to provide and gain subject matter expertise as needed. Implement TxSSC logistics protocols to secure exercise locations, including working with internal Business Operations staff on contracts, interlocal agreements, and memoranda of understanding. Develop and disseminate marketing materials via email, website, and social media in collaboration with internal IT staff. Develop website registration content in collaboration with IT staff. Conduct post-exercise surveys in collaboration with internal Research staff. Maintain exercise data for reporting to the TxSSC director, board, university, and Texas legislators. Provide multi-hazard emergency operations plan technical support to districts via email, phone, video conferencing, and in-person as needed. Participate in regional, state, and federal exercises as directed by the Readiness associate director and TxSSC director. Attend regional, state, and federal conferences related to exercising to showcase the TxSSC’s work as directed by the Readiness associate director and TxSSC director. Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Emergency Management or a closely related field. At least 2 years of experience in emergency management, homeland security, or a related discipline. At least 2 years of demonstrated experience in planning, facilitating, and evaluating emergency response exercises. Demonstrated experience with HSEEP, EOC operations, ICS structure, and continuity of operations planning (COOP). Demonstrated experience with public sector agencies (e.g., municipal, healthcare, education). Demonstrated knowledge of FEMA and Texas-specific mitigation grant programs and funding mechanisms. Demonstrated experience conducting risk assessments, threat analysis, and gap analysis. Strong project management and organizational skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously and adapt to changing circumstances. Excellent written and verbal communication skills for preparing reports, delivering presentations, and working with cross-functional teams. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite – Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Experience in video and audio recording of resources. Completion of key FEMA and NIMS courses, including: IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, IS-800; ICS-300 and ICS-400; IS-120, IS-130, IS-230, IS-235, IS-2200; G-141 and G-449 (or equivalents) within 6–12 months of hire if not yet completed; L0146 (Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program – HSEEP). Preferred Qualifications
Working toward completion of the Master Exercise Practitioner Program (MEPP). At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in emergency management, homeland security, or a related discipline. At least 5 years of demonstrated experience in planning, facilitating, and evaluating emergency response exercises with educational environments. Job Details
Posting Number:
2026037 Posting/Functional Title:
Exercise Specialist - TxSSC University Pay Plan Title:
Training Specialist, TXSSC Location:
San Marcos Department:
Texas School Safety Center Recruitment Type:
Open Recruiting Job Type:
Full-Time Funding Source:
Permanent Monthly Salary:
$5,481-$6,851 Job Category :
Exempt Additional Information to Applicants
Work Environment : This position is an office-based role at Texas State University that requires extensive travel throughout the state. Expect travel 45-55 days per fiscal year to conduct tabletop exercises. Travel may increase as the Center’s program evolves. The role requires the physical ability to lift and move equipment when traveling, and hours may extend beyond a standard day, including some weekends. Interview Requirement : Candidates selected for an interview will be expected to prepare a presentation, no longer than 20 minutes, covering a high-level overview of key components for planning and implementing a Reunification Annex tabletop exercise (8 hours, in-person). Job Open Date:
09/25/2025 Open Until Filled:
Yes Normal Work Days:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday Normal Work Hours:
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Legal and Required Notices
Texas State University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all persons regardless of race, sex, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal or state law in employment, educational programs, activities and admissions. Employment with Texas State University is contingent upon the outcome of record checks and verifications including, but not limited to, criminal history, driving records, education records, employment verifications, reference checks, and employment eligibility verifications. Benefits
Join the Texas State Bobcat team and experience a career that offers more than just a job—it’s a path to a brighter future. As a Texas State employee, you’ll enjoy: Exceptional Benefits: Comprehensive health insurance with 100% premium coverage for employees and 50% for dependents, starting on your first day. Generous Time Off: Vacation, holidays, sick leave, and more to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Wellness and Balance: Access a FREE wellness program, plus mother and family-friendly resources to support personal well-being. Professional Growth: Training, development courses, certifications, and educational support programs. Welcoming Campus: Be part of a vibrant Bobcat community with numerous social and professional networks. Tuition Benefits: Tuition support for yourself and dependents. Retirement Security: TRS pension, retirement plans, and voluntary savings options with strong employer contributions. This description is provided for prospective employees. For more information, visit the Texas State University benefits page at https://www.hr.txst.edu/benefits.html Quick Link
https://jobs.hr.txstate.edu/postings/54351
#J-18808-Ljbffr