Emergency Planning Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Heartland Consulting

Location: Washington, DC – On-Site

Employment: Full-Time

Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM

Travel: Occasional travel within the National Capital Region and nationwide

Heartland Consulting is seeking an experienced Emergency Management & Continuity Consultant to support a Federal Government client in Washington, DC.

The consultant will support enterprise Emergency Management (EM), Continuity of Operations (COOP), Occupant Emergency Planning (OEP), and contingency planning programs for headquarters and geographically dispersed field locations.

This is a hands‑on consulting position for an experienced emergency management professional who can assess existing programs, identify gaps, develop and improve plans and policies, conduct readiness assessments, facilitate exercises and training, and provide actionable recommendations to Government leadership.

The work includes support aligned with federal continuity directives, occupant emergency requirements, emergency action planning, and all‑hazards preparedness.

• Evaluate existing Emergency Management and COOP processes, procedures, policies, and programs.


• Conduct program assessments to identify gaps, limiting factors, and areas requiring improvement.


• Evaluate and enhance Continuity of Operations planning.


• Assess orders of succession, delegations of authority, continuity facilities, continuity communications, and essential records management.


• Evaluate, establish, update, and maintain Occupant Emergency Plans (OEPs).


• Coordinate with building lessors and other stakeholders on emergency planning requirements.


• Evaluate facility infrastructure, security posture, and vulnerabilities to natural and human‑caused emergencies.


• Assess emergency communications, personnel accountability, relocation readiness, and life‑safety capabilities.


• Provide technical recommendations concerning emergency utilities, generators, and protective equipment.


• Assess and recommend Fire Protection Plans and Emergency Action Plans consistent with applicable OSHA requirements.


• Evaluate existing emergency management training, drills, exercises, After‑Action Reports, and Improvement Plans.


• Plan, coordinate, and facilitate tabletop, functional, and full‑scale exercises.


• Develop and conduct customized emergency management and continuity training.


• Facilitate and evaluate functional drills and prepare After‑Action Reports (AARs) and Improvement Plans (IPs).


• Research and recommend improvements to EM, COOP, and life‑safety readiness.


• Provide technical recommendations and briefings to Government leadership.


• Support emergency management initiatives at field locations nationwide as required.

• Bachelor's degree and at least four years of relevant experience, OR at least eight years of relevant experience without a bachelor's degree.


• Professional experience in emergency preparedness, homeland security, law enforcement, emergency management, continuity, or a closely related field.


• Subject‑matter knowledge of:




• Emergency Management programs


• Continuity of Operations (COOP)


• Occupant Emergency Planning (OEP)


• Contingency planning


• Emergency response and recovery




• Experience assessing programs and identifying operational or compliance gaps.


• Experience providing input into the development or improvement of policies and procedures.


• Experience with strategic planning and project execution.


• Experience developing, reviewing, or evaluating After‑Action Reports and Improvement Plans.


• Strong written and verbal communication skills.


• Ability to work independently and provide recommendations to senior Government stakeholders.


• Ability to work on‑site in Washington, DC and travel as required.

Preference may be given to candidates with:

• FEMA Master Continuity Practitioner (MCP)


• FEMA Professional Continuity Practitioner (PCP)


• Certified Emergency Manager (CEM)


• HSEEP training or significant exercise‑development experience


• Experience supporting Federal Government EM/COOP programs


• Experience developing or managing federal OEPs


• Facility emergency preparedness or life‑safety experience


• Experience conducting federal program assessments


• Experience supporting geographically dispersed facilities


• Familiarity with FCD‑1, FCD‑2, PPD‑40, OSHA Emergency Action Plan requirements, and federal occupant emergency guidance

This position does not require a security clearance.

The selected candidate must be eligible to satisfy applicable federal personnel security and background investigation requirements associated with routine access to Government facilities, information, and systems.

The primary duty location is Washington, DC.

The position is primarily on‑site during normal Government business hours. Occasional telework may be permitted with Government approval.

Travel may be required within the National Capital Region and to field locations throughout the United States.