Become an Actuary with FEMA: Advancing Financial Resilience
Are you a seasoned actuary looking to apply your mathematical expertise to a mission that matters? The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is currently seeking a high-level Actuary to join the Resilience, Federal Insurance & Mitigation Administration in Washington, D.C. This GS-14 position offers a unique chance to impact the financial stability of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), directly influencing how our nation prepares for and responds to catastrophic flooding events.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will function as a vital technical advisor. Your work will influence policy and financial strategy. Key duties include:
- Providing expert actuarial support through quantitative analysis.
- Developing models to estimate future financial outcomes for the NFIP.
- Communicating complex statistical findings to agency leadership and external stakeholders.
- Conducting studies on catastrophic loss funding requirements.
Requirements
To be considered for this high-impact role, applicants must meet specific federal criteria:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level.
- Education: A bachelor's degree with at least 24 semester hours in mathematics, actuarial science, or related fields, including 12 hours of calculus-based math.
- Flexibility: You must be able to deploy to disaster locations on short notice.
- Compliance: Ability to pass a Moderate Risk background investigation.
Salary Overview
This position is classified at the GS-14 level, with a competitive annual salary range:
| Pay Grade | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| GS-14 | $143,913 - $187,093 |
Benefits
FEMA and the broader DHS provide an attractive total compensation package, including health insurance, generous retirement options like the Thrift Savings Plan, paid federal holidays, and extensive employee development opportunities.
Application Tips
- Watch the Page Count: Do not exceed two pages for your resume.
- Customize Your Language: Describe your specific contributions in your own words rather than copying duty statements from the announcement.
- Detail is Key: Include start/end dates and hours worked per week for every position listed.
- Check Your Email: If selected to take the USA Hire assessment, you will receive a unique link via email. Keep an eye on your inbox.
If you are ready to pivot your actuarial career toward public service, this FEMA role offers the perfect blend of technical rigor and meaningful humanitarian impact. Review the application requirements carefully and submit your package before the closing date to join our team in building a stronger, safer nation.
Why This Actuary Job Matters
Join the front lines of national resilience by shaping the future of flood insurance. Use your actuarial expertise to protect millions of Americans at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Actuary Job Overview
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), under the Department of Homeland Security, is seeking a skilled Actuary to join the Resilience, Federal Insurance & Mitigation Administration. In this pivotal GS-14 role, you will provide critical technical support for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). You will analyze data, develop models, and provide strategic recommendations to leadership, ensuring the stability of programs that safeguard communities before, during, and after disasters.
Requirements for Actuary
- U.S. Citizenship
- Ability to successfully pass a background investigation for Public Trust/Moderate Risk
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-13 grade level or equivalent
- Bachelor's degree including 24 semester hours in relevant subjects (math, actuarial science, finance, etc.) with at least 12 hours of calculus-based mathematics
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Government credit card
- Must be able to deploy on short notice to emergency sites under austere conditions
- Selective Service registration
Preferred Qualifications for Actuary
- Professional experience in insurance or consulting firms
- Proven track record in performing quantitative analytical studies
- Experience in ratemaking and developing projections for large-scale financial programs
- Advanced technical skills in actuarial modeling and catastrophic loss funding analysis
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching
- ✓Life and long-term care insurance
- ✓Flexible spending accounts
- ✓Paid federal holidays and personal leave
- ✓Tuition reimbursement and professional development
- ✓Flexible work schedules and wellness programs
💡 How to Apply Actuary Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Actuary Job
- Prepare a resume limited strictly to two pages.
- Click the online application link to register and access the questionnaire.
- Upload all necessary documentation, including transcripts and SF-50s if applicable.
- Complete the USA Hire assessment as directed via email.
- Submit your application package by 11:59 PM ET on the closing date.
- Monitor your status via the online dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Limit your resume to exactly two pages; exceeding this will result in automatic disqualification.
- Do not copy and paste the job announcement text into your resume; use your own professional voice.
- Ensure your resume includes dates of employment (MM/DD/YY), hours worked per week, and grade levels for federal experience.
- Prioritize your responses on the USA Hire assessment; you have 3 hours allotted, though many finish sooner.
- If claiming CTAP or ICTAP preference, ensure your supporting documents are clearly attached.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary mission of this role?
You will act as a technical advisor to support the National Flood Insurance Program, providing actuarial data and financial modeling to inform rate changes and program stability.
Is travel required for this position?
Yes. While not all duties require daily travel, you must be prepared to deploy to disaster sites nationwide on short notice, sometimes for extended periods under austere conditions.
Are there strict limits on the resume length?
Yes, the resume must be two pages or fewer. Any application with a resume exceeding this limit will be removed from consideration.
What is the 'Direct Hire' authority?
This means standard veterans' preference rules are bypassed to expedite the hiring process, though qualifications are still rigorously screened.
Can I telework?
This position does not currently offer remote or telework status.
Job from Federal Emergency Management Agency
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is dedicated to safeguarding our nation's interests. Within this, FEMA serves as a beacon of hope and support during disasters. Our mission is to help people before, during, and after disasters. We coordinate with local, state, and federal partners to ensure America is prepared. Joining FEMA means becoming part of a community that values problem-solvers, humanitarians, and those committed to the public good.