Lead Geospatial Operations: Supervisory Emergency Management Specialist at FEMA

Are you a seasoned geospatial expert looking to translate your technical skills into life-saving operational support? The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is hiring a Supervisory Emergency Management Specialist (Geospatial) in Oakland, California. This is a high-impact leadership role within the National Preparedness Division, where your work will directly influence how our nation prepares for and responds to disasters.

Job Responsibilities

In this supervisory capacity, you will not just manage data—you will lead people and strategy. Key responsibilities include:

Program Leadership: Directing regional geospatial programs, including remote sensing and cartographic production.
Team Supervision: Assigning and evaluating the work of GIS analysts, contractors, and technical staff.
Stakeholder Coordination: Working with state, local, and tribal partners to set priorities for data-driven emergency management.
Executive Briefing: Communicating findings, risks, and recommendations to senior leadership to guide operational decision-making.

Requirements

To qualify for this GS-13 level position, candidates must meet specific professional criteria:

Specialized Experience: At least one full year of experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the federal service, including coordinating GIS projects and leading teams.
Public Trust: Must pass a High-Risk background investigation.
Flexibility: Must be capable of deploying to disaster sites with little or no notice for extended periods.

Candidate Comparison Table

Criteria	Required Standard
Citizenship	Must be a U.S. Citizen
Resume Limit	Maximum 2 Pages
Background Check	Public Trust - High Risk
Education Substitution	Not applicable

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive salary range of $133,060 to $172,980 per year, commensurate with qualifications and federal pay scales.

Benefits

FEMA employees enjoy a comprehensive federal benefits package, including:

Health, Dental, and Vision coverage.
Generous Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) matching.
Federal retirement pension plan.
Ample paid leave and federal holidays.
Training, tuition reimbursement, and career development opportunities.

Application Tips

Focus Your Resume: Limit your experience summary to two pages. Quality and specificity are preferred over length.
Use the Resume Builder: This tool helps ensure you don't miss essential requirements like hours worked or grade levels.
Assessments: Be prepared to set aside time for the USA Hire assessment as part of the screening process.

This role is for those who are ready to rise to the challenge. If you are an expert in GIS and a dedicated leader, apply to FEMA today and help build a stronger, more resilient America.

Why This Supervisory Emergency Management Specialist (Geospatial) Job Matters

Lead the future of emergency geospatial operations and make a measurable impact on national resilience with FEMA in Oakland, California.

Supervisory Emergency Management Specialist (Geospatial) Job Overview

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is seeking a skilled Supervisory Emergency Management Specialist (Geospatial) to join the National Preparedness Division in Region Nine. In this critical leadership role, you will oversee complex geospatial programs, manage technical teams, and collaborate with federal, state, and local partners to provide vital data-driven insights that guide emergency response and recovery efforts. If you are a collaborative leader passionate about leveraging GIS technology to save lives and support communities, this is your opportunity to contribute to a mission-driven organization.

Requirements for Supervisory Emergency Management Specialist (Geospatial)

U.S. Citizenship
Must pass a Public Trust - High Risk background investigation
Current federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements
Ability to obtain and maintain a Government credit card
Availability for extensive, short-notice deployment for emergency operations
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level

Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Emergency Management Specialist (Geospatial)

Proven experience coordinating GIS projects in emergency management contexts
Strong background in briefing senior leadership on geospatial risks and findings
Demonstrated ability to supervise technical staff or project teams
Expertise in developing GIS standards, SOPs, and data protocols
Experience in remote sensing, mapping, and cartographic production

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance
✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching
✓Federal retirement benefits
✓Flexible spending accounts
✓Generous paid federal holidays and personal leave
✓Employee assistance and wellness programs
✓Opportunities for professional training and development
✓Potential for flexible work schedules

💡 How to Apply Supervisory Emergency Management Specialist (Geospatial) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Supervisory Emergency Management Specialist (Geospatial) Job

Review the full announcement details and requirements thoroughly.
Prepare a resume limited to exactly two pages.
Click the Apply Online button and complete the required questionnaires.
Attach all necessary supporting documents, such as SF-50s or veteran documentation.
Submit your application package by 11:59 PM ET on the closing date.
Monitor your email for a unique link to complete the USA Hire assessment if prompted.

💡 General Tips

Do not copy and paste text directly from the job announcement into your resume.
Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder for best results to ensure all required fields are captured.
Ensure your resume explicitly details your specialized experience, including hours worked per week and specific dates.
If applying based on previous federal service, include your grade level and series for each relevant position.
Set aside at least three hours to complete the USA Hire assessments once notified.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary mission of this role?

You will lead geospatial analysis and manage regional programs that provide critical mapping, data, and technical support before, during, and after disasters.

Is travel required for this position?

Yes. The role requires the ability to deploy to disaster sites nationwide with little notice. These assignments can be extensive in duration and occur in physically austere conditions.

Can I submit a resume longer than two pages?

No. Any resume exceeding the two-page limit will result in your application being removed from consideration.

Does this role require routine deployment?

While not every duty station is a disaster site, this role requires potential recall 24/7 for emergency operations that may require significant travel.

What is the primary focus of the background check?

It focuses on Public Trust - High Risk, involving reviews of financial responsibility and security vetting.

Job from Federal Emergency Management Agency

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and FEMA are dedicated to a mission that touches lives across America. As a member of our team, you will contribute to efforts that safeguard our borders, protect the President, and provide resilience during the country's most challenging moments. FEMA is a people-focused agency that values problem-solvers and visionaries.