Become an Instructional Systems Specialist with FEMA

Are you a visionary in instructional design looking to make a national impact? The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is offering a unique opportunity to join the National Fire Academy as an Instructional Systems Specialist. In this role, you will help design the educational frameworks that prepare our nation’s first responders for some of the most challenging conditions imaginable.

Job Responsibilities

As an Instructional Systems Specialist, your daily work will be varied and highly technical. Key responsibilities include:

Curriculum Design: Leading the development of complex training courses delivered through classroom, online, and hybrid modalities.
Technical Quality Assurance: Reviewing instructional products to ensure they meet federal evidence-based standards.
Contract Oversight: Serving as a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), where you will manage budgets, timelines, and deliverables from external training partners.
Innovation: Researching and implementing new technologies such as AR/VR, gamification, and advanced learning management systems.

Salary and Qualifications

This position is categorized at the GS-13 level, offering a salary range of $121,785 to $158,322 per year. To qualify, you must possess the following:

Requirement Type	Criteria
Education	Degree + 24 semester hours in specific fields (e.g., Learning Theory)
Experience	1 full year at the GS-12 equivalent level
Security	Must pass Public Trust - Moderate investigation
Availability	Able to deploy to disaster sites on short notice

Benefits

FEMA provides a robust compensation package that includes health insurance, dental, vision, life insurance, and a generous Thrift Savings Plan. Employees also benefit from tuition reimbursement, wellness programs, and the personal satisfaction of contributing to a national mission.

Application Tips

Tailor Your Resume: Avoid generic descriptions. Highlight your specific achievements in instructional design and project management.
Mind the Length: Your resume must be two pages or fewer.
Follow Procedures: Submit all transcripts and SF-50 forms if you are a current or former federal employee.
Prepare for Assessment: The USA Hire assessment is a critical part of the process. Allocate sufficient time to complete it.

Can I use my volunteer experience?

Absolutely. Qualifying experience includes unpaid work, volunteer service, and other non-paid activities that demonstrate the required competencies.

This is a challenging, high-impact role for those who are passionate about learning and national safety. By joining the National Fire Academy, you play a vital role in shaping the readiness of those who serve on the front lines. Apply today to start your career with FEMA.

Why This Instructional Systems Specialist Job Matters

Transform the future of emergency management training as an Instructional Systems Specialist with FEMA's National Fire Academy.

Instructional Systems Specialist Job Overview

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is seeking a dedicated Instructional Systems Specialist to join the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland. This role is pivotal in shaping the educational landscape for fire and emergency services professionals, focusing on the design, development, and implementation of innovative training programs that enhance national preparedness. As a subject matter expert, you will bridge the gap between complex emergency management concepts and effective learning outcomes, utilizing cutting-edge educational technologies to prepare first responders for the challenges of tomorrow.

Requirements for Instructional Systems Specialist

U.S. citizenship is mandatory.
Must pass a Public Trust - Moderate background investigation.
Completion of a degree or coursework including at least 24 semester hours in areas such as learning theory, instructional design, and educational evaluation.
One year of specialized experience at the GS-12 grade level or equivalent.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Government credit card.
Willingness to deploy on short notice to emergency sites under austere conditions.
Registration with the Selective Service (if applicable).
Submission of academic transcripts.

Preferred Qualifications for Instructional Systems Specialist

Proven expertise in leading instructional design projects from conception through pilot testing.
Strong background in managing training contracts and serving as a Contracting Officer's Representative.
Advanced technical skills in modern educational technologies (LMS, LCMS, AR/VR, and gamification).
Extensive experience in curriculum development for adult learners using blended and digital delivery modalities.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance packages.
✓Competitive federal retirement plans.
✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style) with employer matching.
✓Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare and dependent care.
✓Generous paid federal holidays and personal leave accrual.
✓Opportunities for professional development and tuition reimbursement.
✓Flexible work arrangements where eligible.
✓On-site fitness and wellness resources.

💡 How to Apply Instructional Systems Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Instructional Systems Specialist Job

Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages.
Log in to your USAJOBS account and navigate to the job announcement.
Complete the online questionnaire as prompted.
Attach all required documents, including academic transcripts and proof of veteran status or CTAP/ICTAP eligibility.
Submit your application package before 11:59 PM ET on the closing date.
Monitor your email for a unique link to complete the USA Hire assessment if required.

💡 General Tips

Do not copy/paste duty descriptions from the job announcement into your resume; provide specific, original examples of your work.
Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all required data points, such as dates of employment and hours worked per week, are included.
Ensure your resume reflects the exact level of responsibility (GS-12 equivalent) requested.
Start your USA Hire assessment as soon as you receive the link; it may take up to three hours to complete.
Double-check your resume page count, as anything over two pages will result in immediate disqualification.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary mission of this role?

You will serve as a senior technical specialist at the National Fire Academy, responsible for the design, delivery, and quality assurance of training programs for emergency management professionals.

Are there travel requirements for this position?

Yes. Beyond the initial training in Emmitsburg, you must be prepared to deploy to emergency sites across the U.S. and its territories, often with little notice and for extended periods.

Can I qualify using a mix of education and experience?

Yes, this position allows for qualification via education or a combination of education and experience, provided you meet the specific 24-semester-hour educational requirement.

Is travel required?

Yes, this position involves potential emergency deployments which can last weeks or months.

Job from Federal Emergency Management Agency

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and FEMA are mission-driven organizations dedicated to helping people before, during, and after disasters. Working here means more than just having a job; it means being a part of a workforce that protects American interests and ensures the resilience of our communities. The National Fire Academy specifically focuses on providing top-tier training to fire service and emergency professionals.