Preparedness Section Manager (WMS Band 3)

Full Job Description

This recruitment has been re-opened and will remain open until filled. Applicants that previously applied do not need to reapply. Application screening will begin the week of January 5, 2026.


Lead Statewide Preparedness and shape the future of emergency management in Washington.

The Washington Emergency Management Division (EMD) is seeking a strategic, collaborative, and forward-thinking Preparedness Section Manager to guide the programs that form the backbone to Washington's readiness posture. This is a rare opportunity for an experienced emergency manager to elevate their career by influencing preparedness policy, capability, and coordination across every level of government and community in the state.

If you thrive on building partnerships, strengthening systems, and leading talented professionals - while improving resilience of 7.8 million residents - this position offers unmatched scope and impact.

About the Washington Military Department
Protecting people is our passion. At the Washington Military Department, we combine our unique talents to create safer communities and ensure our neighbors and loved ones can recover from whatever emergency might arise. Our agency unites civilian employees with members of the Washington National Guard, creating a team that is deeply committed to public service. We go home at night knowing that our day-to-day work supports activities that truly make a difference. Whether that's partnering with our communities to prepare for a disaster, leading an emergency response, hiring top-notch talent or supporting at-risk kids at our Washington Youth ChalleNGe Academy - the Washington Military Department seeks to safeguard our way of life and those that call Washington home.



To learn more about the Washington Military Department, please visit: www.mil.wa.gov

In addition to job fulfillment, the Washington Military Department offers an excellent benefits package which includes exceptional health care coverage, a retirement savings plan and job training opportunities

Requirements

Why this role matters

As the Preparedness Section Manager, you will oversee and empower teams working in Planning, Local Emergency Planning Committee Support, Training, Exercises, Radiological Preparedness, and Continuity. These programs are central to Washington's statewide readiness, supporting:

• All state agencies
• 29 federally recognized tribal nations
• 39 counties and countless local jurisdictions
• Nine Homeland Security Regions
• The Seattle Urban Area
• Non-governmental partners and the private sector

Your leadership directly strengthens Washington's ability to prepare for, withstand, respond to, and recover from disasters - from everyday incidents to catastrophic events.

This is a civilian position (no military affiliation required), working within one of the most respected emergency management organizations in the country.

What You'll Lead & Influence

Strategic Leadership

• Guide a high-performing section of 20 professionals, including five direct-report supervisors.
• Shape statewide preparedness priorities and ensure resources, staffing, and strategy align with Washington's evolving risk landscape.
• Mentor and develop staff while fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence.

Preparedness Programs & Policy Integration

• Oversee statewide planning, training, exercises, and radiological preparedness programs.
• Strengthen coordination among federal, state, Tribal, and local partners.
• Ensure seamless integration across jurisdictions and alignment with federal requirements.

Emergency Operations Leadership

• Serve as a Deputy State Coordinating Officer or Emergency Operations Center Supervisor during statewide emergencies - helping guide decisions with real-world, statewide impacts.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

A Bachelor's degree and five years of lead, supervisory, and/or management experience.

Professional level experience in emergency management, financial management (grants, contracting, claims management, budgeting), training/education, public information/affairs, program/project management, environmental analysis/planning, civil/structural engineering, legislative affairs, or urban planning will substitute for the degree requirement on a year-for-year basis. A Master's degree or Ph.D. degree will substitute for one year of the experience requirement.

AND

Seven years of professional experience including at least three areas such as emergency management leadership, planning, training, exercises, grants management, contract administration, budget management, strategic planning, analytical studies, or program/project management.

Note: This experience may be gained concurrently with the experience listed above.

Preferred Knowledge & Skills

Ideal candidates bring strategic and operational understanding of:

• Mid- and senior-level management principles
• Emergency management operations and policy
• Tactical and strategic planning
• Grant and resource allocation
• Coordination across government levels
• Roles and responsibilities within the National Response Framework
• Technology and communications systems relevant to emergency operation
• Ability to take action to learn and grow
• Ability to take action to meet the needs of others

Additional Information

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Annual Salary $126,500 - $132,300 annually (Washington Management Service, Band 3)Excellent state benefits including premier health coverage, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities.

Flexible work schedules (4/10 or 5/8) with some telework options. This position may be eligible for some (limited) telework.

Reporting to the workstation for work activities and participating in in-person meetings will be required.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Investigation: Must successfully complete the appropriate background checks required for employment. Must be willing to sign releases of information and shall not have access to any investigative materials and files. The processing of background checks can take up to six months post-employment. Failure to successfully pass a background check may be cause for termination.

Driver's License:

1. Valid to drive in the State of Washington.
2. Must meet requirements of the REAL ID Act. This is required for base access and will be required upon hire.

Military Facility: Willingness to work on a Military Controlled Access Installation.
Union Shop Provision: This position is non-represented and will follow the provisions of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC).

Work Hours: A choice between a Tuesday through Friday (4/10 schedule): Monday through Thursday (4/10 schedule): or Monday through Friday (5/8 schedule). Actual hours will start no earlier than 6:00 am and end no later than 6:00 pm, and will include core business hours of 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Telework: This position may be eligible for some telework. The incumbent will work with their supervisor to identify an appropriate work schedule and balance between remote and in person work based on operational need and employee preference. Reporting to the workstation for work activities or participating in in-person meetings will be required.

Emergency Assignment: Upon activation of the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) or Joint Field Office (JFO), incumbent may be required to work in an alternate location with rotating shifts, including weekends and evenings, in a highly stressful and fast-paced environment.

Travel: Occasional statewide travel may be required up to 5% to include overnight stays.

** HOW TO APPLY **

Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically via www.careers.wa.gov. It is very important that the "Work Experience" and "Supplemental Questionnaire" portion of the application is completed in as much detail as possible.

In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:

• Resume
• Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
• Contact details for a minimum of three (3) professional references. Please include at least two (2) past/current supervisors, one peer and/or subordinate, if applicable. NOTE: This information may be entered in the "References" section of the online application or can be an attached document.

** A resume will not substitute for completing the "work experience" section of the application.

Incomplete applications may disqualify you from eligibility for the position. You must ensure all application areas, including supplemental questions and requested attachments, are completed in full.

Application Process: Once you’ve decided to apply for a state government job, you’ll complete an online application to showcase your qualifications. Keep in mind that once you submit the application, a real person is going to read it. We do not use AI or other technology that screens your application and rejects it. So please be sure to provide clear and detailed information about your work history and supplemental question responses so your qualifications can be accurately assessed. We will contact the top candidates directly to schedule interviews.

Tentative Recruitment Timeline:

Application Screening to Begin:	Week of January 5, 2026
Candidates Notified of interview selection:	Week of January 5, 2026
First Round Interviews Conducted:	January 6, 23, and 26-28, 2026
Final Round Interviews Conducted:	February 3-6 or 10-12, 2026

If you have questions about the application process or this recruitment, please email Mistina Venesky at mistina.venesky@mil.wa.gov

Technical Support: Reach out to NEOGOV directly at 1-855-524-5627 for technical support and login issues.

The Washington Military Department is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities and/or limited English proficiency needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruitment Section of State Human Resources at: Email: mistina.venesky@mil.wa.gov, Call: (253) 512-7389, or 711.