The Guardian
Emergency Management
Emergency managers prepare for, respond to, and help communities recover from disasters -- natural and man-made. You coordinate resources, build plans, and lead crisis response efforts.
Salary Range
$45,000 - $120,000+
Growth Outlook
Strong -- climate change increases frequency and severity of disasters, driving demand for preparedness professionals.
What You Do
- Develop emergency preparedness and response plans
- Coordinate multi-agency disaster response operations
- Conduct training exercises and community drills
- Manage emergency operations centers during crises
- Analyze risks and allocate resources for mitigation
Steps to Get There
1
Study Emergency Management
Degrees in emergency management, public safety, or public administration are ideal.
2
Get FEMA Training
Complete FEMA's Emergency Management Institute courses (many are free online).
3
Start at the Local Level
Work with county or city emergency management offices to gain hands-on experience.
4
Earn CEM Certification
The Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) credential from IAEM is the industry gold standard.
Opportunities
Emergency Management SpecialistGovernment
Disaster Recovery CoordinatorFEMA, Red Cross
Business Continuity PlannerCorporate, Healthcare
Hazard Mitigation SpecialistState/Federal Government
Emergency Management DirectorCity/County/State