Emergency Management Specialist (Response) (Operations Branch Director Type 2)

Federal Emergency Management Agency

Chicago (IL)

Hybrid

USD 79,000 - 102,000

Full time

5 days ago

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Job summary

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the United States is seeking an Emergency Management Specialist (Response) in the IMAT program. This 2-year temporary appointment within the Excepted service supports disaster response and recovery, with regular deployment to incidents and potential telework options.

Role includes coordinating federal programs under the Stafford Act, developing incident strategies, and training across regions.

Qualifications

No Educational Substitution: there is no educational substitution for this position, and you must meet the qualifications listed in the requirements.

Responsibilities

Coordinate federal support for response and recovery to disasters with considerable damage or disruption.
Ensure information is rapidly shared throughout the incident organization and with disaster partners.
Develop strategies and tactics in support of incident objectives and participate in exercises and required training.
Provide input for development of regional catastrophe planning and assist in plans for new initiatives.

Job description

Emergency Management Specialist (Response) (Operations Branch Director Type 2)

Department: Department of Homeland Security

This position is being announced under FEMA's Incident Management Assistant Team (IMAT) Program. This is a 2-year temporary appointment in the Excepted service. This position is located on a Type 2, Regional IMAT and has a starting salary of 57.02 per hour; however, the maximum salary possible in this position is $74.12 per hour. Salary listed includes locality pay.

Key Responsibilities

What will I do in this position if hired? In this position, you will serve as an Emergency Management Specialist (Response) (Operations Branch Director Type 2) who reports to the Operations Section Chief and coordinates federal support for response and recovery to disasters that result in considerable levels of damage or disruption that severely impacts the affected population and infrastructure requiring sustained federal recovery support.

When deployed, the Emergency Management Specialist (Response) (Operations Branch Director Type 2) typical assignments include: Ensuring information is rapidly and effectively shared throughout the incident organization and to/from the disaster start. Coordinating with FEMA Stafford Act program managers to ensure the delivery of programs are consistent, meets customer needs, and is implemented in accordance with Stafford Act requirements and FEMA policy.

Developing strategies and tactics in support of incident objectives. Participates in exercises at the national, regional and state level and all required training with states, territories and other federal agencies.

When not deployed, the Emergency Management Specialist (Response) (Operations Branch Director Type 2) typical assignments include: Providing input for development of and participating in the execution and documentation of functions and plans affecting critical aspects of FEMA's mission, operational responses and programs. Providing basic instruction on disaster-related topics to regions, states and local authorities.

Participating in the development of regional catastrophic planning for all-hazard responses. Assisting in the development of plans, goals, and objectives for new initiatives and programs. Evaluating and providing recommendations for improving effectiveness of existing programs and activities. What else do I need to know? At FEMA, our mission is to help people before, during and after disasters, and every employee at FEMA has a role in emergency management.

Every FEMA employee has regular and recurring emergency management responsibilities, though not every position requires routine deployment to disaster sites. All positions are subject to recall around the clock for emergency management operations, which may require irregular work hours, work at locations other than the official duty station, and may include duties other than those specified in the employee's official position description.

Travel requirements in support of emergency operations may be extensive in nature (weeks to months), with little advance notice, and may require employees to relocate to emergency sites with physically austere and operationally challenging conditions. This announcement is for a position as an IMAT CORE (Incident Management Assist Team, Cadre of Response/Recovery Employee).

IMAT CORE employees are full time employees hired to directly support the response and recovery efforts related to disasters. IMATs are the first FEMA personnel deployed to an incident and manage the field-level federal response and early recovery with a primary focus on critical infrastructure stabilization, especially life-saving and life-sustaining efforts. Appointments to IMAT CORE positions may be renewed based upon workload needs and funding availability.

Employees are hired under the Robert T. Stafford Act and are excluded from the provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing jobs in the competitive service. They can be hired under a streamlined process instead of a competitive process. After 3 years of continuous service, Stafford Act employees may be granted competitive eligibility to apply for permanent full-time positions at FEMA. Appointments may be renewed based on workload, funding, and supervisory approval.

Requirements & Education

No Educational Substitution: There is no educational substitution for this position, and you must meet the qualifications listed in the "requirements" section of this announcement.

DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include flexible work schedules; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers.

DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select "Benefits." Disabled veteran leave will be available to any federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service- connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $57.02 – $74.12/hr.

Is this position remote or telework eligible?

This position is eligible for telework.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-11-19.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Public' hiring path.