| Location | Johnston, IA |
| Salary | $61,755.20–$94,036.80 Per Year |
Radiological Emergency Preparedness Site Specialist (Program Planner 3)
Salary
$61,755.20 - $94,036.80 Annually
Location
Johnston - 50131 - Polk County, IA
Job Type
Full-time
Job Number
27-00949
Agency
583 Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Opening Date
10/02/2026
Closing Date
10/18/2026 11:59 PM Central
LinkedIn Tag
#LI-POST
Point of Contact
zachary.ellison@iowa.gov
Job Description
Only applicants who meet the Minimum Qualification Requirements and meet all selective requirements (listed below) will be placed on the eligible list.
In the face of complex threats, Iowa relies on meticulous preparation-and that's where you come in. Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) is seeking a highly motivated, detail- oriented, and solution-focused professional to serve as our Radiological Emergency Preparedness (REP) Site Specialist at our office in Johnston, IA.
In this dynamic role within our Response Division, you will serve as the primary focal point for Iowas REP program, ensuring state agencies and local communities are thoroughly prepared for potential radiological incidents at nuclear power facilities in and around the state. Balancing high-level strategy with real-world application, you will lead off-site emergency planning, coordinate complex interagency exercises, and step-up during state activations.
This is your chance to make a direct, lasting impact on Iowa's resilience-driving nuclear readiness and protecting communities across the state.
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
We are seeking an organized, innovative, and resilient professional who is ready to lead complex planning and foster strong interagency partnerships. Reporting to the Preparedness Bureau Chief and collaborating closely with the REP Program Manager, the ideal candidate brings sharp problem-solving skills, a collaborative mindset, and a commitment to operational excellence.
A background in Radiological Emergency Preparedness, emergency management, or regulatory compliance is preferred, but we welcome adaptable candidates who are quick learners and driven by process. Candidates should be comfortable navigating federal guidelines, managing critical statewide equipment programs, and representing the Department in both steady-state planning and active emergency operations.
We are looking for someone who is reliable, agile, and committed to safeguarding Iowa's communities- someone ready to manage high-stakes priorities and support the agencys mission. Desired skills and abilities include:
Demonstrated experience or background in Radiological Emergency Preparedness at the local, state, or federal level
Familiarity with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and FEMA rules, regulations, and REP doctrine, with the ability to interpret and enforce federal standards
Experience developing operational plans, procedures, and maintaining meticulously detailed training records
Exceptional communication skills, including writing, speaking, listening, and negotiating across diverse partner agencies
High degree of organization, self-discipline, and time management to independently drive projects and manage priorities
Resilience and agility to step into active operational roles-such as SEOC Operations Officer- during exercises or real-world disaster activations
What you will do
This position will support HSEM's mission by serving as the REP program focal point, leading nuclear power facility preparedness, and supporting response operations through the following responsibilities:
Coordinating off-site emergency planning and activities for nuclear power generation stations in and near Iowa
Assisting counties in southwest and eastern Iowa with radiological emergency planning, training timelines, and verifying functional Emergency Alert Systems (EAS)
Orchestrating drills, rehearsals, and training exercises in coordination with utilities, FEMA, host/risk counties, and state agency partners
Managing the statewide thermoluminescent dosimetry (TLD) program-including vendor coordination, ordering, and distribution-and maintaining potassium iodide (KI) stockpiles in 10- mile Emergency Planning Zones
Ensuring program compliance by responding to FEMA inquiries, maintaining NRC/FEMA doctrine currency, and preparing the Annual Letter of Certification
Serving as Operations Officer during State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) activations to mobilize critical resources during disasters and exercises, while providing flexible support across HSEM response elements
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: 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 fulltime 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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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?
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)?
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.
05
Have you graduated from an accredited school of law?
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?
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?
08
Does your application demonstrate that you have 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.
09
If you answered "Yes" to the question above - please list exactly HOW you meet it: list exact classes and credit hours, employer, dates and hours per week and exact duties. Please do not paste or state - See application or resume. If you answered no to the question above please type in "No" in the box below.]
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