According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in emergency management is expected to grow by nearly 20% over the next ten years. So if you’re interested in a career in emergency management, now is the time to get started.

Emergency management is a field that is always in demand. Emergency managers are responsible for coordinating and leading the response to natural and artificial disasters. They work with government agencies, businesses, and private organizations to ensure that resources are available when and where they are needed.

This guide will cover some of the top careers in emergency management. We’ll discuss the job outlook and what you can expect to do in each role.

1. Emergency Management Director

Emergency management directors are responsible for planning and coordinating the response to natural disasters. They work with government agencies, businesses, and private organizations to ensure that resources are available when and where they are needed. In addition to coordinating disaster response, emergency management directors also develop plans to prevent or mitigate future disasters. However, most of their time is spent responding to and recovering from events that have already occurred.

2. Emergency Management Specialist

Emergency management specialists are responsible for providing support to emergency management directors. They may be responsible for conducting research, developing plans, or coordinating the response logistics. Emergency management specialists may also be responsible for training first responders and evolving public outreach programs.

Aspiring professionals can learn the ropes by working as emergency management interns or assistants. These positions provide valuable experience to help land an emergency management specialist job. In addition, there are many professional courses available to those interested in pursuing a career in emergency management. For instance, you can enroll in an online masters in emergency management or a certification program.

3. Disaster Recovery Specialist

Disaster recovery specialists are responsible for coordinating the efforts to restore essential services after a disaster. This may include backup power, water, and sewer service. Disaster recovery specialists also work to repair or replace damaged infrastructure. In addition, they may be responsible for providing essential services to displaced residents.

Disaster recovery specialists typically have a background in engineering, construction, or another similar field. However, there are many professional courses available to those interested in pursuing a career in disaster recovery.

4. Emergency Response Coordinator

Emergency response coordinators are responsible for responding to natural and manufactured disasters. They work with government agencies, businesses, and private organizations to ensure that resources are available when and where they are needed. In addition to coordinating disaster response, emergency response coordinators also develop plans to prevent or mitigate future disasters. However, most of their time is spent responding to and recovering from events that have already occurred.

5. Firefighter

Firefighters are first responders responsible for extinguishing fires and providing medical assistance. They work in various settings, including homes, businesses, and public buildings. In addition to responding to fires, firefighters also provide preventative education to the public.

Aspiring firefighters can begin their careers by working as volunteer firefighters. Many fire departments require prospective firefighters to have a high school diploma or equivalent. There are also many professional courses available to those interested in pursuing a career in firefighting.

6. Police Officer

Police officers are first responders who are responsible for maintaining public safety. They work in various settings, including homes, businesses, and public buildings. In addition to responding to crimes, police officers also provide preventative education to the public.

Aspiring police officers can begin their careers by working as police interns or assistants. In addition, many police departments require prospective officers to have a high school diploma or equivalent. There are also many professional courses available to those interested in pursuing a career in policing.

7. Paramedic

Paramedics are first responders responsible for providing medical assistance to the sick and injured. They work in various settings, including homes, businesses, and public buildings. In addition to responding to medical emergencies, paramedics also provide preventative education to the public.

Aspiring paramedics can begin their careers by working as emergency medical technicians or paramedics. Many first response services require prospective paramedics to have a high school diploma or equivalent. There are also many professional courses available to those interested in pursuing a career in paramedicine.

8. Search and Rescue Worker

Search, and rescue workers are first responders responsible for locating and rescuing people who are lost or stranded. They work in various settings, including homes, businesses, and public buildings. In addition to responding to emergencies, search and rescue workers also provide preventative education to the public.

Aspiring search and rescue workers can begin their careers by working as volunteer search and rescue workers. Many search and rescue organizations require prospective workers to have a high school diploma or equivalent. There are also many professional courses available to those interested in pursuing a career in search and rescue.

9. Emergency Medical Technician

Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) are first responders responsible for providing medical assistance to the sick and injured. They work in various settings, including homes, businesses, and public buildings. In addition to responding to medical emergencies, EMTs also provide preventative education to the public.

Aspiring EMTs can begin their careers by working as emergency medical technicians or paramedics. Many ambulance services require prospective EMTs to have a high school diploma or equivalent. There are also many professional courses available to those interested in pursuing a career as an emergency medical technician. However, many states require EMTs to be licensed by the National Emergency Medical Technician Certification Board.

10. Security Guard

Security guards are first responders who are responsible for maintaining public safety. They work in various settings, including homes, businesses, and public buildings. In addition to responding to crimes, security guards also provide preventative education to the public.

Aspiring security guards can begin their careers by working as security interns or assistants. Many security companies require prospective guards to have a high school diploma or equivalent. There are also many professional courses available to those interested in pursuing a career in security. However, some security companies may require guards to have a valid driver’s license.

Bottom Line:

There are many different careers in emergency management, each with its own set of responsibilities. Police officers, paramedics, and search and rescue workers are just a few professionals who work to keep the public safe in times of need. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in emergency management, be sure to research the different options available to find the one that best fits your skills and interests.