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Emergency Planning Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Experience with emergency preparedness and continuity planning * Strong oral and written ... communication skills * Experience delivering presentations to executive-level leadership

Experience with emergency preparedness and continuity planning * Strong oral and written ... communication skills * Experience delivering presentations to executive-level leadership

Experience with emergency preparedness and continuity planning * Strong oral and written ... communication skills * Experience delivering presentations to executive-level leadership

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Showing results 1-20

Emergency Planning information

See Reston, VA salary details

$43.7K

$68.9K

$103.5K

How much do emergency planning jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for emergency planning in Reston, VA is $68,864.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,700.00 and $79,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is emergency planning?

Emergency planning is the process of preparing for potential emergencies, such as natural disasters, accidents, or other crises, to minimize their impact on people, property, and operations. Professionals in emergency planning develop strategies, create response plans, conduct drills, and coordinate with organizations and agencies to ensure a swift and effective response during emergencies. Their ultimate goal is to protect lives and ensure continuity of essential services by identifying risks and establishing clear procedures before an emergency occurs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in emergency planning?

To thrive in Emergency Planning, you need expertise in risk assessment, crisis management, and emergency response protocols, often supported by a degree in emergency management or a related field. Familiarity with incident command systems (ICS), emergency management software, and certifications like Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) are commonly required. Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills help professionals effectively coordinate with multiple agencies and stakeholders. These skills are vital for developing effective response plans, minimizing risk, and ensuring the safety and resilience of communities during emergencies.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in emergency planning roles, and how can they prepare to address them?

Professionals in Emergency Planning often face challenges such as coordinating with multiple agencies, keeping plans updated with evolving risks, and ensuring effective communication during crises. Staying proactive by conducting regular drills, fostering strong relationships with local and regional partners, and continually reviewing and revising emergency protocols can help address these challenges. Successful emergency planners are also adept at managing high-pressure situations and adapting quickly as circumstances change.

What is the difference between Emergency Planning vs Emergency Management?

AspectEmergency PlanningEmergency Management
CertificationsFEMA certifications, CERT trainingFEMA certifications, ICS, NIMS
Work EnvironmentDeveloping plans, risk assessmentsCoordinating response, implementing plans
Industry UsagePublic safety, government agenciesPublic safety, government, private sector
Search IntentDifference between planning rolesRoles in emergency response

Emergency Planning focuses on creating strategies and protocols to prepare for emergencies, while Emergency Management involves executing those plans during actual incidents. Both roles often overlap but differ in scope: planning is about preparation, management is about response and coordination during emergencies.

How to get a job in emergency planning?

To pursue a career in emergency planning, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in emergency management, public safety, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships, developing skills in risk assessment and crisis communication, and obtaining certifications like the Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) can improve job prospects. Strong organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills are essential in this field.

What are popular job titles related to Emergency Planning jobs in Reston, VA?

For Emergency Planning jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Emergency Planning jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Emergency Planning jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Emergency Planning jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Emergency Planning job openings:

Infographic showing various Emergency Planning job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,864 per year, or $33.1 per hour.

Emergency Management / Continuity Consultant

Wisconsin Land and Water | Jobs

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Emergency Management & Continuity Consultant

Heartland Consulting Location:Washington, DC โ€“ On-Site Employment:Full-Time Schedule:Mondayโ€“Friday, 8:00 AMโ€“4:00 PM Travel:Occasional travel within the National Capital Region and nationwide

Position Overview

Heartland Consulting is seeking an experiencedEmergency Management & Continuity Consultantto support aFederal Government client in Washington, DC.

The consultant will support enterpriseEmergency Management (EM), Continuity of Operations (COOP), Occupant Emergency Planning (OEP), and contingency planning programsfor 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.

Key Responsibilities

The consultant will:

  • 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 maintainOccupant 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 prepareAfter-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.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree and at leastfour years of relevant experience, OR at leasteight 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.

Preferred Qualifications

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

Security & Suitability

This position doesnot 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.

Place of Performance

The primary duty location isWashington, 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.