Become an Emergency Management Specialist with the National Park Service
Are you a seasoned professional with a passion for public safety and disaster resilience? The National Park Service (NPS) is hiring an Emergency Management Specialist to lead critical operations within the Intermountain Region. Based in beautiful Lakewood, Colorado, this role offers a unique opportunity to shape the preparedness strategies that protect some of our nation's most precious natural and cultural landscapes.
Job Responsibilities
As an Emergency Management Specialist, your work will be diverse and impactful. Key responsibilities include:
- Managing the Western Incident Management Team (WIMT) to improve agency response capabilities.
- Leading Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activations and tactical planning.
- Conducting in-depth risk assessments and developing emergency management policies.
- Designing and delivering comprehensive training programs for response personnel.
- Acting as the primary liaison between national park units and external inter-agency partners.
Requirements
Success in this role requires a candidate who is prepared for both high-level administrative strategy and demanding field requirements. Essential criteria include:
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Ability to pass medical and physical screenings.
- Maintenance of a valid driver's license.
- Willingness to undergo pre-employment and random drug testing.
- Capability to handle strenuous fieldwork in extreme conditions.
Salary and Benefits
This position is open at the GS-12 and GS-13 levels, offering competitive federal compensation:
| Grade | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| GS-12 | $99,800 - $129,742 |
| GS-13 | $118,675 - $154,280 |
Employees enjoy a robust federal benefits package, including health insurance, retirement planning, paid leave, and opportunities for professional growth.
Application Tips
To maximize your chances, ensure your resume is concise (max 2 pages) and clearly highlights your specialized experience in hours per week. Double-check that you have provided all necessary documentation, such as SF-50s and performance appraisals, before the November 3, 2026 deadline.
Is this position on-call?
Yes, the incumbent may be required to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as part of emergency response duties.
If you are ready to bring your leadership skills to the forefront of emergency preparedness, the National Park Service wants to hear from you. Take the next step in your career by applying for this rewarding role today.
Why This Emergency Management Specialist Job Matters
Protect our nation's natural heritage by leading emergency preparedness efforts across the Intermountain Region as a National Park Service Emergency Management Specialist.
Emergency Management Specialist Job Overview
The National Park Service (NPS) is seeking a dedicated Emergency Management Specialist to join the Intermountain Regional Office. In this vital role, you will be responsible for program management, incident response coordination, and the development of emergency preparedness plans that safeguard natural resources and personnel across Arizona, Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming. You will manage the Western Incident Management Team and provide technical guidance during all-hazard incidents, ensuring our agency maintains the highest standards of safety and operational readiness.
Requirements for Emergency Management Specialist
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
- Possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
- Must pass a pre-employment medical and physical examination.
- Subject to pre-employment and random drug testing.
- Must be able to maintain a Type II qualification at the Command and General Staff level.
- Willingness to travel away from home up to 5 nights per month and work on-call, evenings, weekends, or holidays.
- Ability to work in rugged field conditions, including extreme temperatures and high elevations.
- Must register for Selective Service if male born after 12-31-59.
Preferred Qualifications for Emergency Management Specialist
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-11 level for GS-12 positions, or GS-12 level for GS-13 positions.
- Demonstrated expertise in managing all-hazard incident response and coordinating with inter-agency partners.
- Proven experience in developing long-range training plans and conducting risk assessments for emergency operations.
- Strong technical competence in interpreting federal emergency management policies and regulations.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal Salary with promotion potential.
- ✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
- ✓Uniform allowance provided.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
- ✓Telework eligibility as approved by management.
💡 How to Apply Emergency Management Specialist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Emergency Management Specialist Job
- Prepare a resume not exceeding 2 pages, formatted with 10-point font and 0.5-inch margins.
- Review the full vacancy announcement at the official USAJOBS portal.
- Complete the online application questionnaire through the provided agency link.
- Upload required documentation, including SF-50s, transcripts, and performance appraisals.
- Submit your application package by 11:59 PM ET on November 3, 2026.
- Monitor your USAJOBS account for updates regarding your application status.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume explicitly lists hours worked per week to verify specialized experience.
- Do not include photographs in any of your application materials.
- Clearly address the 'Selective Factor' regarding your driver's license in your application.
- Double-check that all required SF-50 forms are included if you are a current or former federal employee.
- Preview the questionnaire before starting to ensure you have all necessary information gathered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute education for the specialized experience requirement?
No, this position requires specific professional experience and does not allow for the substitution of education in place of that experience.
What is the physical nature of this job?
The role requires a balance of office-based planning and fieldwork. Field operations may involve long periods of standing, hiking on uneven terrain, carrying heavy gear, and traveling to remote locations under various weather conditions.
Is this position eligible for remote work?
While the role is telework-eligible, it is not a fully remote position and requires active participation in regional emergency operations and site visits.
What is the travel expectation?
Expect to travel at least 5 nights per month for incident management and regional support duties.
Job from National Park Service
The Department of the Interior and the National Park Service are dedicated to the stewardship of our nation's treasures. NPS employees work daily to preserve natural and cultural resources for the enjoyment of future generations. Joining this team means contributing to a legacy of conservation and public service while tackling complex challenges in an evolving environment.