Careers in emergency management can be defined narrowly (e.g., referring only to individuals who plan for and respond to large-scale disasters), but they can also encompass other types of first responders, ranging from emergency medical technicians (EMTs) to police officers to firefighters. They can also include homeland security agents and similar federal officials, especially considering that these professionals often work to prevent and respond to acts of terror.
The following are some examples of common types of emergency management careers that you might consider pursuing.
An emergency management planner may also be called an “emergency management assistant.” This is typically an entry-level position that involves developing emergency operations plans. These professionals usually work under the direction and supervision of the emergency management specialist and director.
After gaining several years of experience in an entry-level role, you may qualify to pursue a mid-level position, such as that of emergency management specialist. As a specialist, you may have somewhat more autonomy, depending on your employer. You would likely be responsible for advising the director or coordinator, liaising with others in related departments/agencies and developing plans, such as hurricane evacuation plans and hazardous material response plans.
The emergency management director (sometimes called the “emergency management coordinator”) is typically the top leader in the department. They are responsible for overseeing and directing all of the activities of the emergency management specialists and planners. The director often liaises with other top officials, such as the police chief, budget director, fire chief, mayor and director of public works.
Depending on the specific work environment, the director may also be involved with writing emergency response plans, or they may primarily review the work of planners. Other tasks can include the following:
- Assess location-specific and non-location-specific hazards, and assess the feasibility of response plans
- In the event of an emergency, organize staff, first responders and volunteers, and oversee the implementation of the appropriate response plan
- Coordinate the distribution of equipment and resources in the aftermath of an emergency
- Assess and develop assessments of damage following an emergency
- Initiate applications for federal funding for emergency management planning, response and recoveries, and fulfill monetary tracking and reporting requirements
- Ensure the proper maintenance of facilities, equipment and resources used for emergency response and recovery
Communication and coordination are critical functions for an emergency management director. A director must routinely meet with community groups as well as school and hospital officials to discuss response plans and explore the need for training programs. In the event of an emergency, directors may appear on TV during press conferences to keep the public apprised of what is happening, where the evacuation routes are and how the public can access needed resources.
The job of an emergency management director is not an entry-level one. It requires a strong academic background and many years of experience in the field.
The job of a business continuity manager is similar to that of an emergency management director. However, a business continuity manager works for a hospital, university, private company or similar organization.
These professionals perform work that is similar to the tasks of an emergency management director. However, they also focus on assessing how their organization might be affected by an emergency, and how the organization should respond to the emergency. A business continuity manager will be concerned with minimizing losses to the organization, both during and in the aftermath of an emergency.
Homeland security agents play a vital role in protecting the country from threats. Their focus is on preventing emergency situations, but agents can also respond to emergencies as they occur. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has five main mission areas in which their agents may specialize:
- Law enforcement
- Immigration and travel security
- Prevention and response
- Mission support
- Cybersecurity
The requirements to become a DHS agent depend on the specific career path you choose. For instance, some positions call for a license to fly helicopters, while others require foreign language skills or cybersecurity proficiencies. Because of the great diversity in requirements across mission areas, you should do some research to see which DHS career path is best for you.
