Security- Emergency Preparedness & Safety

Washington State Senate; Olympia (WA); On-site; USD 74,091 - 128,395; Full time

Job summary

The Washington State Senate is seeking a Security – Emergency Preparedness & Safety professional to plan, coordinate, and manage emergency preparedness, response, and recovery for Senate facilities, members, staff, and visitors. This role reports to the Director of Security and ensures continuity of legislative operations during emergencies.

Responsibilities include developing and implementing security plans, coordinating with state and local partners, leading incident response, and overseeing

Qualifications

• 10 years of experience in crisis management in a public safety, law enforcement or government agency
• Experience with FEMA IC/NIMS frameworks and emergency operations coordination
• Strong understanding of public sector coordination and interagency collaboration

Responsibilities

• 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 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

Skills

Crisis leadership

Interagency coordination

Public safety administration

Continuity planning

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Emergency Management or related field

Tools

FEMA IC/NIMS certifications

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 IC/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 IC (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.