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Fema Damage Assessment Jobs (NOW HIRING)

FEMA is calling all problem-solvers, relationship builders, and humanitarians! FEMA is a mission ... damage assessments, and providing administrative, financial and logistical support. Local Hires are ...

FEMA is calling all problem-solvers, relationship builders, and humanitarians! FEMA is a mission ... damage assessments, and providing administrative, financial and logistical support. Local Hires are ...

FEMA is calling all problem-solvers, relationship builders, and humanitarians! FEMA is a mission ... damage assessments, and providing administrative, financial and logistical support. Local Hires are ...

FEMA is calling all problem-solvers, relationship builders, and humanitarians! FEMA is a mission ... damage assessments, and providing administrative, financial and logistical support. Local Hires are ...

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Fema Damage Assessment information

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$23.5K

$57.5K

$74K

How much do fema damage assessment jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for fema damage assessment in the United States is $57,529.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $65,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How hard is it to get hired at FEMA?

Getting hired as a FEMA Damage Assessment specialist typically requires relevant experience in disaster response, strong analytical skills, and often a background in emergency management or related fields. The hiring process can be competitive, involving multiple interview stages and background checks, and candidates may need to obtain specific certifications such as ICS or NIMS. Familiarity with damage assessment tools and the ability to work in challenging environments are also important factors.

What does a typical workday look like for someone in FEMA Damage Assessment?

A typical day in FEMA Damage Assessment often involves traveling to affected sites, collecting data and photographic evidence, meeting with property owners, and collaborating with local officials to determine the extent of disaster-related damages. You can expect a mix of fieldwork and reporting, as well as regular use of mobile devices and specialized software to document findings. Your work may require flexible hours, especially during major disaster responses. Teamwork is essential, as you’ll coordinate efforts with other assessors, emergency responders, and government agencies to help communities recover efficiently.

What is a FEMA assessment?

A FEMA assessment is a process conducted by Federal Emergency Management Agency personnel to evaluate the extent of damage caused by a disaster. Damage assessors inspect affected areas, document destruction, and determine eligibility for federal assistance programs. This role requires knowledge of damage inspection procedures and often involves working in disaster zones under tight deadlines.

What is a FEMA Damage Assessment job?

A FEMA Damage Assessment job involves evaluating property damage after a disaster to determine the extent of loss and the type of assistance needed. Assessors inspect homes, businesses, and infrastructure, documenting damages through photos and reports. Their findings help FEMA decide on disaster relief funding and support for affected communities. This role requires attention to detail, knowledge of FEMA guidelines, and the ability to work in disaster-affected areas.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Fema Damage Assessment position, and why are they important?

To thrive in FEMA Damage Assessment, you need a background in emergency management, experience with damage evaluation techniques, and a solid understanding of disaster recovery protocols. Familiarity with GIS mapping software, FEMA assessment tools, and completion of relevant FEMA certification courses are typically required. Strong attention to detail, exceptional communication, and the ability to work efficiently under stress make candidates stand out. These skills ensure accurate disaster assessments and effective collaboration with both teams and affected communities during high-pressure situations.

What are the qualifications to work for FEMA?

FEMA Damage Assessment specialists typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant experience in disaster response or related fields, and strong communication skills. Some positions may require certifications such as ICS or NIMS, and the ability to work in challenging environments is important.

How much do FEMA employees get paid?

FEMA damage assessment employees are typically federal contractors or government employees, with salaries ranging from approximately $40,000 to over $80,000 annually depending on experience, location, and position level. Many roles require knowledge of disaster response, damage inspection, and certification in safety standards, with pay scales often aligned with federal or agency-specific pay grades.
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Xactimate Certified Damage Assessor and Inspector

Xactimate Certified Damage Assessor and Inspector

Innovative Emergency Management

Fort Lauderdale, FL • On-site

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

IEM is seeking an individual to fill the role of Full-Time - Xactimate Certified Damage Assessor and Inspector. The Xactimate-Certified Damage Assessor/Inspector is responsible for conducting property inspections, documenting disaster-related damage, and developing repair scopes and cost estimates in support of CDBG-DR housing recovery programs. This role ensures all inspections, documentation, and estimates are accurate, consistent, defensible, and compliant with federal program requirements. Candidates must hold Xactimate certification and a current license or certification in adjusting, building inspection, or a related field. Position requires regular fieldwork and travel across South Florida. Success in this role requires the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with a high degree of accuracy.
Primary Location:
  • Candidates will need to either reside in South Florida or be willing to travel regularly to the region. This role requires availability for in-person property inspections and on-site support, primarily in the Fort Lauderdale area.
  • Work will take place either in the field, in an office environment, or personal office / at home and will depend on the need of the project.

Travel Requirements:
  • This position will require travel to complete work assignments or attend meetings.
  • Daily travel and other expenses are reimbursable in accordance with Federal Travel Regulations or DoD Regulations.

Essential Functions:
  • Conduct residential inspections to assess disaster-related damage, repair needs, and construction eligibility
  • Document findings with photos, measurements, notes, and field records; perform re-inspections as needed
  • Differentiate disaster damage from pre-existing conditions or non-eligible improvements
  • Prepare accurate Xactimate estimates and detailed scopes of work aligned with program requirements and codes
  • Review and revise estimates based on QA feedback, contractor input, and program guidance
  • Ensure consistency in estimating methods, pricing, and documentation
  • Maintain complete, auditable inspection and estimating documentation in compliance with CDBG-DR and HUD requirements
  • Coordinate with program teams to resolve documentation gaps and compliance issues
  • Identify environmental, safety, or code concerns requiring further review
  • Communicate professionally with applicants, contractors, and stakeholders during inspections and field activities
  • Coordinate scheduling and escalate safety issues, complaints, or site concerns as needed
  • Support construction activities, including walkthroughs, scope validation, change orders, inspections, and closeout
  • Assist with cost reasonableness reviews and resolve discrepancies across inspections, scopes, and program records
  • Provide technical input to support accurate scopes, estimates, and program delivery

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Experience: Experience conducting residential damage assessments, construction inspections, property inspections, or insurance adjusting.
  • Experience preparing Xactimate estimates, repair scopes, quantity takeoffs, field notes, sketches, and inspection documentation.
  • Experience supporting CDBG-DR, CDBG-MIT, FEMA, HUD, insurance recovery, or other federally funded disaster recovery programs.
  • Active Xactimate certification.
  • Current certification or license as an adjuster, building inspector, construction inspector, or comparable qualified inspection professional.
  • Ability to identify and document disaster-related damage, construction deficiencies, repair needs, and cost estimate assumptions.
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to prepare clear, accurate, and defensible documentation.
  • Ability to communicate professionally with applicants, program staff, contractors, and government stakeholders.
  • Ability to travel regularly throughout South Florida to conduct field inspections.
  • Proficiency with Xactimate, Microsoft Office, mobile inspection tools, photo documentation, and electronic case management or file management systems.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience working directly on HUD-funded CDBG-DR housing recovery programs.
  • Florida adjuster license, building inspector certification, residential contractor license, ICC certification, or other relevant construction-related credential.
  • Experience with repair, rehabilitation, reconstruction, elevation, manufactured housing replacement, or substantial damage/substantial improvement reviews.
  • Familiarity with HUD housing quality standards, local building codes, floodplain considerations, environmental review requirements, and resilient construction standards.
  • Experience supporting QA/QC reviews, scope reconciliation, appeals, complaints, or construction change order reviews.
  • Bilingual English/Spanish or English/Haitian Creole skills.
  • Core competencies include Xactimate estimating, residential damage assessment, construction inspection, and detailed field documentation. Strengths also include CDBG-DR compliance awareness, cost reasonableness, scope development, applicant-facing professionalism, strong technical judgment, responsive quality control, and a high level of accuracy and defensibility.

Additional Information:
  • Field Work: Field-focused role with frequent travel; exposure to outdoor conditions (heat, cold, uneven terrain).
  • Personal Office / At Home Locations: All personal office / at home work environments require the ability to maintain minimum Internet speeds of 25 Mbps upload and 3 Mbps download, as well as a ping rate of 100 ms or less during working hours, regardless of the type and number of devices using your Internet connection. You must also have account privileges and access to your Internet service provider account during working hours for the purpose of maintaining the Internet connection, if needed.
  • Office Locations: Often, these offices are either owned by the client we work with or by IEM. All candidates are expected to follow any rules and regulations of the office in which they are required to work for that project.

Benefits and more:
  • Salary is based on your location and experience level: $90,000 - $110,000
  • 10 paid Holidays
  • Vacation Pay
  • Sick Pay
  • 401 (K) plan with matching
  • Company paid STD and LTD

Equal Employment Opportunity. All IEM employment decisions, including recruiting, hiring, placement, training availability, promotion, compensation, evaluation, disciplinary actions, and termination of employment, if necessary, are made without regard to an individual's race, color, religion, creed, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions), marital status, military or veteran status, citizenship or immigration status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.
Reasonable Accommodation. IEM is committed to providing reasonable workplace accommodations for individuals with disabilities. If you require assistance or reasonable accommodation during any part of the application or employment process, please email IEMhumanresources@iem.com with specific details about the requested accommodation. All accommodation requests are reviewed case-by-case in compliance with applicable law.