Emergency Management Specialist

Salary: $60,538.00 - $92,010.00 Annually
Location : Dauphin County, PA
Job Type: Civil Service Permanent Full-Time
Job Number: CS-2026-54548-76198
Department: Emergency Management Agency
Division: EM Pub Indvl Rcvry Astnc Off
Opening Date: 07/21/2026
Closing Date: 8/4/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code: 76198
Position Number: 00252803
Union: FOP - Lodge #92
Bargaining Unit: G4
Pay Group: ST07
Bureau / Division Code: 00311610
Bureau / Division: EM Public Individual Recovery Assistance
Worksite Address: 1310 Elmerton Avenue
City: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Zip Code: 17110
Contact Name: Luke Dugan
Contact Email: View email address on click.appcast.io


THE POSITION
As an Emergency Management Specialist with the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, you will play a key role in guiding public assistance efforts after disaster events. This position will give you the opportunity to grow professionally while supporting agencies and communities that rely on clear guidance and steady coordination. You will help deliver vital resources and information that aid recovery and resilience throughout the Commonwealth. Step into a role where your commitment supports safety, stability, and public service.
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
This position supports the Public Assistance Program by helping agencies, applicants, and communities navigate disaster relief processes. You will combine training, coordination, communication, and field assignments to ensure effective delivery of federal assistance. As an Emergency Management Specialist, you will perform the following duties:

• Procedure Development: Assist in creating and updating standard operating procedures for public assistance administration
• Agency Coordination: Maintain working relationships with federal, state, county, and local partners involved in recovery efforts
• Training Delivery: Provide training on damage assessment, grant systems, inspections, and program requirements
• Application Review: Evaluate and recommend public assistance requests submitted through the FEMA Grants Portal
• Applicant Support: Guide applicants in record keeping, claims preparation, and project administration
• Field Deployment: Participate in disaster field operations, inspections, briefings, and travel as required

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• FREE on-site parking
• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• In the event of an emergency/disaster situation or training exercise, this position may be required to travel, work up to 12-hour shifts, and work outside of the normal work hours, including weekends and overnights.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, upon successful completion of a training period. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $60,538 (before taxes).
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Successful completion of the Emergency Management Trainee program (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• Two years of professional experience in the development, coordination, or promotion of emergency management programs such as disaster relief, public safety, flood mitigation and resiliency, and emergency management in government, industry, education, or the military; and a bachelor's degree; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes one year of professional experience in the development, coordination, or promotion of emergency management programs such as disaster relief, public safety, flood mitigation and resiliency, and emergency management in government, industry, education, or the military.

Special Requirements:

• This position requires possession of an active motor vehicle license.
• This position requires certification in the following courses from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Emergency Management Institute, within six months of hire:
  • IS-100.C: Introduction to the Incident Command System
  • IS-700.B: An Introduction to the National Incident Management System
  • IS-800.D: National Response Framework, An Introduction
  • IS-2200: Basic Emergency Operations Center Functions

Other Requirements:

• PA residency requirement is currently waived for this title.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.
The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.

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Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*

Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.


Work/Life Balance
We know there's more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*


Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little "extras" that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit and click on the benefits box.

*Eligibility rules apply.
01



Special Requirement - Do you possess a valid driver's license which is not under suspension?

• Yes
• No

02


If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please provide the issuing state, license number, and expiration date. If you answered "No" type N/A in the box.
03


Have you completed the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Emergency Management Trainee program?

• Yes
• No

04


If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
05


How many years of full-time professional experience do you have in the development, coordination, or promotion of emergency-related programs such as disaster relief, public safety, and emergency management in government, industry, or the military?

• 2 years or more
• 1 but less than 2 years
• None of the above

06


If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
07


How much graduate coursework have you completed in planning, emergency management, risk management, criminal justice, law enforcement, homeland security, emergency and/or crisis management, disaster preparedness, disaster management, public safety management or administration, fire science technology, fire protection engineering, hazardous materials response, or emergency medical services administration?
If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.
If you answer this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting and clicking the Evaluation Services link.

• 30 credits or more
• Less than 30 credits
• None

08


INSTRUCTIONS You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. You must complete the application and answer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.
All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.

Read each question carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training. The "Level of Performance" you choose must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered. In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.


If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.

If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to our

• Yes

09



WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - RESEARCHES, ANALYZES, AND VALIDATES DISASTER RECOVERY INFORMATION AND DATA

Researches, analyzes, and validates damage assessment information and data concerning disaster recovery programs in order to provide disaster recovery assistance.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• a. I have experience researching, analyzing, and validating damage assessment information and data for federal or state government concerning disaster recovery programs in order to provide disaster recovery assistance.
• b. I have experience researching, analyzing, and validating damage assessment information and data for a county government concerning disaster recovery programs in order to provide disaster recovery assistance.
• c. I have experience researching, analyzing, and validating damage assessment information and data for municipalities or schools concerning disaster recovery programs in order to provide disaster recovery assistance.
• d. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to research methodology, analysis, or critical thinking.
• e. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

10


In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

1. The name of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
2. The type(s) of information and data you researched, analyzed, and validated
3. The area(s) for which you researched, analyzed, and validated information and data
4. The actual duties you performed
5. Your level of responsibility

11


If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

1. College/University
2. Course Title
3. Credits/Clock Hours

12



WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - DEVELOPING/DELIVERING EMERGENCY DISASTER RECOVERY TRAINING ACTIVITIES

Develops and delivers emergency disaster recovery training activities with emergency management officials, volunteer organizations, or private businesses.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• a. I have experience developing and delivering emergency disaster recovery training activities with state, county, municipal, and federal emergency management officials, volunteer organizations, or private businesses.
• b. I have experience delivering emergency disaster recovery training activities with state, county, municipal, and federal emergency management officials, volunteer organizations, or private businesses. I have not developed this training.
• c. I have experience delivering emergency response training activities not related to disaster recovery with state, county, municipal, and federal emergency management officials, volunteer organizations, or private businesses. I have not developed this training.
• d. I have successfully completed college-level coursework or training related to this work behavior such as emergency management and preparedness or FEMA training.
• e. I have NO experience, coursework, or training related to this work behavior.

13


In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

1. The name of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
2. The training activities you delivered/developed
3. Who did you deliver these training activities to (county, municipal, etc.)
4. The actual duties you performed
5. Your level of responsibility

14


If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework or training, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

1. College/University/Training Source
2. Course Title
3. Credits/Clock Hours

15



WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - COORDINATES DISASTER RECOVERY ACTIVITIES
Coordinates the assignment, deployment, and demobilization of resources (such as equipment, personnel, special teams, etc.) to support emergency management officials in disaster recovery.
Levels of Performance Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• a. I have experience as a lead contact person coordinating the assignment, deployment, and demobilization of resources to support municipal, county, state, and federal emergency management officials in disaster recovery.
• b. I have experience as part of a group or committee coordinating the assignment, deployment, and demobilization of resources to support municipal, county, state, and federal emergency management officials in disaster recovery. I was not the lead contact person.
• c. I have experience as part of a group or committee coordinating the assignment, deployment, and demobilization of resources to support municipal, county, state, and federal emergency management officials in EMERGENCY RESPONSE, but not specifically in disaster recovery.
• d. I have successfully completed college-level coursework or training related to emergency planning and preparedness.
• e. I have NO experience, coursework, or training related to this work behavior.

16


In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

1. The name of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
2. The resources for which you coordinated assignment, deployment, and demobilization
3. Who did these resources support (county, municipal, etc.)
4. The actual duties you performed
5. Your level of responsibility

17


If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework or training, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

1. College/University/Training Source
2. Course Title
3. Credits/Clock Hours

18



WORK BEHAVIOR 4 - PROVIDES DISASTER RECOVERY TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

Provides emergency management-related technical assistance by interpreting and explaining laws, regulations, policies, and procedures related to disaster recovery programs to government officials, other emergency responders, and citizens.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• a. I have experience providing emergency management-related technical assistance by interpreting and explaining laws, regulations, policies, and procedures related to disaster recovery programs to government officials, other emergency responders, and citizens.
• b. I have experience providing emergency management-related technical assistance by interpreting and explaining laws, regulations, policies, and procedures regarding emergency management programs, but not specifically disaster recovery programs, to interested parties.
• c. I have experience providing technical assistance not related to emergency or disaster recovery programs by interpreting and explaining laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• d. I have successfully completed college level coursework related to communications, psychology, or public relations.
• e. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior.

19


In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

1. The name of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
2. The type of technical assistance you provided
3. The actual duties you performed
4. Your level of responsibility

20


If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

1. College/University
2. Course Title
3. Credits/Clock Hours

21



WORK BEHAVIOR 5 - DISASTER RECOVERY PROJECT EVALUATIONS

Analyzes post-disaster public infrastructure information for projects on roads, highways, and bridges. Analyzes information related to overall progress, work strategies, funding, cost estimation, policies, and procedures to identify program compliance, strengths, opportunities, and challenges. Recommends new or updated internal policies or procedures that support disaster recovery project goals and objectives.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• a. I have experience analyzing post-disaster public infrastructure information for projects on roads, highways, and bridges. Information analyzed included overall progress, work strategies, funding, cost estimation, policies, and procedures to identify program compliance, strengths, opportunities, and challenges. I recommended new or updated internal policies or procedures that supported public infrastructure project goals and objectives.
• b. I have experience analyzing post-disaster debris removal project information related to overall progress, work strategies, funding, cost estimation, policies, and procedures to identify program compliance, strengths, opportunities, and challenges. I recommended new or updated internal policies or procedures that supported post-disaster debris removal project goals and objectives.
• c. I have experience analyzing information for various projects in a non-disaster related situation regarding overall progress, work strategies, funding, cost estimation, policies, and procedures to identify program compliance, strengths, opportunities, and challenges. I recommended new or updated internal policies or procedures that supported the program goals and objectives.
• d. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to program project evaluation, program analysis, funds data analysis, statistics, logic, or business administration.
• e. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

22


In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

1. The name of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
2. The type of project information you analyzed
3. The actual duties you performed
4. Your level of responsibility

23


If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

1. College/University
2. Course Title
3. Credits/Clock Hours

Required Question