Homeland Defense Officer - ( 26141709 ) Montana Disaster & Emergency Services (MT DES) is the lead agency coordinating comprehensive emergency management in Montana. In collaboration with local and tribal governments we build, sustain, and improve our ability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate hazards. MT DES is searching for a Homeland Defense and Critical Infrastructure Officer to lead statewide efforts to identify, assess, prioritize, protect, and support restoration of critical infrastructure and community lifelines, with special emphasis on physical infrastructure, operational technology, cybersecurity, and Industrial Control Systems/Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (ICS/SCADA) related risk affecting public safety, continuity of government, and essential services.
Duties:
- Serve as MT DES's primary planning and coordination lead for the statewide homeland security and defense plan related to critical infrastructure protection, resilience, and restoration.
Lead development, maintenance, and integration of plans, annexes, frameworks, and playbooks addressing threats and hazards to critical infrastructure, including hostile acts, cyber disruption, and catastrophic incidents affecting essential services.
- Lead statewide identification and prioritization of critical physical infrastructure and community lifelines, including facilities and systems related to energy, water and wastewater, transportation, communications, public safety, health, dams, and government operations.
- Recommend protection, mitigation, and resilience strategies that reduce risk to critical infrastructure systems and improve continuity of essential services before, during, and after incidents.
- During emergency activations, coordinate with applicable Emergency Support Functions and partner agencies to identify infrastructure impacts, resource requirements, temporary solutions, and restoration priorities.
- Integrate critical infrastructure and
ICS/SCADA
considerations into the MT DES training and exercise program, including development of scenarios that test infrastructure disruption, degraded operations, and restoration coordination.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in emergency management, public administration, or project management
- Four years of professional work in emergency management
- Other combinations of education and experience may be considered
- Military service or experience working with the military highly preferred
Special Qualifications:
- Must have the ability to obtain and maintain secret-level national security clearance
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of emergency management doctrine, state emergency coordination structures, and the Montana Emergency Response Framework, including Emergency Support Functions and related infrastructure coordination mechanisms. Knowledge of U.S. Department of Defense and Montana National Guard roles, authorities, and planning processes for homeland defense and defense support of civil authorities, sufficient to integrate Guard capabilities into state critical infrastructure planning and operations Knowledge of critical infrastructure sectors and community lifelines, especially physical systems and facilities that support public safety, continuity of government, and essential services in Montana. Skill in risk assessment, consequence analysis, information synthesis, and preparation of executive briefings, reports, and situational updates. Skill in strategic planning, interagency coordination, and development of plans, annexes, and operational guidance for complex multi-jurisdictional issues. Ability to build effective working relationships with the Montana National Guard, government agencies, local jurisdictions, tribal governments, utilities, and private-sector partners. Ability to communicate technical infrastructure and cyber-physical issues in clear operational terms for leaders, planners, and partner agencies. The following documents must be submitted to be considered for this position (be sure to mark each attachment as relevant): Cover Letter Resume Effective April 4, 2026, this agency is participating in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification. For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here, https://www.e-verify.gov/ .
Applicant Pool Statement :
If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection.
Training Assignment :
This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.
Salary:
$ 43.00 - 43.00
Hourly Telework Eligibility :
Telework Eligible (Full-time telework is not available. Telework schedule must be supervisor approved.)
Benefits Package Eligibility :
Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan Number of Openings :
1
Employee Status :
Regular Schedule :
Full-Time Job Type :
Standard Shift :
Day Job Travel :
Yes, 20 % of the
Time Primary Location :
Helena Agency :
Department of Military Affairs Union :
000 -
None Posting Date :
Jun 30, 2026, 5:27:27 PM Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone) : Jul 15, 2026, 5:59:00
AM Required Application Materials :
Cover Letter, Resume Contact Name :
Jessica Collick |
Contact Email :
JCollick@mt.gov |
Contact Phone :
406-324-3334 The State of Montana has a decentralized human resources (HR) system. Each agency is responsible for its own recruitment and selection. Anyone who needs a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the agency's HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application. State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.
