Disaster management is easily one of the most crucial jobs offered by government agencies and private contracting companies, since these positions are almost always involved in the first response to major events and in ongoing work for victims of natural disasters or manmade catastrophes. The importance of these jobs has led to significant development of positions both within the government and outside of it, with experts in the field having plenty of options available no matter their preferred set of skills.
Federal, State, or Municipal Emergency Management Agencies
Perhaps the single largest employment source for experts in disaster management can be found in the public sector. Jobs with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or its state-based counterparts, allow those with experience in the field to either manage a disaster response or be a helping hand within such a response.
At the state level, disaster management experts will be responsible for coordinating evacuations, establishing shelters and guiding local residents to their nearest safe haven, and coordinating the first response after a natural disaster has left customers without electricity, food, water, and other essentials. In many cases, those in municipal or state capacities will collaborate with federal emergency management personnel who will be sent to assist with any existing efforts.
Homeland Security Positions
The Department of Homeland Security is one of the largest federal agencies and is, by its nature, concerned directly with the anticipation, management of, and recovery form major disasters. These disasters, however, are of the manmade variety and are usually defined as terrorist or military acts. In this capacity, disaster managers will work with experts in the field to create response plans for things like a “dirty bomb” attack, a mass transit problem, or even attempts to hack federal or personal computer systems.
This job is ideal for disaster management professionals who have already created a powerful resume working for FEMA or its corresponding state relief agencies. The high level of expertise and management required in this position will be both challenging and rewarding, with real implications for daily American life and livelihood.
Emergency Dispatcher Services
While most people associate disaster management with those who are managing the event or helping at the scene of the disaster itself, there’s another group of people who are just as important. Dispatchers, who are responsible for taking, handling, and directing emergency calls, are a key part of this puzzle. In fact, they’re often considered the frontline for calls regarding things like flooding, loss of power, stranded vehicles, injuries due to any number of calamities, and more.
Dispatchers work tough hours, with some being assigned an overnight shift and others being responsible for weekend calls. Even so, this position is fast-paced and rewarding for those who like to have a direct impact on disaster readiness and recovery.
Great Positions for All Kinds of Professionals
Disaster management is a large and growing field, driven by the resurgence of the Federal Emergency Management Agency during the last decade and the rise to prominence of the Department of Homeland Security. With wild weather patterns seemingly more common than ever, and the threat of terrorism a consistent threat in the background, it should come as no surprise that employment in this sector is growing. Disaster management is an important job, whether it’s a dispatcher position, a FEMA crew leadership post, or extensive work within the Department of Homeland Security to stop threats before they happen.