HOW CAN YOU GET A JOB AT FEMA?

Updated December 1, 2022 · 1 Min Read

IF you are considering government service, you might have thought about getting a job at FEMA. The government agency is a part of Homeland Security and is responsible for responding to all disasters, both natural and man-made. FEMA accesses federal funds to provide disaster mitigation as well as dealing with the aftermath of a disaster ...

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IF you are considering government service, you might have thought about getting a job at FEMA. The government agency is a part of Homeland Security and is responsible for responding to all disasters, both natural and man-made. FEMA accesses federal funds to provide disaster mitigation as well as dealing with the aftermath of a disaster like providing housing and/or relocation for victims.

What Kinds of Jobs FEMA Has

To get a job with the agency, you must first know what kinds of positions are available.

FEMA employed 7,474 people in jobs in Washington D.C., in regional offices, emergency training centers and other offices. Most of the jobs are civil service appointments and are highly competitive. There are appointments for full-time jobs and for people who respond only when needed. Both of these types of jobs are for a period of two or four years and they may be renewed for a year if the government has funding and if there is a need for the position.

Young people between the ages of 18 and 24 may apply for positions in FEMACorps, which is similar to the Peace Corps but for domestic action. It is a division of AmeriCorps and positions are for a ten-month period, full-time. Some of these young people work alongside regular FEMA personnel in disaster preparedness and relief. The jobs may be renewed for another year of service.

Recent jobs available at FEMA included an Emergency Management Supervisor, with a salary range from $75,902 to $88,155. That position was for an appointment of four years. A Specialist in Emergency Management Recovery earned $51,837 to $$67,378. This position was for a period of two years. Another appointment that was for a two-year period was for a Hazardous Materials Specialist. The compensation for this job was an hourly wage of $16.30 to $24.41. There are some permanent full-time positions. A recent posting was for a Mobile Equipment Servicer. FEMA also employs mechanics for its vehicles on a [permanent full-time basis. In addition, there are high-level supervisory positions like a Supervisor in Program Analysis and a Community Planning Supervisor.

How to Apply

The jobs are listed on the federal government website USAjobs.gov. Once you arrive at the site, type in the words FEMA in the box for type of employment, and fill in your desired location in the second field. Not every FEMA job gives the applicant a choice, but some do.

What Qualifications are Needed

First, you must be a citizen of the United States. You must be able to pass a background check, including fingerprinting and drug screening. In addition, you must have the skills and/or education specified in the job requirements. Some of the upper-level management and supervisory positions require graduate-level degrees. Again, the positions are competitive. The exception to this is accommodation made for veterans and active-duty military personnel who are recuperating and want temporary jobs before returning to the military of going into civilian employment. These two programs are the Wounded Warrior and the Operation Warfighter programs.

Government positions generally have high pay and benefits. The length of employment with FEMA depends upon what type of job you have, but a permanent, full-time employee gains what is called competitive status after a year, and after three years of competitive service, he can gain permanent status. The first step to a career in government service may be getting a job at FEMA.

See also: Ten Most Affordable Online Master's Degree in Emergency Management Programs

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