Review emergency management job postings on the following sites:
• USA JobsLinks to an external site.
• Bureau of Labor StatisticsLinks to an external site.
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security CareersLinks to an external site. page
Keep in mind that not all emergency management positions are found within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Almost every federal agency will have at least one emergency preparedness or continuity role, so don’t limit your search to FEMA. After locating a federal emergency management position, identify the same or equivalent position on a state or local government website or you could identify an equivalent private sector position (i.e., at a local utility or major corporation).
In your Careers in Emergency Management assignment,
• Identify a federal level emergency management position.
• Identify an emergency management position at a different level.
• Describe the different hiring requirements between the two positions.
• Indicate what, if any, differences there are in benefits for each position.
• Discuss your personal preferences about the positions, and prioritize the positions based on those preferences.
• Explain how your life experience or previous positions can set you up for success in one of these positions.
• List the requirements that you do not meet.
Federal Level Emergency Management Position:
Emergency Management Specialist (FEMA)
Job Summary:
This position is responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating emergency management programs and initiatives. The Emergency Management Specialist works closely with other federal, state, and local agencies to ensure that the nation is prepared for and can respond to all types of emergencies.
Hiring Requirements:
Benefits:
Emergency Management Position at a Different Level:
Emergency Management Coordinator (State Government)
Job Summary:
This position is responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating emergency management programs and initiatives at the state level. The Emergency Management Coordinator works closely with other state agencies, local governments, and the federal government to ensure that the state is prepared for and can respond to all types of emergencies.
Hiring Requirements:
Benefits:
Differences in Hiring Requirements and Benefits:
The main difference in hiring requirements between the federal and state emergency management positions is the amount of experience required. The federal position requires two years of experience, while the state position requires five years of experience. This is likely due to the fact that the state Emergency Management Coordinator position is a more senior position.
The benefits for the two positions are similar. Both positions offer health insurance, retirement savings plans, paid time off, sick leave, and holidays. However, the specific benefits may vary depending on the agency and the state.
Conclusion:
There are many different emergency management positions available at both the federal and state levels. The hiring requirements and benefits for these positions may vary depending on the agency and the level of government. However, all of these positions offer the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others by helping to prepare for and respond to emergencies.
Additional Thoughts:
In addition to the federal and state emergency management positions listed above, there are also many emergency management positions available in the private sector. For example, many utilities and major corporations have their own emergency management departments. These positions may have different hiring requirements and benefits than the government positions, but they offer the same opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others.
If you are interested in a career in emergency management, I encourage you to research all of the different options available to you. There are many different ways to get involved in this important field.