The Department of Homeland Security protects the Nation from the many threats we face. They accomplish their mission with highly dedicated and skilled employees in jobs ranging from aviation and border security to emergency response, from cybersecurity analysis to chemical facility inspections.
Many positions within this agency required security clearances.
DHS Mission
This department has over 260,000 employees, over 40,000 are stationed overseas. Their three primary missions are:
- Prevent terrorist attacks within the United States,
- Reduce America’s vulnerability to terrorism, and
- Minimize the damage from potential attacks and natural disasters.
History
Eleven days after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge was appointed as the first Director of the Office of Homeland Security in the White House. The office oversaw and coordinated a comprehensive national strategy to safeguard the country against terrorism and respond to any future attacks.
With the passage of the Homeland Security Act by Congress in November 2002, the Department of Homeland Security formally came into being as a stand-alone, Cabinet-level department to further coordinate and unify national homeland security efforts, opening its doors on March 1, 2003.
DHS consolidated security functions from 100 government organizations to provide a single, unified organization that protects our nation against any and all threats to our homeland.
DHS Careers
There are unique and challenging career opportunities available for those willing to seek them out. This agency, and their dedicated employees help to secure our borders, airports, seaports and waterways; research and develop the latest security technologies; respond to natural disasters or terrorist assaults; and analyze intelligence reports.
They are currently seeking exceptional candidates to fill mission critical positions in the areas of:
- Cybersecurity
- Information Technology
- Intelligence
- Law Enforcement
- Business Operations/Mission Support
- Immigration
- Travel Security
- Prevention and Response
- Emergency Management
The Federal Application Process
I personally reviewed and rated hundreds of federal applications during my 35-plus years of federal service and participated in many interview and selection panels and was a rating official for select occupations for our organization. I can tell you from first-hand experience that many highly qualified applicants never made the cut because they didn’t devote the time and effort to properly complete their application packages.
The job announcement will guide you through the process and it outlines the required qualifications needed to apply. Applicants must tailer their resume to the position applied for as outlined in the job announcement. It is best to draft your resume offline on a word processor to proof and spell check it before copying and pasting it into the online form.
Be prepared to supply all of the details necessary to showcase your work history that meets the qualifications for the position. Use our sample federal style resume to help you through the process.
Locating Job Vacancies
Locate job vacancies on USAJOBS and apply online. Review the job announcement and print it our for future reference. If you have any questions about the position, call or email the HR contact listed towards the end of the document.
Your application and federal style resume must define in detail how you accomplished the required knowledge, skills and experience needed to meet the qualifications advertised for the position.
Visit the USAJOBS site to explore the possibilities and locate open job announcements for jobs of interest. Here are several links to get you started on your job search:
- USAJOBS (DHS) Job Listings
- Career Exploration
- DHS Website
