Become a FEMA Environmental Protection Specialist: Your Role in National Recovery
Disasters can reshape the landscape of our country, but they also offer a vital opportunity to rebuild stronger, safer, and more sustainably. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is currently looking for a dedicated Environmental Protection Specialist (IC-13) to lead this critical charge. If you are a technical expert passionate about environmental stewardship and disaster resilience, this role offers a career that truly makes a difference.
Job Responsibilities
As a senior technical expert within the Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation (EHP) Cadre, your daily work will be essential to successful disaster recovery. Your primary responsibilities will include:
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring all FEMA-funded projects meet environmental and historic preservation standards.
- Interagency Consultation: Leading consultations under the Endangered Species Act, National Historic Preservation Act, and other critical federal laws.
- Technical Guidance: Acting as the primary point of contact for EHP-related questions for regional leadership.
- Project Oversight: Reviewing public assistance and hazard mitigation grants for potential environmental impacts.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen.
- Experience: One year of specialized experience at the IC-12 level (or equivalent) is mandatory.
- Availability: You must be ready to deploy nationwide with little notice for extended periods.
- Background: Ability to pass a Public Trust/Moderate Risk investigation.
Skills Comparison
| Feature | Requirement Status |
|---|---|
| Background Check | Mandatory |
| Nationwide Travel | Frequent |
| Resume Length | 2 Pages Max |
| Degree Required | No (Experience-based) |
Salary and Benefits
The salary for this IC-13 position ranges from $106,437 to $172,980 per year. In addition to a competitive salary, employees enjoy:
- Comprehensive health, vision, and dental plans.
- Retirement and Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style) options.
- Paid federal holidays and generous leave policies.
- Continuous professional development opportunities.
Application Tips
- Be Precise: Do not just list duties. Include accomplishments and specific outcomes.
- Follow Formatting: Your resume must be two pages or less. Submissions exceeding this limit will be disqualified.
- Review the Questionnaire: Preview the online questions early to ensure your resume addresses the core competencies requested.
Serving as a FEMA Environmental Protection Specialist is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the safety and preservation of our nation's history and natural resources. If you have the drive to assist in disaster recovery, apply today to start your journey with FEMA.
Why This Environmental Protection Specialist Job Matters
Are you a seasoned environmental expert ready to make a tangible impact during the nation's most critical disaster recovery efforts?
Environmental Protection Specialist Job Overview
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is seeking a skilled Environmental Protection Specialist (IC-13) to join our Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation (EHP) Cadre. This role serves as a senior technical authority during disaster response and recovery, ensuring that federal projects comply with vital environmental and historic preservation laws. As a CORE (Cadre of On-Call Response/Recovery Employee), you will be at the forefront of mission-critical operations, working to mitigate adverse effects on resources while facilitating essential recovery projects across the United States.
Requirements for Environmental Protection Specialist
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Must pass a Public Trust/Moderate Risk background investigation.
- Must be willing to deploy on short notice to locations nationwide for extended periods.
- Possess one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the IC-12 level in the Federal government.
- Selective Service registration if applicable.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Government credit card.
- Complete a mandatory three-week, in-person training course in Emmitsburg, MD, within six months of hire.
Preferred Qualifications for Environmental Protection Specialist
- Expertise in the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
- Direct experience with the Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act, or National Historic Preservation Act.
- Demonstrated ability to coordinate with state/tribal historic preservation offices and federal resource agencies.
- Proven experience overseeing environmental compliance for grant-funded projects (e.g., Public Assistance or Hazard Mitigation).
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options.
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
- ✓Generous federal retirement programs.
- ✓Paid federal holidays and personal leave accrual.
- ✓Access to Employee Assistance Programs and wellness initiatives.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
💡 How to Apply Environmental Protection Specialist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Environmental Protection Specialist Job
- Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages.
- Ensure your resume details specific dates, job titles, and hours worked per week.
- Visit the official application portal via the link provided.
- Complete the required online occupational assessment questionnaire.
- Upload all necessary documentation, including SF-50s if you are a current or former federal employee.
- Submit the application before the closing date of November 12, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Do not copy and paste the job announcement text into your resume; provide specific accomplishments in your own words.
- Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder for the best results.
- Ensure your resume is formatted clearly to highlight relevant experience at the IC-12 level or equivalent.
- Check your application status frequently via your dashboard.
- Preview the questionnaire before starting to ensure you have all necessary information ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a CORE employee?
CORE stands for Cadre of On-Call Response/Recovery Employee. These are full-time, non-permanent employees hired under the Robert T. Stafford Act to support FEMA's disaster missions.
Is travel required for this position?
Yes. This position requires the ability to deploy to disaster sites nationwide on short notice, often for extended periods under challenging conditions.
Is there educational substitution for this role?
*A: No, this role requires specific specialized experience rather than educational substitution.*
What is the training requirement?
*A: You must attend a three-week, in-person training program in Emmitsburg, Maryland within six months of your start date.*
Job from Federal Emergency Management Agency
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and FEMA are at the heart of America's defense against crises. Our mission is to help people before, during, and after disasters. We coordinate across all levels of government to ensure our nation is prepared for the unexpected. Working at FEMA means becoming part of a community that values problem-solving, integrity, and service.