Recovery Planner (Program Planner 3)

Recovery Planner (Program Planner 3)

Salary

$61,755.20 - $94,036.80 Annually

Location

Johnston - 50131 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

27-00620

Agency

583 Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management

Opening Date

08/31/2026

Closing Date

9/10/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

jeremy.sroka@iowa.gov

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Description

When disaster strikes, Iowa turns to us-and we look to you. Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) is seeking a motivated emergency management professional to serve as our Disaster Recovery Planner at the Joint Forces Headquarters in Johnston, IA.

In this dynamic role, you will balance high-level strategy with real-world application, leading statewide recovery efforts and coordinating interagency planning. This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on Iowa's resilience while working in a dynamic, collaborative environment.

This is your chance to make a direct, lasting impact on Iowa's future-driving recovery and strengthening resilience statewide.

What We Are Seeking

We are seeking a motivated professional who is ready to grow, learn, and contribute to statewide disaster recovery planning. The ideal candidate brings strong communication skills, a willingness to collaborate, and an interest in developing expertise in disaster recovery, emergency planning, and multi-agency coordination.

A background in emergency management, public administration, planning, or related fields is helpful, but we also welcome applicants who are eager to build these skills. Candidates should be comfortable working with partners across jurisdictions, managing multiple priorities, and representing the Department in both steady-state and disaster environments.

We're looking for someone who is adaptable, curious, and committed to supporting Iowa's communities-someone ready to learn quickly, take on meaningful responsibilities, and help strengthen the state's long-term resilience. Desired skills and abilities include:

• Experience in emergency planning with some knowledge of recovery planning, emergency management, or public administration
• Ability to learn and apply recovery frameworks such as the National Disaster Recovery Framework (NDRF) and Recovery Support Functions (RSFs)
• Strong communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills
• Solid organizational and planning abilities, with willingness to grow into complex project management
• Comfort working with multiple agencies, community partners, and diverse stakeholder groups
• Ability to represent the Department professionally in meetings, briefings, and public-facing interactions to include giving presentations and public speaking
• Commitment to developing expertise in continuity planning, emergency planning standards, and community recovery structures

What you will do

This position will support HSEM's mission by leading statewide disaster recovery planning, strengthening interagency coordination, and enhancing long-term resilience across Iowa through the following responsibilities:

• Leading and maintaining the State Recovery Plan and coordinating statewide recovery planning efforts
• Supporting Recovery Support Functions and provide assistance during recovery operations
• Serving as a liaison to county emergency management agencies and representing the Department at district meetings
• Assisting in the development and revision of essential agency plans, including Continuity of Operations (COOP) and Continuity of Government (COG)
• Stepping into active operational roles during state emergencies, participate in Radiological Emergency Preparedness (REP) exercises, and tackle special projects with agency leadership
• Support local emergency management, HSEM, and other stakeholders by providing grant administration and technical assistance

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: The State makes match contributions into the employee's selection of investments in a 401(a)-employer match account. The match is $1 for every $1 contributed up to a $75 monthly maximum.

• 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 at https://das.iowa.gov/human-resources/employee-and-retiree-benefits.

Travel: Some travel required.

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 fulltime remote work position.

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.

After on-boarding is completed, there is potential for some remote work, 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.

E-Verify and Right to Work

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

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

1) 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).

2) 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.

3) Graduation from an accredited school of law.

4) 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.

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.

Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendly Total Compensation Calculator. Gain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.

Health and Wellness:

Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.

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 benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind. Click here to learn more about IPERS.

Paid Time Off:

Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.

Professional Development:

Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.

Join Us - Elevate Your Career:

Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa? Click here to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!

01

Do you understand that the answers to all of the following questions must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your ability? Please read all questions and answers thoroughly and make sure you understand them completely. Ensure the answers to your questions match the information filled out on your application and the attachments you have uploaded. If the answers to your questions are inconsistent with your application information or uploaded attachments, you will be given zero points for the question. Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa.

• Yes - I understand and agree.
• No

02

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq?

• No - I have NOT filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq
• Yes - I HAVE filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

03

How many years do you have of full-time work experience performing 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)?

• No experience
• Less than seven years in the specified areas
• Seven years or more in the specified areas

04

Do you have ALL of the following:: 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 post high school/college education and full-time experience (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 (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? *The experience used to count for A, B and C must be separate and unique experience. The same experience CANNOT be counted for A, B and C.

• Yes
• No

05

04023MQ - Have you graduated from an accredited school of law?

• Yes
• No

06

Are you a current State of Iowa employee (executive branch)? IF YES - How many months of experience do you have in the classification of Program Planner 1 for the State of Iowa?

• I am not a State of Iowa employee
• I do not have any experience in the classification of Program Planner 1 for the State of Iowa
• Less than 24 months of experience in the classification of Program Planner 1 for the State of Iowa
• 24 to less than 27 months of experience in the classification of Program Planner 1 for the State of Iowa
• 27 months or more of experience in the classification of Program Planner 1 for the State of Iowa

07

Are you a current State of Iowa employee (executive branch)? IF YES - How many months of experience do you have in the classification of Program Planner 2 for the State of Iowa?

• I am not a State of Iowa employee
• I do not have any experience in the classification of Program Planner 2 for the State of Iowa
• Less than six months of experience in the classification of Program Planner 2 for the State of Iowa
• Six months to less than nine months of experience in the classification of Program Planner 2 for the State of Iowa
• Nine months or more of experience in the classification of Program Planner 2 for the State of Iowa

Required Question

Employer State of Iowa

Agency 583 Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Address 7900 Hickman Rd, Ste 500

Windsor Heights, Iowa, 50324

Website http://www.homelandsecurity.iowa.gov/