Disaster Recovery Planner Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the modern world, the role of a disaster recovery planner is more crucial than ever.

As technology advances, the need for professionals who can anticipate, plan and secure our digital infrastructure from potential disasters grows.

But what exactly is expected from a disaster recovery planner?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the demands of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply curious about the role of a disaster recovery planner,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we are introducing a customizable disaster recovery planner job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve right into it.

Disaster Recovery Planner Duties and Responsibilities

Disaster Recovery Planners are professionals who create and implement strategies to enable businesses to continue operating in the event of natural or man-made disasters.

They aim to prevent interruptions to normal operations and to minimize the effects of a disaster.

Their main duties and responsibilities include:

• Identify potential disaster risks and create contingency plans to mitigate them
• Coordinate with various departments in the organization to ensure comprehensive disaster recovery strategies
• Develop recovery strategies and plans based on the risk assessments
• Communicate the disaster recovery plans to management and staff
• Train staff on disaster recovery procedures
• Test and modify disaster recovery plans periodically to ensure effectiveness
• Document all disaster recovery plans and procedures
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of disaster recovery best practices
• Coordinate emergency response activities during a disaster
• Post-disaster, assess the damage and coordinate recovery activities
• Revise and update disaster recovery plans following a disaster
• Develop strategies to ensure data backup and restore capabilities

 

Disaster Recovery Planner Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a highly capable Disaster Recovery Planner to develop and implement disaster recovery procedures in our organization.

In this role, your duties will include assessing potential business disruptions, developing detailed disaster recovery plans, and testing these plans to ascertain their effectiveness.

You should demonstrate extensive knowledge of disaster recovery planning procedures and a meticulous attention to detail.

Ultimately, the role of the Disaster Recovery Planner is to ensure that our organization is fully prepared to respond effectively to any major business disruptions.

 

Responsibilities

• Identifying potential business disruptions and vulnerabilities.
• Developing detailed disaster recovery plans.
• Testing disaster recovery plans to ascertain their effectiveness.
• Ensuring all recovery strategies comply with legal and industry-specific regulations.
• Providing training and support to employees regarding disaster response procedures.
• Collaborating with various departments to implement disaster recovery plans.
• Regularly reviewing and updating disaster recovery plans as necessary.
• Documenting all disaster recovery procedures and maintaining these records.
• Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of emerging disaster recovery technologies and trends.
• Communicating the objectives and benefits of disaster recovery plans to stakeholders.

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Disaster Recovery Planner or similar role.
• Strong understanding of disaster recovery planning procedures.
• Proficiency in risk management and business continuity.
• Excellent problem-solving and organizational skills.
• Ability to train and guide staff in disaster response procedures.
• BSc degree in Business, Information Technology, or relevant field.
• Certification in Disaster Recovery or Business Continuity is advantageous.

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Disaster Recovery Planner
• Work Environment: Office setting with options for remote work. Some travel may be required for team meetings or site visits.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Risk Management Director or IT Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $85,000 minimum to $110,000 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 Recovery Planner Do?

Disaster Recovery Planners are vital professionals in the field of risk management and business continuity.

They work for organizations across different industries, ensuring that these entities can quickly respond and recover in the event of disasters or significant disruptions.

Their key responsibility is to develop and implement disaster recovery plans.

This involves conducting a business impact analysis to identify the potential effects of disruption to critical business functions.

They also assess the organization’s risks and vulnerabilities, identifying areas that need improvement to reduce the likelihood of disruptions.

Additionally, Disaster Recovery Planners work closely with various departments to coordinate and execute recovery strategies.

They ensure that the necessary systems, processes, and protocols are in place for a quick recovery.

They also manage and oversee disaster recovery tests to evaluate the effectiveness of the plans.

In the event of a disaster, the Disaster Recovery Planner coordinates the recovery operations, working with management and external agencies if necessary.

They also provide reports and updates to stakeholders about the recovery progress.

Furthermore, they are responsible for keeping the disaster recovery plans up-to-date, considering changes in the business environment, technology advancements, or regulatory requirements.

Overall, a Disaster Recovery Planner plays a crucial role in maintaining an organization’s resilience and ensuring its ability to continue operations during and after a disaster.

 

Disaster Recovery Planner Qualifications and Skills

A Disaster Recovery Planner should have specific skills and qualifications to effectively manage the continuity of operations during unforeseen events.

These can include:

• Risk assessment and management skills to identify potential threats and hazards and develop appropriate contingency plans.
• Technical knowledge of information systems to develop and implement information recovery strategies, including data replication and backup and restore procedures.
• Interpersonal and communication skills to coordinate with various teams, understand their needs, and communicate recovery plans effectively.
• Project management skills to oversee the development, testing, and implementation of disaster recovery plans.
• Problem-solving skills to quickly respond to issues that arise during a disaster and implement effective solutions.
• Understanding of compliance regulations and standards related to disaster recovery and business continuity.
• Ability to conduct training and drills to ensure all employees understand and can carry out their roles in a disaster recovery scenario.
• Knowledge of physical and cyber security protocols to safeguard valuable information during and after a disaster.

 

Disaster Recovery Planner Experience Requirements

Entry-level Disaster Recovery Planners often have 1 to 2 years of experience, ideally gained through an internship or part-time role in risk management, crisis management or a related field.

They could also gain on-the-job experience in roles such as Emergency Response Coordinator, Business Continuity Planner, or other roles related to disaster recovery.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience are expected to have developed their knowledge in areas like emergency response planning, risk assessment, business continuity, and IT disaster recovery.

They should have gained their experience in roles such as Disaster Recovery Analyst or Business Continuity Analyst.

Those with more than 5 years of experience are likely to have leadership experience.

They might have overseen a team responsible for implementing and maintaining disaster recovery strategies in an organization.

They may be ready for a managerial role in disaster recovery planning, where they would be responsible for developing and maintaining an organization’s overall disaster recovery strategy.

Regardless of years of experience, Disaster Recovery Planners should have substantial knowledge of IT infrastructure, risk assessment methods, and disaster recovery strategies.

They should also be familiar with the relevant laws and regulations in the field.

 

Disaster Recovery Planner Education and Training Requirements

Disaster Recovery Planners typically possess a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, or a related field.

These programs provide essential knowledge about system architecture, data management, risk assessment, and security measures.

In addition to a degree, specialized training or experience in disaster recovery planning is highly beneficial.

This training equips candidates with skills in disaster recovery strategies, business continuity planning, and crisis management.

To further enhance their credentials, many Disaster Recovery Planners earn professional certifications such as Certified Business Continuity Professional (CBCP), or Disaster Recovery Certified Specialist (DRCS).

Though not always required, a master’s degree in business administration or a related field can be advantageous, particularly for positions that require a deep understanding of business operations and strategy in addition to technical skills.

Continuing education is crucial in this field due to the rapidly changing nature of technology and cybersecurity threats.

Therefore, Disaster Recovery Planners should be committed to ongoing learning and staying up-to-date with the latest advancements and best practices in disaster recovery.

 

Disaster Recovery Planner Salary Expectations

A Disaster Recovery Planner can expect to earn an average salary of $71,279 (USD) per year.

This figure can fluctuate based on factors such as the individual’s level of experience, educational background, geographical location, and the size and industry of the employing organization.

 

Disaster Recovery Planner Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Disaster Recovery Planner need?

Disaster Recovery Planners need strong analytical skills to evaluate potential risks and create comprehensive disaster recovery plans.

They require project management skills to oversee the implementation of these plans.

Communication skills are essential to educate employees about disaster recovery protocols, and to liaise with stakeholders.

They should also possess a good understanding of IT systems and networks, as well as knowledge about security protocols and regulations.

 

Do Disaster Recovery Planners need a degree?

Disaster Recovery Planners typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field.

Some organizations may prefer candidates with a master’s degree or relevant certifications such as Certified Business Continuity Professional (CBCP) or Associate Disaster Recovery Planner (ADRP).

Practical experience in IT, risk management, or emergency response can also be beneficial.

 

What should you look for in a Disaster Recovery Planner resume?

Look for a solid background in IT, including understanding of networks, systems, and security protocols.

Relevant certifications and experience in risk management or disaster planning are also important.

It’s beneficial if the candidate has experience in project management, as they will need to oversee the implementation of disaster recovery strategies.

Proficiency in relevant software tools, such as risk assessment or project management tools, can also be an asset.

 

What qualities make a good Disaster Recovery Planner?

A good Disaster Recovery Planner needs to be detail-oriented to identify potential risks and create comprehensive plans to address them.

They need strong problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for mitigating risks.

Good communication skills are also important to effectively explain complex technical issues and recovery plans to non-technical staff.

A proactive approach and the ability to remain calm under pressure are also key qualities.

 

What are the daily duties of a Disaster Recovery Planner?

Daily duties can include assessing potential risks, developing and maintaining disaster recovery plans, and conducting drills to test the effectiveness of these plans.

They may also be involved in training staff on disaster recovery procedures, reviewing existing plans to ensure they remain effective, and liaising with various departments to coordinate recovery efforts in the event of a disaster.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unraveled the intricacies of what it truly means to be a disaster recovery planner.

And guess what?

It’s not just about data backup.

It’s about crafting resilient systems and protocols, safeguarding our digital world, one disaster recovery plan at a time.

With our go-to disaster recovery planner job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to take that leap.

But why stop there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to crafting immaculate job listings or honing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every contingency plan is a part of a larger, safer future.

Let’s build that future. Together.

How to Become a Disaster Recovery Planner (Complete Guide)

Satisfying Stints: Jobs That Offer Joy and Contentment

Avoid These Careers: A Revealing Look at the Jobs with the Smallest Paychecks

Extreme Stress Alert: The Most Overwhelming Jobs Out There!

Financial Fallbacks: The Most Reliable Jobs During Recessions