FEMA Public Assistance - Technical Specialist, Reservist On Call

ICF’s Disaster Management Division seeks Disaster Recovery FEMA Public Assistance - Technical Specialist – Reservist On Call to join our team.  This ON-CALL position will require travel to client offices, disaster recovery sites, and deployable for multiple week assignments.  This is a U.S. based position.

About On-Call Employment with ICF: Due to the seasonal or project-specific nature of our disaster and emergency management work, ICF hires professionals as “On-Call” employees. On-Call employees are scheduled for work as it becomes available, with the freedom to accept or decline hours. They can work on concurrent projects outside of their ICF assignment, provided there's no conflict of interest.

Definition:  FEMA Public Assistance (PA) is a program provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that provides financial and direct assistance to states, tribes, and territories when authorized as part of a presidential declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. The program provides supplemental grants to state, tribal, territorial and local governments, and certain types of private non-profits so communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies. PA can fund the repair, restoration, reconstruction or replacement of eligible public or certain nonprofit facilities or infrastructure damaged or destroyed by a disaster.  This is not health or social services.

As part of the Technical Specialist Reservist (On Call) Cadre, you will coordinate with other technical specialists and project team members to ensure performance of tasks. Responsibilities may include providing comprehensive disaster recovery, grant monitoring services to sub-recipients, and working with (possibly overseeing) disaster recovery staff and assisting with project management tasks.

Why Join Our Reservist Team?
•    Support communities during some of their most critical moments of recovery.
•    Apply your expertise to meaningful, real-world challenges.
•    Gain experience across a variety of disaster recovery programs and geographies.
•    Work alongside experienced disaster recovery professionals committed to helping communities rebuild.
•    Enjoy the flexibility of on-call employment while remaining connected to impactful work.

Please provide an updated resume that highlights experience relevant to the qualifications listed below, including construction, estimating, disaster recovery, FEMA Public Assistance, infrastructure assessment, and related technical expertise, where applicable. Must Have qualifications must be met to be considered.

What You Will Do
•    Evaluate damaged facilities, infrastructure, documentation, and photographs to support disaster recovery project development.
•    Develop and review scopes of work, damage inventories, repair recommendations, and cost estimates.
•    Apply FEMA Public Assistance policies, regulations, and program requirements during project development and review.
•    Review FEMA Project Worksheets and supporting documentation for completeness, accuracy, and compliance.
•    Provide technical guidance and support to project teams, applicants, and recovery stakeholders.
•    Consult on Hazard Mitigation, Alternate Procedures, Improved Projects, and other FEMA Public Assistance requirements.
•    Participate in meetings with agencies, applicants, contractors, and project teams to support recovery project planning and implementation.
•    Maintain accurate project records, reporting, and documentation within program management systems.
•    Support recovery initiatives that help restore critical public infrastructure and community services.

MUST HAVE Qualifications:
•    3+ years of experience supporting FEMA Public Assistance programs, including Hazard Mitigation (Sections 404 and/or 406), Alternate Procedures, Improved Projects, or related recovery initiatives.
•    3+ years of construction, infrastructure, engineering, estimating, building assessment, or related technical experience.
•    2+ years of experience utilizing RSMeans, Xactimate, FEMA Cost Estimating Format (CEF), or comparable cost estimating software.
•    Experience supporting disaster recovery projects at the federal, state, tribal, territorial, or local government level.
•    Ability and willingness to travel by air and vehicle with limited notice to support disaster recovery operations.
•    Valid U.S. driver's license and ability to successfully pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check.

Preferred Qualifications:
•    Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, architecture, environmental sciences, disaster management, infrastructure, finance, or a related field.
•    Experience supporting active disaster recovery programs funded through FEMA Public Assistance, Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), CDBG-DR, or CDBG-MIT.
•    Experience applying FEMA Public Assistance policy, guidance, and regulations to complex recovery projects.
•    Experience evaluating infrastructure, construction, public works, utilities, facilities, or capital improvement projects.
•    Experience supporting disaster recovery projects involving complex stakeholder, political, or programmatic considerations.
•    FEMA certifications or relevant FEMA coursework.

Professional Skills: (You bring these with you on Day One) 
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, MS Excel and computer use, including ability to use multiple database systems and perform accurate data entry.
• High attention to detail and accuracy in documentation and reporting “on-time” and professionally, including ability to follow directions. 
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to effectively plan, prioritize and manage multiple tasks and activities, independently and collaboratively with excellent analytical and qualitative strategic thinking capabilities and collaboration skills.
• Strong written and oral communication, including interpersonal and presentation skills, including experience writing technical guidance or procedures. 
• Excellent critical thinking skills to help resolve project constraints and make decisions, paired with a desire to take initiative. 
• Ability to work well under continually changing deadlines and priorities, including managing multiple projects and stakeholder interests; willing and able to work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Awareness and appreciation of applicant situations, socioeconomic backgrounds, and community dynamics. 

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Working at ICF

ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we’re not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.

We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer. Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read our EEO policy.

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Work Authorization and Sponsorship

All candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for new H-1B visa sponsorship by ICF. Candidates who currently hold valid work authorization may be considered for a change of employer petition, subject to company policy and applicable immigration requirements.

Reasonable Accommodations

Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation, please email [email protected] and we will be happy to assist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.  

Read more about workplace discrimination rights or our benefit offerings which are included in the Transparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act. 

Bot and Third-Party Applications

Please note that this application must be submitted directly by the applicant for consideration. Failure to do so may result in the application being excluded for consideration.  Applicants needing an accommodation for disability or religious purposes in connection with the application process should contact [email protected] for assistance.

Candidate AI Usage Policy

At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process.  

However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodation that involves the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at [email protected]. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.  

Pay Range

There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.

The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is:

$46,004.00 - $78,207.00Nationwide Remote Office (US99)