Subject Matter Expert - Public Assistance

Witt O'Brien's; United States; Remote; USD 83,000 - 165,000; Part time

Job summary

Witt O’Brien’s seeks a Public Assistance Expert to provide technical assistance under FEMA PA programs for state and local agencies. This remote, on-call/part-time role offers compensation commensurate with experience.

You will lead recovery planning, site visits, and coordination with FEMA and environmental agencies, handling complex projects with independent analysis, strong communication, and stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience as a FEMA, State or Local Public Assistance Officer.
• Relevant professional certification (P.E., CFM, AIA, PCM, PMP).
• Completion of FEMA/EMI Advanced Professional Series or Professional Development Series, ICs series.
• Knowledge of Federal and State Recovery Programs and Public Assistance and its implementing regulations.
• Knowledge of engineering principles and practices as they relate to PA programs.
• Experience addressing strategic issues in disaster recovery operations with complex political and programmatic elements.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects in changing environments.
• Ability to work independently and/or on a team.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Exceptional research skills.
• Comfortable interacting with Clients and Client Stakeholders.
• Proficient in MS Word, MS Excel, PowerPoint; Adobe Acrobat.

Responsibilities

• Establish partnerships with FEMA, State, and applicant.
• Provide program oversight and expert technical assistance on recovery planning and community development policies, principles, and procedures.
• Conduct site visits representing the state/local agency or as a member of a negotiation team.
• Coordinate with FEMA and State Environmental agencies on environmental issues and historic guidance.
• Independently perform technical work of high difficulty requiring originality and judgment in applying engineering techniques.
• Manage long-term community recovery components within disaster field offices and PA closeout offices.
• Analyze and evaluate project applications, supporting documentation, and inspections for accuracy and compliance with FEMA policies.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical thinking

Project management

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in business or related field

Tools

MS Word

MS Excel

PowerPoint

Adobe Acrobat

Job description

Are you looking for an opportunity to truly make a difference? Do you want to join a collaborative, mission-driven team that protects the planet, strengthens communities, and supports businesses when they need it most? Are you seeking a place where your work contributes directly to an organization known for excellence in environmental services, crisis management, and emergency response? If your answer is “yes,” then you belong at Ambipar.

We are currently recruiting for an Public Assistance Expert. The key responsibility of the role will be to provide technical assistance to the client in relation to the FEMA regulations associated with the Public Assistance program.

Position Details

Reports to: Project Manager
Location: Remote
Position Type: On-Call / Part time
Compensation: Commensurate with experience

Essential Job Functions

Establish partnerships with FEMA, State, and applicant.

Provide program oversight and expert technical assistance on recovery planning and community development related policies, principles, and procedures.

Conduct site visits representing the state/local agency or as a member of a negotiation team.

Coordinate with FEMA and State Environmental agencies on all environmental issues and historic guidance.

Independently perform technical work of a high degree of difficulty requiring the exercise of originality, initiative, and practical judgment in the application and adaptation of standardized engineering techniques and methods.

Perform technical services functions and provides advice in the management of long-term community recovery components such as; disaster damage and impact assessments teams, and long-term community recovery operations within the disaster field offices, regional offices and public assistance closeout offices.

Analyze and evaluates selected project applications, supporting documentation, and federal agency inspection reports for accuracy and compliance with applicable FEMA policies and procedures.

Minimum Job Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business or a related field.

10+ years of experience as a FEMA, State or Local Public Assistance Officer

Relevant professional certification (i.e., P.E., CFM, AIA, PCM, PMP)

Completion of FEMA/EMI Advanced Professional Series or Professional Development Series, ICs series

Knowledge of Federal and State Recovery Programs and Initiatives, Public Assistance and its implementing regulations

Knowledge and experience with engineering principles and practices as they relate to PA programs

Knowledge and skill in applying analytical and evaluative techniques to the identification, consideration, and resolution of a wide variety of grants administration issues and problems

Significant experience addressing strategic issues in disaster recovery operations including issues that have complex political and programmatic elements

Excellent oral and written communication skills

Ability to prioritize and handle multiple projects in a changing work environment

Ability to work independently and/or on a team

Strong organizational skills

Exceptional research skills

Comfortable interacting with Clients and Client Stakeholders-

Proficient computer skills: (including MS Word, MS Excel, PowerPoint; Adobe Acrobat Professional)

Preferred Job Requirements

Post graduate degree in homeland security, emergency management/planning or other related subject.

Work Schedule

Ability to work anywhere from 40 hours per week to up to 80 depending on project needs

May require deployment within 24 hours of notification

May be asked to work irregular/extended work hours

May work at other locations than assigned TDY

May require relocating to emergency sites that require functioning under intense physical and mental stress

Job Description Disclaimer

This position description incorporates the core responsibilities of the job. It recognizes that other related duties not specifically mentioned might also be performed, and that not all responsibilities may be carried out depending on operational needs.

Commitment To Diversity

Witt O’Brien’s is always looking for the most qualified and experienced professionals with a passion for public safety, emergency management, homeland security, disaster response, and continuity of operations.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veteran/Disabled

With you when it counts.