Iowa is one of the few states in the country that have a combined emergency management and homeland security division. In the largest city in the state, Des Moines, the main organization responsible for homeland security operations is the Iowa State Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. The main concern for homeland security organizations and agencies in Des Moines is the threat of domestic terrorism. Over the last decade there have been numerous raids conducted by homeland security officials in Des Moines, and the rest of the state, which have uncovered dangerous terrorist plots against government officials, police officers and other prominent members of the public.
The city of Des Moines also has a Homeland Security Bureau division of the Des Moines Police Department and a federal Department of Homeland Security office located within the city limits. These agencies all work together on investigations in order to thwart domestic and foreign terrorist attacks, gang and organized crime rings, among other threats to national security and the safety of the residents of Des Moines and the rest of the state of Iowa.
Some of the homeland security jobs found in Des Moines, Iowa include the following:
- Transportation Security Agents
- Undercover Ops Team
- Surveillance Team
- Wireless Communication Experts
- Intelligence Analysts
- Electronic Monitoring Specialists
- Computer Forensic Specialists
- Cyphers and Cryptologists
- International Correspondents
- Detectives
- Foreign Bureau Agents
- Intelligence Analysts
Typical Homeland Security Job Requirements
In order to get a position as a homeland security professional in Des Moines, an applicant must first meet the basic requirements and responsibilities. The criteria for employment includes the following:
- Must have a relevant degree in a field closely related to homeland security, criminal justice, business administration or legal studies
- Must have at least one year of experience in a related field (volunteer, work, internship, etc.)
- Must obtain security clearance from the Department of Homeland Security within six months of being hired
- Must have administrative experience
Relevant degrees can be in:
- Homeland security technology
- Homeland security- terrorism, mediation and peace
- Leadership & executive management
Training and certification can be obtained through academic and professional organizations located in the state of Iowa.