Become an Emergency Management Specialist at the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility
Are you a dedicated professional looking to apply your expertise in emergency preparedness to a mission of national importance? The USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is hiring an Emergency Management Specialist to work at the cutting-edge National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) in Manhattan, Kansas. This position offers the rare opportunity to combine emergency operations strategy with high-stakes scientific security.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will work closely with the Emergency Manager to ensure that NBAF remains fully prepared for any incident. Key duties include:
- Developing and coordinating emergency plans, policies, and procedures.
- Executing training and exercise programs in alignment with Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) standards.
- Authoring comprehensive After Action Reviews (AARs) to synthesize findings from drills and real-world incidents.
- Updating SOPs to maintain organizational compliance and readiness.
Requirements
Success in this role requires a high level of discipline. Candidates must:
- Be a U.S. citizen.
- Undergo a background investigation for a Secret security clearance.
- Pass pre-employment and random drug testing.
- Be comfortable working in a high-containment (BSL) laboratory environment with strict PPE requirements.
- Agree to medical surveillance programs and necessary vaccinations.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary structure commensurate with experience and education level.
| Pay Grade | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| GS-9 to GS-11 | $61,722 - $97,087 |
Benefits
Working for the federal government provides robust benefits, including:
- Comprehensive health and life insurance.
- Generous leave policies.
- Retirement contributions through FERS and TSP.
- A supportive culture dedicated to professional excellence.
Application Tips
- Your resume must not exceed two pages; keep it concise and focused on relevant emergency management skills.
- When describing your work history, ensure you define your experience in terms of emergency planning, training, and program analysis.
- Verify that your transcripts are ready if you are using education to qualify for the position.
If you are a detail-oriented professional with a passion for public service and national security, we encourage you to apply. This role at the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility is more than a job—it is a critical contribution to the future of American agriculture.
Why This Emergency Management Specialist Job Matters
Protect national security and food safety at the forefront of agricultural defense as an Emergency Management Specialist at the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF).
Emergency Management Specialist Job Overview
The USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is seeking an Emergency Management Specialist for the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) in Manhattan, Kansas. This critical role involves coordinating, developing, and evaluating comprehensive emergency management programs. You will play a vital part in maintaining operational readiness, ensuring adherence to high-security standards, and overseeing training and exercise programs within a unique, high-containment biological research environment.
Requirements for Emergency Management Specialist
- U.S. Citizenship or National status
- Must be registered with Selective Service (if born after 12/31/1959)
- Successful completion of a background investigation and fingerprint check
- Ability to obtain and maintain Secret security clearance
- Must pass a drug screening test and submit to ongoing random testing
- Must undergo medical evaluations for respiratory protection and fitness for duty
- Completion of a 1-year probationary period
- Willingness to adhere to strict occupational health and biosafety programs
Preferred Qualifications for Emergency Management Specialist
- Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in a related field
- Direct experience in emergency management program development and implementation
- Experience planning and evaluating emergency exercises using HSEEP standards
- Proven capability in analyzing emergency requirements to improve readiness
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal Salary
- ✓Comprehensive Health Insurance options
- ✓Federal Retirement System (FERS)
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent)
- ✓Paid vacation and sick leave
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives
💡 How to Apply Emergency Management Specialist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Emergency Management Specialist Job
- Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages.
- Log in to your USAJOBS account to complete the online questionnaire.
- Upload all required supporting documentation (transcripts, SF-50 if applicable, etc.).
- Submit your complete application package by 11:59 PM ET on the closing date.
- Monitor your email for a notification regarding the USA Hire Assessment link if applicable.
- Complete required assessments within the provided timeframe.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly details your experience in emergency management and incident response.
- Double-check your document uploads—ensure they are legible and under 5MB.
- Set aside 1-2 hours of uninterrupted time for the USA Hire Assessments.
- Be precise; overstating qualifications can lead to removal from consideration.
- Check your USAJOBS profile to confirm that email notifications are enabled.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary mission of the NBAF in this role?
The mission centers on protecting national security through rigorous physical security, emergency readiness, and biosafety protocols related to agricultural defense.
Is the work environment hazardous?
Yes, it is a high-containment facility. Personnel must follow strict safety protocols, wear specialized PPE, and undergo medical surveillance, including vaccinations and serum monitoring.
Can I have pets or livestock at home while working in this facility?
Due to the nature of disease research, there are strict quarantine requirements regarding contact with susceptible animals like cattle, sheep, goats, and swine.
What are the physical demands?
While much of the work is in an office, the role requires physical exertion during exercises, including moving equipment and standing for long periods in a laboratory environment.
Are there restrictions on my personal life?
Yes. Due to the high-security nature of animal disease research at NBAF, employees must adhere to personal quarantine requirements if they have contact with specific species, such as cattle or swine.
Job from Agricultural Research Service
The Agricultural Research Service is the USDA's premier scientific research agency. Our mission is to provide innovative solutions to agricultural challenges that affect the nation's food supply and economy. NBAF, our newest facility, is essential to defending the United States against foreign animal diseases. Working here means contributing to the safety and security of the country's agricultural backbone.