Recovery Planner (Program Planner 3)

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

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

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.

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; and 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; and 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
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 (RSF)
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

Nice To Haves

A background in emergency management, public administration, planning, or related fields
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.

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

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)