Public Assistance Program Assistance (Emergency Management Program Specialist 1)

Public Assistance Program Assistance (Emergency Management Program Specialist 1)

Salary

$4,866.00 - $6,542.00 Monthly

Location

Pierce County - Lakewood, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2026-07583

Department

Military Department

Division

Emergency Management

Opening Date

09/16/2026

Closing Date

9/30/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Public Assistance Program Assistant

Emergency Management Program Specialist 1

Camp Murray, WA

The Washington Emergency Management Division (EMD) is seeking an organized, energetic, positive, and motivated Public Assistance Program Assistant that will provide professional level emergency management support related to disaster and recovery efforts.

Emergency Management Division

As part of the Military Department, the EMD leads and coordinates mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery in Washington State to minimize the impact of disasters and emergencies on the people, property, environment and economy.

The states Emergency Management Division is a civilian (non-military) division of the Washington Military Department.

Public Assistance Program

The Public Assistance Program administers the state and federal public assistance and infrastructure program for all disasters designated as a Presidential Declared Disaster. The Public Assistance Program enables governments, communities, non-profit organizations, and tribes to recover from the immediate and long-term impacts of disasters. The program provides state and federal funds to these agencies for the repair and restoration of damaged public facilities, as well as to reimburse the agencies for a portion of the costs associated with emergency work and debris removal due to the disaster.

About the Washington Military Department

Protecting people is our passion. At the Washington Military Department, we combine our unique talents to create safer communities and ensure our neighbors and loved ones can recover from whatever emergency might arise. Our agency unites civilian employees with members of the Washington National Guard, creating a team that is deeply committed to public service. We go home at night knowing that our day-to-day work supports activities that truly make a difference. Whether thats partnering with our communities to prepare for a disaster, leading an emergency response, hiring top-notch talent or supporting at-risk kids at our Washington Youth ChalleNGe Academy - the Washington Military Department seeks to safeguard our way of life and those that call Washington home.

To learn more about the Washington Military Department, please visit: www.mil.wa.gov

In addition to job fulfillment, the Washington Military Department offers an excellent benefits package which includes exceptional health care coverage, a retirement savings plan and job training opportunities.

Duties

Responsible to perform grant documentation and grant funds reimbursements:

• Develop and monitor grant contracts.
• Coordinate and process grant awards ensuring timely grant processing and delivery.
• Coordinate and process grant funds reimbursement requests.
• Coordinate and ensure timely process Sub-recipient refunds received.
• Review and annotate grant award general and special conditions.
• Grant reporting to federal and state oversight agencies.

Assist the PA Program Manager and FMAG Program Manager in coordinating and completing Sub-recipient grants closure reporting to federal and state oversight agencies:

• Initiate grant closure procedures and assist in contract and grant close-out process.
• Ensure all mandated special conditions such as insurance requirements, environmental requirements, archeological/historic requirements, and hazard mitigation completion requirements have been reviewed and certified.
• Reconcile all payment requests and reimbursements with Finance Office to ensure fund balance accuracy.
• Ensure Sub-recipient case management files for records retention ensuring the entire file is complete with all construction and non-construction documentation.

Assist in the data gathering for the PA Program Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) for inclusion in the Governors request to the President for federal assistance.

• Track work program deadlines, prioritizing incoming assignments, and manage data/documentation, including FEMA-State PDA results and scorekeeping.
• Assist with PA training seminars, technical workshops, and outreach presentations in coordination with PA leadership.
• Serve in operational roles throughout the disaster lifecycle - from IDA/PDA and State EOC operations through JFO, transition, and long-term recovery activities, including field assignments, travel, shift work, and extended hours.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelors Degree

Professional level experience in emergency management, financial management (grant, contracting, claims management, budgeting), training/education, public information/affairs, program/project management, environmental analysis/planning, civil/structural engineering, legislative affairs, and/or urban planning will substitute, year for year, for the education requirement.

Experience working in an emergency management organization at or above the Office Assistant Senior or equivalent level will substitute, year for year, for the education requirement.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience:

• Grants Management: Coordinating and processing grants, contracts, reimbursement requests, or other financial transactions; maintaining program records and tracking systems; interpreting and applying federal and state laws, regulations, policies, and procedures; and communicating with internal and external partners to resolve issues and complete program requirements.

Skills, abilities, and competencies to:

• Manage multiple projects, assignments, and competing priorities simultaneously.
• Quickly adapt work plans and priorities in response to changing program needs, emerging issues, and time-sensitive requests.
• Organize and track multiple assignments while maintaining accuracy, attention to detail, and established timelines.
• Work independently, exercise sound judgment in prioritizing assignments, and recognize when issue require escalation.
• Remain effective and professional in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions and changing priorities.
• Analyze and apply complex and technical materials such as federal and state laws.
• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
• Utilize Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, SharePoint, or similar programs) to develop documents in support of program objectives.
• Tracking Systems: Developing and maintaining tracking systems for grants.

Supplemental Information

Compensation: Wage/salary depends on qualifications or rules of promotion.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Investigation: Must successfully complete the appropriate background checks required for employment. Must be willing to sign releases of information and shall not have access to any investigative materials and files. The processing of background checks can take up to six months post-employment. Failure to successfully pass a background check may be cause for termination.

Drivers License:

• Valid to drive in the State of Washington.
• Must meet requirements of the REAL ID Act. This is required for base access and will be required upon hire.

Military Facility: Willingness to work on a Military Controlled Access Installation.

Camp Murray utilizes the Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) for entry to the installation. Must meet access requirements / background check which can be found in the Camp Murray Access Requirements Policy (Unified Policy No. 18-01). This includes possession of an Enhanced Driver's License, or other REAL ID Compliant Identification.

Union Shop Provision: This position is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).

Work Hours: The standard work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8 hours a day, or a four-day per week schedule, 10 hours per day, with either Mondays or Fridays off. The actual work hours will be established between the employee and supervisor and will start no earlier than 6:00am and end no later than 6:00pm.

Telework: This position may be eligible for a hybrid telework schedule following an initial six-month period of employment, based on satisfactory performance, successful completion of training and onboarding, and the nature of assigned duties. Telework arrangements are subject to supervisor approval and may be modified or discontinued based on operational needs, emergency response requirements, or other business needs. Telework eligibility may also be considered earlier at the discretion of the supervisor.

Emergency Assignment: Upon activation of the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) or Joint Field Office (JFO), incumbent may be required to work in an alternate location with rotating shifts, including weekends and evenings, in a highly stressful and fast-paced environment.

Travel: Requires the ability and willingness to independently travel throughout the state, sometimes overnight, to attend meetings and conduct public outreach and training.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically via www.careers.wa.gov. It is very important that the "Work Experience" and "Supplemental Questionnaire" portion of the application is completed in as much detail as possible.

In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:

• An attached Resume outlining your experience to date.
• An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
• Contact details for a minimum of three (3) professional references. Please include at least two (2) past/current supervisors, one peer and/or subordinate, if applicable. For each reference include the following:
• Name
• Professional Title
• Working Relationship
• Daytime Phone Number
• Email Address

NOTE: This information may be entered in the "References" section of the online application or can be an attached document.

A resume will not substitute for completing the "work experience" section of the application.

Incomplete applications may disqualify you from eligibility for the position. You must ensure all application areas, including supplemental questions, are completed in full.

This recruitment may be utilized to fill additional Emergency Management Specialist 1 vacancies within 60 days after the recruitment closing date.

If you have questions about the application process or this recruitment, please email Mistina Venesky at mistina.venesky@mil.wa.gov

Technical Support: Reach out to NEOGOV directly at 1-855-524-5627 for technical support and login issues.

The Washington Military Department is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities and/or limited English proficiency needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruitment Section of State Human Resources at: Email: mistina.venesky@mil.wa.gov, Call: (253) 512-7389, or 711

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. Thats why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

01

I have read and understand the working conditions listed in the Supplemental Information - Conditions of Employment section of the job posting and Im able and willing to work under those conditions.

• Yes
• No

02

What is your highest level of education?

• No High School Diploma or GED
• High School Diploma or GED
• Some College
• Associate Degree
• Bachelors Degree or higher-level degree

03

Describe your experience managing or coordinating grants, contracts, projects, or financial assistance programs. Include your experience with award development, contract requirements, reimbursement/payment requests, monitoring expenditures, documentation, and/or grant closeout. Please provide specific examples of your responsibilities and the level of independence you had in performing this work.

04

Describe a situation in which you were responsible for multiple projects, assignments, or deadlines and an urgent or unexpected priority required you to change your planned workload. How did you determine what to prioritize, keep track of competing assignments, and ensure critical work was completed accurately and on time?

05

Describe your experience using Microsoft Office, Excel, SharePoint, databases, Adobe, or similar technology to manage, analyze, track, or communicate program information. Provide specific examples of projects or tools you have developed or maintained.

06

Describe your experience interpreting and applying federal and/or state laws, regulations, policies, procedures, or grant requirements. Provide an example of a situation where you had to analyze requirements, determine how they applied to your work, and communicate or implement the requirements.

07

Describe your experience working in a fast-paced environment where priorities, assignments, or operational needs changed quickly. If applicable, describe your experience supporting emergency management, disaster response or recovery, an Emergency Operations Center, field operations, or other time-sensitive operations. Explain how you maintained communication, organization, and accuracy while responding to changing needs.

08

Describe a situation where you had to adapt your usual way of doing things to better serve someone or group of people with a background different than your own. What did you change, what was the outcome?

09

How did you learn about this job opportunity?

Required Question

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website http://www.careers.wa.gov