An emergency management specialist ensures that both natural and man-made disasters are adequately prepared for, as well as that the damage caused is quickly assessed and repaired. She is usually expected to be aware of the best disaster response options and to have contingency plans in place to quickly implement effective crisis management plans. One of the most important aspects of her job is to train those who fall under her purview to act responsibly and in the best interests of all parties involved. She could work for a business, for the government, or as a community or regional emergency specialist.
The way an emergency management specialist responds to a disaster is highly dependent on the disaster’s cause and the extent of the damage. Natural disasters, such as earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes, necessitate very different actions and solutions than those caused warfare. Toxic or hazardous material spills, as well as nuclear power plant malfunctions, necessitate a variety of approaches to minimize negative consequences.
To be successful in this position, you must be able to work well with others and communicate effectively. An emergency management specialist typically collaborates with fire and police departments, as well as local hospitals, to develop plans that enlist the attention and cooperation of various agencies. The success of recovery efforts is generally improved clearly defined objectives that are followed without distraction all parties involved.
A specialist in this field usually conducts extensive research before proposing or implementing solid emergency preparedness plans to determine which approaches have been most successful in real-life situations. Her standard reference models have similar-sized populations, comparable shelters, and comparable medical facility resources. She frequently organizes public speaking events for disaster experts to advise communities on the best disaster response strategies and to answer residents’ questions.
This person’s job usually entails preparing reports that reflect any changes in local and regional emergency response plans. She is normally required to ensure that key community leaders are immediately informed if major chain of command changes or designated shelter locations change. She is also expected to receive assurances from various support agencies that their tools and resources will be available and maintained on a timely basis.
A key personality trait for an emergency management specialist is the ability to maintain calm in the face of disasters and the ability to calm people in various states of panic. Her calm demeanor is essential for leading others in rescue efforts, as she is frequently the first point of contact in disasters. Her job also requires her to have excellent organizational skills.
There are no specific educational requirements for this position. It is strongly preferred that you have a strong background and experience in health care, economics, or environmental planning. An applicant for this job should be familiar with triage procedures or emergency response plans.