Emergency Management Specialist

Career Information

Copyright Texas Education Agency (TEA)

Emergency Management SpecialistI. What they do:

A. Prepare emergency plans and procedures for natural, wartime, technological disasters, or hostage situations

B. Coordinate disaster response activities, such as ordering evacuations and opening public shelters

C. Provide disaster preparedness training

D. Prepare emergency situation status reports that describe response and recovery efforts, needs, and the amount of damage sustained

Copyright Texas Education Agency (TEA)

Emergency Management SpecialistII. Tools they use:

A. Computers, both personal and notebook (laptop)

B. Emergency management software, map creation software, and project management software

C. Two-way radios

Copyright Texas Education Agency (TEA)

Emergency Management SpecialistIII. Working conditions:

A. Emergency management specialists work 40 hours per week in a typical office environment a majority of the time

B. Some travel is required to attend meetings or conduct inspections

C. A potential for long hours and outdoor work exists in the event of an emergency or disasterCopyright Texas Education Agency (TEA)

Emergency Management SpecialistIV. Who they work for:

A. Federal government

B. State government

C. Local government

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Emergency Management SpecialistV. Training required:

A. Most emergency management specialists have a background in fire fighting, emergency medical services, or law enforcement

B. If no previous experience, a bachelor’s degree is usually required, plus on-the-job training

C. Some emergency management specialists choose to complete optional certification programs such as Certified Emergency Manager

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Emergency Management SpecialistVI. Skills:

A. Collaborating with other emergency response agencies in the jurisdiction, (i.e. fire, police, emergency medical and public works)

B. Ability to instruct others in how to respond effectively to major emergencies and disasters

C. Ability to evaluate a situation quickly and be decisiveCopyright Texas Education Agency (TEA)

Emergency Management SpecialistVII. Knowledge areas:

A. Knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations affecting emergency plans

B. Knowledge of activities or changes that could affect the likelihood of an emergency

C. Knowledge of outcomes of previous emergency situations, so changes can be proposed, if needed Copyright Texas Education Agency (TEA)

Emergency Management SpecialistVIII. Income:

A. The median income is $52,590 annually

O*net Summary for Emergency Management Specialist

B. Overall employment is expected to grow 20% over the next 10 years, which is much higher than average

C. There are currently about 13,000 emergency management specialists in the United StatesCopyright Texas Education Agency (TEA)