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Homeland Defense Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Montana

Homeland Defense Officer

Helena, MT · On-site

MT DES is searching for a Homeland Defense and Critical Infrastructure Officer to lead statewide efforts to identify, assess, prioritize, protect, and support restoration of critical infrastructure ...

State of Montana

Homeland Defense Officer

Helena, MT · On-site

MT DES is searching for a Homeland Defense and Critical Infrastructure Officer to lead statewide efforts to identify, assess, prioritize, protect, and support restoration of critical infrastructure ...

State of Montana

Homeland Defense Officer

Helena, MT · On-site

MT DES is searching for a Homeland Defense and Critical Infrastructure Officer to lead statewide efforts to identify, assess, prioritize, protect, and support restoration of critical infrastructure ...

State of Montana

Homeland Defense Officer

Helena, MT · On-site

MT DES is searching for a Homeland Defense and Critical Infrastructure Officer to lead statewide efforts to identify, assess, prioritize, protect, and support restoration of critical infrastructure ...

1102 CO

General Clerk III

Auburn, WA · On-site

$26.87/hr

... Homeland Defense (DHS). Key responsibilities include: compiling statistical and PSO information and providing communication with all levels of FPS Region 10 Management to gather and convey ...

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Homeland Defense information

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$70.5K

$134.4K

$350K

How much do homeland defense jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for homeland defense in the United States is $134,409.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,000.00 and $117,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Homeland Defense, and why are they important?

To thrive in Homeland Defense, you need a solid background in security operations, risk assessment, and emergency management, often supported by a degree in criminal justice, homeland security, or a related field. Familiarity with surveillance systems, threat detection technologies, and certifications like Certified Homeland Protection Professional (CHPP) are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, teamwork, and effective communication are vital soft skills for coordinating with diverse agencies and responding to crises. These skills and qualifications are crucial for safeguarding national security, preventing threats, and ensuring rapid, coordinated responses to emergencies.

What is the difference between Homeland Defense vs Homeland Security Officer?

AspectHomeland DefenseHomeland Security Officer
Required CredentialsMilitary or federal security training, security clearancesSecurity certifications, background checks, sometimes military experience
Work EnvironmentMilitary bases, federal agencies, strategic locationsGovernment agencies, border crossings, public events
Employer & Industry UsageDepartment of Defense, military branchesDepartment of Homeland Security, federal agencies

Homeland Defense primarily involves military and strategic operations to protect the nation from external threats, often working within military or defense agencies. Homeland Security Officers focus on safeguarding borders, public safety, and emergency response within civilian government agencies. While both roles aim to protect the country, Homeland Defense is more military-oriented, whereas Homeland Security Officers work in civilian security roles.

What is homeland defense?

Homeland defense refers to the protection of a nation's territory, population, and infrastructure from external threats and aggression. It primarily involves the military's role in defending the country against attacks by foreign adversaries, including conventional, cyber, and terrorist threats. Homeland defense is coordinated with other government agencies and often includes preparedness, deterrence, and rapid response measures. Its goal is to ensure national security and maintain the safety and stability of the homeland.

What do you do as a homeland defender?

A homeland defender is responsible for protecting national security by monitoring threats, responding to emergencies, and coordinating with law enforcement and military agencies. The role often requires security clearances, specialized training, and knowledge of threat assessment and crisis management. They work in environments such as government agencies, military bases, or security operations centers.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

In homeland defense, roles such as private security contractors, cybersecurity specialists, or private investigators can sometimes pay around $4,000 weekly, especially with experience or specialized skills. These jobs often require relevant training, certifications, or security clearances but may not always require a college degree.

How much do Homeland Defenders make?

Homeland Defense professionals, such as homeland security officers, typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and specific role. Higher-level positions or those with specialized skills and certifications can earn over $100,000 per year.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in Homeland Defense roles?

Professionals in Homeland Defense often encounter challenges such as rapidly evolving security threats, the need for constant vigilance, and staying current with technological advancements. Collaboration across multiple agencies—including federal, state, and local partners—is essential but can be complex due to differing protocols and communication systems. Additionally, the role may involve high-pressure situations and the necessity to make quick, informed decisions to protect public safety. Despite these challenges, many find the work rewarding due to its direct impact on national security.

How hard is it to get hired by homeland security?

Getting hired by Homeland Security typically requires meeting specific eligibility criteria, including U.S. citizenship, a clean background check, and relevant education or experience. The application process can be competitive, often involving multiple interviews, assessments, and security clearances, especially for specialized roles requiring technical skills or law enforcement experience.
More about Homeland Defense jobs
What cities are hiring for Homeland Defense jobs? Cities with the most Homeland Defense job openings:
What states have the most Homeland Defense jobs? States with the most job openings for Homeland Defense jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Homeland Defense jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Homeland Defense jobs are:
Homeland Defense jobs near you
Infographic showing various Homeland Defense job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,409 per year, or $64.6 per hour.
Homeland Defense Officer

Homeland Defense Officer

Montana

Helena, MT • On-site

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Montana Disaster & Emergency Services (MT DES) is the lead agency coordinating comprehensive emergency management in Montana.  In collaboration with local and tribal governments we build, sustain, and improve our ability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate hazards.

MT DES is searching for a Homeland Defense and Critical Infrastructure Officer to lead statewide efforts to identify, assess, prioritize, protect, and support restoration of critical infrastructure and community lifelines, with special emphasis on physical infrastructure, operational technology, cybersecurity, and Industrial Control Systems/Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (ICS/SCADA) related risk affecting public safety, continuity of government, and essential services.

Duties:

         Serve as MT DES's primary planning and coordination lead for the statewide homeland security and defense plan related to critical infrastructure protection, resilience, and restoration. Lead development, maintenance, and integration of plans, annexes, frameworks, and playbooks addressing threats and hazards to critical infrastructure, including hostile acts, cyber disruption, and catastrophic incidents affecting essential services.

         Lead statewide identification and prioritization of critical physical infrastructure and community lifelines, including facilities and systems related to energy, water and wastewater, transportation, communications, public safety, health, dams, and government operations.

         Recommend protection, mitigation, and resilience strategies that reduce risk to critical infrastructure systems and improve continuity of essential services before, during, and after incidents.

         During emergency activations, coordinate with applicable Emergency Support Functions and partner agencies to identify infrastructure impacts, resource requirements, temporary solutions, and restoration priorities.

         Integrate critical infrastructure and ICS/SCADA considerations into the MT DES training and exercise program, including development of scenarios that test infrastructure disruption, degraded operations, and restoration coordination.

Qualifications:

         Bachelor's degree in emergency management, public administration, or project management

         Four years of professional work in emergency management

         Other combinations of education and experience may be considered

         Military service or experience working with the military highly preferred

Special Qualifications:

         Must have the ability to obtain and maintain secret-level national security clearance

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Knowledge of emergency management doctrine, state emergency coordination structures, and the Montana Emergency Response Framework, including Emergency Support Functions and related infrastructure coordination mechanisms.
  • Knowledge of U.S. Department of Defense and Montana National Guard roles, authorities, and planning processes for homeland defense and defense support of civil authorities, sufficient to integrate Guard capabilities into state critical infrastructure planning and operations
  • Knowledge of critical infrastructure sectors and community lifelines, especially physical systems and facilities that support public safety, continuity of government, and essential services in Montana.
  • Skill in risk assessment, consequence analysis, information synthesis, and preparation of executive briefings, reports, and situational updates.
  • Skill in strategic planning, interagency coordination, and development of plans, annexes, and operational guidance for complex multi-jurisdictional issues.
  • Ability to build effective working relationships with the Montana National Guard, government agencies, local jurisdictions, tribal governments, utilities, and private-sector partners.
  • Ability to communicate technical infrastructure and cyber-physical issues in clear operational terms for leaders, planners, and partner agencies.

The following documents must be submitted to be considered for this position (be sure to mark each attachment as relevant):

  • Cover Letter
  • Resume

Effective April 4, 2026, this agency is participating in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification. For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here, https://www.e-verify.gov/.

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