Radiological Emergency Preparedness Site Specialist (Program Planner 3)

State of Iowa•Johnston - 50131 - Polk County, IA

12d•Hybrid

About The Position

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 Iowa's 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.

Requirements

Seven years of full-time work experience in the administration or operation/execution of a program
One year of full-time work experience in the administration or operation/execution of a program, plus a total of four years of education and full-time experience (where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in any field equals one year of full-time experience)
One year of full-time work experience in the administration or operation/execution of a program, plus a total of two years of graduate-level education and full-time experience (where twenty-four semester hours of accredited graduate college or university course work in any field equals one year of full-time experience)
Graduation from an accredited school of law
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
Six 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
Ability to pass a background investigation

Nice To Haves

Background in Radiological Emergency Preparedness, emergency management, or regulatory compliance
Adaptable candidates who are quick learners and driven by process
Comfortable navigating federal guidelines, managing critical statewide equipment programs, and representing the Department in both steady-state planning and active emergency operations
Reliable, agile, and committed to safeguarding Iowa’s communities
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

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

Benefits

Health insurance
Dental insurance
Flexible spending account
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)