Homeland Security Careers Information
Homeland Security, a career field that has seen massive expansion in recent years, involves a wide and varied set of professions, all related to the basic goal of maintaining national security. Some people work for private firms in industries related to Homeland Security, but the frontlines are manned by government employees.
Homeland Security Careers & Degrees
- American Intercontinental University: Online
Post University: OnlineThe Department of Homeland Security has many responsibilities, and its employees include such professions as immigration officers, emergency managers, chemists, border patrol agents, and secret service agents.
Homeland Security Careers Path
A key difference between work in homeland security and many other jobs is in the rigorous background checks candidates must undergo. The need for security clearances can mean tougher requirements and a longer waiting period for hiring decisions.
Educational requirements will of course depend on the particular role within the Department of Homeland Security, but a Bachelor’s degree is a safe baseline. (Some positions, such as Border Patrol Agents, accept qualifying experience as a substitute for college training.) Other positions, such as some of those held by the tens of thousands of chemists who work for the department, may require graduate degrees.
Homeland Security Careers: Compatible Personality Traits
Diligent, perceptive, focused, brave, courageous, adaptive, dynamic, intelligent, calm, resourceful.
Homeland Security Careers: Salary Expectations
Salaries vary widely in homeland security employment. For example, border patrol agents start at at least $25,195 a year, while emergency management specialists earn a median salary of $45,670 a year.
As a general rule, employees of the Department of Homeland Security can expect excellent benefits, strong job security, and plenty of overtime pay.
Homeland Security Careers: Job Outlook
Estimates vary depending on particular homeland security position, but general growth should be strong. For example, employment in emergency management is expected to grow by 14 to 20% by 2016. Border Patrol growth has been spectacular recently, with the number of agents employed nearly doubling over the last eight years.
As the U.S. government continues to develop new ways to respond to natural disasters and security threats, homeland security will continue to be a field full of great employment opportunities.
Homeland Security Associations and Resources
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Slightly Off the Footpath
Private Investigator
Law Enforcement
Firefighter
PoliticsSources: bls.gov/opub/ooq/2006/summer/art01.pdf
