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Emergency Preparedness Jobs (NOW HIRING)

State of Maryland - MDH Local Health - Howard County

MD · On-site

The position helps ensure volunteer engagement and readiness.\r\n\r\n\r\nThis position is eligible for hybrid telework.\r\n POSITION DUTIES 60% Emergency Preparedness\r\n\r\n\r\n Assists with ...

State of Maryland

MD · On-site

$58K - $60K/yr

POSITION DUTIES 60% Emergency Preparedness * Assists with development, review, and revisions of EP plans with a focus on SNS and CRI plans, aligning with the state and federal plans * Updates and ...

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Emergency Preparedness information

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$93.7K

$147.5K

How much do emergency preparedness jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for emergency preparedness in the United States is $93,676.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,000.00 and $112,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is emergency preparedness?

Emergency preparedness refers to the planning, procedures, and training put in place to ensure individuals, organizations, and communities can effectively respond to and recover from emergencies and disasters. This includes creating emergency plans, conducting drills, assembling supplies, and coordinating with local agencies. The goal is to minimize harm, protect lives and property, and ensure a swift recovery when unexpected events such as natural disasters, pandemics, or other crises occur.

Is it hard to get hired by FEMA?

Getting hired by FEMA for emergency preparedness roles can be competitive, often requiring relevant experience, education, and security clearances. Candidates typically need strong organizational skills, knowledge of emergency management protocols, and sometimes certifications like ICS or NIMS. The hiring process involves multiple steps, including assessments and background checks.

What is the difference between Emergency Preparedness vs Emergency Management?

AspectEmergency PreparednessEmergency Management
FocusPlanning and training to prepare for emergenciesCoordinating response and recovery efforts during and after emergencies
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, CERT, ICS certificationsICS, NIMS, FEMA certifications
Work EnvironmentCommunity, corporate, or government settings focusing on preparedness activitiesOperational response teams, government agencies, disaster response scenarios

Emergency Preparedness involves developing plans and training to ensure readiness for emergencies, while Emergency Management encompasses the overall coordination, response, and recovery efforts during and after emergencies. Both roles often collaborate but focus on different stages of disaster management.

What Are Emergency Preparedness Jobs?

Emergency preparedness jobs focus on helping coordinate public safety efforts during a disaster or another crisis. These roles can take place at a variety of levels, from managing the evacuation of a hospital to overseeing the response to a major earthquake, wildfire, or hurricane. Many emergency preparedness jobs are found with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), but organizations in sensitive areas often hire people to create preparedness plans, ensure staff are trained, and verify that all procedures follow relevant state and federal regulations. The duties of an emergency preparedness job vary based on where you work and the area or site you are expected to manage. Individual buildings may only have one or two employees, while the city, county, state, and federal emergency response teams typically work as part of larger crews. Other public safety groups, such as law enforcement, often support emergency preparedness in the community and may have jobs specifically dedicated to education and outreach.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Emergency Preparedness, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Emergency Preparedness often encounter challenges such as coordinating across multiple departments, ensuring up-to-date training, and adapting plans to evolving risks. Effective communication and regular drills are essential to overcoming these obstacles. Additionally, building strong relationships with local agencies and stakeholders helps streamline response efforts and ensures everyone is aligned during an emergency. Staying proactive with continuous education and scenario planning can also make a significant difference in preparedness and response effectiveness.

Is disaster relief a good career?

Disaster relief is a vital part of emergency preparedness careers, involving providing aid and support during emergencies such as natural disasters. It often requires strong communication, problem-solving skills, and relevant certifications like CPR or emergency management training. The field can be rewarding but also demanding, with work environments that may be unpredictable and stressful.

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

To thrive in Emergency Preparedness, you need a strong background in risk assessment, crisis management, emergency planning, and typically a degree in emergency management, public health, or a related field. Familiarity with incident command systems (ICS), emergency operations software, and certifications like FEMA’s Professional Development Series are commonly required. Excellent communication, leadership, and critical thinking skills are vital for coordinating response efforts and working with diverse stakeholders. These skills ensure effective planning, rapid response, and community resilience during disasters or emergencies.

How to get a job in emergency preparedness?

To pursue a career in emergency preparedness, candidates typically need a background in public safety, emergency management, or related fields, along with relevant certifications such as FEMA's Emergency Management Institute courses. Gaining experience through internships, volunteering, or entry-level positions in emergency services can also improve job prospects. Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills are essential in this field.

Which emergency job pays the most?

In emergency preparedness, high-paying roles include emergency management directors and disaster recovery managers, with salaries often exceeding $100,000 annually. These positions typically require advanced certifications, leadership skills, and experience in coordinating large-scale responses and planning efforts.
More about Emergency Preparedness jobs
What cities are hiring for Emergency Preparedness jobs? Cities with the most Emergency Preparedness job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Emergency Preparedness jobs? The most popular types of Emergency Preparedness jobs are:
What states have the most Emergency Preparedness jobs? States with the most job openings for Emergency Preparedness jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Emergency Preparedness jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Emergency Preparedness jobs are:
Emergency Preparedness jobs near you
Infographic showing various Emergency Preparedness job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,676 per year, or $45 per hour.

Emergency Preparedness Coordinator

Bileddo Associates

San Francisco, CA

$64K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Emergency Preparedness Coordinator

Central California

Our client is a 25 bed Critical Access not for profit hospital centrally located in California. Minutes to wine country and over 300 wineries!
Experience working in a flat organization with no more than 2 people in between you and the CEO at any time quick decisions and the ability to make an impact without corporate approval! Work with patients in a quaint community from cradle to grave and get to know them as more than just a number!
They are looking for a leader to take the EP department to the next level of service..
This position will have primary oversight of the Emergency Management program. This leadership role will direct others within the facility towards process improvement as related to emergency management. Regularly exercises discretion and independent judgment by independently evaluating multiple courses of action to take or apply, with only an occasional period of supervision.
QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Education: Completion of ICS 100, 200, 700 & 800 within 1 year from date of hire, Required.
  • High School graduate, or GED, Required. Related specialized training with certification, Preferred.

Work Experience:

  • Minimum of 3-5 years’ experience in healthcare-related field to include emergency preparedness desired.
  • Minimum of 1 year fire service, disaster response/recovery, and/or emergency preparedness training, required.

Skills Requirements:

  • Prior experience in program coordination. Analytical skills in order to evaluate & recommendations of EM issues. Public speaking. Articulate complex concepts both orally and in writing. Training or project management experience required.
  • Previous emergency planning/ management experience, fire services, risk management, hazardous materials management experience required.

For prompt and confidential consideration, please apply to the link below!
Click here to apply online