Emergency Management Program Specialist I

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Lincoln, NE Until 8/21/2026 First posted August 24, 2025 Last posted August 24, 2025
Job description

The work we do matters!

Hiring Agency:

Military - Agency 31


Location:

Lincoln, NE


Hiring Rate:

$23.660


Job Posting:

JR2025-00018925 Emergency Management Program Specialist I (Open)


Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):

08-27-2025


Job Description:

Location: Nebraska Emergency Management Agency, Joint Force Headquarters, 2443 NW 24th Street, Lincoln NE

Our team is looking for a highly motivated individual ready to serve the people and communities of the great State of Nebraska.

Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) works to reduce the vulnerabilities of the people and communities of Nebraska to damage, injury and loss of life and property resulting from natural, technological, or man-made disasters and emergencies. We believe an emergency management system is a dynamic, mutually beneficial, and inclusive network of partners, stakeholders, and organizations, encompassing all Nebraskans, throughout all phases of disasters.

We envision a resilient Nebraska built upon inclusive collaboration and communication.

Our mission is to provide and foster leadership through guidance and support to Nebraskans before, during, and after disasters.

Does this sound like an environment where you would thrive? Then NEMA might be your perfect fit!

Nebraska is not for everyone, but it can definitely be for YOU! Our team is looking for someone who highly motivated and ready to serve the communities of Nebraska by providing disaster relief and mitigation grant funding.

The Recovery Section assists all levels of governments through the recovery process following disasters. The section administers Public Assistance (PA), Hazard Mitigation (HM), and Individual Assistance (IA). In the last few years, the Recovery Section has administered nearly a billion dollars to local communities within the State of Nebraska.

Within the Section, the Individual Assistance Grant Coordinator is responsible for managing and overseeing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Individual Assistance (IA) Grant Program in Nebraska. FEMA's Individual Assistance Program provides financial and direct services to individuals and households affected by a presidentially declared disaster, helping with needs not covered by insurance or other sources. This position will utilize appropriate policies, guidance, and regulations to make informed decisions that will guide the State of Nebraska in creating an IA program and seeking Federal IA declarations.

Job Duties:

Provide technical assistance to NEMA leadership when seeking an Individual Assistance Declaration.

Travel to other States to assist with their Individual Assistance declarations to gather experience, knowledge, and ideas to create Nebraska's IA program.

Monitor and track the Individual Assistance Damages and declaration benchmarks.

Collect supporting documentation from individuals impacted by a disaster.

Facilitate and attend meetings with local, state, tribal, and federal stakeholders.

Attend training, conferences, and other workshops to maintain current knowledge of the grant program and relevant federal and state regulations and policies.

Conduct inspection visits to project sites to ensure the approved scope of work is completed accordingly.

Conduct community outreach activities that inform local organizations of the IA Grant.

Develop payments based on documentation provided review for eligibility.


 

This is an entry-level position within the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency.

Starting Hourly Pay Rate is $23.660.

Upon a successful six month probationary period and when performing higher level duties, the supervisor may recommend a promotion to Emergency Management Program Specialist I, including a higher rate of pay.

Requirements / Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Emergency Management Planning Specialist: Post high school coursework/training in one or more of the following areas: emergency management, regional/urban/community planning, disaster planning, public safety program planning, transportation planning; public administration, business administration, social sciences or health sciences and/or experience in one or more of the following areas; emergency management, regional/urban/community planning, disaster planning, public safety program planning, transportation planning, public administration, business administration, social sciences or health sciences.

Persons in this class must successfully complete NIMS 100-200 and 700-800 and the following FEMA Independent Study Courses by the end of the original probationary period: IS 1, 3, 230, 288, 393 and 775.

Emergency Management Program Specialist I: Post-high school coursework/training in one or more of the following areas: emergency management, regional/urban/community planning, disaster planning, public safety program planning, transportation planning, public administration or business administration and social sciences or health sciences and/or experience in one or more of the following areas: emergency management, regional/urban/community planning, disaster planning, public safety program planning, transportation planning, public administration or business administration, and social sciences or health sciences AND successful completion of NIMS and FEMA Independent Study Courses identified within the Emergency Management Planning Specialist class specification NIMS 300 & 400; FEMA IS 102, 111, 139, 208, 235, 241, 242, 253, 271, 394, 403, 632, 701, and 703 AND familiarity with the National Response Framework, the State Emergency Operations Plan and Local Emergency Operations Plans and their functional relationship to each other.

Other: Background check/motor vehicle check will be required. Must have a valid state driver's license.

Incumbents in this position, after a successful probationary period, are assigned as an Agency Watch Officer on a rotational basis. When serving as Watch Officer, incumbent must be available in the event of an emergency on a 24-hour basis for a seven day period. Additionally, incumbents must be able to report to the NEMA office within a timely manner and be available to travel away from home for up to two weeks at a time. Normal overnight travel up to 10-15% of work schedule. Incumbent physical requirements include: the ability to move/life/push/pull 50 lbs. on occasion and the ability to work in outdoor temperature extremes.


 

Knowledge or experience with the FEMA Individual Assistance Program (IA);

IA program authorities and governing documents; grant and project management; fiscal aspects of grant management; research methodology and data collection and analysis; computer software applications (Microsoft Office, Grants Portal, Smartsheets).

Ability to think critically and review grant projects for accuracy and compliance with grant conditions; oversee and manage complex projects; communicate effectively and accurately verbally and in writing; effectively manage time and assigned tasks; work within a team.

o  Stable employment and hours with regular salary increases
o  Thirteen paid holidays per year
o  Competitive benefits, paid time off, and retirement, agency free parking and flexible work schedules, military leave
o  79% employer-paid health insurance with four plans and coverage levels to choose from
o  Dental, vision, long and short-term disability, flex spending and health savings accounts, employee assistance program, employee discount program, and more
o  Generous vacation and sick leave earnings each year starting at 12 days each.
o  156% state-matched retirement for state plans
o  Stipend for eligible military retirees on TRICARE
o  A safe and secure environment with great teammates


 


Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.

Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits

Equal Opportunity Statement

The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.

Current employees of the State of Nebraska should NOT apply on this external career. Instead go to Workday and access the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page.

About this role

Summary

Assist with disaster recovery and manage Individual Assistance Grant Program.

Job title

Emergency Management Program Specialist I

Experience level

entry level

Industry

government

Location requirements

Located in Lincoln, NE; remote work not allowed.

Salary

$23.660

Management role

No

Skills & keywords

Required skills

emergency managementdisaster planningpublic administrationNIMSFEMA Independent Study Coursesgrant managementMicrosoft Office

Preferred skills

familiarity with National Response Frameworkdata collectioncritical thinkingcommunication

Specializations

emergency managementdisaster planningpublic administrationgrant management
Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

Lincoln, NE, USA

On-site City