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Emergency Management Specialists

Intelligence, Combat and Readiness

Service Branches

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Work Environment

Emergency management specialists work indoors when conducting training sessions and preparing disaster plans. Sometimes they work outdoors while operating decontamination equipment and monitoring disaster training.

  • Military Status

    Enlisted

  • Median Military Salary This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.

    $61,639

    Military Salary Range Salary varies based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location.

    $22,740 - $236,074

Overview

Whether it is a natural disaster or man-made as a result of a chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear incident, emergency management specialists are trained for response and recovery operations anywhere in the world. They prepare emergency plans, coordinate emergency response teams, and train other people to meet mission needs and to minimize casualties and damage in the event of any disaster situation, including floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, or enemy attack.

Military Training

All enlisted service members complete basic military training which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field and covers tactical and survival skills physical training military life and customs and weapons training. Job training for emergency management specialists consists of classroom and on-the job instruction including practice in the use of nuclear biological and chemical detection and decontamination equipment. Training content varies depending on specialty and may include:

  • Protective and defensive procedures for chemical biological radioactive and nuclear (CBRN) threats
  • Preparation and communication of emergency plans
  • Damage control
  • Firefighting systems and equipment
  • Search and rescue operations and procedures
  • Use of CBRN detection defense decontamination and monitoring equipment

Helpful Attributes

  • Ability to communicate effectively
  • Ability to plan and organize
  • Ability to work calmly under stress

Related Civilian Careers

  • Hazardous Materials Removal Workers
  • Emergency Management Directors
  • Business Continuity Planners