Homeland Security Planner

Homeland Security Planner

Salary

$65,000.00 - $70,000.00 Annually

Location

Houston, TX

Job Type

Grant-funded Full-time

Job Number

17252

Department

Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management

Opening Date

09/24/2026

Closing Date

10/24/2026 11:59 PM Central

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Description

Position Overview:

Performs homeland security planning work in support of the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) grant program and Harris County's regional homeland security priorities. Develops, coordinates, evaluates, and maintains grant-funded planning initiatives, assessments, strategies, plans, and other program deliverables focused on regional preparedness, critical infrastructure resilience, supply chain resilience, continuity of operations, and emergency management capabilities.

Coordinates with local, regional, state, and federal partners to support regional preparedness efforts, including capability assessments, planning initiatives, exercises, workshops, training activities, and special projects. Ensures planning activities and grant-funded deliverables are developed, implemented, documented, and maintained in accordance with UASI grant requirements. Participates in obtaining, organizing, analyzing, integrating, and distributing planning data, guidance, operational concepts, and other information to support regional homeland security and emergency management initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Evaluates, develops, updates, and maintains emergency management and homeland security plans, including coordinating stakeholder participation and incorporating applicable federal, state, and local requirements and guidance.
• Coordinates with local jurisdictions, government agencies, emergency response organizations, private-sector partners, and other stakeholders to support regional preparedness and homeland security initiatives.
• Represents HCOHSEM at meetings with local jurisdictions, government agencies, emergency responders, community partners, the public, and other stakeholders, as assigned.
• Develops, organizes, coordinates, and conducts regional workshops, drills, exercises, training activities, and other preparedness events.
• Collects, organizes, analyzes, and integrates data and other information used to identify regional preparedness needs, assess capabilities, develop plans, and support homeland security strategies.
• Prepares written reports, plans, assessments, presentations, correspondence, and other planning documents for internal and external stakeholders.
• Responds to the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) or other designated location as requested and performs an assigned role within the Incident Management System during emergency or disaster situations.
• Works effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team and manages multiple complex assignments, priorities, and deadlines.
• Performs other duties and special assignments as assigned.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx

If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hc

Requirements

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Emergency Management, Homeland Security, Public Administration, or a related field from an accredited college or university

OR

• High school diploma or GED with
• Four (4) years of specialized work experience in emergency management, homeland security, disaster preparedness, planning, or a related field.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to analyze information, develop written products, and manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Completes required NIMS/ICS training, including IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, IS-800, IS-300, and IS-400 within the first year of employment.

NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

Preferences

• Experience developing, evaluating, updating, or maintaining emergency management, homeland security, continuity of operations, or other preparedness plans.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, policies, and guidance affecting emergency management and homeland security programs.
• Knowledge of emergency management principles, preparedness capabilities, regional coordination, and incident management.
• Experience planning or supporting workshops, training, drills, exercises, or other preparedness activities.
• Experience working with government agencies, emergency responders, elected officials, private-sector organizations, or other community stakeholders.

General Information

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:

• Grant-funded Full-time

• Hours will be discussed during departmental interview.

Salary:

• $65,000 - $70,000 Annually

• Depends on Qualifications

• Based on 26 pay periods

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

• This position is primarily performed in an office, meeting, or Emergency Operations Center environment but may require travel throughout Harris County and the Houston metropolitan region for meetings, exercises, training, special events, and other planning activities.
• The position may require occasional out-of-town travel, including overnight stays, as necessary for meetings, training, conferences, exercises, or other official business.
• During emergency activations, disasters, major incidents, or special events, the position may be required to report to the Emergency Operations Center or other designated location and work extended or non-traditional hours, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overnight shifts.
• The employee must be able to function effectively in rapidly changing conditions and may be required to work extended periods in high-pressure or adverse environments. Some exercises, training activities, or emergency operations may involve outdoor conditions or potentially hazardous environments.
• The position may require extended periods of standing, walking, sitting, or participation in meetings and operational activities for extended durations.
• The position requires the ability to operate a motor vehicle, radio, telephone, computer, and other standard office and emergency management equipment.

Employment is contingent upon passing a background check and drug screen.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.

HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.

The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:

Health & Wellness Benefits

• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Wellness Plan
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
• Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
• One (1) floating holiday per year
• Paid Parental Leave*
• Sick Leave

Retirement Savings Benefit

• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan

The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:

• Professional learning & development opportunities
• Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
• Flexible work schedule*
• METRO RideSponsor Program*
• Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas.

In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the Countys behalf as needed.

For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website:

www.benefitsathctx.com

01

Which of the following best describes your highest level of education completed as it relates to this position?

• High School or GED diploma
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree
• Doctoral Degree
• None of the above

02

If you selected a college degree in response to the previous question, which of the following best describes your major?

• Emergency Management
• Homeland Security
• Public Administration
• Other related field
• Unrelated field
• N/A; No degree

03

Which of the following best describes your verifiable years of specialized work experience in emergency management, homeland security, disaster preparedness, planning, or a related field? (To be considered, qualifying experience must be documented in your applications employment history)

• Less than two (2) years
• Two (2) years but less than three (3) years
• Three (3) years but less than four (4) years
• Four (4) years but less than five (5) years
• Five (5) years or more
• I do not have this experience

04

Do you have experience developing, evaluating, updating, or maintaining emergency management, homeland security, continuity of operations, or other preparedness plans?

• Yes
• No

05

Do you have experience planning or supporting workshops, training, drills, exercises, or other preparedness activities?

• Yes
• No

06

Do you have experience working with government agencies, emergency responders, elected officials, private-sector organizations, or other community stakeholders?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer Harris County

Address 1111 Fannin St

Ste. 600

Houston, Texas, 77002

Phone 713-274-5445

Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/harriscountytx