JC-510354 - Administration Unit Chief

The Center for Preparedness and Response (CPR) within the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is a critical center dedicated to safeguarding the health and well-being of Californians during public health emergencies. CPR coordinates statewide preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts for events such as natural disasters, disease outbreaks, bioterrorism, and other emergencies impacting public health.

Through robust planning, collaboration with local health departments, and partnerships with federal, state, and community organizations, CPR ensures readiness to manage and mitigate health threats effectively. Its responsibilities include developing emergency response plans, training health professionals, conducting exercises to test response capabilities, and providing resources and guidance to strengthen California’s public health infrastructure. By fostering resilience and preparedness, CPR plays a vital role in protecting the state’s diverse populations from evolving health challenges.

“The salary information listed on this advertisement may not reflect recent salary increases from salary adjustments or changes in the fiscal year.”  

“CDPH is an E-Verify Employer”   
Department Website: https://www.cdph.ca.gov

The Administration Unit Chief supports CDPH’s mission by leading administrative and personnel operations for the Center for Preparedness and Response. Working under the general direction of the Supervisor II in the Fiscal Response, Operations, & Grants Management Section, the Administration Unit Chief manages the Administration Unit that oversees recruitment and personnel actions, including drafting duty statements, justification memos, organizational charts, blanket requests, RPA postings, interviews, and job offers, while coordinating front office services, equipment and onboarding, benefits support, and training and travel activities. The role provides day-to-day supervision, sets priorities, assigns work, and ensures accuracy and timeliness of staff outputs in alignment with CalHR laws, rules, and bargaining unit provisions. The position also directs analytical staff on administrative projects (e.g., CalHR reorganizations, HR operational review) and delivers regular status updates, maintaining strong stakeholder engagement and cross-unit collaboration.

Key Highlights

• Leads CPR recruitment lifecycle; coordinates onboarding, benefits, training, and travel support to meet CPR operational needs.
• Supervises staff workload, quality, and compliance with CalHR rules and bargaining agreements.
• Oversees administrative projects, provides weekly updates to Supervisor II, and manages complex stakeholder engagement.
• Ensures accurate grant documentation and reporting; promotes DEI and EEO considerations in hiring, resource allocation, and decision-making.
• Supports emergency activations and may travel (up to ~5%) or work irregular hours to meet urgent CPR needs.

In July 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025. This program temporarily reduces employees’ monthly base pay in exchange for paid leave credits. This position is subject to PLP 2025 and will have a monthly base pay reduction of 3% in exchange for 5 hours of leave credits through June 2027. The salary ranges shown on this job posting do not reflect the salary reduction.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• SUPERVISOR I

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Strong leadership skills with experience managing diverse teams and setting priorities.
• In-depth knowledge of California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) laws, rules, and bargaining unit agreements.
• Proven ability to oversee recruitment processes, including drafting duty statements, conducting interviews, and managing hiring packages.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills to handle multiple administrative projects and meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities for complex personnel and operational issues.
• Effective communication skills (oral and written) for stakeholder engagement and staff development.
• Familiarity with diversity, equity, and inclusion principles and ability to integrate them into workplace practices.
• Ability to prepare accurate reports and maintain compliance with grant documentation requirements.
• Flexibility to work outside core hours and travel as needed for emergency operations or special projects.
• Proficiency in coordinating training, onboarding, and administrative support functions within a public health setting.

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included.

https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobPosting.aspx?JobControlId=510354

At the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), equity, diversity, and inclusion are at the core of our mission to advance the health and well-being of California’s diverse people and communities. We are genuinely and strongly committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness where we can grow and learn together with a diverse team of employees. In recruiting for team members, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring to us and the work we do.