FEMA - Engineering Specialist

CDM Smith; Iowa City (IA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Disaster Engineering Specialist to support FEMA's Public Assistance grant delivery process. In this temporary role, you will conduct site inspections, validate infrastructure damage, and review engineering reports. Your expertise will guide applicants through project prioritization and ensure compliance with standards. This position requires significant travel and offers a dynamic work environment that combines field and office settings. If you are detail-oriented and possess strong communication skills, this is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact in disaster recovery efforts.

Qualifications

• 5 years of in-field experience or 2 years with professional registration.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen and able to obtain a FEMA Badge.

Responsibilities

• Conduct site inspections and document infrastructure damage.
• Review engineering reports and make recommendations on claims.

Skills

Attention to detail

Good written and oral communication skills

Organizational skills

Knowledge of construction materials

Ability to adapt to change

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

Design applications

Job description

40480BR

Requisition ID: 40480BR

Business Unit: FSU

Job Description:

The Disaster Engineering Specialist:

1. Conducts site inspections to validate and record infrastructure damage to include: taking photographs, making site sketches, and writing detailed damage descriptions. Develops and reviews scopes of work and cost estimates, including code and standard requirements.
2. Reviews and analyzes engineering reports, designs, and as-built plans.
3. Makes recommendations regarding claim eligibility. Develops or evaluates hazard mitigation proposals and benefit-cost analyses. Works with applicants to prioritize their projects, facilitates applicant meetings throughout the program delivery and recovery stages, and communicates the final determination to the applicants.
4. Provides analyses and updates reports, participates in status update meetings with FEMA, and identifies the need for technical specialists.
5. May coordinate and complete basic to moderately complex site inspections to validate and record damage to assist in the FEMA Public Assistance grant delivery process.
6. Other duties as assigned.

Job Title: FEMA - Engineering Specialist

Group: WAF Field Mod Fringe

Employment Type: Temporary

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Engineering
2. 5 years of in-field experience or 2 years of in-field of expertise with a professional registration.
3. Domestic travel is required.

Skills and Abilities:

1. Must be a U.S. Citizen and be able to obtain a FEMA Badge, which includes a background investigation for a Public Trust position.
2. Working knowledge of design applications and technical knowledge.
3. Knowledge of technologies and methodologies in the use of construction materials. Good organizational skills to balance and prioritize work.
4. Strong attention to detail.
5. Good written and oral communication skills.
6. Ability to adapt to change quickly and remain flexible.

Job Site Location: United States - Nationwide

Amount of Travel Required: 100%

Assignment Category: Fulltime-Temporary

Visa Sponsorship Available: No - We will not support sponsorship, i.e. H-1B or TN Visas for this position

Pay Range Minimum: $33.60

Pay Range Maximum: $67.20

Work Location Options: Successful candidate will be required to work in office and field locations as needed.

Driver's License Requirements: An appropriate and valid driver's license is required.