A few weeks ago, we reported that for some still unexplained reason, the US Treasury is ordering "survival kits" to its employees overseeing the federal banking system. To wit:

The Department of Treasury is spending $200,000 on survival kits for all of its employees who oversee the federal banking system, according to a new solicitation. As FreeBeacon reports, survival kits will be delivered to every major bank in the United States and includes a solar blanket, food bar, water-purification tablets, and dust mask (among other things). The question, obviously, is just what do they know that the rest of us don't?

We still don't know why. But what makes things even more surprising, and confusing, is that two days before the survival kit RFP soliciation became public on December 4, 2014, a just as curious notice was blasted by the Fed's recruiting Twitter account:

#Hiring an emergency preparedness specialist familiar w/ Department of Homeland Security directives. #Job ID:10185 http://t.co/ji0ci42qb8 — Fed Careers (@Fed_Careers) December 2, 2014

So the Fed is hiring not just any "emergency preparedness specialist" but one familiar with DHS directives? Here are the details of the position located in Washington, DC:

Position Description The Emergency Preparedness & Response Specialist is a professional in the field of emergency preparedness. This individual serves as the coordinator in the Management Division (MGT Div.) for emergency preparedness, encompassing the development, coordination, and implementation of: unified planning, disaster preparedness, response and recovery, policies and procedures, emergency preparedness and exercise program training for Board staff, and coordination with other federal departments and local agencies such as the Metropolitan Police Department (MDP), District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services (DC FEMS), Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Federal Protective Service (FPS), Technical Support Working Group (TSWG) and Neighborhood Planning Committee (NPC). Responsible for expanding the Board's emergency preparedness training and education programs, and assisting with the development of preparedness policies, and providing technical guidance. Responsible for upkeep and maintenance of the Board s Hazardous Materials Response Team (HMRT) training, equipment, and response program, and is responsible for coordinating operational emergency response efforts for the MGT Div.

The Board has a Hazardous Materials Response Team? Comes as news to us.

As for what skills are required:

The position requires a bachelor's degree in a relevant field or equivalent work experience plus five years of responsible work experience in the field. A recognized expert in emergency preparedness and has working knowledge of Department of Homeland Security directives. Work experience within this field must include work at an interdepartmental or interagency level that includes on-line education development, training, emergency evacuation scenario development and training, and knowledge of fire protection best practices. Must have working knowledge of National Incident Management Structure and Integrated Command Structure. Highly involved in emergency preparedness planning across functional areas, coordinating emergency response actions and involvement at various levels of the ICS/NIMS structure. Experience in developing emergency preparedness training, proficient in writing policies and directives in emergency preparedness, demonstrated ability to conduct vulnerability assessments, fire and life-safety protection, coordinate in-house and public outreach. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate with all levels of Board staff and external agencies, as well as strong written and oral communication skills preferred. A demonstrated commitment to a strong customer service philosophy. The individual must be able to maintain a secret clearance. FR 26 requires a bachelor's degree in emergency management, occupational safety and health, fire safety, industrial hygiene, or environmental health or equivalent work and field experience plus seven years of increasing responsibilities in the profession. Scenario and real-world work experience that involved Incident Command (IC), emergency preparedness, response, and evacuation at the interdepartmental or interagency level preferred. Experience and knowledge of fire and life safety practices desired utilizing National Fire Protection association (NFPA) standards and best practices. Proficient and accomplished public speaker in the development, implementation, and delivery of formal and informal multimedia training programs and instruction that include classroom, field exercises, and on-line training. Must have proven experience in developing and implementing a hazardous materials emergency response program. Certification and training under the National Incident Management Structure (NIMS) and FEMA/DHS Incident Command System (ICS) required. Pertinent certification to the Hazardous Materials Technician level with HazMat Safety Officer Certification desired.

The Fed does not discriminate:

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against applicants due to race, ethnicity, gender, veteran status, or on the basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

And perhaps most ironically:

Employment Status: Temporary

Or, as the BLS defines it, "permanent", net of seasonal adjustments.

The only question is why does the Fed - a uniformly safe institution, where economists engage in deep contemplation and decide how much of the US deficit they will monetize - need a person with these qualifications?