Job Description

Utah State Defense Force

FT / PT Status – Part-Time

Benefits Eligibility – This position is not eligible for benefits.

Salary – $28.11 - $47.06 Hourly Wage

Remote Work / In-Office – In-Office / On-Site

Recruiter – Chelsea Rodemack | crodemack@utah.gov

Application Deadline – 9/30/2026*

*This job posting may close at any time after the minimum advertising period of three (3) business days has passed, should a sufficient applicant pool be received. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Key Responsibilities

Purpose and Distinguishing Characteristics

The Senior Executive serves as the primary subject matter expert on the strategic integration, legal framework, and operational establishment of the Utah State Defense Force (USDF). This is a senior-level leadership role where expertise in military-civilian oversight and state-level emergency response policy is preferred but not required.The incumbent operates with nearly total autonomy, providing direct counsel to The Adjutant General (TAG) and other Utah National Guard leaders, state legislators, and emergency management executives to shape the future of Utah’s non-federalized defense force assets. This role is distinguished by its responsibility to translate high-level strategic goals into the state-

level regulations and operational guidelines that govern Utah’s readiness for domestic response.

Primary Duties & Examples of Tasks

Strategic Oversight: Develop and implement the USDF’s long-term roadmap, ensuring all initiatives align with statewide defense priorities and UTNG joint-force objectives.

Operational Readiness: Coordinate the recruitment, vetting, and training of USDF personnel to maintain a high state of readiness for emergency response, infrastructure protection, and civil support.

Inter-Agency Liaison: Serve as the primary point of contact between the USDF, the Utah National Guard, the Governor’s Office, and the Department of Public Safety (DPS) pertaining to active state missions.

Compliance & Governance: Ensure all USDF activities comply with Title 39A of the Utah Code and applicable Department of Defense (DoD) regulations regarding State Defense Forces.

Budgetary Management: Oversee the USDF’s annual legislative appropriations, managing procurement, equipment lifecycle, and resource allocation within state fiscal guidelines.

Policy Development: Draft and refine Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), white papers, and legislative briefings to secure continued support and funding from state leadership.

Qualifications

Education and Clearance

• Bachelor’s degree and master’s degree preferred: Must be from an accredited college or university in Public Policy, Public Administration, Military Science, Political Science, Statistics, Economics, Emergency Management, or a closely related social science/research field.
• Security Clearance: Must be able to obtain a secret security clearance.Preferred Experience
• Experience: 10+ years of experience in program management, ideally within a military, defense, or emergency management framework.
• Senior-Level Research: A proven track record of directing complex projects involving fiscal impact analysis or public policy development.
• Military or Defense Strategy: Significant experience consulting with the National Guard, State Defense Forces, or DoD. Deep understanding of the distinction between Title 32 and State Active Duty (SAD) status is critical.
• Legislative Advocacy: Experience directly advising elected officials or military general officers, with a history of producing "Executive Summaries" for cabinet-level review.
• High-Stakes Autonomy: Demonstrated experience managing high-visibility projects where errors in judgment would have significant political or financial repercussions.
• Utah Statutory Knowledge: Specific familiarity with Utah Code Title 39A and the Utah Emergency Management system is preferred.

Working Conditions

• Requires occasional travel throughout the State of Utah.
• Must be able to maintain a high level of confidentiality due to the sensitive nature of military and state defense data.
• Incumbent is "At-Will" and serves at the pleasure of the appointing authority.

About the Role

Location –

12953 So. Minuteman Dr.

Draper, Utah, 84020

United States

Background Check Required – You must successfully pass a criminal history check.

Drug Test Required – No

Schedule Code – TL - Time limited

Why You Should Join Our Team

In Utah, we believe hard work is important, but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture. To find out more about WHY Utah, click here. Other benefits may include:

• Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
• Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
• Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
• Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.

The Agency

For more information click here.

EEO Statement

The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact (801) 957-9390.