Can Emergency Management be a Career?

Emergency Management-The Basics

Emergency management (or disaster management) is a term that references efforts made by businesses and/or communities to mitigate or recover from man-made and/or natural disasters. Emergency management also incorporates the mitigation of acts of terrorism. Some of the events covered within the field of emergency management include fire, earthquakes, public disorder, hurricanes, industrial accidents, industrial sabotage, and communication failures.

Careers In Emergency Management

Individuals who have wondered if they can pursue a career in the field of emergency management should know that the answer is yes. One job position that a person could pursue is that of an emergency management specialist. In discussing the position in his important article “Best Careers: Emergency Management Specialist,” Henry Clay Webster notes that emergency management specialists “develop disaster response plans, train other people in an organization in disaster and emergency preparedness, and coordinate with various emergency personnel (such as those at state, local, and municipal levels) to make sure emergency contingencies are covered.” Individuals who seek this type of position can work in several different public sectors, including law enforcement, the military, and state and local governments. On average, emergency management specialists earn about $53,000 annually.

Yet another career option that individuals who want to work within the field of emergency management have is that of an emergency management director. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, individuals who hold this position can expect to earn about $59,770 annually. Job responsibilities include preparing plans and procedures that will be used in response to emergencies such as natural disasters. Emergency management directors also lead responses during and following emergencies and frequently coordinate these activities with elected officials, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and/or law and fire enforcement officials.

In addition to considering a career as an emergency management director, individuals interested in the field can also think of becoming homeland security officers. These individuals are responsible for securing the nation’s vulnerable areas and points of entry, developing and implementing disaster response programs, and intercepting threats. The average annual income a homeland security officer can expect to earn is about $70,000.

Another career option that individuals interested in emergency management can consider is that of an emergency dispatcher. These individuals do not handle emergency situations directly. Rather, they are the individuals who dispatch police, firemen and firewomen, and ambulances in response to emergency calls. The role of the emergency dispatcher is very important because they play a primary role in ensuring that first responders arrive on the scene as soon as possible. On average, emergency dispatchers earn $36,500 annually.

Conclusion

If you are interested in pursuing a career in the field of emergency management, you should know that there are a variety of options available. Now that you know you can pursue emergency management as a career and are aware of several options, you can determine which vocational path would be most appropriate and advantageous for you.

For more information on obtaining an Emergency Management degree, please see “Top 10 Best Online Emergency Management Degree Programs 2014“.