Homeland Security Job Openings

By Crystal Schwanke

Homeland Security job openings are Federal positions that revolve around keeping the nation safe and ready to handle emergency situations.

About Homeland Security

According to USA Jobs, Homeland Security jobs can fall within any of the following categories:

United States Coast Guard

The U.S. Coast Guard protects America's coastlines and waterways. The organization is a law enforcement group that currently employs about 7,000 civilians in more than 100 locations who work closely with the military to save lives, protect the environment, and enforce laws regarding boat safety, drug use, living marine resources, and immigration. The Coast Guard also oversees the ports and waterways in the U.S.

Customs and Border Protection

Customs and Border Protection's main job is to keep the country free of terrorists and their weapons. The organization also prevents the entrance of illegal drugs into the U.S., as well as pests and diseases that could damage the country's agriculture. They work at and outside of the border. Customs and Border Protection is also charged wtih protecting the property of American businesses, by keeping intellectual property safe, enforcing trade laws, taking up import duties, and assisting in international trade. Customs and Border Protection works closely with ICE.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

If you've always had a knack for investigating, you may find your perfect fit with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This agency enforces the laws revolving around immigration and customs and protect Federal facilities. Employees of ICE conduct investigations, gather information, and work to maintain the security of the country.

Federal Protective Service

This is a sub-organization with ICE. This select group protects Federal facilities, which in turn makes them responsible for keeping over one million people safe on a daily basis.

Federal Emergency Management Agency

The Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, is a relief organization of about 2,600 full-time employees for areas impacted by disasters. The agency works to prevent disasters, then responds and helps the affected citizens recover when disasters happen. FEMA attempts to heighten awareness, plan ahead for evacuation strategies, and more. In addition, the agency works to train individuals at all levels (federal, state, and local) to react appropriately in the face of dangerous conditions.

Federal Law Enforcement Training Center

This organization is responsible for training Federal officers and agents, as well as international, state, and local police.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services makes a smoother transition for immigrants, welcoming them, working for them via benefit applications and petitions, and striving to improve their overall experience while they attempt U.S. citizenship. The organization's goal is outstanding customer service for immigrants who are entering the country legally. They also assist the immigrants in achieving their goals in America.

Secret Service

The primary goal of the Secret Service is to keep the President, Vice President, and their families safe. This agency may also participate in criminal investigations when threats arise against those they are responsible for protecting, as well as financial threats to other individuals via counterfeiting, identity theft, computer fraud, and more. The Secret Service also plans out and puts into effect the crucial security plans for National Special Security Events.

Transportation Security Administration

The Transportation Security Administration, or TSA, works to keep national transportation systems safe. Individuals who work with the TSA have a multitude of potential paths to take, from intelligence to screening or enforcement.

Management Directorate

This is the resource group of Homeland Security. The organization provides the services necessary to run the Department of Homeland Security, such as budgeting, human resources, administrative duties, and information technology.

Science and Technology Directorate

This is the research and development area of Homeland Security, providing technological improvements as needed. The organization plans, funds, and conducts research in technical fields and then works to implement the necessary changes.

National Protection and Programs Directorate

The National Protection and Programs Directorate works to reduce the risks of potential virtual and human threats.

Office of Intelligence and Analysis

The Office of Intelligence and Analysis collects information from all appropriate departments, state, local, private sector, and international, to analyze them and piece together any potential threats to the security of the nation. It then sends back the analyzed data with a wider perspective to those parties.

Find Homeland Security Job Openings

If Homeland Security job openings sound like something you'd like to browse through for a perfect fit, check DHS.gov for listings of all kinds. Some organizations also have their own websites where you can find job listings. You may also find:

Coast Guard positions at USCG.mil.
FEMA positions at FEMA.gov
Customs and Border Protection jobs at Customs.gov
Federal Law Enforcement Training Center jobs at FLETC.gov
ICE positions at ICE.gov.
Secret Service positions posted at SecretService.gov.

Final Thoughts

Seeking out Homeland Security job openings could result in a rewarding career. If there is an organization that interests you, apply for the jobs you're most suited for. You'll generally find that the salary and benefits are very competitive.