Disaster Preparedness Coordinator Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the unpredictable world we live in, the spotlight on Disaster Preparedness Coordinators has never been more crucial.

As natural and man-made disasters become increasingly frequent, the demand for skilled professionals who can plan, implement and coordinate disaster response or crisis management activities becomes paramount.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Disaster Preparedness Coordinator?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager sculpting the ideal candidate profile,
• Or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes of disaster management,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Disaster Preparedness Coordinator job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Disaster Preparedness Coordinator Duties and Responsibilities

Disaster Preparedness Coordinators work on developing, managing, and coordinating programs to prepare and protect individuals, businesses, and communities from natural disasters, accidents, and emergency situations.

The following are the duties and responsibilities of a Disaster Preparedness Coordinator:

• Assess potential risks and hazards and develop disaster preparedness plans to mitigate them
• Implement and coordinate disaster preparedness training for emergency response teams and the public
• Coordinate with local, state, and federal emergency management agencies to ensure disaster preparedness efforts align with national standards
• Organize and conduct drills and exercises to test the effectiveness of disaster preparedness plans
• Revise and update disaster preparedness plans based on drill results, changes in risk factors, and advances in emergency management practices
• Develop and implement public awareness campaigns on disaster preparedness
• Manage resources and supplies needed for disaster response and recovery operations
• Participate in post-disaster evaluations and reports to improve future preparedness and response strategies

 

Disaster Preparedness Coordinator Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a proactive and dedicated Disaster Preparedness Coordinator to join our team.

You will be responsible for developing, coordinating, and implementing strategies and plans to ensure the organization’s readiness for various disaster scenarios.

This includes preparing for natural and man-made disasters, technological failures, and emergency situations.

The ideal candidate should be able to assess risks, develop emergency response procedures, and organize drills to test the effectiveness of disaster plans.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive disaster preparedness plans and procedures
• Coordinate disaster response and crisis management activities
• Conduct risk assessments and develop risk mitigation strategies
• Plan, organize and manage disaster exercises and drills
• Train staff and volunteers in disaster response protocols
• Maintain and update emergency notification systems
• Build relationships with local, state, and federal emergency management agencies
• Prepare and present reports on disaster preparedness activities and responses
• Stay informed about latest disaster management and recovery strategies
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and standards

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Disaster Preparedness Coordinator or similar role
• Knowledge of risk assessment methods and disaster management practices
• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Exceptional problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders
• Ability to handle stress and remain calm under pressure
• Bachelor’s degree in emergency management, public safety, or a related field

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Training and development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Disaster Preparedness Coordinator
• Work Environment: Office setting with occasional field work. Some travel may be required for meetings with emergency management agencies and for onsite disaster response.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Safety and Emergency Management.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $60,000 minimum to $85,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Disaster Preparedness Coordinator Do?

A Disaster Preparedness Coordinator typically works for governmental agencies, NGOs, hospitals, or corporations to ensure preparedness in the event of a natural disaster, public health emergency, or other crisis situations.

Their primary role is to develop, implement, and oversee emergency response and recovery plans.

These plans are created to minimize risk and ensure the safety and well-being of individuals within the designated area or organization.

They collaborate with multiple stakeholders such as emergency services, law enforcement, healthcare professionals, and community leaders to create comprehensive and effective plans.

Disaster Preparedness Coordinators also conduct regular training sessions and drills to ensure all relevant personnel are familiar with emergency procedures.

They also coordinate with various departments to ensure they have the necessary resources and equipment in place in case of a disaster.

Another important aspect of their work is to stay updated on current disaster trends and prevention techniques, as well as regulatory guidelines that apply to their organizations.

They use this knowledge to continually update and improve their emergency preparedness plans.

In the event of a disaster, the coordinator acts as a central point of communication, coordinating the response efforts, allocating resources, and ensuring that the established procedures are followed effectively.

After the event, they are responsible for conducting a post-disaster review to assess the effectiveness of the response and suggest improvements for future incidents.

 

Disaster Preparedness Coordinator Qualifications and Skills

Disaster Preparedness Coordinators need a mix of technical skills, strong strategic planning abilities, and superior communication skills.

Here are some qualifications and skills required for the role:

• Strong understanding of emergency management principles and ability to develop and implement disaster preparedness plans.
• Exceptional communication skills to effectively relay information and plans to various groups, including government officials, emergency response teams, and the general public.
• Analytical thinking skills to assess potential risk factors and vulnerabilities in a community or organization, and develop strategies to mitigate these risks.
• Ability to coordinate and collaborate with diverse teams, including emergency responders, public health officials, and community organizations.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal emergency management regulations and procedures.
• Strong problem-solving skills to quickly address issues that may arise during a disaster or in the implementation of preparedness plans.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple projects, often under tight deadlines and high pressure situations.
• Physical resilience, as the role may require working in challenging environments and responding to emergencies outside of regular working hours.

 

Disaster Preparedness Coordinator Experience Requirements

Entry-level candidates for a Disaster Preparedness Coordinator role generally need at least 1-2 years of experience in emergency management, public health, or a related field.

This experience can often be obtained through internships, part-time positions, or relevant volunteer work.

Candidates with a background in project management, logistics, or public safety may also meet the basic experience requirements, provided they have a strong understanding of disaster preparedness principles.

For those with more than 3 years of experience in disaster preparedness or a similar field, they would typically have acquired a broader understanding of disaster management strategies.

They might have also participated in actual disaster response and recovery operations, and have experience in coordinating with various agencies and organizations.

Candidates with over 5 years of experience in the field are often considered for senior roles.

They are expected to have a comprehensive understanding of disaster management protocols, risk assessment, and mitigation strategies.

They may have also gained leadership experience, managing teams, and directing disaster preparedness plans and exercises.

Furthermore, having experience in training and public speaking would be beneficial as this role often involves educating the public and other stakeholders about disaster preparedness.

 

Disaster Preparedness Coordinator Education and Training Requirements

Disaster Preparedness Coordinators usually hold a bachelor’s degree in emergency management, public safety, or a related field.

Key topics in these programs often include hazard assessment, emergency response planning, risk and crisis communication, and disaster policy and management.

Many coordinators also have a master’s degree in emergency and disaster management or public health, which provides more specialized training and can lead to higher-level positions.

Work experience in emergency response or disaster management can also be beneficial.

This could be gained through volunteer work, internships, or employment with emergency response organizations or government agencies.

It’s important for Disaster Preparedness Coordinators to have strong problem-solving and leadership skills.

Therefore, courses or certifications in these areas can be advantageous.

Some positions may require Disaster Preparedness Coordinators to be certified by a recognized body such as the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) or the Disaster Recovery Institute International (DRII).

Continuing education is crucial in this field due to the constant evolution of best practices in disaster preparedness and recovery.

Therefore, coordinators should be prepared to attend relevant workshops, seminars, and training sessions throughout their careers.

This job role also requires a deep understanding of federal, state, and local emergency management protocols and regulations.

Knowledge of certain software tools and technologies used in disaster management is also beneficial.

 

Disaster Preparedness Coordinator Salary Expectations

A Disaster Preparedness Coordinator earns an average salary of $59,181 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings may vary based on factors like years of experience, the complexity of the role, and the geographical location of the job.

 

Disaster Preparedness Coordinator Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Disaster Preparedness Coordinator need?

Disaster Preparedness Coordinators should possess strong planning and organizational skills, as they are responsible for developing and implementing emergency response protocols.

Excellent communication skills are crucial for coordinating with various stakeholders and conducting public awareness programs.

They should also have good problem-solving skills to address issues during an emergency.

Familiarity with disaster management software and ability to interpret meteorological data are also important.

 

Do Disaster Preparedness Coordinators need a degree?

Most Disaster Preparedness Coordinators have a bachelor’s degree in emergency management, public safety, or a related field.

Some roles may require a master’s degree.

Certifications in areas like crisis management or emergency planning can be advantageous.

Practical experience in emergency response or disaster management is often required.

 

What should you look for in a Disaster Preparedness Coordinator resume?

A suitable candidate should have a degree in a relevant field and experience in disaster management or emergency response.

Look for certifications in disaster management, crisis management, or related areas.

Experience in organizing drills, training, and public awareness programs is a plus.

Strong software skills, especially in disaster management tools, can be beneficial.

 

What qualities make a good Disaster Preparedness Coordinator?

A good Disaster Preparedness Coordinator should be an excellent communicator, capable of conveying information clearly and effectively to different audiences.

They should also be calm under pressure, as they will need to make critical decisions during emergencies.

Strong leadership skills are crucial for coordinating various teams and stakeholders during disaster response.

Furthermore, they should be proactive and detail-oriented, ensuring that all aspects of disaster preparedness are adequately addressed.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Disaster Preparedness Coordinator?

Hiring a Disaster Preparedness Coordinator can be challenging due to the specialized nature of the role.

It requires candidates to have a unique combination of education, experience, and skills in disaster management, communication, leadership, and problem-solving.

Therefore, the pool of qualified candidates may be limited.

Attracting the right candidates may involve offering competitive salaries, ongoing training opportunities, and a clear career progression path.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of being a Disaster Preparedness Coordinator.

Surprised?

It’s not just about planning, it’s about saving lives and ensuring safety during a crisis.

With our hands-on Disaster Preparedness Coordinator job description template and real-life instances, you’re now ready to take the plunge.

But why end here?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. This is your next stride towards creating precise job listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every preparedness plan is a step towards a safer tomorrow.

Let’s build that future. Together.

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