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Home > Articles > Your Guide To Getting Hired At Fema
Your Guide to Getting Hired by FEMA
Interested in working at FEMA? Use this guide to easily find what jobs you can get and how to get them.
FEMA employs 20,000 employees. Since FEMA is a U.S. based agency, all of its employees are located in the U.S. The amount of employees varies widly based on location but offices are split into 10 regional control zones across the country. Before you apply to FEMA, be sure to check which region you state is in.
There are a variety of positions at FEMA, some of which may require specialized skills and trainings. When applying for a job at FEMA, you can apply to Emergency Mangement Specialist, Disaster Recovery Specialist, Logistics Coordinator, Field Operations Specialist, etc. FEMA hires for competitive full-time positions as well as reservists that are call upon on an as-needed basis.
These job opportunities are available across various departments including Emergency Management Operations, Logistics, Risk Analysis, and Public Information.
Before You Apply
Preparing ahead of time can significantly boost your chances of securing a position at FEMA.
Working at FEMA
Working for FEMA requires a mix of technical expertise, leadership qualities, and interpersonal skills. FEMA's mission to support disaster response and recovery demands employees with versatile skill sets. Key skills needed to suceed at FEMA are Emergency Management Knowledge, problem solving, and cultural competence. Specialized skills like data analytics and familiarity with the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS) will give you a leg-up over other candidates.
Company Culture and Values
✓ Compassion
✓ Integrity
✓ Fairness
✓ Respect
✓ Integrity
✓ Fairness
✓ Respect
Benefits and Compensation
✓ Health Insurance
✓ Retirement Plans
✓ Paid holidays, sick days, and PTO
✓ Work-life balance initiatives including flexible work schedules, telework opportunities, and wellness programs to promote a healthy work environment.
✓ Retirement Plans
✓ Paid holidays, sick days, and PTO
✓ Work-life balance initiatives including flexible work schedules, telework opportunities, and wellness programs to promote a healthy work environment.
References
When crafting a reference letter for a FEMA position, focus on showcasing your reliability, attention to detail, strong cultural competency, and ability to thrive in a fast-paced high-stakes environment. Highlighting your alignment with FEMA’s values—like teamwork, safety, integrity, and a people-focused approach—can strengthen the recommendation.
Always seek the reference's consent before listing them, and provide detailed information about your skills to help them craft a meaningful endorsement. Including specific examples of your work ethic or achievements will add depth to their support.
Resume
To assemble a compelling resume for FEMA, you should customize your application and resume to include specific qualifications and qualities listed in the job description. Before submitting your resume, review the posting to identify qualities and skills that are mentioned and incorporate these into the role descriptions, personal summary, and skills section of your resume.
A personal summary on a resume is a brief statement, usually 2–5 sentences, that highlights your key skills, achievements, career goals, and value as a professional. It is typically placed at the top of your resume, below your name and contact information, and is designed to quickly grab the employer's attention by presenting a snapshot of your qualifications.
Lastly, if you have any relevant licenses or certification (i.e. in emergency management) you should include those at the end of your resume.
Hiring Process
The hiring process at FEMA typically involves several steps to ensure candidates meet the agency’s standards for working in disaster management and emergency response roles.
FEMA posts open positions on USAJOBS, the federal government’s primary job portal. You will need to create a profile and then you will be able to search for positions based on location, job type, or specific job series. A FEMA HR representative will review your resume to ensure that you meet the basic qualifications and that you have any certifications that may be needed for the position. The next step will include skills assessments for certain positions. If you have the necessary qualifications and pass any needed skills assessments, an HR representative will contact you to arrange a virtual or in-person interview.
Lastly, because FEMA is a government agency, you will need to pass a background check and drug test before receiving your final offer.
Tips for Getting Hired at FEMA
If you're determined to secure a role at FEMA, these tips can guide you through the hiring process:
- Discuss FEMA mission and values during your interviews.
- If you do not already have the required licenses for a specific position, create a plan to obtain the certification and clearly outline it during your initial interview.
- Prepare for behavioral questions that focus on acting quickly, solving serious problems, and reacting in a crisis.
- Attend FEMA job fairs, emergency management conferences, or local events to meet FEMA representatives and learn about job opportunities.
- FEMA often hires for disaster assistance reservist positions, which can be a stepping stone to permanent employment. These roles allow you to gain experience and prove your skills in emergency management.
Conclusion
While getting hired at FEMA might feel daunting, the right preparation can set you up for success.
Why wait? Begin your application now!
Want to learn more about finding other jobs? Use the resources below to expand your search: