Advance Your Career: Supervisory Environmental Protection Specialist at FEMA
In the wake of disasters, the role of environmental planning and compliance is not just about paperwork—it is about ensuring that rebuilding efforts are sustainable, legal, and safe. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is currently searching for a high-level leader to serve as a Supervisory Environmental Protection Specialist in Lake Mary, Florida. This position offers a unique chance to combine technical expertise with administrative leadership in one of the most mission-driven agencies in the United States.
Job Responsibilities
As a Supervisory Environmental Protection Specialist, your daily operations will be dynamic and impactful. Key duties include:
- Technical Leadership: Overseeing complex project reviews and determining appropriate NEPA documentation strategies.
- Staff Management: Directing the work of EHP (Environmental and Historic Preservation) staff, conducting performance evaluations, and fostering a collaborative team environment.
- Compliance Expertise: Providing authoritative advice on critical regulations, including the Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act, and the National Historic Preservation Act.
- Stakeholder Coordination: Serving as the primary liaison between FEMA programs, regulatory bodies, and community partners to resolve unprecedented issues during recovery projects.
Requirements
Success in this role requires a candidate who is prepared for the unique nature of emergency management.
- Experience: Applicants must demonstrate one year of specialized experience at the IC-12 level or higher.
- Security: You must pass a Public Trust - Moderate Risk background check.
- Deployment Readiness: This is a key requirement. You must be prepared to deploy to disaster sites nationwide on short notice.
Salary and Comparison Table
The salary range for this position is $106,437 – $138,370 per year. Below is a brief comparison of typical roles in this field:
| Feature | Supervisory Specialist | Standard Specialist |
|---|---|---|
| Leadership Scope | Team/Division Oversight | Individual Project Focus |
| Complexity | High (Multi-stakeholder) | Moderate (Single project) |
| Deployment Requirement | Frequent/Strategic | As needed |
Benefits
FEMA offers a robust federal benefits package, including:
- Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
- Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
- Paid holidays and personal time off.
- Continuous professional development and tuition reimbursement.
Application Tips
To stand out, focus your resume on quantifiable accomplishments. Use specific dates, grades, and hours per week to detail your experience. Ensure your application stays within the two-page limit, as longer resumes will be automatically rejected. Lastly, prepare to answer the online questionnaire, as this is a critical part of the initial screening process.
This role is a rare opportunity to lead during times of crisis, providing critical technical guidance when communities need it most. If you are an experienced environmental professional ready to step into a leadership role with a national impact, apply to the FEMA Supervisory Environmental Protection Specialist position today.
Why This Supervisory Environmental Protection Specialist Job Matters
Lead critical environmental recovery efforts and ensure national resilience as a Supervisory Environmental Protection Specialist with FEMA.
Supervisory Environmental Protection Specialist Job Overview
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is seeking a dedicated and experienced Supervisory Environmental Protection Specialist to join the Regional Office in Lake Mary, Florida. This is a vital leadership role within the Cadre of On-Call Response/Recovery (CORE) program, where you will manage complex environmental and historic preservation compliance reviews essential to disaster recovery. You will serve as both a technical authority and a manager, guiding staff through the intricacies of federal environmental laws while ensuring project compliance and sustainability. This position is ideal for a seasoned professional looking to make a direct impact on community safety and national disaster preparedness.
Requirements for Supervisory Environmental Protection Specialist
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Must possess at least one year of specialized experience at the IC-12 level (or equivalent).
- Must undergo and maintain a Public Trust - Moderate Risk background investigation.
- Must be available for travel with little or no advance notice for extended periods.
- Must maintain a Government credit card.
- Selective Service registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Environmental Protection Specialist
- Extensive experience in managing NEPA, NHPA, ESA, CWA, and CAA compliance.
- Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams and manage multi-stakeholder environmental projects.
- Proven history of providing technical guidance and developing procedural documents.
- Capability to independently evaluate highly complex project proposals under tight deadlines.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
- ✓Federal retirement benefits and Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent).
- ✓Paid federal holidays and generous personal leave.
- ✓Flexible work schedules and wellness programs.
- ✓Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities.
- ✓Access to fitness centers and employee assistance programs.
💡 How to Apply Supervisory Environmental Protection Specialist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Supervisory Environmental Protection Specialist Job
- Log in or register on USAJOBS.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages.
- Ensure your resume includes detailed descriptions of your duties, hours worked, and employment dates.
- Submit your application, including your resume and the required occupational questionnaire, before the November 16, 2026 deadline.
- Monitor your status via the USAJOBS Application Dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Do not copy/paste duty descriptions from the job posting; use your own words to describe your accomplishments.
- Ensure your resume clearly defines your experience in terms of grades and timeframes for any previous federal work.
- Focus your resume on highlighting leadership and technical environmental compliance experience.
- Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all mandatory information is captured.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a CORE employee?
CORE stands for Cadre of On-Call Response/Recovery Employee. These are full-time staff hired under the Stafford Act to support specific disaster response and recovery missions. They are non-permanent but often lead to further opportunities.
Is travel required for this position?
Yes. This position requires the ability to deploy to emergency sites across the U.S. and its territories, often with little notice and for varying durations, including in austere conditions.
Is there an educational substitution for this role?
No, this position requires specific specialized experience as outlined in the requirements section.
What is the work schedule like?
As a FEMA employee, you are subject to 24/7 recall for emergency management, which may include irregular hours.
Job from Federal Emergency Management Agency
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and FEMA are at the forefront of national resilience. Whether preventing threats, securing borders, or responding to catastrophic weather events, the workforce at FEMA is dedicated to helping people before, during, and after disasters. Working for FEMA means joining a team of problem-solvers and community builders who work tirelessly to keep America prepared.