This position is being announced under FEMA's Incident Management Assistant Team (IMAT) Program. This is a 4-year temporary appointment in the Excepted service. This position is located on a Type II, Regional IMAT and has a starting salary range of $49.18 per hour to $66.39 per hour; however, the maximum salary possible in this position is $75.53 per hour. Salary listed includes locality pay.
This position is being announced under FEMA's Incident Management Assistant Team (IMAT) Program. This is a 4-year temporary appointment in the Excepted service. This position is located on a Type II, Regional IMAT and has a starting salary range of $49.18 per hour to $66.39 per hour; however, the maximum salary possible in this position is $75.53 per hour. Salary listed includes locality pay.
This job will close when we have received 100 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Learn more
Salary
$49.18 to - $75.53 per hour
Pay scale & grade
IT 4
Location
Maynard, MA
1 vacancy
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
75% or less - IMAT members will deploy to emergency sites. IMAT members will travel to disasters, offices, trainings, meetings, or for other job related reasons. Non-emergency travel may be required.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is calling on those who want to help protect American interests and secure our Nation. DHS Components work collectively to prevent terrorism; secure borders and our transportation systems; protect the President and other dignitaries; enforce and administer immigration laws; safeguard cyberspace; and ensure resilience to disasters. We achieve these vital missions through a diverse workforce spanning hundreds of occupations. Make an impact; join DHS.
When disaster strikes, America looks to FEMA. Now FEMA looks to you. Join our team and use your talent to support Americans in their times of greatest need. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) prepares the nation for all hazards and manages Federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. We foster innovation, reward performance and creativity, and provide challenges on a routine basis with a well-skilled, knowledgeable, high performance workforce. Please visit www.fema.gov for additional information.
EMERGENCY ASSIGNMENT: IMAT employees are subject to a 24-hour on call work schedules in the event of an emergency and be willing to be relocated to emergency sites with little notice. The teams deploy as soon as notified to respond and are on the scene within 12 hours. Once on scene, the teams operate and function under intense physical and mental stress until the response mission is accomplished. This service will require irregular and/or long working hours which may be under austere environments that include living and working in temporary facilities such as tents, warehouse, or other expediently established facilities, significant damage to critical infrastructure that prevents ready access to potable water (other than for drinking), other than basic medical care, and other routinely available services. Work may include duties other than those specified in the employee’s official position description and may involve some physical exertion including activities such as long periods of standing; walking over rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces; recurring bending, stooping, stretching, reaching, or similar activities; carrying and lifting of moderately heavy items (up to 50 pounds).
When deployed, you will report to the Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO) and manages all response-related Federal external affairs elements under the guidance of the Operation Director. Typically duties may include:
Establishing and maintaining mutual communication among federal, state, local, tribal and territorial authorities
Working with EA specialists at all levels of government, as well as with appropriate representatives in private/non-profit/organizations to implement effective communications plans and policies
Establishing work assignments, monitoring and evaluating performance and setting priorities for subordinates that are qualified to perform assigned positions
Directing and overseeing public information, congressional, intergovernmental, private sector, and community engagement programs as well as developing and releasing of incident information
Monitoring reports from various sources to identify emerging potential external affairs issues
Reviewing communications products, including social media outreach, for publication or release
Providing communications counsel and strategic advice to the FCO and Command and General Staff
Serving as a spokesperson for FEMA in responding to media inquiries from national, regional and local media; providing information to broadcast, print and online reporters on controversial or sensitive topics related to the disaster
Participating in all relevant National Incident Communication Conference Line (NICCL), State Incident Communication Conference Line (SICCL) and Private Sector Incident Communication Conference Line (PICCL) calls through ESF-15 Concept of Operations
When not deployed, you will report to the IMAT Team Leader and will work in full coordination with FEMA HQ and Regional External Affairs (EA) leadership.
Participating in weekly conference calls to provide updates in EA activities as well as exercises at the national, regional and state levels
EA Division management; all training as required by the position; development of regional catastrophic planning and designing exercise events to test plans and policies
Ensuring regional disaster EA operations are closed out appropriately and consistently
Providing input for the development of and participation in the execution and documentation of functions and plans for critical aspects of FEMA's mission, operational responses and programs
Evaluating and providing recommendations to improve effectiveness of existing programs, activities and management EA components of any Lessons Learned/Continuous Improvement plans resulting from disaster field operations
Representing EA leadership on task forces, work groups, councils, etc. related to incident communications and disaster operations
You must be a U.S. citizen to be considered for this position
You must successfully pass a background investigation.
24 hour on-call work schedule during emergency response periods required.
You must be able to obtain and maintain a Government credit card.
Selective service registration is required for males born after 12/31/59.
Please review "Other Information" section for additional key requirements.
To ensure the accomplishment of our mission, DHS requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo, successfully pass, and maintain a background investigation for Public Trust as a condition of placement into this position. This may include a credit check after initial job qualifications are determined, a review of financial issues, such as delinquency in the payment of debts, child support and/or tax obligations, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs (please visit: Mythbuster on Federal Hiring Policies for additional information). For more information on background investigations for Federal jobs please visit OPM Investigations.
Please ensure you meet the qualification requirements described below and that you clearly describe how your experience meets these requirements within your resume.
Qualifications
The qualification requirements listed below must be met within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement.
You qualify for this position at the IT-04 level (starting salary $49.18) if you possess the following. One full year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade (IT-03) in the Federal Service. This experience may have been gained in the federal government, a state or local government, a non-profit organization, the private sector, or as a volunteer; however, your resume must clearly describe at least one year of the following Specialized experience:
Establishing and managing public information strategies for an organization; and
Responding to news media inquiries or reporting on general news or activities of a government agency; and
Writing news releases and service pieces or feature articles, documentaries, or breaking news reports; and
Leading, managing and training subordinates in support of public or external affairs efforts.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Your application must show that you meet all requirements for this position. You may be found “not qualified” if you do not possess the minimum competencies required for the position.
NOTE: It is recommended you include in your resume any Position Task Book(s) you have completed and date(s) of completion in MM/DD/YY format.
NOTE: Qualifications are based on breadth/level of experience. In addition to describing duties performed, applicants must provide the exact dates of each period of employment (from MM/DD/YY to MM/DD/YY) and the number of hours worked per week if part time. As qualification determinations cannot be made when resumes do not include the required information, failure to provide this information may result in disqualification. Applicants are encouraged to use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to develop their federal resume. For a brief video on How to Create a Federal Resume, click here.NOTE: If you are using the USAJOBS Resume Builder, please insert the dates of employment in MM/DD/YY format at the top of the “Duties, Accomplishments, and Related Skills” text field for each period of employment included on your resume.
Current or former FEMA Reservists/DAE employees: To accurately credit your experience for these intermittent positions, make sure to list the dates (from MM/DD/YY to MM/DD/YY) of each deployment, along with the job title and specific
Education
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Additional information
If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment.
DHS uses E-verify, an internet based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.
This announcement may be used to fill one or more vacancies.
STAFFORD ACT EXCEPTED SERVICE APPOINTMENTS: Cadre On Call Response Employee – Incident (CORE-I) is an appointment type granted under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, Section 306 (b), which authorizes FEMA to appoint such temporary employees as necessary to accomplish work authorized under the Act. Appointments under this authority within FEMA are made to the excepted service and are nonpermanent in nature.
All candidates must be able to deploy with little or no advance notice to anywhere in the United States and its territories for an extended period of time. Deployments may include working in excess of eight hours a day, or in excess of 40 hours per week, including weekends and holidays, and under stressful, physically demanding, and austere conditions. When activated and deployed, you serve in a federal travel status and are entitled to lodging, transportation, and per diem reimbursements for authorized expenses in accordance with federal travel regulations.
If selected for this position, you will be required to complete FEMA’s onboarding program and a subsequent orientation program. Additional orientation information will be provided post selection.
Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include: flexible work schedules; telework; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select “Benefits.” Disabled veteran leave will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
We will review your resume, supporting documentation, and your responses to the occupational questionnaire to ensure you meet the minimum qualification requirements. Applicants whose assessment score rates 90 and above, may be considered for further review by subject matter experts, in regards to the criteria defined in the vacancy announcement.
Veterans’ preference does not apply to the IMAT program selection process.
We recommend that you preview the online questions for this announcement before you start the application process.
Interview Requirement: Interviews may be required for this position. Failure to complete the interview may result in removal from consideration.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include: flexible work schedules; telework; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select “Benefits.” Disabled veteran leave will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Your responses to the job questionnaire - You will be directed to the online job questionnaire once you begin the application process for this position.
Are you a current or former federal employee? Submit a copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action that demonstrates your eligibility for consideration, e.g., length of time you have been in your current grade; your highest grade held; your current promotion potential and proof of permanent appointment if applying based on an interchange agreement. Examples of appropriate SF-50s include promotions, within-grade increases and accessions.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
To begin your online application, click "Apply Online" to create a USAJOBS account and follow the prompts or log in to your existing account. Your application packet must include a completed assessment questionnaire, a resume, and any applicable and or required supporting documentation. Please see the "Required Documents" section for additional information. All application materials, including transcripts, must be in English.
Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. You must submit your resume, your online questionnaire, and any supporting documents by 11:59 PM eastern standard time on the posted closing date of this job opportunity announcement, or at 11:59 PM eastern standard time on the date the application limit has been reached, whichever occurs first.
It is your responsibility to verify that any information entered or uploaded is received and is accurate. Determining your eligibility and qualifications is dependent on the supporting documentation and information provided, which may impact your referral for further consideration. If a document is not legible, Human Resources will not be able to view it in your application.
We strongly encourage you to apply online. If you cannot apply online or do not have access to the internet (e.g., applicant experiencing documented system issues, applicant does not have access to the internet, etc.), you may be able to submit a paper application and the required forms. To do so, please contact the Human Resources Specialist listed in the Agency Contact Information prior to the close of this announcement.
FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Agency
Please read entire announcement
Please apply online
Washington, District of Columbia 20472
United States
Next steps
Once you submit your application, we will assess your experience and training, identify the qualified applicants, and refer those applications to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interviews. We will notify you by email after each of these steps has been completed.
We expect to make a job offer within 30 days after the deadline for applications.
If you are selected, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.
Any Offers of employment made pursuant to this announcement will be consistent with all applicable authorities, including Presidential Memoranda, Executive Orders, interpretive U.S. Office of Personnel Management guidance and U.S. Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Your responses to the job questionnaire - You will be directed to the online job questionnaire once you begin the application process for this position.
Are you a current or former federal employee? Submit a copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action that demonstrates your eligibility for consideration, e.g., length of time you have been in your current grade; your highest grade held; your current promotion potential and proof of permanent appointment if applying based on an interchange agreement. Examples of appropriate SF-50s include promotions, within-grade increases and accessions.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
To begin your online application, click "Apply Online" to create a USAJOBS account and follow the prompts or log in to your existing account. Your application packet must include a completed assessment questionnaire, a resume, and any applicable and or required supporting documentation. Please see the "Required Documents" section for additional information. All application materials, including transcripts, must be in English.
Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. You must submit your resume, your online questionnaire, and any supporting documents by 11:59 PM eastern standard time on the posted closing date of this job opportunity announcement, or at 11:59 PM eastern standard time on the date the application limit has been reached, whichever occurs first.
It is your responsibility to verify that any information entered or uploaded is received and is accurate. Determining your eligibility and qualifications is dependent on the supporting documentation and information provided, which may impact your referral for further consideration. If a document is not legible, Human Resources will not be able to view it in your application.
We strongly encourage you to apply online. If you cannot apply online or do not have access to the internet (e.g., applicant experiencing documented system issues, applicant does not have access to the internet, etc.), you may be able to submit a paper application and the required forms. To do so, please contact the Human Resources Specialist listed in the Agency Contact Information prior to the close of this announcement.
FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Agency
Please read entire announcement
Please apply online
Washington, District of Columbia 20472
United States
Next steps
Once you submit your application, we will assess your experience and training, identify the qualified applicants, and refer those applications to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interviews. We will notify you by email after each of these steps has been completed.
We expect to make a job offer within 30 days after the deadline for applications.
If you are selected, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.
Any Offers of employment made pursuant to this announcement will be consistent with all applicable authorities, including Presidential Memoranda, Executive Orders, interpretive U.S. Office of Personnel Management guidance and U.S. Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
