Advance Your IT Career with the United States Fire Administration

Are you a dedicated IT professional looking to merge your technical expertise with a mission-driven career? The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is currently hiring an Information Technology Specialist to support the United States Fire Administration (USFA). Based in Emmitsburg, Maryland, this role is essential for maintaining the digital readiness of an organization that protects the American public before, during, and after disasters.

Job Responsibilities

As an IT Specialist, you will ensure our technological environment is stable and capable of supporting complex emergency operations. Key tasks include:

System Maintenance: Monitoring IT performance and ensuring consistent access for end-users.
Technical Support: Troubleshooting issues as they arise and coordinating with external technical support teams.
Process Improvement: Identifying procedural inefficiencies and recommending innovative solutions.
Project Management: Assisting with IT equipment procurement and overseeing system deployment.
Reporting: Creating and assessing data reports to support program offices.

Requirements

To be considered for this role, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
Security: Ability to pass a Moderate Risk Public Trust background check.
Deployment Readiness: Preparedness to deploy to emergency sites with little notice.
Specialized Experience: One full year of experience at the GS-9 (for GS-11) or GS-11 (for GS-12) level, involving IT operations, troubleshooting, and procedural development.

Grade Comparison Table

Feature	GS-11 Level	GS-12 Level
Scope	Planning/Evaluating IT Requirements	Coordinating Deployment Support
Focus	Efficiency of IT Services	Troubleshooting/Procedural Changes
Salary Range	$85,447+	Up to $133,142

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive compensation package based on the General Schedule (GS) scale. Starting salaries range from $85,447 to $133,142 annually, depending on your qualifications and grade level selection.

Benefits

Beyond salary, you will enjoy a comprehensive federal benefits package, including:

Health: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
Retirement: Access to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) and a federal pension.
Work-Life Balance: Flexible schedules and paid federal holidays.
Growth: Continuous training and development opportunities.

Application Tips

Respect the Limit: Keep your resume under two pages; otherwise, it will be discarded.
Use Clear Language: Avoid jargon. Describe what you did in your previous roles using active verbs.
Detail Matters: List specific dates and hours worked. Part-time experience is prorated based on this data.

This role is an exceptional opportunity to serve your country using your IT skills. If you are ready to tackle challenges and support national security, apply through the official link below.

Why This Information Technology Specialist Job Matters

Launch a high-impact career with FEMA: Transform IT infrastructure to save lives and support national resilience.

Information Technology Specialist Job Overview

The United States Fire Administration (USFA), a vital component of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), is seeking a dedicated Information Technology Specialist to join our team in Emmitsburg, Maryland. In this mission-critical role, you will be the backbone of our digital operations, ensuring that the technology powering our emergency management efforts remains stable, efficient, and responsive. You will collaborate across departments to identify procedural improvements, manage system performance, and facilitate the acquisition of essential IT tools. If you are a problem-solver passionate about public service and technology, this position offers the perfect opportunity to make a tangible difference.

Requirements for Information Technology Specialist

Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must pass a background investigation for Public Trust (Moderate Risk).
Must register for Selective Service (if applicable).
Current federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Government credit card.
Willingness to deploy to emergency sites with little or no notice, which may involve extended periods of time in austere conditions.
One year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level (GS-9 for GS-11; GS-11 for GS-12).

Preferred Qualifications for Information Technology Specialist

Experience in coordinating and executing IT operations to ensure minimal impact on end-users.
Strong background in troubleshooting technical issues for deployed applications.
Demonstrated ability to identify and implement procedural improvements for IT service delivery.
Proficiency in creating quantitative and qualitative IT reports.
Proven experience in managing IT procurement and equipment lifecycle.
Advanced graduate education (Ph.D. or equivalent) in an IT-related field.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
✓Participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government contributions.
✓Federal retirement pension plan.
✓Flexible Spending Accounts for health and dependent care.
✓Paid federal holidays and generous personal leave.
✓Employee Assistance Programs and wellness initiatives.
✓Opportunities for professional development and tuition reimbursement.
✓Potential for flexible work arrangements.

💡 How to Apply Information Technology Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Information Technology Specialist Job

Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages.
Apply via the USAJOBS online portal before the deadline.
Complete the required online job questionnaire.
Upload all necessary supporting documents (transcripts, SF-50, DD-214 if applicable).
Monitor email for an invitation to complete the USA Hire Assessments (if required).
Submit your final package and track your status through your USAJOBS dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure your experience is formatted correctly.
Avoid copying the job description into your resume; describe your own specific accomplishments in your own words.
Set aside at least 3 hours of uninterrupted time to complete the USA Hire Assessments.
Ensure your resume includes hours worked per week and specific dates (MM/DD/YY) for all past employment.
Double-check that your resume does not exceed the two-page limit, as longer resumes will result in automatic disqualification.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary role of the IT Specialist at USFA?

You will manage IT operations, troubleshoot systems, and coordinate with teams to ensure technology supports the USFA mission before, during, and after disasters.

Is travel required for this position?

Yes. While based in Emmitsburg, you may be required to deploy to disaster sites on short notice, which can involve extended periods in challenging conditions.

Can I use my own resume instead of the Resume Builder?

Yes, but it must be no more than two pages and include specific details like job titles, employers, start/end dates, duties, and hours worked per week.

Will I have to deploy?

Yes, all FEMA employees may be subject to recall for emergency management operations.

Is education a substitute for experience?

Yes, under specific conditions, graduate education can be used to meet qualification requirements.

Job from Federal Emergency Management Agency

The United States Fire Administration (USFA) is a division of FEMA within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Our mission is to reduce life and economic losses caused by fire and related emergencies. We provide leadership, coordination, and support to the nation's fire and emergency services. Working here means joining a diverse workforce committed to making our nation safer and more resilient.