Public Assistance Program Coordinator (Emergency Management Program Specialist 2)

State of Washington
Lakewood, WA




Public Assistance Program Coordinator
Emergency Management Program Specialist 2
Camp Murray, WA

The Washington Military Department's Emergency Management Division is hiring within the Public Assistance program to support disaster recovery efforts related to the December 2025 floods (4906-DR-WA). This is a project position that is anticipated to last up to 12 months.

We are seeking a dynamic, detail-driven Public Assistance Program Coordinator to join our Emergency Management Division and help guide disaster recovery from crisis to resilience. In this role, you will oversee the delivery of public assistance programs that support local governments and eligible organizations after disasters. From coordinating funding and ensuring compliance to leading teams and partnering with stakeholders, you'll be at the center of helping communities rebuild stronger.

About the Emergency Management Division
The Emergency Management Division (EMD) is part of the Washington Military Department. EMD 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.

The state's Emergency Management Division is a civilian (non-military) division of the Washington Military Department.

Public Assistance Program Overview
The Public Assistance program administers the state and federal public assistance and infrastructure program for all disasters designated as a Presidential Declared Disaster. The Public Assistance Program enables governments, communities, non-profit organizations, and tribes to recover from the immediate and long-term impacts of disasters and emergencies. The program provides state and federal funds to these agencies for the repair and restoration of damaged public facilities, as well as to reimburse the agencies for a portion of the costs associated with emergency work and debris removal due to the disaster.

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 ourday-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, 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.

As a professional coordinator you will assist in the administration and management of the Public Assistance (PA) Program for federally declared disasters within the State of Washington. Delivery of the program will require you to:
  • Provide professional level grant management, program management, project management, financial management, and technical support to eligible sub-recipients.
  • Monitor projects and grants as well as enforcing performance period timelines.
  • Monitor project and grant revenues and expenditures of sub-recipient funds.
  • Coordinate and assemble assessments for debris removal, emergency measures, and public facility infrastructure damage.
  • Coordinate the development and maintenance of accounting and auditing spreadsheets, databases and information systems.
  • Identify, document, coordinate and assemble wildfire operational impact and threat assessments for inclusion in the Governor's requests to the FEMA Regional Administrator.
  • Prepare and delivery PA Program training seminars, technical workshops, and program outreach presentations.
  • Serve in an operational capacity in the State Emergency Operations Center and/or Disaster Field Office during emergencies and disasters.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Two years of experience as an Emergency Management Program Specialist 1;

OR

A bachelor's degreeAND two years of 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, and/or urban planning.

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

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

Experience:
Many types of work experience will provide the type of professional level experience that can qualify you for one of these positions. The experience list provides examples of the ideal types of background, but this list is not meant to be exclusive. People from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

  • Customer service, to include experience working in a client-focused environment to solve programs, provide solutions, and communicate effectively.
  • Account management to include maintaining professional relationships, delivering exceptional customer service on a day-to-day basis, and providing a high-level of service delivery.
  • Grant/contract management to include experience in the development, negotiation, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of grants/contracts for federal, state, local government, or private entities.
  • Project management and/or coordination experience with construction, infrastructure, or public works projects.
  • Public speaking to include teaching, training, and/or presenting to small or medium size groups to teach a skill or relay critical information.

We are seeking candidates with the following attributes:

  • Critical thinking - Ability to accurately interpret and apply policy principles in a variety of situations and contexts.
  • Problem solving - Ability to think outside of the box to resolve complex program issues.
  • Proactive engagement - Consistently makes the effort to maintain communication with applicants (customers), team members and program leadership.
  • Team player - Flexible and willing to pitch in whatever capacity is necessary to meet shifting program requirements.
  • Self-starter - Works independently with minimal supervision to ensure program and project tasks, objectives, and milestones are met on-time.

We are also seeking candidates with the skills and abilities to:

  • Analyze and apply complex and technical material such as federal and state laws; federal Code of Federal Regulations; federal and state directives, regulations, policies, etc.
  • Effectively communicate using clear written and verbal communication skills.
  • The ability to take action to learn and grow.
  • The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
  • Use Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Access, and SharePoint) to develop complex documents in support of program objectives.

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.


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 utilizes the Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) for entry to the installation. Must meet access requirements / background check which can be found in the Camp Murray Access Requirements Policy (Unified Policy No. 18-01). This includes possession of an Enhanced Driver’s License, or other REAL ID Compliant Identification.
Union Shop Provision:This position is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).

Work Hours:The standard work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8 hours a day, or a four-day per week schedule, 10 hours per day, with either Mondays or Fridays off. The actual work hours will be established between the employee and supervisor and will start no earlier than 6:00am and end no later than 6:00pm.

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 and participating in in-person meetings is 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:Requires the ability and willingness to independently travel throughout the state, sometimes overnight, to attend meetings and conduct public outreach and training.

** 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:
  • An attached Resume outlining your experience to date.
  • An attached 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. For each reference include the following:
  • Name
  • Professional Title
  • Working Relationship
  • Daytime Phone Number
  • Email Address
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, are completed in full.

This recruitment may be utilized to fill additional Emergency Management Specialist 2 vacancies within 60 days after the recruitment closing date.

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
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