Unit Chief, CIS

Company: Texas Division of Emergency Management
Location: Austin
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

Job Title Unit Chief, CIS Agency Texas Division of Emergency Management Department Operations Technology Division Proposed Minimum Salary $9,646.88 monthly Job Location Austin, Texas Job Type Staff Job Description GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) is an emergency response entity, and this status can affect working hours, travel, and change in duties as needed. The Unit Chief, CIS, under general direction, performs highly advanced (senior level) management of Critical Information Systems (CIS) and applications. Ensures that operations technology requirements are met for the Texas State Operations Center which include coordination and support of CIS in support of Emergency Support Functions (ESF) 19. Manages CIS staff, related contracts, programs, and processes for collecting, organizing, and analyzing data and information that provides situational awareness, decision support and actionable intelligence for disaster response. Work involves managing and coordinating the day-to-day operations and activities of the CIS Unit; assisting the Division Chief, Operations Technology with administration within the unit and coordination with staff; and serving as an advanced technical subject matter expert in CIS technology. Plans, assigns, and supervises the work of others. Works under limited supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement. Availability for after-hours and weekend work is required. Must have the ability to operate outside of the normal working hours for extended periods in the aftermath of a disaster without relief and to work extended hours. This position is considered at-will status and serves at the direction of the head of the agency *Salary is a fixed rate and is non-negotiable. *This position is located on-site and not subject to telecommuting. ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: Manages CIS staff, related contracts, programs, and processes for collecting, organizing, and analyzing data and information that provides situational awareness, decision support and actionable intelligence for disaster response. Ensures that operations technology requirements are met for the Texas State Operations Center which include coordination and support of CIS in support of ESF19. Assists with developing, revising, and implementing standard operating procedures for all CIS Unit. Monitors and evaluates policies and procedures as it relates to emergency management technology to ensure compliance with the State and federal laws and regulations, including best practices. Manages helpdesk operations related to the critical information system support. Assists in development and implementation of goals for assigned unit within the Operations Technology Division. Manages the goals, objectives, and activities related to all CIS Unit. Represents the agency at business meetings, conferences, and seminars or on boards, panels, and committees. Assists with conducting program analysis, gap analysis, risk assessment, research studies, legislative assignments, and planning for operations technology. Analyzes emergency management technology operations, identifies trends and areas of needed change, and provides recommendations for improvements to the Division Chief, Operations Technology and TDEM senior leadership. Conducts professional presentations to a variety of audiences and/or individuals; and organizes/leads briefing meetings. Conforms to agency, local, Texas A&M University System (TAMUS), state and federal guidelines, procedures, rules, and regulations, and monitors compliance. Responsible for the handling of sensitive and confidential information and situations and adhering to applicable laws/statutes/policies related to access, maintenance, and dissemination of information. Assist with monitoring budget expenditure for the Operations Technology, CIS Unit. Plans, assigns, and supervises the work of staff in the CIS Unit. Approves schedules, priorities, and standards for achieving goals within the unit. Completes performance evaluations and provides coaching and mentoring to direct reports. Ability to travel (20%). Ability to drive. Performs related work as assigned. Face-to-face and person-to-person interactions are required. Maintains a regular course of attendance during authorized work schedule and work extended hours when needed. This document represents the major duties, responsibilities, and authorities of this job, and is not intended to be a complete list of all tasks and functions. Other duties may be assigned. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Education – Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in emergency management, information technology, management information systems, or a related field. Education – Seven (7) years' of progressively responsible experience in professional administration and analysis as either a CIMS application administrator or another client application administrator position, and or, relevant experience in an emergency management related position. Two (2) years of experience in a supervisory or team lead capacity, which may be concurrent with the seven years of experience. Preferred Experience – Minimum of two (2) years' experience in effectively handling difficult and high-pressure support situations in a dynamic environment. Experience In assisting end users with the use of new technologies. Experience in the following areas: emergency management processes and procedures, web services, electronic forms development, user management. Texas Emergency Manager certification is preferred. * Additional work experience of the type described above may be substituted for the education requirement on a year- for- year basis. Thirty (30) semester hours is equivalent to one (1) year of experience. A completed advanced degree may also be substituted in lieu of work experience. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of management and supervisory methods and principles, performance and productivity standards, and fiscal/budget management. Knowledge of technology (computers, hardware, software, operating systems, and programming languages including proficiency with utilized agency software and systems and the ability to rapidly learn new systems. Knowledge of, or the ability to rapidly assimilate information related to TDEM, state and federal regulations, legislation, guidelines, and local policies and procedures. Knowledge of project management best practices and theories such as scoping and managing project deliverables, timelines, and project plans. Knowledge and ability to troubleshoot application software. Knowledge of various operating systems, network connectivity and desktop support. Skilled in SQL, JavaScript, html, and other programming languages. Skilled in the Microsoft Office Suite. Ability to handle sensitive, confidential, and protected information and situations. Ability to adhere to applicable laws, statutes and policies related to access, maintenance and dissemination of data and information. Ability to work independently and take initiative. Ability to exercise poise, tact, diplomacy, and an ability to establish and maintain positive, working relationships with internal and external customers. Ability to be organized, flexible, and able to effectively prioritize in a multi-demand and constantly changing environment. Able to meet multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines without sacrificing accuracy, timeliness or professionalism. Ability to construct and deliver clear, concise, and professional presentations and training classes to a variety of audiences or individuals. Strong customer service and communication skills and the ability to remain calm, friendly, and relaxed in a professional, fast-paced changing environment. REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE: Complete and obtain certification in IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, IS-800 FEMA courses within twelve (12) months of employment and any other training as determined. *Additional Military Crosswalk (occupational specialty code) information can be accessed at: http://www.hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions *Resumes are not accepted in lieu of an application. All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check. Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.

Keywords: Texas Division of Emergency Management, Round Rock , Unit Chief, CIS, IT / Software / Systems , Austin, Texas