Security- Emergency Preparedness & Safety

Washington State Senate; Olympia (WA); On-site; USD 74,000 - 128,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life and long-term disability

Vacation and holidays

Retirement plan

Tuition reimbursement

Infant at work policy

Job summary

Washington State Senate seeks a Security – Emergency Preparedness & Safety professional to plan, coordinate, and manage emergency readiness for Senate facilities, members, staff, and visitors. You will report to the Director of Security and ensure continuity of legislative operations during crises with state and local partners.

The role requires crisis leadership, interagency coordination, and a strong understanding of public sector processes.

Qualifications

• 10 years of experience in crisis management in public safety or government.
• FEMA ICs/NIMS frameworks and emergency operations coordination experience.
• Strong understanding of public sector coordination and interagency collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain emergency management and security plans for Senate operations and facilities.
• Coordinate preparedness efforts across Senate offices, committees, and admin units.
• Lead incident response during security threats, natural disasters, or public safety emergencies.
• Liaise with external partners such as State Emergency Management Division and local authorities.
• Oversee incident command and align with FEMA/NIMS frameworks.
• Coordinate drills, continuity of government and operations exercises.

Skills

Crisis leadership

Interagency coordination

Risk assessment

Strategic planning

Situational awareness

Non-partisan staff

Education

Bachelor's degree in Emergency Management, Homeland Security, Public Administration, Criminal Justice, or related field

Job description

EXEMPT RECRUITMENT ANNOUNCEMENT JOB TITLE: Security – Emergency Preparedness & Safety

SALARY: $6,639 – $11,505 monthly depending on qualifications

LOCATION: Olympia, Washington

CLOSES: May 24, 2026, at 11:59 PM PST. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We strongly recommend applying as soon as possible.

SENATE PROFILE

The Washington State Legislature is a bicameral body comprised of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Legislature meets annually in the Capitol Building in Olympia beginning on the second Monday in January. Regular legislative sessions take place January through March in even-numbered years and January through April in odd-numbered years. Special legislative sessions occur as needed. Permanent staff work year-round supporting the Senate and its legislative members. The Senate strives to cultivate an inclusive working environment that supports diversity through equitable policies and practices.

POSITION PROFILE

The Security – Emergency Preparedness & Safety position for the Washington State Senate Security Office is responsible for planning, coordinating, and managing emergency preparedness, response, and recovery operations for Senate facilities, members, staff, and visitors. This position reports directly to the Director of Security and ensures the continuity of legislative operations during emergencies while maintaining a safe and secure environment in coordination with state and local partners.

KEY RESPONSIBILITES

• Assist to develop, implement, and maintain emergency management and security response plans for Senate operations and facilities
• Coordinate emergency preparedness efforts across Senate offices, committees, and administrative units
• Lead response efforts during incidents affecting legislative operations, including security threats, natural disasters, and public safety emergencies
• Serve as a liaison with external partners such as State Emergency Management Division, Washington State Patrol, local law enforcement, fire services, and emergency management agencies
• Oversee incident command structure implementation in alignment with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Incident Management System (NIMS)
• Coordinate and facilitate emergency drills, continuity of government (COG), and continuity of operations (COOP) exercises
• Support executive leadership and Senate administration during crisis decision-making
• Prepare after-action reports and recommend improvements to policies and procedures
• Manage emergency communication systems and notification protocols
• Proactively monitor cameras and other security systems to detect and respond to security incidents
• Perform physical security checks, walk throughs, and intrusion testing of Senate buildings and spaces
• Maintain visible and concealed security presence in Senate spaces, access points, posts, remote locations, and adjoining capitol facilities/grounds

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• 10 years of experience in crisis management in a public safety, law enforcement or government agency
• Experience with FEMA ICs/NIMS frameworks and emergency operations coordination
• Strong understanding of public sector coordination and interagency collaboration
• A background check including criminal history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Emergency Management, Homeland Security, Public Administration, Criminal Justice, or related field
• Experience working in a legislative, government, or public sector environment
• Familiarity with continuity of government (COG) planning
• Knowledge of threat assessment and response

CERTIFICATIONS (Preferred)

• FEMA ICs (100, 200, 300, 400) and NIMS certifications

Key Skills

• Crisis leadership in high-visibility government environments
• Interagency coordination and stakeholder management
• Risk assessment in public-access facilities
• Strategic planning for continuity of legislative operations
• Clear communication with elected officials and senior leadership
• Situational awareness and rapid decision-making
• Ability to work as non-partisan staff in a partisan environment

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Based in Olympia with potential extended hours including weekend work during legislative session periods
• On-call availability during emergencies impacting state government operations
• May require coordination during protests, large public gatherings, or high-profile legislative events
• Work performed in both office and field environments
• This position is full-time and exempt from civil service

Benefits

SALARY RANGE RCW 49.58.110 requires employers to provide a full salary range in job postings. The salary range for this position is $6,639 – $11,505 monthly. The initial salary offered will consider internal equity and will be based on relevant knowledge, skills, and experience.

Employee Benefits The Senate offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance; vacation, sick, military, bereavement, and civil leave; twelve paid holidays per year; a state retirement plan; deferred compensation; healthcare flexible spending account; dependent care assistance; infant at work policy, optional credit unions; paid subscription to DeleteMe; and tuition reimbursement.

Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact the Senate Human Resource Office at [e-mail].

The Washington State Senate is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, creed, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, age, physical, sensory, or mental disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the use of a service animal by a person with a disability.