Recovery Directorate
​The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) responds to and aids in the recovery from emergencies within the State of California under the authorities of the California Emergency Services Act (ESA), the California Disaster Assistance Act (CDAA), the federal Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act), and other legislation.
Within Cal OES, the Recovery Directorate is responsible for managing disaster recovery and providing assistance to local governments, special districts, certain nonprofit organizations, individuals, businesses and agricultural communities impacted by disasters. In addition, the Recovery Directorate ensures state and federal support are provided in an efficient and timely manner throughout the recovery process. The Recovery Directorate acts as the grantee for federally funded disaster assistance programs, as grantor for the state CDAA program, and coordinates recovery assistance for individuals, businesses, and the agricultural community. Our staff also provide expert review for environmental concerns, historical preservation activities, and technical support to reduce overall disaster costs and streamline the process of future recovery efforts. In support of these responsibilities, the Recovery Directorate also performs extensive liaison activities with local, state and federal agencies, legislators, various volunteer and nonprofit organizations, as well as the general public.
Our staff coordinate with state and local agencies, communities, organizations, and individuals to promote resiliency efforts throughout local communities, identify critical community functions both before and after a disaster to prioritize effective recovery operations, facilitate community preparedness and risk management actions to reduce long-term vulnerabilities, and support post-disaster community recovery and redevelopment.
The Recovery Directorate is comprised of three sections — Recovery Operations, Hazard Mitigation, and Interagency Recovery Coordination. Each section strives for excellence in recovery preparedness through the coordination of recovery planning efforts, the development of recovery training programs, and the involvement in emergency management exercises and drills.
Funding for Emergency Assistance
Recovery Operations
Directing cost recovery efforts, critical disaster funding streams, and debris removal operations to support local jurisdictions and state entities while maintaining compliance with state and federal funding guidelines
Building Resiliency in California Communities
Hazard Mitigation
Supporting local and state mitigation efforts to reduce the negative impacts of future disasters through mitigation planning, grants administration, loss avoidance analysis, and technical expertise
Integrating Community Recovery Solutions
Interagency Recovery Coordination
Coordinating long-term recovery efforts and providing technical assistance in disaster-impacted communities to support the implementation of community recovery projects and programs
State Home Hardening Initiative
California Wildfire Mitigation Program
Providing financial assistance for homeowners, focusing on socially vulnerable communities at high risk of wildfires, to retrofit structures and create defensible space
As many of you may already be aware, emergencies and environmental disasters move fast. One of the best ways to prepare your city during an emergency or environmental disaster is to utilize emergency related preparedness & recovery programs and take advantage of the funding opportunities available. Building a strong partnership with your local and state emergency management office will not only help you build a culture of preparedness before these disasters take place, but it can also reduce the severe impacts your city may experience from economic disruption, property damage, and loss of life, so that you can plan, prepare, and deliver the level of service that your community expects and deserves.
Recovery Accomplishments
“Cal OES is coordinating with CDSS and local governments to ensure communities impacted by wildfires in Los Angeles County have access to shelters and vital services.“
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“California has secured a Fire Management Assistance Grant from FEMA to help ensure the availability of vital resources to suppress the Franklin Fire burning in Malibu.“
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“In an effort to increase the state’s resiliency, Cal OES is now offering webinars and additional multilingual guidance to reintroduce the 2023 State Hazard Mitigation Plan.“
Learn moreJoin the Cal OES Recovery Team!
Are you looking for an exciting and fast-paced career? Cal OES Recovery is responsible for managing disaster recovery and aiding local governments, special districts, certain nonprofit organizations, individuals, businesses, and agricultural communities impacted by emergencies and disasters. We strive to provide a rewarding work environment for all staff with ample opportunities for professional and personal growth.
If you are interested in a challenging and rewarding career in emergency management, we ask that you consider applying to one of the following open Cal OES Recovery job postings below:
Additional information regarding State employment, steps in the hiring process, minimum qualifications, pay scales, benefits, instructions on how to create an account, and application submission can be found on the CalCareers website. For a complete listing of all open positions in Cal OES, please visit the CalCareers website here.Â
Disaster Analysis Unit
The Disaster Analysis Unit (DAU) provides technical assistance to local governments requesting emergency assistance by supporting the disaster declaration request, review, and approval process. DAU staff are responsible for drafting Governor’s Office Action Requests (GOARs) in response to a State of Emergency (SOE), ​California Disaster Assistance Act (CDAA) funding, and/or Presidential Declared Disaster (PDD) requests.