Advance Your Career as an Emergency Management Specialist with FEMA
Are you a dedicated professional looking to make a tangible difference in the safety and resilience of the United States? The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is currently accepting applications for an Emergency Management Specialist (Recovery) serving as an Operations Section Chief (Type 2). Based in Bothell, Washington, this position is a cornerstone of the regional Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT).
Job Responsibilities
As an Operations Section Chief, your daily tasks will shift based on the deployment status of your team:
- During Deployment: You will oversee primary missions, ensuring the safety of personnel, activating the Operations Section, and coordinating with the Incident Action Plan. You will manage resources, adjust staffing levels, and conduct briefings in high-pressure environments.
- During Non-Deployment: You will lead operational planning efforts, participate in training workshops, and refine FEMA’s response documentation and protocols.
Requirements
To qualify, you must possess at least one year of specialized experience at the IT-3 level or higher. Your resume must clearly articulate:
- Experience managing teams in all phases of disaster operations.
- Supervisory experience over technical functional areas.
- Mastery of Incident Command System (ICS) protocols.
Salary and Benefits Comparison
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Position Type | Temporary (2-Year) |
| Salary Range | $57.33 - $88.06 / hr |
| Primary Location | Bothell, Washington |
| Security Clearance | Moderate Risk (MR) Required |
Benefits
FEMA offers a robust federal benefits package, including:
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans.
- A generous retirement package featuring the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Paid annual, sick, and federal holiday leave.
- Opportunities for continuous professional development and training.
Application Tips
Your application is your first impression. Ensure your resume is no longer than two pages, as applications exceeding this limit will be rejected. When listing your work history, include specific dates (MM/DD/YY), hours worked, and detailed descriptions of your leadership accomplishments within the incident command structure.
If you possess the leadership skills required to manage emergency operations and want to join a mission-focused agency, this position with FEMA in Bothell is a premier opportunity. Apply today and help make the nation safer and more prepared.
Why This Emergency Management Specialist (Recovery) (Operations Section Chief Type 2) Job Matters
Are you a leader ready to navigate complex disasters? Join FEMA's Region 10 Incident Management Assistance Team and serve as a critical Operations Section Chief.
Emergency Management Specialist (Recovery) (Operations Section Chief Type 2) Job Overview
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is seeking a highly skilled Emergency Management Specialist to serve as an Operations Section Chief (Type 2) for the Region 10 Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT). This is a two-year, temporary excepted service position based in Bothell, Washington. As an Operations Section Chief, you will provide critical leadership during the preparation, response, and recovery phases of all-hazard disasters. This role demands agility, decision-making prowess, and the ability to manage large teams in high-pressure, austere environments.
Requirements for Emergency Management Specialist (Recovery) (Operations Section Chief Type 2)
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Must undergo and successfully pass a Moderate Risk background investigation.
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the IT-3 grade level.
- Experience managing teams in all phases of all-hazard disaster operations.
- Experience supervising large groups of personnel in technical functional areas.
- Demonstrated expertise in commanding and coordinating emergency operations at the Operations or Incident Command level (ICS).
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Government travel card.
- Must register with the Selective Service, if applicable.
Preferred Qualifications for Emergency Management Specialist (Recovery) (Operations Section Chief Type 2)
- Experience in cross-functional coordination with state, local, tribal, and territorial partners.
- Advanced certification or training within the Incident Command System (ICS) framework.
- Demonstrated ability to manage resources and personnel in physically austere conditions.
- Proven track record of success in emergency planning, training, and operational oversight.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
- ✓Federal retirement plan
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with matching contributions
- ✓Flexible spending accounts
- ✓Paid federal holidays and personal leave
- ✓Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities
- ✓Employee assistance and wellness programs
- ✓Fitness center access
💡 How to Apply Emergency Management Specialist (Recovery) (Operations Section Chief Type 2) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Emergency Management Specialist (Recovery) (Operations Section Chief Type 2) Job
- Create or update your USAJOBS profile.
- Draft a resume specifically tailored to this role, keeping it under two pages.
- Complete the online assessment questionnaire via the provided link.
- Submit your resume and, if applicable, your most recent SF-50.
- Monitor your application status through the USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Limit your resume to exactly two pages; exceeding this will disqualify your application.
- Use your own words to describe your experience rather than copying language from the job description.
- Clearly define your role, dates of employment (MM/DD/YY), and hours worked per week.
- Detail your specific experience with disaster operations and leadership roles within the Incident Command System.
- Review all questionnaire answers before submission as this is used to verify your qualifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a permanent federal position?
No, this is a 2-year temporary appointment under the Robert T. Stafford Act in the excepted service, with the possibility of renewal based on funding and workload.
Will I be required to travel?
Yes, extensive travel is a core requirement of this position. Deployments can last for weeks or months with little notice and may occur in challenging conditions.
What is the pay range for this position?
The pay rate is between $57.33 and $88.06 per hour, inclusive of applicable locality pay adjustments.
What is an IMAT CORE position?
CORE (Cadre of On-Call Response/Recovery Employee) positions are full-time, non-permanent appointments designed to support disaster response under the Stafford Act.
Is background clearance required?
Yes, all selectees must pass a Moderate Risk background investigation, which may include credit and financial reviews.
Job from Federal Emergency Management Agency
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its component, FEMA, are committed to protecting the nation's interests. FEMA acts as a mission-driven organization, helping people before, during, and after disasters. Employees are encouraged to be problem-solvers and leaders who work tirelessly with local, state, and tribal partners to ensure communities are prepared for the unexpected.