Advance Your Career: DHS Continuity Exercise Program Lead (Joint Duty Assignment)
In the evolving landscape of national security, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) plays a pivotal role in maintaining resilience. The DHS Joint Duty Program (JDP) provides a unique avenue for federal employees to broaden their expertise through inter-departmental collaboration. Currently, the agency is seeking a Continuity Exercise Program Lead to support critical preparedness initiatives.
Job Responsibilities
The selected candidate will serve as a lead coordinator for the DHS Continuity Exercise Program. Responsibilities include:
- Exercise Execution: Leading the planning and implementation of large-scale exercises such as the Mission Resilience and Eagle Horizon series.
- Scenario Design: Developing ground truth documentation and injects for Master Scenario Event Lists (MSEL).
- Validation: Ensuring that activation, notification, and relocation processes meet national standards.
- Evaluation: Drafting After-Action Reports (AAR) and conducting post-exercise debriefs to identify areas for institutional improvement.
Core Competencies Comparison
| Competency | Focus Area | Required Proficiency |
|---|---|---|
| HSEEP Methodologies | Exercise Design | Advanced |
| Stakeholder Management | Cross-Departmental | High |
| Continuity Planning | Operational Resilience | Advanced |
Requirements
To be considered for this GS-12 to GS-15 assignment, applicants must be current, full-time federal employees. You must demonstrate a robust background in:
- Knowledge of HSEEP and national security intelligence functions.
- Experience in coordinating complex projects across organizational lines.
- Ability to maintain federal program schedules.
Applicants are required to submit an official SF-50 and a signed DHS Joint Duty Assignment Application Form.
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $102,415 to $197,200 per year. As this is a Joint Duty Assignment, employees retain their current status and benefits, ensuring a seamless transition during the one-year assignment period.
Application Tips
Your resume is the primary tool used for qualification. Be precise. Avoid generic descriptions; instead, focus on specific achievements in emergency management or project leadership. Ensure your SF-50 is the official version (not a draft) and clearly displays your grade, step, and tenure.
If you are a motivated federal professional seeking to make a national impact, this Joint Duty Assignment offers an unparalleled opportunity to influence the future of homeland security. Prepare your documentation and submit your application via the official USAJOBS portal before the November 11, 2026, deadline.
Why This Dhs Continuity Exercise Program Lead Job Matters
Elevate your federal career by spearheading national resilience strategies at the heart of the Department of Homeland Security.
Dhs Continuity Exercise Program Lead Job Overview
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is seeking a dynamic professional for a one-year, non-reimbursable Joint Duty Assignment (JDA) as a Continuity Exercise Program Lead. This high-impact role, based in Washington, D.C., invites current federal employees (GS-12 to GS-15) to contribute to the mission-critical planning, execution, and evaluation of DHS continuity exercises, including the prestigious Mission Resilience and Eagle Horizon series.
Requirements for Dhs Continuity Exercise Program Lead
- Must be a current, full-time federal employee at the GS-12 through GS-15 level or equivalent.
- Proven experience or knowledge of the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) methodologies.
- Strong understanding of national security, intelligence functions, or homeland security operations.
- Ability to coordinate complex stakeholder efforts across diverse organizational lines.
- Experience in the development and maintenance of annual schedules for federal programs or large-scale projects.
- Must submit a signed DHS Joint Duty Assignment Application Form.
- Must provide an official SF-50 document verifying tenure, grade, and step.
Preferred Qualifications for Dhs Continuity Exercise Program Lead
- Direct experience in executing Master Scenario Event Lists (MSEL) for federal exercises.
- Expertise in drafting After-Action Reports (AAR) to capture findings and remediation strategies.
- Proven track record in managing cross-functional teams within a fast-paced government environment.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Professional development through cross-component collaboration.
- ✓Exposure to high-level DHS continuity preparedness initiatives.
- ✓Retention of existing federal benefits as a current government employee.
- ✓Opportunity to influence national-level resilience policy and investment strategies.
💡 How to Apply Dhs Continuity Exercise Program Lead Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Dhs Continuity Exercise Program Lead Job
- Log in or create a profile on the USAJOBS portal.
- Review the specific requirements and ensure your resume reflects necessary experience.
- Complete the online application questionnaire.
- Upload your federal resume, SF-50, and the signed DHS Joint Duty Assignment Application Form.
- Submit your application package before the 11:59 PM (ET) deadline on November 11, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume includes detailed duties, the name of your agency, and supervisor contact information.
- Do not include sensitive PII such as your home address, social security number, or date of birth on your resume.
- Submit your application well before the deadline to account for potential document processing or scan delays.
- Monitor your USAJOBS status page regularly for updates and required documentation acknowledgments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a permanent position?
No, this is a 1-year non-reimbursable Joint Duty Assignment (JDA) for current federal employees. It is not a permanent promotion or developmental rotation.
Can contractors apply for this position?
No, the DHS Joint Duty Program is limited to current, full-time federal civilian employees. Contractors and military personnel are ineligible.
Is telework available for this role?
Telework eligibility depends on specific office needs and is subject to change at the discretion of the supervisor.
What is the duration of this assignment?
The assignment is for exactly one year.
Are there remote work options?
Telework is eligible based on office needs, but the position is based in Washington, D.C.
Job from Department Of Homeland Security - Agency Wide
The Department of Homeland Security is dedicated to securing the nation against threats, enforcing immigration laws, and safeguarding cyberspace. The JDP is a strategic human capital initiative designed to facilitate the movement of top-tier talent across DHS components. By engaging in a Joint Duty Assignment (JDA), professionals gain a multi-faceted view of operations that fosters a "unity of effort" approach to national security.