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Emergency Response Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Operations Manager

Carter Lake, IA · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Emergency Response * Lead, support, and participate in emergency response operations, including ... Operations Manager | Competencies * Strong field leadership skills with the ability to lead crews ...

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Showing results 1-20

Emergency Response Manager information

See Iowa salary details

$61.1K

$93.8K

$145.6K

How much do emergency response manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for emergency response manager in Iowa is $93,813.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,500.00 and $101,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Emergency Response Manager?

To thrive as an Emergency Response Manager, you need expertise in emergency planning, risk assessment, and crisis management, often supported by a degree in emergency management or a related field. Familiarity with incident command systems (ICS), emergency management software, and certifications such as FEMA or Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) are typically required. Strong leadership, decision-making under pressure, and effective communication are vital soft skills for coordinating teams and stakeholders during emergencies. These skills and qualifications are crucial for minimizing risks, ensuring efficient response, and protecting lives and property during critical incidents.

What does an Emergency Response Manager do?

An Emergency Response Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing plans and procedures to respond to emergencies such as natural disasters, accidents, or security threats. They coordinate with various agencies, train staff, and ensure that resources are in place to manage crises effectively. Their goal is to minimize risk, protect people and property, and ensure a swift and organized response to emergencies.

What is the difference between Emergency Response Manager vs Fire Safety Coordinator?

AspectEmergency Response ManagerFire Safety Coordinator
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, Emergency Management certificationsFire Safety certifications, Fire Warden training
Work EnvironmentEmergency scenes, command centers, industrial sitesOffice, industrial facilities, buildings
Employer & IndustryPublic safety agencies, large corporations, industrial plantsCommercial buildings, manufacturing plants, institutions

The Emergency Response Manager focuses on coordinating responses to various emergencies, including natural disasters and accidents, often requiring broader emergency management certifications. The Fire Safety Coordinator specializes in fire prevention, safety protocols, and fire drills within buildings. Both roles are vital for safety but differ in scope and specific training requirements.

What are some common challenges Emergency Response Managers face during large-scale incidents, and how are they typically addressed?

Emergency Response Managers often encounter challenges such as coordinating multiple agencies, managing communication under pressure, and adapting to rapidly changing situations during large-scale incidents. These challenges are typically addressed through thorough pre-incident planning, regular interagency training exercises, and the use of incident command systems to streamline communication and decision-making. Building strong relationships with local authorities, emergency services, and community partners also helps ensure a more effective and unified response.

What are the most commonly searched types of Emergency Response jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Emergency Response jobs in Iowa are:

What job categories do people searching Emergency Response Manager jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Emergency Response Manager jobs in Iowa are:

Infographic showing various Emergency Response Manager job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $93,813 per year, or $45.1 per hour.

PRN Incident Management Team (IMT) Reservist

National Emergency Management and Response

Des Moines, IA

Full-time, Per diem

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

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

Education Req: Four-year bachelor's degree in emergency management, Homeland Security, Public Administration or related field preferred. 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
Additionally, applicants must complete the following in person courses:
ICS 300 - Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents
ICS 400 - Advanced ICS Command and General Staff - Complex Incidents
* Proof of course completion for each course above will be required for consideration.


Preferred Courses:
Completion of one or more of the following courses is preferred:
O-305 All Hazards Type 3 Incident Management Team
L-958/ICS-430/ICS 331 Operations Section
ICS-440/ E/L-164 Planning Section
L-967/ICS-450 Logistics Section
L-973 / ICS-460 Finance Section

Experience Req: At least five years experience working for a government agency in a first responder capacity (Fire, Rescue, EMS, Law Enforcement, Public Health, Emergency Management or equivalent), with at least 2 years experience in a leadership role (ICS Unit-Level position-equivalent or above).

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.Deploy as part of an all-hazards IMT during emergencies, disasters, public health incidents, special events, or planned operations.
2.Perform assigned ICS position responsibilities in accordance with NIMS and ICS doctrine.
3.Assist with incident action planning, operational coordination, resource management, and situational awareness.
4.Participate in briefings, planning meetings, and command/general staff activities.
5.Support establishment and operation of Incident Command Posts (ICP), Emergency Operations Centers (EOC), Joint Operations Centers (JOC), or Unified Command structures.
6.Maintain accurate incident documentation and records.
7.Understand and adhere to the National EMR Policies and Procedures Manual, Uniform Handbook, and Operations Manual.
8.Maintain personal readiness to deploy within 6-12 hours of activation, including updated availability in National EMR's mobile application.
9.Complete agency-directed training through the learning management system, including Just-In-Time (JIT) training and mission-specific modules.
10.Promote a culture of safety by identifying hazards, reporting safety concerns immediately, and following established safety protocols.
11.Foster a culture that encourages team members to work safely, identify potential hazards, and report safety concerns immediately to their direct chain of command.
12.Participate in, assist, or supervise a workforce that will conduct disaster preparedness, response, and recovery initiatives as needed.
13.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.
14.Be able to solve day-to-day operational issues and reach short-term performance goals.
15.Support survivors and communities during disasters by being readily available to assist at a moment's notice.
16.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 and 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.

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.