Are you interested in learning more about homeland security jobs? Perhaps you’re thinking of seeking employment in the Department of Homeland Security or another organization that’s working to secure America against threats ranging from terrorism to natural disaster. Before you apply to work at DHS, there are five important things you need to know about homeland security jobs.
1. Job Satisfaction
The Partnership for Public Service maintains a website called Bestplacestowork.org that tracks overall job satisfaction among federal government employees. The surveys they administer solicit opinions on employee satisfaction levels regarding pay, work-life balance, leadership and numerous other issues. These surveys reveal that employees at the Department of Homeland Security rank lowest in overall job satisfaction levels as compared against employees at all the other large federal agencies. In all, there are 18 large agencies included on the list, including the Department of State, Department of Health and Human Services and others.
If you’re considering the possibility of embarking on a career in homeland security at DHS, it’s important for you to be aware that you’ll be entering a challenging work environment. It’s also important for you to be aware that you have many other options outside of DHS. A DHS job might be ideal for you if you are an individual who is able to thrive in such an environment despite rampant dissatisfaction among your colleagues; otherwise, you may wish to explore some of the other options made available at the state and local levels and through private contracting opportunities.
2. Border and Transportation Security
If you want to work in homeland security, the Border and Transportation Security is a great place to begin your job search. The BTS employs about 58 percent of the entire DHS staff. The directorate is also on the receiving end of about half of the entire DHS operating budget.
Border patrol agents work to secure the country’s borders by intercepting illicit drugs, apprehending criminals, quarantining diseased animals and refusing entry to inadmissible persons. In 2016, there were about 19,828 Border Patrol agents and numerous other DHS staff working to secure the borders of the United States, according to the US Customs and Border Protection Department.
3. Job Locations
No matter where you want to live, there’s likely to be a job opportunity for you in homeland security. Employment opportunities are numerous and varied. You could work as an air marshall, cyber security specialist, analytical chemist, Coast Guard officer, program analyst or any number of other specializations that are all important to homeland security efforts. Washington, D.C. is a prime location for homeland security professionals, but there are job opportunities available in just about every inhabited location in or outside the USA.
4. State and Local Governments
State and local emergency management directors are important liaisons for homeland security professionals employed at all levels, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. State and local first responders and law enforcement officers all play important roles in homeland security efforts. Publicly maintained facilities, including municipal water facilities, employ security staff and other workers to take charge of safety and security issues.
5. Private Contractors
You might be surprised to know that the federal government works with significant numbers of private contractors to carry out the work they consider essential to providing homeland security. Many private and corporate businesses support the efforts made by DHS. These businesses include national laboratories, advisory councils, research and development organizations and even academic institutions. Nonprofit organizations also do work on behalf of the Department of Homeland Security.
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There are many important and interesting things to learn about homeland security jobs, but these are five of the things we think it’s most critical for you to understand if you are planning to seek employment in this line of work. We hope this information is helpful to you as you determine whether you want to pursue a career with DHS or any of the other related organizations. Best wishes with your application if you decide to apply for any of the homeland security jobs that are available.
