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Disaster Management Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Switchboard Operator

Elk Grove Village, IL · On-site

$19.22 - $26.01/hr

Communicate codes, alerts, drills and other announcements according to established policies and protocols, including disaster management plans. What minimum qualifications you'll need Education:

Showing results 21-40

Disaster Management information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$19

$42

$77

How much do disaster management jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for disaster management in Chicago, IL is $42.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.97 and $49.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is disaster management?

Disaster management is the process of preparing for, responding to, and recovering from natural or man-made disasters such as earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, or industrial accidents. It involves coordinating resources, creating emergency plans, and implementing strategies to minimize the impact of disasters on people, property, and the environment. Professionals in disaster management work with government agencies, non-profits, and communities to ensure effective risk reduction, preparedness, response, and recovery efforts.

What are the qualifications to get a job in disaster management?

The qualifications that you need to start a career in disaster management include critical thinking skills, a relevant degree or job experience, and the ability to work under pressure on a limited time frame. Disaster management specialists may have a degree in logistics, emergency management, or public administration. Though employers may not require professional certification, you can earn it through the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM). Some organizations and agencies may prefer to hire specialists with military training or people who have volunteer experience with the Red Cross or another relief organization.

What are some common challenges faced by disaster management professionals when coordinating multi-agency response efforts?

Disaster management professionals often encounter challenges such as communication barriers, differing organizational priorities, and resource allocation conflicts when coordinating with multiple agencies during emergencies. Effectively integrating efforts between government bodies, NGOs, and private sector partners requires strong leadership, clear protocols, and adaptability to rapidly changing situations. Building strong relationships and participating in joint training exercises can help mitigate these challenges and improve overall response effectiveness.

What is the difference between Disaster Management vs Emergency Response Coordinator?

Disaster ManagementEmergency Response Coordinator
Focuses on planning, preparedness, mitigation, and recovery for disastersExecutes immediate response actions during emergencies
Requires certifications like PMP, ICS, or emergency management degreesRequires certifications such as ICS, first aid, and emergency response training
Works in government agencies, NGOs, or disaster management firmsWorks in emergency services, hospitals, or public safety organizations

Disaster Management involves strategic planning and long-term recovery efforts, while Emergency Response Coordinators focus on immediate action during crises. Both roles require similar certifications and often work within the same industries, but their core responsibilities differ significantly.

Is disaster management a good career?

Disaster management is a vital field that involves coordinating emergency response efforts, planning, and recovery operations. It requires strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills, often involving work in high-pressure environments and certifications such as the Incident Command System (ICS). The career offers opportunities in government agencies, NGOs, and private sectors focused on disaster preparedness and response.

What are the most commonly searched types of Disaster Management jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Disaster Management jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Disaster Management jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Disaster Management jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Disaster Management job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,052 per year, or $42.8 per hour.

Strategy and Transformation Senior Consultant

Guidehouse

Chicago, IL • On-site

$89K - $148K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 26 days ago


Guidehouse rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

35th of 72 rated business consultants


Job description

Job Family:
Strategy & Transformation Consulting
Travel Required:
Up to 10%
Clearance Required:
Ability to Obtain Public Trust
What You Will Do:
As a Strategy and Transformation Senior Consultant, you will facilitate relationship-building between federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) governments and key business and industry stakeholders within a FEMA region to encourage collaboration and mutual support between all parties. During an emergency declaration, you will be responsible for facilitating information-sharing among key business and industry stakeholders on the status of major businesses and local utilities to distribute operational information and identify resolutions to support economic resilience during emergency management operations.
Duties will include:
  • Utilizing Geographic Information System (GIS) services such as ArcGIS to analyze and present supply chain, business, and economic impacts, trends, and predictions
  • Developing and implementing collaborative actions with business and industry stakeholders and local economies impacted by a disaster
  • Facilitating the inclusion of business and industry partners in regional emergency management planning, training, and exercise activities
  • Serving as a conduit of communication and coordination between federal government and local or regional business and industry entities
  • Engaging and integrating with regional-level business and industry partners to understand context, capability and capacity of business and industry to ensure alignment
  • Assessing, building, and improving upon existing regional federal emergency management, business, and industry integration processes
  • Contributing to the development and expansion of federal business and industry coordination roles across the nation
  • Documenting best practices to support the development of standard operating procedures
  • Understanding of national supply chain dynamics resulting from disasters

What You Will Need:
  • Must be able to OBTAIN and MAINTAIN a Federal or DoD "PUBLIC TRUST"; candidates must obtain approved adjudication of their PUBLIC TRUST prior to onboarding with Guidehouse.
  • Bachelor's degree
  • SIX (6) years of experience in/or applicable to the emergency disaster management field
  • Experience using Geographic Information System (GIS) services such as ArcGIS to analyze and present supply chain, business, and economic impacts, trends, and predictions
  • Direct experience or familiarity with FEMA or DHS
  • Familiarity with the National Response and Recovery Framework (NRF) and (NDRF) respectively.
  • Work on-site at the FEMA Region 5 office (Chicago, IL) 5 days/week.

What Would Be Nice To Have:
  • Candidates with an ACTIVE PUBLIC TRUST or SUITABILITY are preferred
  • Familiarity with how private sector and industry integrates with the federal government.
  • Experience with public affairs, community affairs, and strategic communications
  • Strong written and oral communication skills
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Suite applications

The annual salary range for this position is $89,000.00-$148,000.00. Compensation decisions depend on a wide range of factors, including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, security clearances, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs.
What We Offer:
Guidehouse offers a comprehensive, total rewards package that includes competitive compensation and a flexible benefits package that reflects our commitment to creating a diverse and supportive workplace.
Benefits include:
  • Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Personal and Family Sick Time & Company Paid Holidays
  • Position may be eligible for a discretionary variable incentive bonus
  • Parental Leave and Adoption Assistance
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Basic Life & Supplemental Life
  • Health Savings Account, Dental/Vision & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
  • Student Loan PayDown
  • Tuition Reimbursement, Personal Development & Learning Opportunities
  • Skills Development & Certifications
  • Employee Referral Program
  • Corporate Sponsored Events & Community Outreach
  • Emergency Back-Up Childcare Program
  • Mobility Stipend

About Guidehouse
Guidehouse is an Equal Opportunity Employer-Protected Veterans, Individuals with Disabilities or any other basis protected by law, ordinance, or regulation.
Guidehouse will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law or ordinance including the Fair Chance Ordinance of Los Angeles and San Francisco.
If you have visited our website for information about employment opportunities, or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation, please contact Guidehouse Recruiting at 1-571-633-1711 or via email at RecruitingAccommodation@guidehouse.com. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodation.
All communication regarding recruitment for a Guidehouse position will be sent from Guidehouse email domains including @guidehouse.com or guidehouse@myworkday.com. Correspondence received by an applicant from any other domain should be considered unauthorized and will not be honored by Guidehouse. Note that Guidehouse will never charge a fee or require a money transfer at any stage of the recruitment process and does not collect fees from educational institutions for participation in a recruitment event. Never provide your banking information to a third party purporting to need that information to proceed in the hiring process.
If any person or organization demands money related to a job opportunity with Guidehouse, please report the matter to Guidehouse's Ethics Hotline. If you want to check the validity of correspondence you have received, please contact recruiting@guidehouse.com. Guidehouse is not responsible for losses incurred (monetary or otherwise) from an applicant's dealings with unauthorized third parties.
Guidehouse does not accept unsolicited resumes through or from search firms or staffing agencies. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Guidehouse and Guidehouse will not be obligated to pay a placement fee.

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