Infrastructure Protection Program Manager (Project / EMPS4)

Salary: $91,104.00 - $122,448.00 Annually
Location : Multiple Locations Statewide, WA
Job Type: Project (limited duration)
Job Number: 2026-08088
Department: Dept. of Commerce
Division: Energy Division
Opening Date: 09/30/2026
Closing Date: 10/14/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Infrastructure Protection Program Manager (Project / EMPS4)
At the Department of Commerce, we're reimagining what's possible in government. We're builders, thinkers, and change-makers, working at the intersection of innovation, community, and impact. From unlocking critical funding to fueling inclusive economic growth, we're turning big ideas into real-world solutions that uplift people and places.
Our agency's strength lies in the diversity of our workforce and the breadth of the lived experiences and perspectives employees bring to the work. We believe equity is not just a value but a practice, which is reflected in how we design programs, engage communities, and deliver outcomes. We foster a workplace culture where curiosity is encouraged, bold thinking is welcomed, and collaboration drives our impact.
Let's build what's next, together.
The Energy Division (Energy) catalyzes the transition to a clean and just energy future.
This position works within the direction of the Energy Resilience and Emergency Management Director to provide expert-level energy infrastructure protection, cybersecurity, physical security, response coordination, planning, training, and exercises. This individual will be responsible for implementing the Energy Emergency Management Office strategic plan and State Energy Security Plan. Additionally, this position conducts outreach work with federal partners, neighboring states, state agencies, tribal governments, local jurisdictions, and the private sector to coordinate the assessing, measuring, planning, and reporting of energy infrastructure protection capabilities and additional needed resources. This role fosters collaborative relationships with public and private sector partners to enhance and improve infrastructure protection and energy security statewide.
This position will operate as the primary subject matter expert for infrastructure protection including but not limited to cyber and physical security during emergency coordination activities that could impact all energy sectors.
This position is a Project Position that has funding through May 2, 2027. The position duration may be extended as funding allows.
Duties
Energy Infrastructure Protection, Energy Cyber and Physical Security Planning and Response Coordination:

• Administers, establishes, and facilitates statewide workgroups to address energy infrastructure protection, cybersecurity, physical security, critical energy infrastructure information data governance.
• Coordinate with local, state, and federal partners, internal and external committees, and the state's energy sector owners/operators to share current and emerging technology, risks, threats, vulnerabilities, standards, and other relevant industry information in order to support our state's energy sector critical infrastructure owners/operators and the state's energy transition
• Administer the state's energy cybersecurity and critical infrastructure protection plan
• Conducts outreach and education efforts on the state's energy cybersecurity and critical infrastructure protection with statewide critical infrastructure, private industry, and state, local, and tribal governments to support prevention, preparedness, mitigation, and restoration activities.
• Develop and maintain data handling plans, procedures, and training for all critical energy infrastructure information (CEII) and any other energy critical infrastructure data in coordination with the appropriate partners.
• Develop, facilitate, participate in and or support energy sector exercises and trainings with federal, state, local, tribal, and energy sector partners for cybersecurity, physical security, and other technological hazards.
• Develop and maintain a process and modeling that allows for cross-sector dependency mapping of energy critical infrastructure assets.

Strategic Planning, Policy Development, and Supervision

• Participation in the Energy Resilience & Emergency Management Office strategic planning process for statewide energy emergency, private sector, and critical infrastructure goals, objectives, strategies, and performance measures
• Recommend, develop, modify or inform policies, plans, strategies as appropriate to align with the state's energy transition strategy with the perspective of energy security, cybersecurity and physical security, and infrastructure protection.
• Recommend changes to state policies, RCWs, and WACs to the EREMO Director improve the state's posture on infrastructure protection, cybersecurity, and physical security.

Additional Responsibilities:

• This position will operate as the primary subject matter expert for infrastructure protection including but not limited to cyber and physical security during emergency coordination activities that could impact all energy sectors.
• This position will serve as the alternate ESF 12 Operations Team Lead and will be the back-up connection point with the Operations Section in the state emergency operations center (SEOC).
• Travel is an essential function of this role to ensure all duties and functions can be appropriately fulfilled by a subject matter expert on energy emergency management.

Qualifications
Nine (9) years of combined experience and/or education as described below or one (1) year of experience as an Emergency Management Program Specialist 3.
Experience must include:
Completion of IS235.c Emergency Planning Independent Study Course from the Emergency Management Institute
One (1) year experience in the following:
Supervising professional staff
Performing emergency planning for organizations of 25 or more personnel in the last 5 years.
Working with catastrophic, comprehensive emergency management, infrastructure protection, recovery, hazard mitigation, business continuity, or continuity of operations plans.
Facilitating an emergency planning process
Three (3) or more of the following areas or work related to the position:
Emergency management
Homeland security
Disaster or hazard mitigation planning
Emergency communications systems
Financial management (grant management, contracting, claims management, budgeting)
Training/education
Public information/affairs
Program/project management
Scientific environmental analysis or planning
Civil/structural engineering, and/or urban planning.
Note: Qualifying Program/Project management is defined as: directing, coordinating, monitoring and evaluating a project or program having a specific goal to be achieved within a specific time frame.
Education involves emergency management, homeland security, disaster or hazard mitigation planning, public information/affairs, program/project management, scientific environmental analysis or planning, urban planning or related field. Qualifying education post high school or equivalent may be substituted year for year for experience.
Examples of how to qualify:
9 years of experience
8 years of experience and 1 year of education
7 years of experience and 2 years of education
6 years of experience and 3 years of education
5 years of experience and 4 years of education
4 years of experience and 5 years of education
3 years of experience and 6 years of education
2 years of experience and 7 years of education
1 years of experience and 8 years of education
Required Position Competencies:
Demonstrated technical/legal knowledge and aptitude of principles of emergency management, the National Incident Management System (NIMS), and the incident command system; performance management principles; concepts for development of training using adult learning styles; state and federal rules and regulations related to emergency management functions.
Ability to: lead, direct, coordinate, monitor and evaluate a project or program having a specific goal to be achieved within a specific time; communicate effectively both verbally and in writing to conduct training, provide proactive responses, advice, reports and comprehensive documentation; convey ideas and information in writing using language that is appropriate to both the complexity of the topic and the knowledge and understanding of the listener/reader; employ leadership skills in making assignments, coaching, providing guidance and training teammates.
Accountability--Meets commitments, works independently, accepts accountability, handles change, sets personal standards, stays focused under pressure, meets attendance/punctuality requirements.
Customer Service--Handles customer questions and complaints, communicates with customers, handles service problems politely and efficiently, always available for customers, follows procedure to solve customer problems, understands company products and services, maintains pleasant and professional image.
Integrity--Deals with others in a straightforward and honest manner, is accountable for actions, maintains confidentiality, supports company values, conveys good news and bad.
Leadership--Leads through change and adversity, makes the tough call when needed, builds consensus when appropriate, motivates and encourages others.
Teamwork--Meets all team deadlines and responsibilities, listens to others and values opinions, helps team leader to meet goals, welcomes newcomers and promotes a team atmosphere.
Results Focus--Targets and achieves results, sets challenging goals, prioritizes tasks, overcomes obstacles, accepts accountability, sets team standards and responsibilities, provides leadership/motivation.
Communication--Communicates well both verbally and in writing, creates accurate and punctual reports, delivers presentations, shares information and ideas with others, has good listening skills.
Organizational Savvy--Operates within the organization's formal and informal structures, builds allies and relationships across departments, uses allies to build consensus and create results, is appropriately diplomatic, understands others' roles and perspectives, can sell projects and ideas across the organization.
Computer Skills--Skilled in the use of computers, adapts to new technology, keeps abreast of changes, learns new programs quickly, use computers to improve productivity.
Preferred/Desired Qualifications:
Experience working with energy sector stakeholders such as electrical utilities and petroleum refiners.
Knowledge of generation, transmission, and distribution systems for the electrical grid, petroleum, and liquid natural gas systems.
One year experience working with catastrophic, comprehensive emergency management, infrastructure protection, recovery, hazard mitigation, business continuity, or continuity of operations plans.
Knowledge of and experience facilitating an emergency planning process
Demonstrated skills in facilitation and stakeholder work.
Demonstrated communications skills and experience gathering and documenting customer requirements.
Experience with Microsoft Office.
Certificates of completions for FEMA courses: IS-100, IS-200, IS-300, IS-400, IS-700, IS-800
Experience implementing Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation System
To be considered for this position, the following are needed:

• A complete and detailed online application.
• A cover letter (enter online).
• At least three professional references (enter online).

For questions about this recruitment, please contact our recruitment team via email: - please reference the job number in your message.
Supplemental Information
Work from Anywhere in Washington State
This position may be located anywhere within Washington State though occasional travel to a Commerce office building or in-state travel to attend events or meetings may be required. If selected, you will need to travel to pick up equipment and receive instruction. Many Commerce employees work remotely or have a hybrid schedule. The hours for this position will be Monday-Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm.
This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies over the next 60 days.
Technical support is provided by NEOGOV, (can't log in, password or email issues, error messages). DES job seeker support may answer general questions regarding the recruiting system at
Our Commitment to Equal Opportunity
The Washington State Department of Commerce is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application, testing, or interview process or this job announcement in an alternative format may email Human Resources at Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-.
Department of Commerce also offers a competitive benefits package including: medical and dental insurance benefits, retirement and deferred compensation plans, 11 paid holidays each year, 14-25 vacation days per year (depending on length of employment), 8 hours of sick leave per month (if full time employed), bereavement leave, an employee assistance program, as well as other benefits. Please see the Benefits Tab for more details.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 01-07-2026
01
In the space below, please write a formal cover letter describing your interest and how you meet the specific qualifications for this position.
02
How many years of post-high school equivalent formal education (including college-level coursework, technical and/or vocational education, and/or certification programs.) involving emergency management, homeland security, disaster or hazard mitigation planning, public information/affairs, program/project management, scientific environmental analysis or planning, urban planning or related field do you have?

• Less than 1 year
• More than 1 year but less than 2 years
• More than 2 years but less than 3 years
• More than 3 years but less than 4 years
• More than 4 years but less than 5 years
• 5 or more years

03
How many years of professional experience in Three or more of the following areas or work related to the position do you have: Emergency management Homeland security Disaster or hazard mitigation planning Emergency communications systems Financial management (grant management, contracting, claims management, budgeting) Training/education Public information/affairs Program/project management Scientific environmental analysis or planning Civil/structural engineering, and/or urban planning.

• Less than 1 year of experience
• More than 1 year of experience but less than 2 years of experience
• More than 2 years of experience but less than 3 years of experience
• More than 3 years of experience but less than 4 years of experience
• More than 4 years of experience but less than 5 years of experience
• More than 5 years of experience but less than 6 years of experience
• More than 6 years of experience but less than 7 years of experience
• More than 7 years of experience but less than 8 years of experience
• More than 8 years of experience but less than 9 years of experience
• 9 or more years

04
If you indicated you have experience noted above, please explain how, where and when you gained this knowledge and experience (must also be reflected in the work experience of your application). Please utilize the S.T.A.R. method when answering this question: Situation - Explain the situation or scenario with basic context. Task - Describe the task or assignment that you were given to address the situation. Action - Explain the actions that you personally took to complete the task, be specific. Result - Provide measurable details of the outcome of your specific actions. If you answered no, please type N/A in the text box below.
05
Do you have at least one year of experience in the following areas: Supervising professional staff Performing emergency planning for organizations of 25 or more personnel in the last 5 years. Working with catastrophic, comprehensive emergency management, infrastructure protection,recovery, hazard mitigation, business continuity, or continuity of operations plans. Facilitating an emergency planning process

• Yes
• No

06
If you indicated you have experience noted above, please explain how, where and when you gained this knowledge and experience (must also be reflected in the work experience of your application). Please utilize the S.T.A.R. method when answering this question: Situation - Explain the situation or scenario with basic context. Task - Describe the task or assignment that you were given to address the situation. Action - Explain the actions that you personally took to complete the task, be specific. Result - Provide measurable details of the outcome of your specific actions. If you answered no, please type N/A in the text box below.
07
Please describe your demonstrated technical/legal knowledge and aptitude of principles of emergency management, the National Incident Management System (NIMS), and the incident command system; performance management principles; concepts for development of training using adult learning styles; state and federal rules and regulations related to emergency management functions. Please utilize the S.T.A.R. method when answering this question: Situation - Explain the situation or scenario with basic context. Task - Describe the task or assignment that you were given to address the situation. Action - Explain the actions that you personally took to complete the task, be specific. Result - Provide measurable details of the outcome of your specific actions. If you answered no, please type N/A in the text box below.
08
Please describe your experience with cybersecurity and physical security standards, planning and policy development. Please utilize the S.T.A.R. method when answering this question: Situation - Explain the situation or scenario with basic context. Task - Describe the task or assignment that you were given to address the situation. Action - Explain the actions that you personally took to complete the task, be specific. Result - Provide measurable details of the outcome of your specific actions. If you answered no, please type N/A in the text box below.
09
Please describe how you meet the Desired Qualifications. If you do not, please type N/A in the text box below.
10
As a condition of employment, I understand and agree that I must reside in the state of Washington prior to or on the first day of state employment.

• Yes
• No

11
Are you a current or former employee of the state of Washington?

• Yes
• No

12
If you answered yes to the question above, what is the agency you are currently or formerly with? If you answered no, please type N/A.
13
Please select the option below that best indicates where you heard about this job opportunity.

• ;/li>
• Aggregate job search website (Indeed.com, Simplyhired.com)
• Department of Commerce website
• Department of Commerce employee
• Social Media (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter)

Required Question