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Disaster Reservist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ICF's Disaster Management Division seeks a Disaster Recovery Grant Administrator - Reservist On Call to join our team. This ON-CALL position will require travel to client offices, disaster recovery ...

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Disaster Reservist information

What are some common challenges Disaster Reservists face when deployed to emergency situations?

Disaster Reservists often encounter rapidly changing conditions, long hours, and high-stress environments while assisting communities affected by disasters. They must be adaptable, able to work in diverse teams, and prepared to handle unpredictable workloads as the situation evolves. Communication and collaboration with multiple agencies are crucial, and Reservists may need to adjust to working in unfamiliar locations with limited resources. These challenges require resilience, flexibility, and strong problem-solving skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Disaster Reservist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Disaster Reservist, you need strong problem-solving abilities, emergency response experience, and often a background in crisis management or public safety. Familiarity with incident command systems, emergency management software, and certifications like FEMA courses are typically required. Flexibility, resilience, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for adapting to unpredictable environments and working with diverse teams. These skills ensure quick, coordinated, and effective disaster response and recovery efforts in high-pressure situations.

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

Disaster ReservistEmergency Management Coordinator
Typically holds certifications like ICS or FEMA trainingRequires similar certifications, often with additional degrees in emergency management
Works in a support or standby role during disastersLeads planning, coordination, and response efforts
Employed by government agencies or organizations for temporary deploymentFull-time position within organizations or government agencies

Disaster Reservists are primarily support personnel activated during emergencies, while Emergency Management Coordinators oversee and lead disaster response efforts. Both roles require similar certifications and work within the emergency management industry, but their responsibilities and employment status differ significantly.

What are Disaster Reservists?

Disaster Reservists are temporary, on-call employees who assist during emergency situations such as natural disasters or other crises. They are typically hired by organizations like FEMA to support disaster response and recovery efforts, performing tasks such as damage assessment, logistics, community outreach, and administrative support. Reservists are activated when a disaster occurs and may work for weeks or months until the situation stabilizes. Their role is crucial in helping affected communities recover and rebuild after emergencies.
More about Disaster Reservist jobs
Infographic showing various Disaster Reservist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 17% Internship, 17% Full Time, and 66% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Job description

It's a great feeling to work for a company that does so much good for others around the world!

Education Req: Required - Four-year bachelor's degree in emergency management, Homeland Security, Public Administration or related field preferred, but not required. Candidates without a bachelor's degree may substitute one year of relevant work experience for each year of education. Applicants are required to demonstrate prior completion of Incident Command System training, including the following FEMA independent study courses:
IS-100.c Incident Command System
IS-200.b ICS for Single Resources
IS-700.b National Incident Management System
IS-800.c National Response Framework
* Proof of course completion for each course above will be required for consideration.

Experience Req: Required - Experience working for a government agency in a first responder capacity (Fire, Rescue, EMS, Law Enforcement, Public Health, Emergency Management or equivalent), or recent graduate in areas of study related to Emergency Management, Fire/EMS, Homeland Security or Public Administration.

Preferred ICS Courses
ICS 300 - Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents
ICS 400 - Advanced ICS Command and General Staff - Complex Incidents


Summary: National EMR consistently seeks talented and hard-working individuals who are eager to assist impacted communities and first responders on an "as needed basis" as reservist employees. Reservists (YOU) are part of an elite, all-hazards response cadre who are available to work intermittently, commit to working when needed, and travel/deploy within 24-48 hours. The cadre plays a key role in keeping National EMR ready to deploy the right people in the right jobs quickly in an emergency management situation. These situations could include hurricane responses, mass shooting(s), wildfire responses, and more. As a company we have responded to every major US incident that has occurred in the last 25 years. We are proud of our record and reputation but recognize we can't do this without our reservists. Reservists are often retired local, state, or federal civil service employees who consider this line of work as a movement or a calling. Is this your calling? Are you ready to serve?

This is NOT a full-time job. Reservists may be deployed to fulfill any role specifically related to the incident, and deployment roles will be based on reservists' skills, performance, and experience. National EMR does not guarantee length or frequency of deployments. You will be paid for the actual number of hours worked. Pay scales are based on the job classification as determined by National EMR.

National EMR was built on the premise of filling gaps and serving those with the greatest needs in a disaster. National EMR has spent most of our time in the emergency support functions (ESF) of mass care, emergency assistance, housing, human services, public health, and medical services as our core mission areas. Reservists are responsible for maintaining personal readiness and your "active/eligible" status. Reservists will be entering into a fast-paced, ever-shifting, high-pressure environment. You are expected to perform well, make informed decisions, and be prepared to work nights, weekends, and holidays.

To successfully perform the essential functions of a reservist, the employee may be expected to perform the following, with or without reasonable accommodations, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Responsibilities and Duties:
Reservists may be assigned to any role within an emergency response under the Incident Command System
(ICS) structure. Duties include, but are not limited to:

1. Understand and adhere to the National EMR Policies and Procedures Manual, Uniform Handbook, and Operations Manual.
2. Maintain personal readiness to deploy within 6-12 hours of activation, including updated availability in National EMR's mobile application.
3. Complete agency-directed training through the learning management system, including Just-In-Time (JIT) training and mission-specific modules.
4. Promote a culture of safety by identifying hazards, reporting safety concerns immediately, and following established safety protocols.
5. Foster a culture that encourages team members to work safely, identify potential hazards, and report safety concerns immediately to their direct chain of command.
6. Maintain active status within the agency's platforms, including learning management systems to complete training that may be directed toward self-improvement, mission-specifics, or Just-In-Time (JIT) training.
7. Participate in, assist, or supervise a workforce that will conduct disaster preparedness, response, and recovery initiatives as needed.
8. Be receptive and flexible to serve in any position when responding to critical circumstances which may have obstacles and/or challenges that need to be overcome.
9. Be able to solve day-to-day operational issues and reach short-term performance goals.
10. Support survivors and communities during disasters by being readily available to assist at a moment's notice.
11. Maintain personal readiness to deploy within 6-12 hours of activation.
12. Update upcoming availability within the National EMR's mobile application by the 27th of each month to respond when needed.
13. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:
1. Must maintain deployable status and the physical/mental readiness to work in emergency environments on short notice.
2. Adhere to high standards of professional integrity and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and workplace expectations.
3. Provide proof of valid driver's license and driving record in good standing with no restrictions (subject to review annually).
4. Successfully pass a background check and drug screening (pre-deployment or random).
5. Demonstrate the ability to:
a. Work collaboratively across disciplines and communicate effectively (verbal and written).
b. Respond sensitively to diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and community needs.
c. Navigate high-stress environments with sound judgment and composure.
d. Operate independently or as part of a multidisciplinary team with limited supervision.
e. Use Microsoft Office and communication tools (radio, satellite phone, mobile apps).
f. Respond sensitively and competently to the service population's cultural and socio-economic characteristics.
g. Maintain professional skills, including strong interpersonal and non-verbal communication.
h. Perform physical activity such as extensive walking, stretching, bending, and occasionally lifting and/or exceeding 50 lbs.
6. Must be capable of maintaining physical endurance and focus during extended operations (12-hour shifts, nights, weekends, holidays).
7. Must be available for on-call duty and may be required to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, to support emergency response and deployment operations.
8. Other duties, as assigned.

English (United States)

If you like to work with people that believe they can make a difference in the world, this is the company for you!

EEO Statement

In accordance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other applicable federal and state laws (e.g., the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is our policy to provide equal employment opportunity and treat all employees equally regardless of race, religion, national origin, color, sex,or any other classification made unlawful or prohibited by federal, state and/or local laws, such as age, citizenship status, veteran or military status, or disability. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, training, working conditions, transfer, job assignments, benefits, layoff, and termination.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.