Disaster Recovery Public Assistance Specialist - Reservist (On Call)

About the role

ICF’s Disaster Management Division seeks Disaster Recovery Senior Public Assistance Specialists – Reservist On Call to join the team. This on‑call position requires travel to client offices, disaster recovery sites, and deployable assignments lasting multiple weeks. The role is U.S. based.

On‑call employees are scheduled for work as it becomes available, with the freedom to accept or decline hours. They may work on concurrent projects outside of their ICF assignment, provided there is no conflict of interest.

Definition: FEMA Public Assistance (PA) is a program provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency that offers 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 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.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with Federal and State recovery programs and initiatives, providing subject‑matter expertise on Public Assistance and its implementing regulations.
• Apply analytical and evaluative techniques to identify, consider, and resolve a wide variety of FEMA and Public Assistance issues.
• Address strategic issues in disaster recovery operations, including complex political and programmatic elements.
• Interpret FEMA Public Assistance policy and guidance technical issues in regard to current law and regulations.
• Analyze and track FEMA project worksheets and required operational data management.
• Support team and stakeholders with training and technical assistance.
• Coordinate and participate in resolution of project‑related issues and concerns.
• Optimize procedures, maintain communication, and keep focus on project goals.
• Maintain and track each case in the project report management information system.
• Measure performance with key metrics and keep management informed on issues, problems, and resolutions.
• Provide superior customer service, listening, facilitating, and negotiating problem solutions.
• Travel as required to client recovery sites and ICF locations with minimal notice.

Must Have Qualifications

• 5+ years of FEMA, state, or local Public Assistance experience addressing operational issues in disaster recovery operations, including complex programmatic elements (may include FEMA Public Assistance and FEMA Hazard Mitigation).
• 4+ years of experience personally analyzing FEMA project worksheets.
• Willingness and ability to travel (flight and vehicle) on short notice for project work.
• Valid driver’s license and successful completion of a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check.

Professional Skills

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially MS Excel.
• High attention to detail and accuracy in documentation and reporting, delivering work “on‑time” and professionally.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent written and oral communication, including interpersonal and presentation abilities.
• Critical thinking skills to resolve project constraints and make decisions, coupled with initiative.
• Ability to work effectively under continually changing deadlines and priorities.
• Awareness and appreciation of diverse applicant situations, socioeconomic backgrounds, and community dynamics.

Preferred Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental, disaster management, construction, infrastructure, energy, finance, or a related area.
• Experience working active disasters with CDBG‑DR, CDBG‑MIT, 406/404‑HMGP.
• Experience addressing strategic issues in disaster recovery operations with complex political and programmatic elements.
• Strong background in various types of construction.
• Experience addressing FEMA Public Assistance policy and guidance technical issues in regard to current law and regulations.
• Knowledge and skill in applying analytical and evaluative techniques to grants administration issues.
• FEMA certifications.

Compensation

Hourly pay range: $32 – $45 per hour, based on match to job description, location, and other factors. Full‑time pay range: $89,649.00 – $152,404.00 per year.