Disaster Recovery Specialist I

Position Summary:

IEM is looking to bring on Full-Time Disaster Recovery Specialist I (DRS I) who will support IEM’s State and Local Disaster Response and Recovery Team with its FEMA disaster recovery efforts, working hand-in-hand with the state /local government and private non-profit representatives to guide them through the Public Assistance process.

IEM’s FEMA Public Assistance (PA) Disaster Recovery Specialist prepares FEMA Project Worksheets which involves identifying eligible damage caused by a disaster, documenting the extent and type of damage, determining the scope of work to repair the damage and developing a cost estimate for the repair. 

The Disaster Recovery Specialist must possess knowledge on the technical aspects of FEMA PA grant programs and will be expected to exercise independent judgement in coordination and advice to FEMA PA recipients/subrecipients within the limits of applicable Federal and State statutes, regulations, policies and procedures. The Disaster Specialist works closely with Federal, State and local representatives and must be able to clearly communicate aspects of the FEMA PA program.  

Primary Location:

• Candidates can originate from anywhere in the United States- Mainland or Puerto Rico.
• Once hired you will deploy (travel) across the United States- Mainland or Puerto Rico to client sites as needed.
• You will work remote from home when not deployed
• All remote 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 purposes of maintaining the Internet connection, if needed.

Travel Requirements:

• This position will require work to be conducted onsite and may require work on weekends or in excess of 40 hours per week. Travel and other expenses are reimbursable in accordance with Federal Travel Regulations.
• All interested candidates must be willing to work on site for the duration of each disaster assignment. Assignments typically may last up to 12 months with potential for extension.

• You will work remote from home when not deployed
• All remote 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 purposes of maintaining the Internet connection, if needed.

• Situational Awareness: During site assessments, conditions may be austere including prolonged exposure to excessive heat and cold, prolonged sun exposure and no electricity, heat or air conditioning. Other potential risks include air quality issues, standing water, mosquitos, snakes, debris and other potential exposures
• Physical Requirements: Site assessments may require extensive walking and standing for long periods of time; working in small spaces, tunnels and ditches; climbing ladders. 

Essential Functions:

• Provide general programmatic assistance to applicants and maintain currency of and compliance with applicable state and federal grant management policies and procedures relating to the Public Assistance Grant Program
• Participate in meetings and briefings with applicants
• Perform damage assessments to establish potential eligibility for FEMA funding and extent of applicable damages
• Conduct detailed cost estimates of damages
• Assist with the performance of project validation reviews and address any inconsistencies, special considerations, and compliance issues with management.
• Recommend hazard mitigation determinations and recommendations to reduce or eliminate the chance of damages occurring in the future
• Recommend technical guidance and recommendations to management
• Assist with the review supporting documentation for the assigned subawards to ensure that each subrecipient receives appropriate reimbursements
• Collaborate with IEM’s Disaster Recovery Grants Management Specialists to identify and elevate financial or administrative issues for resolution, including responding to Federal Awarding Agency or Recipient Request for Information.

Minimum Qualifications:

• One (1) year of experience with FEMA Public Assistance or other FEMA Grant Program
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in engineering, public administration, emergency management, insurance, business administration, or related field. An equivalent combination of training and experience may substitute for a degree.
• Novice level of experience in FEMA Public Assistance grant program or other FEMA grant program
• Novice understanding of Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation.
• Novice understanding of grant policy and procedures, and the ability to read and interpret grant guidelines and contracts, and to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• The ability to assist with preparing written reports and conducting analysis.
• Novice level experience using FEMA and State and Local grants management workflow software and documentation management systems at: the Federal (preferred FEMA), State, or Local Recipient/Subrecipient level.
• Novice level ability to use provided IT tools and document management tools to create, organize and maintain project documents
• Novice level knowledge of standard office procedures and basic computer operations to include a working and functional use (preferred intermediate to advanced) of all Microsoft Office applications including Word, Outlook, and Excel as well as smartphone /text usage
• Ability to effectively communicate (written and orally) with team members and local, state and federal stakeholders.
• Solid written, verbal and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision as well as within a team framework to accomplish objectives under a tight deadline
• Able to remain flexible and adapt quickly to changes during each assignment
• Must be willing and able to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance through an extensive government background check with fingerprints.

 Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience within the commercial and/or public industries including, but not limited to, government entities/facilities (including military), medical facilities, schools, transportation (roads and bridges), coastal entities, water/waste treatment and utilities/power.
• Professional Registration or Certification including Professional Engineer (PE), Registered Architect, Project Management

Benefits and more:

• Starting pay is based on location and experience: $60,000 to $73,000
• 10 paid holidays
• Vacation Pay
• Sick Pay
• 401 (K) plan with matching
• Company paid STD and LTD

Why Join IEM:

We are a woman owned company in Emergency Management that embraces teamwork, collaboration, flexible performance, actionable solutions and integrity/ethics. Our work touches everyone. We produce results that matter. Results that save lives – join us while we build a safe, secure and resilient world.

Our culture:

IEM believes in the greater good and it is our commitment to attract those who have excellent technical skills, creative minds and innovative ideas to keep propelling us forward.   

IEM is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Vets and Disabled:

We are an Equal Employment/Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact Human Resources and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from Human Resources.