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Disaster Response Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

University of Rochester

$77K - $116K/yr

Acts as the Incident Response Lead during disaster events, coordinating recovery efforts and communication with stakeholders. Supports IT Operations Office On-Call / after-hours support requirements.

Air Evac Lifeteam

AEL Helicopter Pilot - HAA

Memphis, TN · On-site

$87K - $95K/yr

We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare solutions and disaster response. This is an evergreen role with no anticipated close date. EEO Statement:

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How much do disaster response jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for disaster response in Tennessee is $18.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.72 and $20.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in disaster response, and how can they be managed?

Disaster response professionals often face unpredictable and rapidly changing situations, which can include logistical hurdles, communication breakdowns, and emotional stress. Managing these challenges requires strong adaptability, clear protocols, and effective teamwork. Regular training, mental health support, and reliable communication systems are essential to maintaining resilience and performance in high-pressure environments. Building strong relationships with local agencies and community members also helps streamline coordination and resource allocation during emergencies.

What is the difference between Disaster Response vs Emergency Medical Technician?

AspectDisaster ResponseEmergency Medical Technician
Required CredentialsDisaster response training, certifications in emergency management, first aid, and sometimes specialized coursesEMT certification, CPR, first aid
Work EnvironmentField operations during disasters, including natural and man-made events, often in challenging conditionsPre-hospital emergency care, ambulances, hospitals
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, NGOs, emergency management firmsAmbulance services, hospitals, clinics

Disaster Response involves coordinating and providing aid during large-scale emergencies, often requiring specialized training and working in challenging environments. Emergency Medical Technicians focus on providing immediate medical care in emergency settings, primarily within healthcare and ambulance services. While both roles respond to emergencies, Disaster Response covers broader disaster management activities, whereas EMTs specialize in medical treatment.

What job pays the most in emergency response?

In emergency response, high-paying roles include disaster response managers, emergency management directors, and specialized rescue team leaders, often earning six-figure salaries. These positions typically require advanced certifications, leadership skills, and experience in crisis management or logistics.

What Are Disaster Response Jobs?

Disaster response jobs focus on providing emergency relief after a natural or human-made disaster. In this role, you may be asked to take action shortly after a disaster occurs, help with planning and preparation before disasters strike, and help with management during a crisis. The jobs themselves take a variety of forms, from working on the ground to rescue people and pass out supplies to managing communications or raising public awareness about threats. State and federal governments provide many disaster response jobs, but many non-profit and humanitarian organizations also respond to disasters. These roles are not the same as firefighters or police. While both help with disasters, disaster response jobs focus on events like earthquakes, major wildfires, or outbreaks of disease.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Disaster Response, and why are they important?

To thrive in Disaster Response, you need a solid background in emergency management, risk assessment, and crisis intervention, often supported by relevant degrees or certifications such as FEMA training or Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) credentials. Familiarity with incident command systems, GIS mapping tools, and emergency communication platforms is typically required. Strong problem-solving, adaptability, and teamwork skills help responders manage high-pressure situations and coordinate effectively with diverse agencies. These abilities are crucial for ensuring rapid, organized, and effective responses to emergencies, minimizing harm and aiding affected communities.

Do disaster responders get paid?

Disaster responders are typically paid for their work, especially if they are employed by government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private companies. Compensation varies based on the role, experience, and organization, and may include salary, stipends, or hazard pay, particularly during active disaster response efforts.

What is disaster response?

Disaster response refers to the coordinated efforts and actions taken immediately following a disaster to save lives, reduce health impacts, ensure public safety, and meet the basic needs of affected communities. This phase includes activities such as search and rescue, providing emergency shelter, distributing food and water, and offering medical care. Disaster response is carried out by a range of organizations, including government agencies, humanitarian groups, and emergency services. The goal is to stabilize the situation quickly and lay the groundwork for recovery.

How hard is it to get hired at FEMA?

Getting hired at FEMA for disaster response roles typically requires relevant experience, such as emergency management, logistics, or public safety, along with a strong understanding of disaster operations. The application process can be competitive, often involving multiple interviews, background checks, and sometimes security clearances or certifications like ICS or NIMS. Candidates should also demonstrate adaptability and the ability to work in high-pressure environments.
More about Disaster Response jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Disaster Response jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Disaster Response jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Disaster Response jobs in Tennessee? For Disaster Response jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Disaster Response jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Disaster Response jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Disaster Response jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Disaster Response job openings:
Disaster Response jobs near you
Infographic showing various Disaster Response job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,943 per year, or $18.7 per hour.

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Volunteer

Sevier, County of (TN)

Sevierville, TN

Other

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Position Summary The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Volunteer assists Sevier County Emergency Management in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from emergencies and disasters. Volunteers receive training in basic disaster response skills and provide support to first responders, assist communities during crises, and promote emergency preparedness. This is an unpaid, volunteer position.

Essential Duties Participate in CERT training sessions and exercises to develop emergency response skills. Provide assistance during disasters, including but not limited to first aid, search and rescue, and disaster assessment. Support community preparedness initiatives, such as public education events, disaster drills, and emergency planning activities.

Assist in distributing supplies, setting up emergency shelters, and providing logistical support as needed. Communicate effectively with emergency management personnel and other volunteers during activation. Maintain readiness by attending refresher training and staying informed about emergency procedures.

Operate under the direction of emergency management officials while adhering to safety protocols. Position Qualifications Must be at least 18 years of age. Reside in or have a strong connection to Sevier County.

Ability to complete CERT basic training and any required supplemental training. Physically capable of performing light search and rescue, medical triage, and other response duties. Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Willingness to respond to emergency situations when activated. No prior emergency response experience required, but beneficial. Supplemental Information Training and Time Commitment: Completion of CERT Basic Training Course (typically 20-30 hours).

Participation in periodic training exercises and meetings. Activation during emergencies, as needed, based on availability Benefits of Volunteering: Gain valuable emergency response skills and disaster preparedness knowledge. Serve the community by assisting during emergencies and disasters.

Network with emergency management professionals and fellow volunteers. Contribute to a safer and more resilient Sevier County. Sevier County Government is an equal opportunity organization and encourages community members from diverse backgrounds to participate in the CERT program.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of the activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional duties as assigned. Management reserves the right to change this job description at any time with or without notice according to business needs.

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