Launch Your Career in Disaster Recovery: Environmental Protection Specialist at FEMA
Are you looking to pivot your career toward a mission-driven path? The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is currently seeking candidates to join the Region Five Mitigation Division in Chicago as an Environmental Protection Specialist. This role is a unique gateway for those interested in the intersection of environmental policy, historic preservation, and emergency management.
Job Responsibilities
As an Environmental Protection Specialist, your daily tasks will involve more than just regulatory paperwork. You will be responsible for:
- Ensuring projects comply with federal environmental laws like the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
- Managing the consultation process with tribes, state agencies, and local partners.
- Providing technical training to stakeholders to navigate complex compliance requirements.
- Drafting essential documents, from simple reports to detailed consultation letters.
Understanding the CORE Designation
This role is a CORE (Cadre of On-Call Response/Recovery Employee) position. These roles are critical to FEMA’s rapid response. While these positions are non-permanent in nature, they offer significant experience in high-impact scenarios. After three years of continuous service, CORE employees may gain competitive eligibility to apply for permanent full-time federal positions.
Role Comparison at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Position Type | CORE (Excepted Service) |
| Promotion Potential | Up to IC-12 |
| Travel Required | Yes (Extensive deployment potential) |
| Location | Chicago, IL |
| Security Clearance | Public Trust/Moderate Risk |
Requirements
To succeed in this role, you must bring a mix of technical expertise and personal resilience. Requirements include a background investigation, U.S. citizenship, and the ability to travel at a moment's notice to manage disaster recovery efforts across the country.
Salary and Benefits
The position offers a competitive salary range of $68,999 to $130,080 per year. Beyond the paycheck, employees receive a robust federal benefits package, including comprehensive health coverage, a generous retirement plan via the Thrift Savings Plan, and ample opportunity for professional growth.
If you are a problem-solver who wants to contribute to a cause larger than yourself, this FEMA position offers an unparalleled opportunity. By applying your knowledge of environmental law to disaster mitigation, you play a key role in protecting lives and livelihoods. Prepare your application materials today and take the first step toward a rewarding career in public service.
Why This Environmental Protection Specialist Job Matters
Join the front lines of disaster recovery and environmental stewardship with FEMA as an Environmental Protection Specialist, where your expertise in policy and conservation directly shapes a more resilient nation.
Environmental Protection Specialist Job Overview
FEMA is seeking dedicated professionals for the Cadre of On-Call Response/Recovery Employee (CORE) program within the Region Five Mitigation Division in Chicago. This role is pivotal in ensuring that recovery and response efforts comply with critical federal environmental and historic preservation laws. As a core member of the disaster team, you will bridge the gap between regulatory requirements and urgent operational needs, helping communities rebuild safely and sustainably.
Requirements for Environmental Protection Specialist
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Must undergo and pass a Public Trust/Moderate Risk background investigation.
- Must register with the Selective Service if applicable.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Government credit card.
- Willingness to deploy on short notice to disaster sites for extended durations.
- Must complete a mandatory three-week training in Emmitsburg, Maryland within six months of hiring.
- Resume must not exceed two pages; excessive lengths will lead to disqualification.
Preferred Qualifications for Environmental Protection Specialist
- Academic background or professional experience as an Architectural Historian, Archaeologist, or Wildlife Biologist.
- Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply NEPA, ESA, and NHPA regulations.
- Experience managing complex stakeholder relationships in high-pressure environments.
- Proven proficiency in technical writing, including white papers, standard operating procedures, and consultation letters.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options.
- ✓Life and long-term care insurance.
- ✓Participation in the Federal Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent).
- ✓Flexible spending accounts and paid federal holidays.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
- ✓Tuition reimbursement programs.
- ✓Flexible work schedules and wellness initiatives.
💡 How to Apply Environmental Protection Specialist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Environmental Protection Specialist Job
- Create or update your USAJOBS profile.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
- Gather relevant transcripts or proof of education.
- Complete the online application and assessment questionnaire through the official portal.
- Ensure all contact information and employment dates are documented accurately.
- Monitor the Application Dashboard for status updates.
💡 General Tips
- Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all required fields are included.
- Do not copy and paste the job description verbatim into your resume; use your own words to describe your impact.
- Clearly list hours worked per week and specific dates of deployment if you have prior FEMA experience.
- Preview the questionnaire before starting to ensure you have necessary documentation ready.
- Ensure all documents are uploaded as legible PDF files in English.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a CORE position?
CORE stands for Cadre of On-Call Response/Recovery Employee. These are full-time, non-permanent appointments hired under the Stafford Act to support specific disaster recovery missions.
Can I qualify with only education?
Yes, this position allows for qualification based on a combination of graduate-level education and relevant experience depending on the grade level applied for.
Will I have to travel?
Yes. This position requires readiness to deploy to disaster sites nationwide with little notice, which may involve austere living conditions.
Job from Federal Emergency Management Agency
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and FEMA are at the forefront of protecting American interests. FEMA’s mission is clear: to help people before, during, and after disasters. By joining the Mitigation Division, you become part of a team dedicated to making communities more resilient against future disasters through careful planning and environmental oversight.