FEMA Corps, Peace Corps and AmeriCorps VISTA

FEMA Corps

FEMA Corps is a partnership between FEMA and the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) program. FEMA Corps is a unique, team-based service program that gives 18‐24‐year‐old participants the opportunity to serve communities impacted by disaster while gaining professional development experience.

FEMA Corps members live, work, and travel in dedicated teams and serve for 12 months with an option to extend for a second term. They gain training and experience while providing important support to disaster survivors and communities. They also earn a modest living stipend during their service and receive an education award upon completion of the program.

Apply to FEMA Corps

Peace Corps and AmeriCorps VISTA Volunteers

Upon successful completion or Peace Corps or AmeriCorps VISTA service, you qualify for non-competitive eligibility (NCE) after the completion of your service. With NCE, a federal agency can hire you outside of the formal competitive job announcement process.

Your NCE lasts for one year from the date you complete service. Agencies may extend the period for up to three (3) years after your completed service if you are:

In the military service;
Studying at a recognized institution of higher learning; or
Involved in another activity, which in the agency’s view, warrants an extension

NCE does not entitle you to a job within the federal government. You must still apply and meet qualification standards and additional requirements, such as a background investigation. NCE makes it easier for federal agencies to hire returned Volunteers who meet the minimum qualifications of a given position.

NCE is a special hiring status that allows eligible AmeriCorps VISTA, Returned Peace Corps Volunteers, Peace Corps Response Volunteers, and Peace Corps Staff (who have been granted NCE) the opportunity to apply for and compete for jobs that are open to ONLY Federal Employees.

When applying for a job at FEMA, include AmeriCorps VISTA and/or Peace Corps certification of service documents with your application and make sure to mention your NCE status on your resume.

Explore these resources to further understand this hiring authority from the applicant perspective:

Search for Positions at FEMA