Cadres

The Acquisitions (ACQ) cadre provides timely, full-range acquisition services in support of disaster operations. They review program requirement requests to determine the most appropriate and effective contractual approach, publicize requirements to offerors, evaluate proposals to determine technically acceptable solutions, legally enter the agency into contractual agreements for goods or services, monitor and measure contractor performance, and close contracts.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Contracting
• Portfolio Management
• Industry Engagement
• Quality Assurance
• Procurement Support

The Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) cadre supports field employees, leads, supervisors, and managers by providing a range of decision-making, conflict prevention, and conflict resolution services on request to prevent escalation.

Qualifications

• 4-year degree
• 300 hours of conflict resolution practice training
• Five (5) years of experience providing Ombud’s services, mediation, coaching, facilitation, and similar 3rd party neutral processes in the workplace

An advanced degree may be substituted for 100 hours of training and two (2) years of experience.

• Work experience should include a variety of non-EEO, informal, ADR processes such as coaching, facilitation, mediation, team building, workgroup, Ombud’s, conciliation, group participation (Arbitration, other third-party decision-making ADR processes, and EEO mediation are not processes used in this position and may not be used to meet the minimum required years of dispute resolution experience)
• Experience conducting non-academic skill development training in conflict resolution or organizational Ombud’s techniques such as mediation, facilitation, coaching, and other conflict resolution or organizational Ombud’s techniques
• Self-awareness about how your communications land on others, and to accept feedback non-defensively
• High level of computer literacy and proficient use of a wide array of software applications, including but not limited to, the Microsoft Office suite of programs, including Word, PowerPoint, Access, Excel, and Lync

The Civil Rights Cadre deploys Civil Rights Advisors and other personnel to support disaster response and recovery operation and ensures equal access to FEMA and FEMA-funded programs and activities by the whole community. The Civil Rights Cadre conducts community assessments and provides technical advice to FEMA leadership regarding operations; conducts community outreach, engagement and education; inspects disaster relief locations and other FEMA sites; and ensures accessibility for the whole community. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Three (3) full years of working knowledge with Civil Rights laws and regulations (ADA, 504, LEP, EJ). (Not applicable to Sign Language Interpreter Expert Specialist (SLSP))

• Experience in community outreach and developing stakeholder engagement

• Must pass a federal background check – Public Trust level

• Technical and analytical writing experience required

• Microsoft Office Suite - Skill Level: ADVANCE required

• Travel will be required

Knowledge of the Office of Equal Rights (OER) essential functions

The Disability Integration (DI) Cadre deploys Disability Integration Advisors (DIADs) and Disability Integration Specialists (DINSs) to advise key leaders in Joint Field Offices (JFOs) and managers at the branch level to increase access and inclusion for survivors with disabilities in both the response and recovery missions. DI Cadre staff provides strategies, tools, and tactics to improve services to people with disabilities. Also, advises field leadership and management on the consideration of needs of people with disabilities including universal design principles. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Extensive knowledge of disability related civil rights laws and regulations as well as demonstrated experience in providing guidance on disability programmatic access
• Experience in Emergency Management with complete understanding of at least one of the following areas: Command and General Staff, Individual Assistance, Public Assistance, Housing, Mass Care, and Recovery
• Experience in program and data analysis as well as program planning and management

The Disaster Emergency Communications (DEC) cadre deploys, installs, operates, maintains, and protects telecommunications and operations assets in response to all-hazards disasters and in support of planned special events. They install maintain and protect telecommunications equipment, facilitate interoperable communications, and aid in evaluating post-disaster communication needs.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of telecommunications equipment and procedures
• Experience working with federal, state, and local emergency management officials
• Basic computer skills and the ability to learn new programs quickly
• Flexibility to a changing environment
• Multi-tasking and problem-solving skills

The Disaster Field Training Operations (DFTO) cadre is a professional team of communicators that specializes in all things training.  They staff the training unit in disaster operations to plan, develop, promote, and deliver disaster performance improvement and fundamental training opportunities.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Extensive knowledge of principles, techniques, and methodologies of adult education to plan, develop, design, and deliver instruction
• Experiential knowledge of instructional methods and techniques
• Knowledge of FEMA national policies and publications in order to instruct, advise, coach and mentor staff
• Experience monitoring and evaluating student learning
• Skill with using Microsoft Office Suite, SharePoint, Adobe Connect, and Deployment Tracking System sites in order to download curriculum and other training data
• Ability to communicate clearly in an influential and persuasive manner, tailoring language, tone, and level of specificity to the audience and medium
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple demands and projects efficiently
• Experience with building effective partnerships and collaborative working relationships, including navigating differences and resolving conflicts

The Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) cadre establishes a timely presence focused on addressing the needs of impacted populations and disaster survivors. They collect targeted information, provide accessible in-person information and referrals, and identify public information needs.

Qualifications

• Good communication and listening skills in order to support survivors affected by a disaster
• Ability to work on your feet canvassing communities to register disaster survivors for FEMA assistance programs (Positions require standing and walking for extended periods of time)
• Basic knowledge on the use of electronic tablets and software applications
• Ability to respond to a request to activate and travel to a field office within 24 to 48 hours (a typical deployment may last 30 days or more depending on the need)

The Environmental Historic Preservation (EHP) cadre provides technical expertise and develops tools to address and resolve anticipated environmental and/or historic preservation issues relating to compliance review and approval process for proposed actions to be funded by FEMA during emergency and recovery operations. They review and implement Executive orders, environmental and historic preservation laws, and provide guidance for FEMA funded activities. They also perform administration work, analyze environmental and floodplain issues, serve as project managers for task orders and Interagency Agreements, and are liaisons with State, Tribal, and Federal resource agencies as well as private sector organizations.

Qualifications

• Written and verbal communication
• Ability to work independently and in a team setting
• Public speaking
• Working knowledge of computer applications (databases, Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) applications, shape files, and mapping programs
• Experience using Microsoft office products, such as Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint
• Experience completing environmental compliance reviews for state or federal agencies
• Specialized experience or education in Environmental, Historic Preservation, Archeology, Architecture, History, and Science is a plus

The External Affairs (EA) cadre engages and communicates with stakeholders in Congress, the media, state, local, tribal, and local governments, the private sector, and internal FEMA employees. They also serve as advisors to FEMA program and support offices on decision making, development, and maintenance of policies and programs.

Qualifications

• Analysis of traditional and digital media
• Interfacing with state and local government officials
• Communication with the business sector, non-governmental organizations, and academia
• Exceptionally strong writing and verbal skills
• Photography/Videography
• Research
• Communications planning
• Public speaking
• Understanding of federal statutes, regulations, and policies

The Field Leadership Cadre (Federal Coordinating Officers, Chiefs of Staff, Analytics Advisor, Executive Specialists) leads the federal response and recovery effort and is responsible for assuring that all federal assistance is provided in accordance with the Presidential Disaster Declaration, laws, regulations, agreements and policies. The Cadre makes initial appraisals of types of relief most urgently needed, establishes necessary field offices, and coordinates the response, recovery and mitigation support to state and local governments, and nonprofit and relief organizations.

As responsible stewards of federal resources, the Field Leadership Cadre applies data and analysis to drive responsive decision making to reduce the administrative and bureaucratic burdens that imped impacted individuals and communities from quickly receiving the assistance they need.  The Field Leadership Cadre uses the Outcome Driven Recovery process that promotes unity of effort among all stakeholders to identify recovery needs, visions, goals, and comprehensive solutions. This approach supports state, local, tribal, and territorial governments in developing the capability to plan for, manage, and execute community-based and holistic long-term recovery solutions.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience serving in a senior leadership position in an Incident Command structure
• Experience Leading and managing significant numbers of staff in a range of demanding emergency situations
• Integrating resources into a unified or combined approach to respond to and recover from any type of disaster, emergency, or event
• Proven problem solving and crisis communication skills in a politically sensitive environment
• Leading and developing strategic objectives within a multi-stakeholder environment to achieve desired outcomes
• Experience working as an administrative professional assisting a high-level senior executive
• Experience implementing administrative policies and programs

The Financial Management (FM) cadre creates, monitors, and verifies allocations and obligations in the appropriate financial systems and prepares financial reports at incident field offices. They manage the funding process for disaster grants to state and local government, individuals, as well as, mission assignments to other Federal agencies and administrative expenses. They also ensure financial requirements comply and met in a timely and efficient manner, coordinate with other offices, and create, monitor, and verify all funding actions.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Finance Section Chief: Experience as a Senior Financial Manager or Comptroller in Federal, State or Local Government or Military or experience in private industry as a Senior Financial Manager, Comptroller, Vice President of Finance or Chief Financial Officer.
• Spend Plan Coordinator: Required to have a strong background in financial analysis with a working knowledge of the grants administration process.  Highly skilled in utilizing Excel capabilities in a workplace environment is needed. Strong interpersonal and communications skills are required to facilitate the spend plans process for disasters.
• Travel Manager or Travel Specialist: Experience in the private or public sector utilizing automated travel payment systems

The Hazard Mitigation (HM) cadre manages risk reduction activities from all-natural hazards to include public education, private sector partnership, technical assistance to local and State governments, grants management, insurance coordination, and community planning. They work with partners to create safer communities by reducing the loss of life and property, assist individuals in need of recovery support, and lessen the financial impact of disasters.

Qualifications

• Flood, property and/or casualty insurance sales
• Relationship building
• Research, read and interpret Flood maps
• Possess designation as Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM)
• Experience with Floodplain permits
• Building appraisals, cost estimation and general contracting
• Organizational skills and Planning skills

The Human Resources (HR) cadre identifies, acquires, sustains, and maintains a quality workforce to meet the FEMA mission. They also track attendance and deployments, hire residents, administer employee services, and focus on employee relations.

Qualifications

• Experience with recruitment and staffing
• Experience researching information from a variety of sources
• Experience using automated time and attendance software to review, verify and certify employees time
• Maintaining records and logs
• Experience using automated software to create, edit and format a variety of reports and correspondence
• At least one year of experience providing professional customer service

The Individual Assistance (IA) cadre ensures that individuals and families affected by disasters have access to the full range of FEMA programs and information in a timely manner and provide the highest level of service to applicants.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Communicate with survivors about their case status and disaster assistance programs
• Develop partnerships with state, local and non-governmental organizations
• Support the delivery of lifesaving/life-sustaining services

The Information Technology (IT) cadre provides the most efficient, expeditious, and cost saving information services at all incident locations during initial setup, continuation of operations, phase down, and at closure. They are responsible for routine testing, quality assurance, configuration, installation, implementation, and maintenance of networked systems used for the transmission of information in voice, data, and/or video formats. They also provide hands-on technical assistance, perform configurations, and resolve technology related issues.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of and skill in applying network standards, network management tools, and network equipment capabilities enough to conduct routine troubleshooting and maintenance
• Knowledge of and skill in applying network protocols, principles and concepts, to assist in maintaining network services
• Ability to assemble, correlate, and interpret basic technical data, and to analyze the implications, project trends, apply conclusions, and communicate such information orally and in writing
• Demonstrated experience supervising teams, delegating authority, and communicating basic work guidelines and assignments. Ability to establish a demobilization timeline and ensure proper closeout of facility leases and contracts

The Interagency Recovery Coordination (IRC) cadre effectively, efficiently, and equitably supports states, territories, tribal nations, and local governments to define and achieve their recovery outcomes.

We accomplish our mission by: engaging affected state, territory, tribal nation, and local stakeholders to help them communicate their needs, objectives, and priorities for recovery. Coordinating post-disaster recovery resources to support restoration, rebuilding, and revitalization across all sectors of impacted states, territories, tribal nations, and localities. Identifying resources that support unmet recovery needs and objectives; assist communities in navigating and sequencing interagency programs; and provide technical assistance to ensure equitable access to recovery resources. And providing planning and data analysis assistance to states, territories, tribal nations, and local communities to support risk-informed strategic decision-making.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Background in housing, economics, public health, engineering, natural resources, or history
• Geospatial GIS, project management, or basic financial analysis (benefit/cost analysis)
• Mid- to senior-level experience with philanthropies, NGOs, and non-profits
• Technical writing, editing or graphic design skills
• Background in higher education
• Local or State government experience
• Urban and city planning

The Logistics (LOG) cadre coordinates and monitors all aspects of resource planning, movement, ordering, tracking, and property management of Initial Response Resources, teams, and accountable property during the life of an incident. They are responsible for the operational readiness in support of FEMA’s incident workforce.

Qualifications

• Experience in facilities management including warehousing or similar environments, setting up and breaking down offices or similar, assisting with completion of inventories, ordering supplies, processing paperwork for procurement of supplies, data entry and file maintenance, experience working in mail distribution or as a courier is a plus
• Specialized experience reviewing and submitting requests for supplies, equipment, personnel, teams, services, transportation or commodities needed for disaster support using IT systems
• Using system of record to track requests, monitor and place orders, track shipping status, and reconciliation of discrepancies.
• Experience using a barcode reader to conduct inventories, receiving/transferring property through an Inventory System of Record (ISR).
• Experience with protection, accountability, transfer, and ultimate disposition of personal property.

The Office of Chief Counsel (OCC) cadre is responsible for ensuring that FEMA field operations are consistent with all applicable statutes, regulations, executive orders, and agency policies, directives, and standards. They conduct legal research, prepare and provide advice involving a wide variety of topics including disaster response, recovery, hazard mitigation, flood insurance, floodplain management, procurement, contracts, grants, environmental and historic preservation, property, finance, financial management, claims, freedom of information, privacy, ethics, training and education, and administrative procedure. They also collaborate with counterparts and provide legal advice.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate degree from an ABA accredited law school
• Active membership in good standing of a bar of the highest court of a State, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or the District of Columbia
• At least two (2) years of full-time professional legal experience gained after being admitted to the bar

The Operations (OPS) cadre ensures the efficient and effective delivery of immediate emergency assistance to individuals and communities impacted by major disasters, emergencies, or acts of terrorism. They coordinate the delivery of accessible Federal assistance programs and services, including life-saving assistance (i.e. search and rescue support, medical support, and evacuation support) and life-sustaining assistance (i.e. shelter, water, and food programs). They are also responsible for all tactical incident planning and operations.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with managing complex projects, tasks and programs
• Experience coordinating with state, tribal, local, and other federal agency officials
• Demonstrate effective supervisory and leadership principles
• Ability to comprehend and understand Stafford Act Programs and Emergency Management principles
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

The Planning (PL) cadre plans, collects, evaluates, disseminates, and manages information regarding a threat or incident. In addition, the cadre provides the status of Federal resources in support of a threat or incident.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of and experience in Incident Management
• Demonstrated experience collecting, compiling, and analyzing data in order of significance
• Demonstrated understanding of planning process or planning experience
• Bachelor’s Degree in Emergency Management

The Public Assistance (PA) Grant Program provides assistance to State, Local, Tribal and Territorial governments, and certain types of Private Non-Profit (PNP) organizations so that communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies declared by the President.

The PA cadre aids with debris removal, emergency protective measures, and the repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged, publicly owned facilities and some private non-profit facilities. The PA Program also encourages protection of these damaged facilities from future events by providing for hazard mitigation measures during the recovery process.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills, and capable of interacting with others while establishing and maintaining effective working relationships
• Strong computer skills, to include competency in Adobe and Microsoft Office Suite and ability to input data into online systems
• Project management experience, skillsets and capable of balancing workload requirements, tracking and communicating project progress reports and ensuring timely and accurate project submissions
• Capable of using physical tools to take measurements, photographs and capture GPS coordinates
• Experience related to general engineering and construction practices for public infrastructure.
• Experience inspecting and assessing damaged infrastructure and accurately quantifying, documenting and describing damage
• General knowledge of building codes and standards in order to identify potential issues.
• Experience as a surveyor, design engineer, or construction inspector/manager
• Must be able to hold a valid and legal driver’s license and to secure vehicle rentals

The Safety (SF) cadre provides a safe and healthy work environment for FEMA employees and our emergency management partners at fixed sites, incident operations, and facilities. They also conduct job hazard analysis to identify and alleviate occupational risks, coordinate the purchase of proper equipment, and disseminate occupational safety and health hazard information.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 10 years of safety program management experience including: health policies, directives, and procedures
• Practical knowledge of the techniques and procedures in the areas of hazard assessment, life safety, and industrial hygiene
• Firm understanding of laws and regulations issued by higher authorities including DHS, EPA, OSHA, NFPA, and IICRC

The Security (SEC) cadre implements and manages security programs in support of FEMA’s all-hazard emergency management programs for the protection of personnel, property, and facilities. They also provide direct security support to disaster response and recovery operations, administer security contracts, manage badging and fingerprints, coordinate disaster facility security risk management requirements, provide security awareness training programs, and manage security incident response activities.

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of security experience in the military, private industry, or law enforcement community which included conducting investigations, assessments, and report writing.