Homeland Security specialists are required to develop and implement emergency preparation and anti-terrorism response programs. Several people working on this field are former emergency responders or military personnel. The guidelines followed by these workers are set by the United States Department of Homeland Security. Specialists working on this area research, analyze, and develop new security techniques to have better preparation for emergency situations such as natural disasters, border violations or terrorist attacks.

Homeland Security specialists usually perform many of the following tasks:
• Entering security data on computers.
• Analyzing information about terrorist threats.
•   Ensuring border security.
• Assisting in different security efforts.
• Creating reports about projects.

• Having problem solving skills.
• Being able to stay calm under emergency situations.
• Having interpersonal skills.
• Being familiar with various state and federal regulations.
• Having IT skills.
• Being able to make decisions quickly.
• Having organizational skills.
• Being reliable.
• Having good communication skills.
• Being emotionally stable.

Applicants for Homeland Security job placements need to have a Certificate or Degree in Security, Emergency Preparedness, or Counterterrorism offered by several universities, postgraduate programs, and community colleges. Subjects included in these programs have to do with how to dispose of hazardous materials, crime scene investigation, forensic science, bioterrorism, and criminal justice. Other way to enter to this field is having a Bachelor´s Degree in Public Administration or related subject in order to work at offices. Candidates for these jobs having experience in counterintelligence and military area have an advantage over other applicants.