Are you looking for an opportunity to join a team that makes a real difference? Do you want to be part of a collaborative team that protects and strengthens communities and businesses? If you are looking for all these opportunities and more, then Witt O’Brien’s is the right fit for you.
Disaster Recovery Specialist I – WOB (Contingency)
Position Summary
The Disaster Recovery Specialist I (DRS I) will support Witt O’Brien’s State and Local Disaster Response and Recovery Team with its FEMA disaster recovery efforts, working hand-in-hand with the state/local government and private non-profit representatives to guide them through the Public Assistance process.
WOB's FEMA Public Assistance (PA) Disaster Recovery Specialist prepares FEMA Project Worksheets which involves identifying eligible damage caused by a disaster, documenting the extent and type of damage, determining the scope of work to repair the damage, and developing a cost estimate for the repair.
The Disaster Recovery Specialist must possess knowledge on the technical aspects of FEMA PA grant programs and will be expected to exercise independent judgement in coordination and advice to FEMA PA recipients/subrecipients within the limits of applicable Federal and State statutes, regulations, policies, and procedures. The Disaster Specialist works closely with Federal, State, and local representatives and must be able to clearly communicate aspects of the FEMA PA program.
Position Details
- Reports to: Associate Managing Director
- Location: Los Angeles, CA
- Position Type: On-call
- FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
- Pay: Hourly
- Compensation: Commensurate with experience
- Travel: 25%
Essential Job Functions
- Provide general programmatic assistance to applicants and maintain currency of and compliance with applicable state and federal grant management policies and procedures relating to the Public Assistance Grant Program
- Participate in meetings and briefings with applicants
- Collect, review, and upload project documentation to the FEMA PA Grants Portal during the pre-obligation/project formulation process
- Perform damage assessments to establish potential eligibility for FEMA funding and extent of applicable damages
- Conduct detailed cost estimates of damages
- Assist with the performance of project validation reviews and address any inconsistencies, special considerations, and compliance issues with management.
- Recommend technical guidance and recommendations to management
- Identify and elevate financial or administrative issues for resolution, including responding to FEMA or Requests for Information (RFIs)
Minimum Job Requirements
- One year experience with the FEMA Public Assistance grant.
- One year of experience using the FEMA PA Grants Portal.
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. An equivalent combination of training and experience may substitute for a degree.
- Novice understanding of grant policy and procedures, and the ability to read and interpret grant guidelines and contracts, and to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
- The ability to assist with preparing written reports and conducting analysis.
- Novice level knowledge of standard office procedures and basic computer operations to include a working and functional use (preferred intermediate to advanced) of all Microsoft Office applications including Word, Outlook, and Excel as well as smartphone /text usage.
- Ability to effectively communicate (written and orally) with team members and local, state and federal stakeholders.
- Solid written, verbal and organizational skills.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision as well as within a team framework to accomplish objectives under a tight deadline.
- Able to remain flexible and adapt quickly to changes during each assignment
- Must be willing and able to pass a government background check with fingerprints.
Preferred Job Requirements
- Experience working with FEMA or emergency management agencies at the federal, state, or local level.
Work Schedule
- This position requires work to be conducted onsite and may require work on weekends or in excess of 40 hours per week. Travel and other expenses are reimbursable in accordance with Witt O’Brien’s and client travel policies.
- All interested candidates must be willing to work for the duration of each disaster assignment. Assignments may last up to 12 months with potential for extension.
Job Description Disclaimer
This position description incorporates the core responsibilities of the job. It recognizes that other related duties not specifically mentioned might also be performed, and that not all responsibilities may be carried out depending on operational needs.
Commitment to Diversity
- Witt O'Brien's is always looking for the most qualified and experienced professionals with a passion for public safety, emergency management, homeland security, disaster response, and continuity of operations.
- We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Compensation range:
$22.80 - $39.60
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veteran/Disabled
With you when it counts.
