State EOC Planning Section Chief (EMPS 4)

Salary: $7,443.00 - $10,004.00 Monthly
Location : Pierce County - Lakewood, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-04258
Department: Military Department
Division: Emergency Management
Opening Date: 05/20/2026
Closing Date: 6/3/2026 11:59 PM Pacific


Description
State Emergency Operations Center Planning Section Chief
Emergency Management Program Specialist 4
Camp Murray, WA


Under the direction of the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) Manager, the State EOC Planning Section Chief serves as the primary and lead Planning Section Chief for the Washington State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) and in that role oversees and directs effective section activities as outlined in the SEOC Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and as called for in National Incident Management System (NIMS) Doctrine for all aspects of incident response.

This is a state agency civilian position and does not require military service affiliation.


Emergency Management Division Overview As a part of the Washington Military Department, the Emergency Management Division leads and coordinates mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery in Washington State to minimize the impact of disasters and emergencies on the people, property, environment, and economy.


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 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, visit:


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.

Duties
Responsibilities include:

• Directly supervises any staff temporarily assigned to the SEOC Planning Section Chief.
• Serves as Planning Section Chief in the SEOC during and after EOC activations; supporting response to and recovery from emergency incidents, planned special events, and exercises.
• Trains and prepares SEOC staff assigned to the SEOC Planning Section.
• Provides expert level individualized and general support to SEOC staff through training, exercises, and credentialing.
• Leads and oversees the organization of and work performed by all staff assigned to and serving in the SEOC Planning Section to support effective and engaged SEOC staff members.
• Serves as lead for the SEOC Planning Section for preparedness, response, and recovery activities, including before, during, and after activations of the SEOC.
• Supports the credentialing and qualification efforts of SEOC staff assigned to the SEOC Planning Section.
• Builds close working relationships with and ensure effective coordination and communication with key partners before, during, and after SEOC activations.
• Develops, maintains, organizes, and supports SEOC situational awareness products and systems, response planning efforts, and pre-incident planning.
• Performs (rather than oversees) functions of the SEOC Planning Section if staff are not assigned to perform them.

Qualifications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. One year of experience as an Emergency Management Program Specialist 3, and
2. One year of lead and/or supervisory experience.

OR

1. A Bachelor's degree, and
2. Five years of professional level experience in emergency management , public safety (law enforcement, firefighting, emergency medical services, search and rescue, hazardous materials), logistics, risk management, public works/engineering, managing critical infrastructure sector emergency functions (transportation systems, telecommunications, energy, water and wastewater systems, government facilities, nuclear facilities and materials, food and agriculture), financial management (grant, contracting, claims management, budgeting), training/education, public information/affairs, program/project management, environmental analysis/planning, legislative affairs, and/or urban planning. and
3. One year of lead and/or supervisory experience.

Additional qualifying experience will substitute, year for year, for the education requirement. A Master's degree or Ph.D. degree will substitute for one year of the experience requirement.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Preference may be given to candidates who have:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree or master's degree in emergency management, homeland security, or public administration.
• IS-100, IS-200, ICS-300, ICS-400 training.
• All Hazards Planning Section Chief Position Specific Training (or equivalent).

Working Knowledge of:

• National Incident Management System (NIMS).
• Incident Command System (ICS).
• National Qualification System (NQS).
• Functions and responsibilities of the Planning Section and all Planning Section Branches, Divisions, Groups, and Units.
• Community Lifelines and Critical Infrastructure Sectors.

Experience:

• Performing the functions of the Planning Section Chief position in an Incident Command Post (ICP) or Emergency Operations Center (EOC), or similar setting during response to large exercises and/or real-world emergency events.
• Gathering, analyzing, summarizing, and reporting on incident specific data or information to support response operations.
• Developing high quality written products to include reports, snapshots, briefings, infographics, and similar for a variety of audiences.
• Coordinating activities with a diverse group of stakeholders and participants.

Skills and Abilities to:

• Develop and implement plans in accordance with current state, federal, and supporting organizational directives.
• Provide training to staff of differing levels of experience and expertise.
• Develop and execute exercises and drills for a wide variety of participants of differing levels of experience and expertise.
• Understand and comfortably use different, new, and existing technology to improve processes, workflows, and perform daily job functions.
• Ability to take action to meet the needs of others
• Ability to take action to learn and grow.
• Use Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, TEAMS, and SharePoint) to develop documents in support of program objectives.

Supplemental Information
Compensation: Wage/salary depends on qualifications or rules of promotion.

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.

Union Shop Provision: This position is covered by a union shop provision - Washington Federation of State Employees.

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.
Camp Murray uses the Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) for entry to the installation. Must meet access requirements / background check which can be found in the ). This includes possession of an Enhanced Driver's License, or other REAL ID Compliant Identification.


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 is 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-person meetings will be needed.

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.


Application Process

Individuals interested in applying for this position should select the "Apply" button and submit the following:

1. A current state application profile, and
2. Responses to the Supplemental Questions (Note that your responses to the supplemental questions will be used for interview selection), and
3. Cover Letter (no more than two pages), and
4. Resume, and
5. A list of three professional references. Please include at least two past/current supervisors, one peer and subordinate if applicable. For each reference include the following:

• Name
• Professional Title
• Working Relationship
• Daytime Phone Number
• Email Address

** A resume will not substitute for completing the "work experience" section of the application.The information provided in your application must support your supplemental questionnaire responses. Responses not supported in your application and those referring to "see resume" will disqualify you for consideration of employment from this recruitment.


This recruitment may be utilized to fill additional Emergency Management Program Specialist 4 vacancies for an additional 60 days after the recruitment closing date. If you have questions about the application process or this recruitment, please email Geri Harding at View email address on click.appcast.io

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: View email address on click.appcast.io, Call: View phone number on click.appcast.io, or 711.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.


Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.


Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.


Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.


Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026
01


I have read and understand the working conditions listed in the Supplemental Information - Conditions of Employment section of the job posting and I'm able and willing to work under those conditions?

• Yes
• No

02


What is your highest level of education?

• No High School Diploma or GED
• High School Diploma or GED
• Some College
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor Degree
• Master's Degree or higher-level degree

03


Do you have experience performing the functions of the Planning Section Chief position in an Incident Command Post (ICP) or Emergency Operations Center (EOC), or similar setting?
04


Describe your experience performing the functions of the Planning Section Chief role in an Emergency Operations Center during response to large exercises and/or real-world emergency events.
05


Describe your experience developing high quality written products to include reports, snapshots, briefings, infographics, and similar for a variety of audiences.
06


Describe your experience using the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS).
07


Describe your experience using different, new, and existing technology to improve processes, workflows, and perform daily job functions.
08


Describe a situation where you had to adapt your usual way of doing things to better serve someone or a group of people with a background different that your own. What did you change, what was the outcome?
09


How did you learn about this job opportunity?
Required Question