Careers at FEMA

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is one of the most crucial branches of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Its mission is to help communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from natural disasters, pandemics, terrorist attacks, and other emergencies. If you’re looking for a federal job that truly makes a difference, FEMA offers rewarding opportunities across the country.

What Is FEMA?

FEMA was founded in 1979 and became part of the DHS in 2003. It coordinates disaster response efforts at the federal level, working alongside state, tribal, and local agencies. The agency is best known for its role in responding to hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and earthquakes, but it also supports public health emergencies and homeland security events.

FEMA Job Categories

FEMA offers both permanent and temporary disaster response jobs. Here’s a breakdown of the most common roles:

1. Emergency Management

2. Administrative and Program Roles

3. Field-Based and Deployment Roles

4. Technical and IT Roles

Types of FEMA Employment

1. Permanent Federal Positions
   Full-time roles with long-term assignments. These positions include full federal benefits and are listed on USAJobs.gov.
2. Cadre of On-Call Response Employees (CORE)
   Temporary full-time FEMA employees hired for specific disasters or projects. These contracts can last up to 4 years.
3. Disaster Assistance Employees (DAEs)
   Intermittent employees deployed to disaster zones. Many FEMA workers start here and move into CORE or permanent roles.
4. Reservists and Local Hires
   Temporary staff hired directly within impacted areas to assist during recovery. No federal benefits but offer critical experience.

States with High FEMA Job Demand

FEMA jobs are available nationwide, but the following states frequently have more openings due to recurring disasters:

FEMA also has regional offices in major cities like Atlanta, Chicago, Boston, Denver, and Seattle, offering administrative and planning positions year-round.

How to Apply for FEMA Jobs

Most FEMA roles are posted on USAJobs.gov, the official federal employment site. The process generally includes:

1. Online Application
2. Resume Review
3. Online Assessment Civil Service Exam (for some roles)
4. Structured Interview
5. Background Check and Security Clearance

Tip: FEMA resumes should be detailed, often 3–5 pages long, with clear examples of duties and accomplishments. Use keywords from the job posting to improve your chances.

FEMA Job Qualifications

• Education: Most jobs require a high school diploma, but many prefer a bachelor’s degree, especially for planning or analyst roles.
• Experience: Disaster experience, military service, public safety, logistics, and public health backgrounds are highly valued.
• Certifications: Familiarity with ICS (Incident Command System) or NIMS (National Incident Management System) is a plus.

FEMA Pay and Benefits

• Salary: FEMA positions use the General Schedule (GS) pay scale. Entry-level jobs start around GS-5 ($35,000–$45,000), while senior roles go up to GS-14 or GS-15 ($110,000+ annually).
• Benefits: Health insurance, paid leave, retirement plans, and access to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).

Temporary disaster workers (DAEs) are paid hourly and also receive per diem for food and lodging during deployments.

Skills That Help You Succeed at FEMA

• Crisis communication
• Organization and logistics
• Public service mindset
• Physical stamina (for deployment roles)
• Familiarity with emergency planning or FEMA policies

Why Work at FEMA?

If you’re driven by purpose and want to help others during their most vulnerable times, FEMA is one of the most meaningful places to work. Whether you’re supporting a disaster site or working behind the scenes in logistics, your efforts directly help communities rebuild.

Plus, with the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, demand for emergency management professionals is rising steadily. FEMA jobs provide a path to federal career growth and public service impact.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Do FEMA jobs require exams?
Some roles may require online assessments, especially program analysts or administrative jobs. Deployment roles typically involve interviews and background checks.

2. Is FEMA part of DHS?
Yes. FEMA has been part of the Department of Homeland Security since 2003.

3. Can I work for FEMA without a college degree?
Yes. Many field and logistics roles do not require a degree, but having one helps with advancement.

4. Does FEMA offer remote jobs?
Yes. Some roles, especially in planning, IT, or training, may be remote or hybrid.

5. How long does it take to get hired at FEMA?
It can take from a few weeks (for disaster roles) to several months (for permanent federal jobs), depending on the position and clearance requirements.

6. Can FEMA jobs turn permanent?
Yes. Many CORE and DAE employees are later offered permanent jobs based on performance.

7. How often do FEMA employees deploy?
Disaster employees may deploy several times a year, depending on national emergencies and regional needs.