OVERVIEW
What Is a Disaster Management Specialist?
Also known as “emergency management directors,” disaster management specialists occupy a public health subfield dedicated to emergency preparedness and disaster recovery. They coordinate with first responders—including law enforcement, paramedics, and firefighters—to confront and prevent threats like floods, earthquakes, oil and chemical spills, derailments, terrorist attacks, and much more.
A large part of their incident management responsibilities includes developing, testing, and optimizing emergency response and readiness plans. Most disaster management specialists work for state or local government agencies, though many others are employed by privately funded companies and nonprofit organizations.
These specialists spend much of their time in an office setting but may also visit disaster-affected sites and meet with government, community, or other organizational representatives as needed.
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does a Disaster Management Specialist Do?
Disaster management specialists familiarize themselves with every aspect of emergency scenarios and develop disaster response plans and contingencies accordingly. In addition to taking the lead during such crises, they reference past emergency mitigation efforts and research ways to better prepare for future emergencies.
Whether they’re coordinating relief and supply shipments, arranging evacuation operations, or conducting damage assessments, disaster management specialists keep busy with critically important tasks. Other common duties of disaster management specialists include the following:
- Drafting plans and programs centered on disaster preparedness.
- Training individuals and teams on emergency response principles and courses of action.
- Collaborating with community leaders and emergency management agencies like the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and American Red Cross.
- Complying with state and federal emergency response regulations.
- Surveying and assessing damaged, destroyed, or otherwise affected sites.
- Directing and partnering with first responders concerning human injury and loss of life.
- Organizing relief efforts to safeguard communities from chemical, nuclear, and other hazardous materials.
- Requesting funding from government departments and officials.
- Using computer software programs to streamline disaster response initiatives.
- Circulating emergency readiness information to partner organizations, stakeholders, and the general public.
- Corresponding as needed with civil and mechanical engineering firms, hospitals, environmental scientists, antiterrorist organizations, and other parties.
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
How Do I Become a Disaster Management Specialist?
While preparing for a career as a disaster management specialist, keep in mind that you’ll most likely need to receive some level of higher education and gain pertinent work experience. Consider the following steps:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree. Pursue a bachelor’s in emergency or disaster management, public health, communications, environmental science, or another relevant field. A wide variety of bachelor’s programs can provide you with the knowledge you’ll need, so choose one that best aligns with your professional goals.
- Apply for jobs in disaster management. Doing so will help you gain valuable on-the-job experience while developing the skills you will use in a long-term career.
- Earn industry certification. While not always required, certification can help you stand out to employers and showcases a deeper level of understanding. Common examples include the Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) and Associate Emergency Manager (AEM) certifications, which are both granted by the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM).
- Earn a master’s degree in a relevant subject. A master’s demonstrates your commitment to the industry and may qualify you for a higher salary.
- Continue your education. Seek professional development throughout your career—this might mean participating in annual conferences or becoming a member of a professional organization within the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services or Homeland Security.
Best Degrees for a Disaster Management Specialist
Health & Nursing
Public Health - B.S.
This online bachelor's degree in public health will prepare you to impact...
This online bachelor's degree in public health will prepare you to impact your community and make a difference.
- Time: 63% of students finish similar programs in 24 months.
- Tuition: $4,210 per 6-month term
- Courses: 33 total courses in this program
Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program:
- Cognitive psychology
- Public health approaches
- Epidemiology
- Biopsychosocial health models
This degree prepares you with relevant industry skills and experience that will help you move forward in your career.
Health & Nursing
Master of Public Health
This online Master of Public Health degree program is a perfect fit for...
This online Master of Public Health degree program is a perfect fit for students who want to make a difference in their community.
- Time: 60% of students finish similar programs in 21 months.
- Tuition: $4,995 per 6-month term
- Courses: 12 total courses in this program
Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program:
- Biostatistics and analysis
- Environmental health
- Epidemiology
- Global health
- Public health policy and advocacy
- Health education and promotion
This degree prepares you with relevant industry skills and experience that will help you move forward in your career.
How Much Does a Disaster Management Specialist Make?
$83,960
Disaster management specialist salaries vary based on level of experience, location, and more. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary in May 2023 for emergency management directors was $83,960. The lowest 10% earned less than $50,340 while the highest 10% earned more than $151,560.
What Is the Job Outlook?
3%
The BLS states that employment of emergency management directors is projected to grow by 3% from 2022 to 2032, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. Around 900 openings for emergency management directors are projected each year on average over the decade.
SKILLS
What Skills Does a Disaster Management Specialist Need?
Disaster management specialists should practice a variety of hard and soft skills to excel in their role. Below is a list of useful skills for disaster and emergency management specialists:
- Problem-solving. Many disaster management problems require critical, careful thinking to resolve, often during stressful situations.
- Communication skills. Disaster management specialists need to draft reports and present information often, so clear written and verbal communication is crucial.
- Understanding of emergency preparedness and disaster response principles. An essential prerequisite to becoming a disaster management specialist is a strong understanding of how to prepare for disaster and how to act in the aftermath of one.
- Collaboration and coordination skills. Emergency management specialists cannot do their job on their own. They must maintain strong working relationships with government representatives, engineers, health administrators, civic leaders, and more.
- Leadership. Excellent leadership skills enable disaster management specialists to confidently supervise teams, delegate responsibilities, and build morale.
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