Communications Program Specialist-Program Planner 3

Communications Program Specialist-Program Planner 3

Salary: $60,548.80 - $92,185.60 Annually

Location: Johnston, IA - 50131 - Polk County

Job Type: Full-time

Job Number: 26-00574

Agency: Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management

Opening Date: 09/04/2025

Closing Date: 9/18/2025 11:59 PM Central

Point of Contact: Jon Paoli

Email: jonathan.paoli@iowa.gov

Description: Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) is seeking an individual that is resourceful, detail oriented, organized, and contributes positively to the team. The successful candidate will serve the citizens of Iowa by working in statewide 911 Program, Alert Iowa Program, and on the Communications and Technology team. The candidate will work with a variety of public and private partners. Must be able to work a minimum of 40 hours a week. Overtime may be required during times of disaster response and recovery operations.

Who We Are

The Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management's (HSEM) Mission Statement is Enhancing the quality of life for Iowans by preparing our State and building resilient communities. The person selected for this position will demonstrate actions and behaviors guided by the HSEM's four core values: MISSION ORIENTED - We are resolute in our service to Iowans INTEGRITY - We conduct ourselves with honesty and are transparent in our actions DISTINGUISHED - We are leaders in our field ONE TEAM - We collaborate, connect, and share

What We Are Seeking

The successful candidate for this complex position will be organized, motivated, and innovative in problem solving. The position reports to the Communications and Technology Bureau Chief, but also works closely with a variety of team members in the department to ensure program objectives are being met. The position's primary work location is in Johnston, IA. Desired skills and abilities include:

• Possess a high degree of organizational skills
• Process driven and willing to learn
• Communication skills to include writing, speaking, listening and negotiating
• Effective time management skills
• Professional with a strong work ethic
• Reliable and self-discipline
• Resilient and agile

What You Will Do

You will be an integral member of the HSEM team working primarily in the statewide 911 and Alert Iowa Programs. This position will support the department's mission by:

• Provide program support to the statewide 911 Program.
• Provide program support to the Alert Iowa Program (statewide emergency notification system).
• Provide assistance and guidance to our 911 and Alert Iowa partners.
• Maintain and create necessary planning and guidance documents.
• Provide training to our partners.
• Test and support various communications technologies.
• Be available to staff a position during activation of the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC), during or outside of normal working hours. Activation may be for a real event or exercise participation.
• This position will also perform other duties as assigned.

What We Offer You

Competitive pay and benefits package including health, dental, flexible spending, and life insurance Opportunities for professional growth and development Paid time off effective immediately (biweekly vacation, separate sick leave, accruals rollover on a yearly basis, and 9 paid holidays per year) Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) Retirement Package with employer match Retirement Investors Club (RIC) (Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan) Optional 401A plan with employer contributions Employee Discount Programs from variety of vendors (vision, cellular, fitness, recreation, season passes, travel, counseling; legal, financial)

For additional information on benefits, please visit the Iowa Department of Administrative Services website.

Travel: Some travel required.

Working Hours: 7:00 A.M. - 3:30 P.M. or 7:30 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. or 8:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. This position will require a presence in the office on a regular basis. There will be a potential option for some remote work once on-boarding and training have been completed, but this is not a full time remote work position.

HSEM is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, consistent with applicable state and federal policies and regulations.

Selectives

204 Emergency Planning (State and Local): 6 months experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in the entire emergency planning process from meeting and working with partners to developing and writing the plan to working back through an approval process with the partners. Knowledge of emergency management and the systems and processes employed in Response, Recovery, Mitigation and Preparedness are essential. AND 206 Homeland Security or Emergency Management Operations: 6 months experience in disaster operations which required knowledge of Homeland Security or Emergency Management activities related to terrorism or natural disaster response, recovery, protection (physical security), detection (intelligence), prevention (protective action recommendations), and deterrence (critical asset assessments). Experience would have also provided the ability to operationalize plans, guidebooks, and procedures in response to Homeland Security threats and natural disasters. OR 12 semester hours in the areas below or in a combination of the areas below: Law enforcement Health Emergency medical Fire Hazardous materials Military Emergency management Other related disciplines which focus on how to effectively manage resources (personnel and equipment), recommend an emergency response course of action, and protective action recommendations looking for disaster operations field experience or knowledge dealing with multi-agency coordination of the Incident Command Structure.

Minimum Qualification Requirements Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

• Seven years of full-time work experience in the administration or operation/execution (i.e., providing consultation and/or technical assistance to stakeholders, research and analysis, or enforcement of program guidelines/policies/procedures) of a program (i.e., the provision of a service or an administrative oversight/enforcement responsibility).
• All of the following (a, b, and c): a. One year of full-time work experience in the administration or operation/execution (i.e., providing consultation and/or technical assistance to stakeholders, research and analysis, or enforcement of program guidelines/policies/procedures) of a program (i.e., the provision of a service or an administrative oversight/enforcement responsibility); and b. A total of four years of education and full-time experience (as described in part a), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in any field equals one year of full-time experience; and c. A total of two years of graduate-level education and full-time experience (as described in part a), where twenty-four semester hours of accredited graduate college or university course work in any field equals one year of full-time experience.
• Graduation from an accredited school of law.
• Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes nine months of full-time work as a Program Planner 2 or twenty-seven months of full-time work as a Program Planner 1.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.

Additional Qualification Requirements Some positions in this class may require an applicant to have the ability to pass a background investigation.

Why Choose the State of Iowa?

At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice. Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:

• Competitive Compensation: Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.
• Health and Wellness: Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Retirement Planning: We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly