When most folks hear of careers in Homeland Security, they usually think of first responders, National Guardsmen and airport screeners.

Although the public relies on these professionals, the homeland security field includes much more. Alabama's security-related agencies provide career opportunities ranging from public relations to education, nursing to engineering.

Alabama was ahead of the curve in 2003 when it became the first state to create its own cabinet-level Department of Homeland Security. Soon other states used Alabama as a model.

The 2008 hurricane season illustrated successful preparation efforts, with Alabama simultaneously evacuating its own coastline, sheltering those residents and taking in 10,000-plus refugees from other states.  But natural disasters are not the sole concerns for Alabama Department of Homeland Security Director Jim Walker and Brock Long, director of Alabama's Emergency Management Agency. Although Alabama EMA falls under the Homeland Security Department's emergency preparedness and response umbrella, that umbrella also includes other agencies that oversee border security, ports and transportation, science and technology and information management.

"It is really a broad, broad field," said Walker, who uses his military background as he coordinates efforts. Although Walker's department employs fewer than 20 people, it networks with thousands of first responders, the military, the medical community and even agricultural specialists to eliminate or mitigate threats ranging from pandemic influenza to terrorism to contaminated food supplies.

Alabama's Homeland Security program starts with first responders. Fire fighting, emergency medicine, law enforcement and the military provide solid background for statewide security work. Other specialists, such as educators, are also needed, especially when combined with emergency preparedness or homeland security degrees.

"Those who want to enter this field should get grounded in a discipline," said Walker. "If you want to contribute to Homeland Security, start in your hometown."
Alabama's EMA directly employs about 100 persons from its Clanton headquarters, but works with thousands of others. Long, with a masters' degree in public administration, oversees the work of electronic communication experts, computer scientists, hydrologists, engineers, continuity/mitigation planners and others who design multiple responses to every imaginable worst-case scenario.

In addition to prevention/preparation, Alabama EMA is the lead coordination office in actual emergencies. Local municipalities assess needs and make requests to the state as needed. Federal help is also channeled through this pipeline.

Alabama EMA works with public and private organizations, including other Alabama agencies, city and county managers, utility companies, universities and hospitals. Logistics experts might plan delivery of 100 truckloads of water, while civil engineers inspect bridges and develop traffic plans.

Demand is expected to grow while public service ranks shrink. Walker said applications to the Alabama Fire College are a mere fraction of what they were ten years ago, despite continued demand. He said both professionals and volunteers are needed in local emergency services.

But those who can't fight fires, handle weapons or bandage wounds are also in demand. Grant writers, hydrologists, and Geographic Information Systems (digital mapping) experts are needed, Long said.

Despite their varied specialties, there are some commonalities within homeland security's ranks. All of these workers are dedicated to public service, Walker said. Those who thrive adapt well to a high-pressure environment, said Long. They are detail-oriented and, regardless of their area of expertise, are willing to work long hours in difficult circumstances.

"We're looking for people who truly care about others," said Long. "We're looking for people who are dedicated to making sure Alabamians are safe."