Operations Section Chief

Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, youll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, youll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS):

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) leads Indianas emergency planning and operations, first responder training, and fire and building safety. The Indiana State Fire Marshal leads the Division of Fire and Building Safety (within IDHS), which oversees the enforcement of building codes and includes a fire investigations unit. The agency certifies and trains thousands of first responders and also hosts state-level exercises each year. IDHS also supports the state Emergency Operations Center (EOC), which leads response and coordination efforts for large-magnitude incidents.

Role Overview:

As the Operations Section Chief for the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC), this role oversees all emergency support function personnel and coordinates field response operations, specialty team deployments, and the use of local resources as state assets under the Mobile Support Unit (MSU) law. The position is critical to large‑scale disaster response and supports the coordination of all field activities. It also assists with planning and executing SEOC participation in federal, state, and local exercises, coordinates Incident Management Assistance Teams, and supports training for partner agencies and local responders on state plans and procedures. The Operations Section Chief may deploy to the field as needed to assess impacts and identify immediate needs.

Salary:

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $52,333.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Coordinate work of lower-level workers and assists in complex or unusual situations.
• Develop comprehensive emergency tactical and operational plans, statewide analyses, and evaluations.
• Coordinate with local, state, and federal partners to ensure consistency, feasibility, flexibility, and interoperability of all operational or tactical plans.
• Coordinate with the timetable and execution of tabletop, functional and full-scale exercises for the emergency plans.
• Provide guidance to political sub-divisions of the state to enable each jurisdiction to develop area plans.
• Head planning teams to meet these requirements.
• Coordinate, promote and manage district level training and exercise training programs.
• Assist local, state, and federal partners in developing and conducting training exercises at the state and regional level.
• Prepare short- and long-range training plans for state and local responders.
• Required travel to scheduled exercise sites to act as facilitator, controller, or evaluator.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

What Youll Need for Success:

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

• Basic knowledge of planning techniques and procedures.
• Basic knowledge of urban planning, transportation planning and state and local economic and industrial development.
• Basic knowledge of emergency disaster, emergency cause and effect and procedures and methodology to minimize adverse effects.
• Ability to use the techniques of fact-finding and analysis to interpret statistical information and trends concerning the physical, social, and economic aspects of population centers.
• Ability to explain the programs and secure cooperation between local, state, and federal government and private executives.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing and through structured media.
• Ability to develop feasible techniques and methods to achieve plan solutions.
• Ability to comprehend and interpret federal and state laws, guidelines, and regulations relative to disaster planning and operations.

A degree is not required.

Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This role may provide direct supervision for one or more staff members.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans

• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards

• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution

• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match

• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options

• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:

• 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers

• Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave

• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off

• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years

• Education Reimbursement Program

• Group life insurance

• Referral Bonus program

• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits

• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

• Free Parking for most positions

• Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.