(Via Washington Free Beacon)  The Department of Homeland Security’s release of thousands of illegal immigrants from detention centers and plans to furlough tens of thousands of border agents comes as the agency continues to hire and spend money on what congressional critics say are questionable projects.

The Free Beacon found that DHS has embarked on a hiring spree even as it releases “low risk” detainees. More than 100 job openings were listed for DHS on the government’s job board site as of March 13.

A sample of the full-time jobs the DHS is looking to fill include three regional director positions, with a salary range of $118,846 to $155,500; two emergency management specialists for FEMA, who can earn up to $100,859; and several supervisor federal air marshals, whose salary ranges are $119,554 to $172,550. Several personnel security specialists are also being sought and employees can earn up to $97,333 a year.

The part-time jobs listed for the DHS include many Transportation Security Officers who can earn up to $43,697 per year working part time. The agency is also seeking to fill several child and youth assistant positions.

The salaries of all the future employees at DHS do not include other costs, as the Federal government also offers health insurance, a thrift savings plan, a retirement plan, life insurance, and long-term care insurance. Additional perks could include uniform allowance, tuition reimbursement, and transportation subsidies.

FEMA also continues to fund training exercises with a UFO-zombie theme. One such session is planned next month in Moscow, Idaho, according to a local newspaper account.

The DHS is also planning numerous conferences, many of which could cost more than $100,000. They include the 30th Annual Flood Conference from May 5-8 at the Hilton in Anaheim; the U.S. Coast Guard National Convention, Aug. 18-25; and the GFIRST National Conference Aug. 25-30.  (continue reading)