Program Specialist 1, 2, or 3

State of Louisiana; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Insurance: Medical, Dental, & Vision

Paid holidays

Annual leave 96 hours per year

Job summary

The State of Louisiana is hiring an entry-level Hazard Mitigation Monitoring Program Specialist (PS 1). You will provide guidance, oversight, and assistance to applicants and sub-grantees in securing and reimbursing FEMA grants, tracking progress, and ensuring compliance with federal and state requirements.

This in-office, statewide role requires a BA/BS in a related field or 4 years of experience, strong communication, MS Office skills, and willingness to travel, with 12-hour shifts during

Qualifications

• BA/BS in accounting, business, finance, engineering, architecture, construction management, or similar field, plus two years of experience.
• Six years of full-time work experience can substitute for the degree.
• Master's degree may substitute for two years of required work experience.
• College credit substitutions as described may substitute for degree/experience.

Responsibilities

• Administer grants and monitor sub-grantees for compliance.
• Prepare reports and documentation for FEMA and grant officers.
• Coordinate with sub-grantees and state personnel for reimbursements.
• Participate in emergency response operations as needed.
• Travel statewide and work 12-hour shifts during emergencies.

Skills

Oral communication

Written communication

MS Office proficiency

Independent work

Team collaboration

Education

BA/BS in accounting, business, finance, engineering, architecture, construction management or similar; or 2 years experience

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Announcement Details

ANNOUNCEMENT NO 156-2026 BENEFITS

OPENING DATE: August 28, 2026 Retirement: LASERS

CLOSING DATE: September 07, 2026 Insurance: Medical, Dental, & Vision

Paid Holidays: 10 plus proclaimed

*SALARY: Annual Leave: 96 hours per year with tenure increases

MA-613 $35,734 - $50,997 Sick Leave: 96 hours per year with tenure increase

MA-614 $38,230 - $54,562

MA-615 $40,914 - $58,365

*Salary indicates typical starting range.

Level will be determined by qualifications.

JOB TYPE: Unclassified*

*Current Classified employees must give up their designation to accept this position.

Position Description

The Hazard Mitigation Monitoring Program Specialist (PS) 1 is an entry-level professional position with no supervisory responsibility. The position provides guidance, oversight, and general assistance to applicants and/or sub-grantees in preparing project applications, documentations, invoices, and information to request reimbursement for approved, federally funded hazard mitigation grants from FEMA. The PS 1 is responsible for monitoring the progress of each assigned sub-grantee to ensure that all federal and state grant requirements are met and that files are closed in a timely manner. This office-based position's goal is to master a detailed training plan within a six to twelve month period and successfully complete all necessary educational and training requirements to advance to the next level.

The PS 1 must have a BA/BS degree in accounting, business, finance, engineering, architecture, construction management, or similar field, or 4 years of professional related experience. A combination thereof may be substituted for the degree requirement. Effective oral/written communications skills, the ability to work independently, and effective interpersonal skills are required. Working knowledge of MS Office is necessary. This position differs from the Hazard Mitigation Monitoring Program Specialist (PS) 2 and 3 by the responsibility for less complex assignments and increased training requirements. This position requires frequent site visits, a valid driver's license, require overnight travel and overtime, and may be deployed statewide at short notice. Must be able to work 12-hour shifts and beyond, day or night, for extended periods during emergencies.

During times of emergencies, duties include participation in preparation and ongoing support for the State Emergency Response Operations, which may be completely outside the scope of normal, daily duties. Support is required 24/7 for the duration of the event.

Administration and Management of Grants Program (70%)
Coordinate with sub-grantees regarding participation with the State and Grants Administrators to maintain control of the FEMA funds assigned to the sub-grantees and to ensure timely project closeouts. Prepare and review grant documentation, information, and financial reports for completeness and compliance with federal and state guidelines. Resolve program issues raised by FEMA or the sub-grantees.

Consult with sub-grantees during each phase of the grant implementation while maintaining good communication with state and FEMA personnel. Submit documentation to supervisors for review and processing for payment. Ensure and verify that all funds are utilize according to programmatic guidelines. Prepare updated information in tracking reports for project worksheets: Assists the Grant Administration Supervisor in troubleshooting and solving priority issues and special projects management. Assist the sub-grantees with special considerations coordination including but not limited to the State Historic Preservation Office construction requirements.

Program Support (10%)
Prepare correspondence, special bulletins and technical reports on local, state, and federal policies and program activities. Coordinate with the Team Lead and Section Chief on mitigation program issues and policies. Visit parishes and private non-profit organizations throughout the state to conduct informational meetings concerning mitigation grants. Ensure state and sub-grantees quarterly report and other required reports are developed and submitted as scheduled.

Training (10%)
Complete On-boarding program and Technical Skills courses (General Office and Microsoft Applications). Complete all required training or PS 1. Pass all required Skills Proficiency testing (Processes, Applications & Tools, Regulation & Compliance) to be eligible for advancement to the next level (PS 2).

Emergency Response Operations (5%)
Participate in the State's Emergency Response Operations preparation and activation activities which include but are not limited to: Complete duties as assigned during activation of the State of Louisiana Emergency Operations Center. Throughout the year, participates in training and exercises to maintain high readiness level assigned duties.

Other duties as assigned (5%)
Maintain educational training requirements for the National Incident Management System (NIMS) certification as well as other professional certifications and licenses. Complete other duties as assigned.

Performs all other tasks, special projects, analysis, studies, and plans as directed.

Position Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

A baccalaureate degree in accounting, business, finance, engineering, architecture, construction management, or similar fields plus two (2) years of experience in a similar field.

Substitutions

Six years of full time work experience in any field may be substituted for the baccalaureate degree.

A master's degree may be substituted for two years of the required work experience.

Candidates without a baccalaureate degree may combine work experience and college credit to substitute for the baccalaureate degree as follows:

A maximum of 120 semester hours can be combined with experience to substitute for the baccalaureate degree. 30 to 59 semester hours credit will substitute for one year of experience towards the baccalaureate degree. 60 to 89 semester hours credit will substitute for two years of experience towards the baccalaureate degree. 90 to 119 semester hours credit will substitute for three years of experience towards the baccalaureate degree. 120 or more semester hours credit will substitute for four years of experience towards the baccalaureate degree.

College Credit Substitution

College credit earned without obtaining a baccalaureate degree may be substituted for a maximum of four years of full-time work experience towards the baccalaureate degree. Candidates with 120 or more semester hours of credit, but without a degree, must also have at least two years full-time work experience to substitute for the baccalaureate degree.

NOTE

Any college hours or degree must be from a school accredited by one of the following regional accrediting bodies: the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools; the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Incorporated; the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools; the Northwest Association of Secondary and Higher Schools; the Southern Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools; the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Additional Information

Preference may be given to applicants with extensive knowledge of applicable laws, rules, and regulations related specifically to the Public Assistance and/or Hazard Mitigation grant programs.

Additional Applicant Requirements

Applicants must have knowledge of Microsoft Office applications; effective oral/written communication skills; strong analytical skills; the ability to work independently, and effective interpersonal skills. This position requires the ability to travel and attend out-of-town meetings and may require overnight travel and overtime. The position may be deployed statewide with short notice. Must be able to work 12-hour shifts and beyond, day or night, for extended periods during emergencies. Must present and maintain a valid Louisiana driver's license.

General Requirements

• Must have a valid Driver's License, Social Security Card and Birth Certificate.
• Must be available to report to duty during emergency or disaster situations for extended hours over an extended period of time. Other periodic travel may be required.
• Must meet physical requirements to perform functions of the position.
• Must attend/complete all Louisiana Military Department (LMD) annual training and other training required for the position.
• Must adhere to the Code of Ethics and foster a Sexual Harassment-Free Environment.

Conditions of Employment

By submitting an application for employment with the Military Department, the applicant agrees to the following conditions of employment:

• All LMD positions require in-office attendance. This is not a remote position.
• Salary is paid by Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) / Direct Deposit Only. A checking or savings account is required for employment.
• LMD is a substance abuse and drug free workplace. The selected applicant must pass a pre-employment background investigation and pre-employment drug test. Thereafter, all employees are subject to random drug testing.
• The selected applicant must pass a pre-employment criminal background investigation prior to employment.

Equal Opportunity Employer and State as a Model Employee (SAME)