Become a Leader in Disaster Response: FEMA Operations Branch Director

Are you looking for a career that moves beyond the typical office setting? FEMA is seeking a high-impact individual to serve as an Emergency Management Specialist (Response) - Operations Branch Director Type II. This is an exceptional opportunity for experienced professionals to contribute to the nation’s ability to respond to and recover from major disasters.

Job Responsibilities

As an Operations Branch Director, your role will be twofold, split between active disaster deployment and strategic planning when back at your home duty station.

When Deployed:

Coordinate federal response and recovery actions for large-scale disasters.
Ensure rapid information flow throughout the incident organization.
Align FEMA programs with the Stafford Act requirements and leadership objectives.

When Not Deployed:

Provide instruction on disaster-related topics to regional and local authorities.
Participate in regional catastrophic planning.
Evaluate existing programs to recommend and implement process improvements.

Comparison: Deployed vs. Non-Deployed Work

Function	Deployed Activity	Non-Deployed Activity
Primary Focus	Incident Response & Stabilization	Program Planning & Training
Environment	Field-level disaster sites	Regional offices
Communication	Urgent, real-time coordination	Strategic inter-agency collaboration

Requirements

To be considered for this high-trust role, applicants must demonstrate a solid track record in emergency management. Key requirements include:

Experience: One year of specialized experience at the IT-02 level (or equivalent).
Background: Must pass a Public Trust-High Risk investigation.
Readiness: Ability to travel extensively and work on a 24-hour on-call basis.
Training: Willingness to attend a mandatory three-week, in-person course in Maryland.

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience and location, ranging from $63.76 to $82.89 per hour. Note that these figures include locality pay and may be adjusted based on the official duty station.

Benefits

FEMA employees enjoy a comprehensive federal benefits package, including:

Health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
Generous paid federal holidays and leave policies.
Professional development and tuition reimbursement opportunities.

Application Tips

Respect the Page Limit: Your resume must be no more than two pages. Exceeding this limit will result in immediate disqualification.
Use Your Own Voice: Do not copy-paste duty descriptions from the job posting. Use your own words to explain how your specific experiences align with the requirements.
Detail Your Work: Be sure to include employer names, start/end dates (MM/DD/YY), and hours worked per week for every position listed.
Quantify Results: Where possible, describe the outcomes of your leadership, such as how you improved a team's response time or implemented a successful program.

Serving as a FEMA Operations Branch Director is more than a job; it is a commitment to public service. If you possess the leadership skills and resilience required to handle the challenges of disaster response, this role offers a path to make a tangible, lasting difference in communities nationwide.

Why This Emergency Management Specialist (Response) - Operations Branch Director Type Ii Job Matters

Ready to lead at the front lines of disaster response? FEMA is seeking a dedicated Operations Branch Director to shape emergency strategies and protect communities during their most critical moments.

Emergency Management Specialist (Response) - Operations Branch Director Type Ii Job Overview

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is hiring an Emergency Management Specialist (Response) - Operations Branch Director Type II to join the Region 9 Incident Management Assistant Team (IMAT). This is a two-year, temporary excepted service appointment under the Robert T. Stafford Act. You will play a pivotal role in coordinating federal support during large-scale disasters, ensuring that critical recovery operations are executed effectively while managing team objectives and stakeholder partnerships.

Requirements for Emergency Management Specialist (Response) - Operations Branch Director Type Ii

U.S. citizenship is mandatory.
Must pass a Public Trust-High Risk background investigation.
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the IT-02 grade level.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Government travel card.
Willingness to undergo extensive travel for emergency deployments, often with short notice.
Must be available for 24-hour on-call status during emergency periods.
Registration with the Selective Service (if applicable).
Must attend a mandatory three-week, in-person training in Emmitsburg, Maryland within six months of hire.

Preferred Qualifications for Emergency Management Specialist (Response) - Operations Branch Director Type Ii

Demonstrated ability to integrate partner agencies into unified response structures.
Proven experience in developing and implementing emergency response or recovery plans.
Strong leadership background, including team management, priority setting, and delegation.
Experience working in a high-pressure, austere environment during disaster operations.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive hourly pay with locality adjustments.
✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
✓Life and long-term care insurance options.
✓Retirement savings via the Thrift Savings Plan (similar to 401k).
✓Flexible spending accounts and paid federal holidays.
✓Support for professional training and development.
✓Potential for tuition reimbursement and transportation subsidies.

💡 How to Apply Emergency Management Specialist (Response) - Operations Branch Director Type Ii Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Emergency Management Specialist (Response) - Operations Branch Director Type Ii Job

Review the full announcement on USAJOBS.
Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to create a concise, two-page resume.
Log in to the application portal and complete the assessment questionnaire.
Upload required documentation, including proof of any federal grade levels.
Submit your application before the closing date or earlier if the application limit is met.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly limited to two pages; longer resumes will result in automatic disqualification.
Use specific examples from your own work history rather than copying language from the job description.
Clearly list employment dates, hours worked per week, and specific accomplishments.
If you are a former FEMA Reservist or DAE, explicitly list your deployment dates and specific roles.
Preview the assessment questions early to ensure you have all necessary information prepared.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an IMAT CORE position?

CORE stands for Cadre of On-Call Response/Recovery Employee. These are full-time, non-permanent employees hired under the Stafford Act to support FEMA's mission during disaster recovery.

Is travel required for this position?

Yes. Deployment travel is an essential function of this role and can be extensive, lasting weeks or months under austere conditions.

Can I use educational credits to qualify?

No. This position requires one full year of specialized work experience at the equivalent IT-02 grade level; there is no educational substitution.

What does it mean that this is an excepted service appointment?

It means the position is appointed under the Robert T. Stafford Act, allowing for a more streamlined hiring process compared to traditional competitive service jobs.

Is there room for growth?

Yes, Stafford Act employees may gain competitive status after three years of continuous service, opening doors for permanent federal positions.

Job from Federal Emergency Management Agency

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its component, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), represent the nation's frontline in disaster preparedness and recovery. FEMA's mission is to help people before, during, and after disasters. By coordinating with federal, state, and local partners, the agency provides the structural support necessary to stabilize infrastructure and save lives when it matters most.