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Fema Inspector Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Combination Inspector

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$60K - $106K/yr

... performs FEMA damage assessments; Enforcement * Prepares documentation related to the outcome of inspections and records inspection results in County database; * Participates in the development ...

Combination Inspector

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$60K - $106K/yr

... performs FEMA damage assessments; Enforcement Prepares documentation related to the outcome of inspections and records inspection results in County database; Participates in the development ...

Conducts inspections, audits, and evaluations of facilities, equipment, and operational processes ... Coordinates with federal partners (HHS/ASPR, FEMA, DoW) and local authorities on safety and ...

Surge Personnel

Winchester, VA · On-site

$17 - $21/hr

Training will be provided but candidates must be able to clear FEMA's background check in order to ... Serving as a contact point for inspectors' inquiries regarding workshops, webinars, security ...

Conducts inspections, audits, and evaluations of facilities, equipment, and operational processes ... Coordinates with federal partners (HHS/ASPR, FEMA, DoW) and local authorities on safety and ...

Conducts inspections, audits, and evaluations of facilities, equipment, and operational processes ... Coordinates with federal partners (HHS/ASPR, FEMA, DoW) and local authorities on safety and ...

Floodplain and Dam Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$81K - $111K/yr

Responsibilities include work within local and FEMA-regulated floodplains, as well as state ... Conduct site visits for floodplain and dam inspections. * Prepare local and state permit ...

Floodplain and Dam Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$81K - $111K/yr

Responsibilities include work within local and FEMA-regulated floodplains, as well as state ... Conduct site visits for floodplain and dam inspections. * Prepare local and state permit ...

Floodplain and Dam Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$81K - $111K/yr

Responsibilities include work within local and FEMA-regulated floodplains, as well as state ... Conduct site visits for floodplain and dam inspections. * Prepare local and state permit ...

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Fema Inspector information

See Virginia salary details

$9

$26

$58

How much do fema inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for fema inspector in Virginia is $26.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.36 and $34.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a FEMA inspector?

FEMA Inspectors are professionals who assess damage to homes and property after disasters, such as hurricanes, floods, or wildfires, on behalf of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Their job is to visit affected sites, document losses, and help determine eligibility for federal disaster assistance. Inspectors do not decide the amount of aid but provide crucial information to support the recovery process. They often work on temporary assignments and must be able to travel to disaster zones on short notice.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a FEMA inspector?

To thrive as a FEMA Inspector, you need knowledge of disaster assessment, property inspection, and relevant regulatory guidelines, often backed by experience in construction or insurance and completion of FEMA training. Familiarity with specialized inspection software, mobile devices, and FEMA documentation systems is essential. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to work under pressure are standout soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure accurate damage reporting, efficient aid distribution, and clear interactions with disaster survivors in challenging environments.

What challenges do FEMA inspectors face during disaster response deployments?

FEMA Inspectors often work in rapidly changing and sometimes hazardous environments, which can present logistical and emotional challenges. They may need to travel on short notice, work long hours—including weekends—and handle a high volume of inspections while maintaining accuracy and empathy for disaster survivors. Additionally, coordination with local authorities and other federal agencies is essential, requiring strong communication and adaptability. Understanding these challenges can help candidates prepare for the demanding yet rewarding nature of the role.

What is the difference between Fema Inspector vs Fema Damage Assessor?

AspectFema InspectorFema Damage Assessor
CertificationsFEMA certifications, disaster response trainingFEMA certifications, disaster response training
Work EnvironmentOn-site inspections, disaster zonesOn-site damage assessments, field inspections
Employer & IndustryFederal agencies, disaster response teamsFederal agencies, disaster recovery programs
Primary FocusInspecting property damage for eligibilityAssessing extent and cost of damages

Fema Inspectors and Fema Damage Assessors both work in disaster response, often in the field, and require similar certifications. However, Fema Inspectors primarily verify damage eligibility for aid, while Fema Damage Assessors evaluate the extent and cost of damages to inform recovery efforts.

Infographic showing various Fema Inspector job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,687 per year, or $26.8 per hour.

FEMA-Disaster Recovery Specialists (Mechanical Engineers)

Dewberry Engineers Incorporated

Fairfax, VA • On-site

$78K - $106K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description


FEMA-Disaster Recovery Specialists (Mechanical Engineers)
Job ID
15223
# of Openings
25
Job Location
US
Category
Disaster Support
Relocation Assistance
No
Service Line
MCS
Job Description

Join the Dewberry Team! Are you looking for a rewarding opportunity to help our country with disaster recovery work? Dewberry maintains a cadre of skilled professional and technical staff in an on-call capacity to support disaster recovery work across the United States. We are currently searching for highly qualified Mechanical Engineers to support these projects. As one of our Disaster Specialists, you will collaborate with some of the best and brightest in the industry and use your expertise to support critical recovery efforts in disaster-impacted communities.This is an excellent opportunity for those who want to use their knowledge, skills and abilities to help disaster survivors at disaster recovery operation work sites throughout the United States and its territories.

*Please note, remote work is not permitted for this role. This is a nonfulltime, deploymentbased on-call position supporting disaster relief efforts across the United States. Team members are deployed to impacted sites as needed and may travel frequently on short notice. While the role requires physical presence at various disaster locations, it is not tied to a single office or fixed worksite.

Dewberry is a leading, market-facing professional services firm with more than 60 locations and 2,500 professionals nationwide. What sets us apart from our competitors is our people. At Dewberry, we seek out exceptional talent and strive to deliver the highest quality of services to our clients. Whether you're an experienced professional or a new graduate, you'll have the chance to collaborate with the best and brightest and work on innovative and complex projects at the forefront of the industry. Our commitment to excellence stems from our personal integrity and from other defining attributes, which we call "Dewberry at Work," that have inspired our employees to be successful for more than a half-century.

Dewberry offers a comprehensive and very competitive package of insurance programs to regular full-time employees and their eligible dependents the first of the month following their date of hire. The insurance package includes medical, dental, vision, and supplemental life. Additional insurances, at no cost to the employee: life (employee only), accidental death and dismemberment, business travel and accident, and short- and long-term disability are also provided. Employees pay a share of Dewberry's premium expenses (on a pre-tax basis) for medical and dental insurance plans.

Dewberry offers a wide range of other employee benefits, including: 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan, 529 College Savings Plans, Travel Assistance, Tuition Reimbursement, Flexible Spending Accounts and Supplemental Life Insurance for employee, spouse, and children.

Positions within our officer program are also eligible for an annual bonus and monthly stipend. Both vary based on level within the program and bonuses are dependent upon company and individual performance. Certain positions are also eligible to receive overtime pay, whereas all non-exempt positions are eligible for overtime (subject to approval).

In addition, a host of discounted purchase programs are available to all employees.

Responsibilities

In this role, you will deploy to disaster sites to support FEMA or other government entities in the delivery of disaster recovery programs such as the Public Assistance (PA) program or the FEMA Individual Assistance (IA) Direct Housing program. Mechanical Engineers may perform field inspections of damaged facilities to gain an understanding of the project scope of work, including means and methods of construction. They also may assist FEMA, local government agencies and other entities with understanding the technical requirements for projects in their field of expertise. The work includes but is not limited to assessments of disaster-damaged infrastructure, documenting detailed damage descriptions, developing new or restoration scopes of work, formulating detailed cost estimates, and assisting with hazard mitigation planning.

This posting is anticipated to close on December 31st 2026.

Required Skills & Required Experience
    Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related field from an accredited university
  • Minimum of 5 years of full-time professional experiencein field of study working with public infrastructure
  • Knowledge of modern construction practices and experience conducting facility assessments, performing construction inspection, and developing project scope and cost estimates
  • Working knowledge of International Building Code (IBC), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and other governmental regulatory compliance
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Must be computer literate and proficient with MS Office Suite applications
  • Must be able to work both independently and in a team environment under stressful conditions
  • The ability to work up to 12 hours per day, 7 days a week while deployed to a disaster recovery operation for up to 12 months
  • Must have a valid driver's license and clean driving record
  • Be a U.S. citizen capable of passing a federal background investigation to obtain a Public Trust clearance

Preferred Skills and Experience:

  • Licensed Professional Engineer
  • Five years of experience working as a mechanical engineer
  • Working knowledge of the FEMA PA Program law, regulation and policy
  • Prior FEMA PA experience as: Program Delivery Manager, Site Inspector, Policy Advisor, Cost Estimator, or Hazard Mitigation Specialist
  • Working knowledge of FEMA's Grants Manager or Grants Portal
  • Proficiency using cost estimating software such as RS Means and Xactimate

*At this time, Dewberry will not sponsor a new applicant for work authorization.

*This position is covered by the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act of 1965 (SCA).

*Dewberry is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or sexual orientation.

#LI-Onsite

Salary Range

The projected range for this position is $55 to $70 hourly. Depending upon other factors, i.e., skills, experience, location, market conditions, the range may vary slightly.

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