Unit Chief, Emerging Threats

Company: Texas Division of Emergency Management
Location: Austin
Posted on: April 3, 2026

Job Description:

Job Title Unit Chief, Emerging Threats Agency Texas Division of Emergency Management Department Preparedness and Continuity Proposed Minimum Salary $9,646.88 monthly Job Location Austin, Texas Job Type Staff Job Description GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Note: Required Clearance – Must hold or be eligible to hold a minimum of a US government Top-Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) security clearance. The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) is an emergency response entity, and this status can affect working hours, travel, and changes in duties as needed. The Unit Chief, Emerging Threats, performs advanced (senior-level) research and analytical work of a confidential nature to collect, process, and disseminate a wide variety of data and information to support and enhance public safety. Conduct assessments of threats and vulnerabilities of the state from human caused events to ensure the safety of the public. Work is performed under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the exercise of independent judgment. Availability for after-hours and weekend work is required. Must have the ability to operate outside of regular working hours to support the State Operations Center during activation. Must have availability for extensive travel as needed by vehicle or other mode of transportation. This position is considered at-will status and serves at the discretion of the head of the agency. *Salary is a fixed rate. *This position is located on-site and not subject to telecommuting. ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Responsible for gathering and analyzing intelligence information from various sources such as letters, booklets, magazines, periodicals, newspaper clippings, human intelligence, classified, and open-source data received by TDEM. Provide members of the agency with specific classified intelligence information upon request. Collect, analyze, and summarize data collected and disseminates pertinent documents to aid in enhancing public safety. Collect, analyze, synthesize, and report classified intelligence information. Analyze data to detect patterns and develop an understanding of issues to provide support to organizational goals. Analyze thoroughly and correlate all available classified intelligence information on threats to public safety and submit the same to members of the division in the form and manner prescribed. Prepare periodic emergency management analysis reports relative to intelligence developments, either as they are currently occurring or as they are estimated to occur in the future. Provide high level briefings. Attend workshops and seminars on intelligence gathering and analyzing techniques. Perform liaison activities with intelligence analysts with other federal, state, and local intelligence personnel. Maintain close liaison with jurisdictions regarding situations, incidents, and occurrences of emergency management interest. Provide assessments related to the threats against and vulnerabilities to the state from human caused actions. Compile information to be used in bulletins, articles, and publications for the benefit of the emergency management community. Compose and/or complete memoranda/correspondence/reports summarizing documentation pertaining to identified or actionable intelligence. May brief divisional officers or appropriate officials with information during an emergency, threat to public safety or property. Assist with preparing and supporting the State Operations Center during planned and unplanned events. May participate in or observe local, state, and federal emergency exercises representing TDEM and the state. Face-to-face and person-to-person interactions are required. Maintains a regular course of attendance during authorized work schedule and work extended hours when needed. Ability to travel (40%). Ability to drive. Performs related work as assigned. This document represents the major duties, responsibilities, and authorities of this job, and is not intended to be a complete list of all tasks and functions. Other duties may be assigned. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Education – Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university in an applicable field, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience – Seven (7) years of work experience performing intelligence analysis and classified projects of strategic importance. At least seven (7) years working in the Intelligence Community with duties and assignments in a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF), regularly handling, disseminating and controlling classified materials. Five (5) years of experience in a supervisory or team lead capacity in a classified program of analysis. Experience may have occurred concurrently. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Nine (9) years of work experience performing intelligence analysis and classified projects of strategic importance. Professional level work involving extensive data and internet research, compilation and correlation of data on a full-time basis, and preparation of analytical reports. Required Clearance – Must hold or be eligible to hold a minimum of a US government Top-Secret/SCI clearance. *Additional work experience of the type described above may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis. Thirty (30) semester hours is equivalent to one (1) year of experience. A completed advanced degree may also be substituted in lieu of work experience. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Advanced knowledge of or the ability to rapidly assimilate information related to agency, state, and federal, regulations, legislation, guidelines, policies, and procedures. Advanced knowledge of the principles and practices of emergency management, including the phases of mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. Skill in operating a variety of office and specialized equipment including a laptop computer with a variety of statistical software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint), plotter, projectors, camera, GPS device, phone, and other specialized audio-visual equipment within the SOC. Ability to prioritize, plan, organize, and carry out multiple technical projects. Must be able to construct and deliver clear, concise, and professional presentations to a variety of audiences and/or individuals. Must demonstrate an ability to examine data/information, discern variations/similarities, and be able identify trends, relationships and causal factors, as well as grasp issues, draw accurate conclusions, and solve problems. Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-stress environment. Ability to work extended or non-traditional hours such as evenings, weekends, special events, etc. Ability to communicate and present instructions to diverse small and large groups. Ability to prepare high-level written and oral briefs to executive members of the division. Ability to convey technical information in lay terms to people with a variety of educational and working backgrounds. Ability to analyze problems, identify causative factors, and apply actions to effectively resolve current and prevent recurrences of problem conditions. Must be analytical, detail-oriented, and able to multitask without sacrificing accuracy or timeliness. Must be able to handle sensitive and confidential information and situations responsibly. Knowledge of methods of prioritizing, planning, organizing, and carrying out multiple technical projects, which frequently are underway simultaneously. Poise, tact, diplomacy, and an ability to establish and maintain effective working/professional relationships with external and internal customers. REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE: Valid Texas Driver’s License. Must hold or secure and maintain a minimum of a US government secret-level security clearance within one year of employment. Complete and obtain certification in IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, and IS-800 FEMA courses within twelve (12) months of employment. Professional Development Series or the Emergency Management Professionals Program (EMPP) Basic Academy FEMA courses, within twelve (12) months of employment and any other training as determined. *Additional Military Crosswalk (occupational specialty code) information can be accessed at: http://www.hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions *Resumes are not accepted in lieu of an application. All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check. Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.

Keywords: Texas Division of Emergency Management, San Antonio , Unit Chief, Emerging Threats, IT / Software / Systems , Austin, Texas