HOMELAND SECURITY PLANNER - CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE (STAFF ANALYST) - GRANT FUNDED

City of Houston; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Houston is seeking a Staff Analyst in the Office of Public Safety and Homeland Security to administer a web-based critical infrastructure catalog, coordinate with regional agencies and private sector partners, support adoption and training, and help guide data collection, analysis, and reporting.

The ideal candidate will hold a bachelor’s degree in Business or Public Administration, have at least three years of professional experience in administration or analytics, possess a valid Texas

Qualifications

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to analyze data and prepare reports.
• Experience coordinating multiple projects and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Administer a web-based critical infrastructure catalog used by regional agencies.
• Coordinate with government and private-sector partners on asset prioritization and assessment.
• Identify opportunities to integrate new technologies with existing data systems.
• Provide training and support to users; assist with data collection and reporting.
• Serve as liaison for regional homeland security committees and preparedness initiatives.

Skills

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or Public Administration

Job description

Position Overview

APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED FROM: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED

DIVISION: PUBLIC SAFETY & HOMELAND SECURITY

REPORTING LOCATION: 900 BAGBY, 2ND FL.

WORKDAYS & HOURS: MONDAY - FRIDAY 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.*

• Subject to Change

Description Of Duties / Essential Functions

The City of Houston Office of Public Safety and Homeland Security is responsible for managing federal homeland security grants for the Greater Houston region, as well as leading and supporting homeland security preparedness projects and activities (e.g., conducting plan reviews, administering or supporting regional technologies, writing reports, developing exercises).

The Homeland Security Grants Program Division of the City of Houston Office of Public Safety and Homeland Security manages federal homeland security grants for the Greater Houston region and coordinates and supports regional homeland security preparedness projects and initiatives in the City of Houston and in the Counties of Brazoria, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, and Montgomery. This includes homeland security planning activities, regional community preparedness programs, and management of grant-funded initiatives.

This office seeks a Staff Analyst whose primary responsibility will be to serve as the administrator of a web-based critical infrastructure catalog used by jurisdictions, agencies, and private-sector partners in the Houston region. The employee will manage the system, support its adoption in the region, train new and existing users, and assist with tasks related to critical infrastructure protection programs and other homeland security priorities, goals, and objectives.

The employee in this position must possess or be able to obtain a federal security clearance at the SECRET level and must be able to maintain that clearance throughout the duration of employment in this position.

Responsibilities

• Managing a web-based system that jurisdictions and agencies in the Greater Houston region use to catalog critical infrastructure information and related data.
• Coordinating with regional government agencies and private-sector partners to support them with the identification, prioritization, and assessment of critical infrastructure assets and systems in the region.
• Identifying opportunities for integration of existing and future technologies related to critical infrastructure data.
• Performing training related to the critical infrastructure catalog and other program elements.
• Designing data collection and research strategies, implementing appropriate processes, analyzing collected information, and creating reports and presentations.
• Interfacing with the vendor to foster user expansion, system refinement, and integration with other existing technologies.
• Coordination of regional special events data with regional stakeholders and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Special Events Working Group.
• Serve as the liaison for the Risk Management & Critical Infrastructure Committee, as part of the Houston Urban Area Security Initiative.
• Performing additional duties, as assigned, related to regional homeland security programs and priorities, including assessing and analyzing the region’s risk from and vulnerability to terrorism.
• Providing temporary surge support when requested by the Houston Office of Emergency Management during disasters, emergencies, planned events, and other instances when the emergency operations center (EOC) is activated.

Working Conditions

These positions are generally physically comfortable, and the individuals have discretion about walking, standing, etc. Driving is an essential function of this position.

These positions will be required to travel within Houston and surrounding counties. The selected candidate must meet all City requirements for use of motor vehicles as described in City of Houston Administrative Policy 2-2. This position may also require occasional travel outside the Houston region or state of Texas.

This position may require long hours during stressful emergency situations. These are Tier II level positions and may be assigned to the Houston Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during large disasters at the discretion of the supervisor and/or department director (as described in City of Houston Administrative Policy 2-3). This may involve working nights/weekends/holidays, working extended hours, working from alternate City facilities, and/or working in the field.

Minimum Requirements

Education Requirement

Requires a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration or a field directly related to the type of work being performed.

Graduate degrees related to the type of work to be performed may substitute for the experience requirement on a year-for-year basis.

Experience Requirement

Three years of professional administrative, financial or analytical experience related to the type of work being performed are required.

Professional experience related to the type of work to be performed may substitute for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis.

License Requirements

Valid Texas Driver's License and compliance with the City of Houston policy on driving (Administrative Policy 2-2).

Preferences

• Management of web-based software applications/systems, and/or implementation or development of critical infrastructure protection programs.
• Training or certification relevant to infrastructure resiliency and/or vulnerability assessments.
• Understanding of critical infrastructure sector dependencies and interdependencies.
• Experience in emergency management, public health preparedness, data science analysis, or related experience.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple projects; possess analytical and critical thinking skills.

If selected, candidate must have completed or must be willing to complete the following FEMA courses: IS-100 (ICS 100), IS-200 (ICS 200), IS-235 (Emergency Planning), IS-700 (NIMS), IS-800 (National Response Framework), IS-2200 (Basic EOC Functions), E/L/G/K 300 (ICS 300), E/L/G/K 400 (ICS 400), E/L/G/K 2300 (Intermediate EOC Functions) within 90 days of employment.

Time allowed to complete these courses may be extended if suitable course offerings are not available.

• Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.

Selection / Skills Tests Required

Department may administer skills assessment test.

Safety Impact Position

YES. If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.

Salary Information

Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate’s qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

Pay Grade: 26

EOE Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.