What does an Emergency Management Specialist do?

Natural disasters and other emergencies might not happen frequently, but when they do, your organization needs a response plan. That’s where an Emergency Management Specialist comes in. They work through disaster scenarios and create a plan to prepare for and respond to those situations. The goal is to minimize damage and injuries if a crisis happens. When an emergency occurs, the Emergency Management Specialist takes the lead, guiding the response and working with government officials and other agencies in the aftermath. 

Emergency Management Specialist skills and qualifications

This specialized field requires specific related skills and qualifications to perform the job well. Some examples are:

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills

• Effective communication in all types of situations

• Fast, decisive action

• Understanding of local or industry-specific threats

• Familiarity with local, state and national regulations

• Strong leadership skills

• Ability to collaborate with other emergency professionals and officials

Emergency Management Specialist experience requirements

Emergency Management Specialists typically need several years of experience in emergency management. This experience helps them assess threats thoroughly and create effective responses. You might specify a minimum number of years of experience in your Emergency Management job description. Some organizations also want candidates with experience in a specific industry, type of emergency or company size. Experience in related fields, such as law enforcement or fire safety, might be acceptable in some cases.

Emergency Management Specialist education and training requirements

It’s common to expect a minimum of a bachelor’s degree for an Emergency Management Specialist. This could be emergency management, business or related fields. You might accept more years of experience in place of a degree. While there aren’t any standard certifications required across the board, individuals can earn voluntary credentials to strengthen their knowledge of emergency management. Examples include the Associate Emergency Manager (AEM) and Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) designation from the International Association of Emergency Managers. Each credential has its own requirements related to training and experience before passing an exam.

Emergency Management Specialist salary expectations

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for an Emergency Management Specialist is $79,180 per year. Total salary may vary based on experience, location and company.

Job description samples for similar positions

Are you looking for alternatives to an Emergency Management job description? Check out these similar job descriptions to see if they fit your needs better:

• Safety Coordinator

• Logistics Coordinator

• Risk Manager

• Security Specialist

Emergency Management Specialist job description FAQs

What qualities make a good Emergency Management Specialist?

To be effective, an Emergency Management Specialist needs to be a strategic thinker who makes decisions quickly. Staying calm in crisis situations is essential since they serve as the point person if a disaster strikes. It’s also important for them to be able to keep others calm and get them to follow directions during chaotic times.

What should you look for in an Emergency Management Specialist resume?

Extensive experience in the emergency field is beneficial for a candidate. Look at the specifics of past experiences to see if they have a similar scope and threats as your organization. While emergency management skills are transferable, working in comparable roles may make a job seeker more effective. Extra certifications listed on the resume may also be a reason to offer an interview. 

How can you make your Emergency Management Specialist job description stand out?

When writing job descriptions for Emergency Management Specialists, describe your organization in detail so job seekers understand your unique needs. Mention any state-of-the-art equipment or facilities you have that might impact the job. Keep the Emergency Management job description short and to the point with bullets to make it easy to scan.

Do Emergency Management Specialists have different responsibilities in different industries?

Potential threats and necessary responses vary based on the organization type. For instance, an Emergency Management Specialist for a hospital has to account for moving critical patients to safety if a natural disaster strikes, which requires additional safeguards and considerations than a general business. Similarly, educational institutions be prepared to get large numbers of students to safety quickly. Strategies and protocols vary based on the circumstances.