Emergency and Disaster Response Coordinator Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the face of growing global uncertainties, the importance of Emergency and Disaster Response Coordinators has never been more vital.

As calamities strike without warning, the demand for competent individuals who can manage, strategize, and implement emergency and disaster response plans is on the rise.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s genuinely expected from an Emergency and Disaster Response Coordinator?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to comprehend the core duties of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of emergency and disaster response,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Emergency and Disaster Response Coordinator job description template, tailored for straightforward posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Emergency and Disaster Response Coordinator Duties and Responsibilities

Emergency and Disaster Response Coordinators manage and coordinate disaster response or crisis management activities.

They provide disaster preparedness training, and they prepare emergency plans and procedures for natural disasters, hostilities, and technological disasters.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Design and administer emergency or disaster preparedness training courses for the public, staff, or volunteers
• Develop and maintain liaisons with municipalities, county departments, and similar entities to facilitate plan development, response effort coordination, and exchanges of personnel and equipment
• Coordinate disaster response or crisis management activities, such as ordering evacuations, opening public shelters, and implementing special needs plans and programs
• Plan and direct disaster response or crisis management activities, provide disaster preparedness training, and prepare emergency plans and procedures for natural disasters, war, or technological disasters
• Apply knowledge of emergency management principles and other related disciplines to plan and evaluate programs
• Inspect facilities and equipment used in emergency management operations to ensure they are working properly
• Prepare plans that outline operating procedures to be used in response to disasters or emergencies, such as hurricanes, nuclear accidents, and terrorist attacks
• Analyze and implement state, federal or local guidelines and policies to establish and enforce standards for emergency and disaster management programs
• Consult with officials, community organizations, and staff on emergency preparedness plans and procedures

 

Emergency and Disaster Response Coordinator Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Emergency and Disaster Response Coordinator to plan, organize, and oversee disaster response or crisis management activities such as ordering evacuations, opening public shelters, and implementing special needs plans and programs.

The successful candidate will have experience in coordinating disaster response or crisis management activities and excellent problem-solving abilities.

 

Responsibilities

• Design and administer emergency or disaster preparedness training courses for first responders, volunteers, and the general public.
• Develop and maintain liaisons with municipalities, county departments, and similar entities to facilitate plan development, response effort coordination, and exchanges of personnel and equipment.
• Propose alteration of emergency response procedures based on regulatory changes, technological changes, or knowledge gained from outcomes of previous emergency situations.
• Coordinate disaster response or crisis management activities such as evacuations, family assistance, and command center setup.
• Prepare plans that outline operating procedures to be used in response to disasters or emergencies, such as hurricanes, nuclear accidents, and terrorist attacks, and in recovery from these events.
• Keep informed of activities or changes that could affect the likelihood of an emergency, as well as those that could affect response efforts and details of plan implementation.
• Apply for federal funding for emergency management related needs and administer and report on the progress of such grants.

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as an Emergency and Disaster Response Coordinator or similar role.
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services.
• Proficient in understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
• Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Bachelor’s degree in emergency management, public safety, or a related field.

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Emergency and Disaster Response Coordinator
• Work Environment: Office setting with frequent fieldwork. The role may require working under stressful conditions and irregular hours during emergencies.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Emergency Management Director or the Public Safety Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $56,000 minimum to $91,000 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 an Emergency and Disaster Response Coordinator Do?

Emergency and Disaster Response Coordinators are typically employed by government agencies, hospitals, universities, and non-profit organizations where they play a crucial role in planning and coordinating response procedures in the event of a disaster or emergency.

Their role involves developing and implementing disaster response protocols and procedures, and regularly reviewing and updating these to ensure they are effective and current.

They also oversee training programs to educate staff and volunteers on these procedures, ensuring that they are prepared and understand their roles during a crisis.

Emergency and Disaster Response Coordinators also work closely with local, state, and federal emergency management agencies, coordinating resources and ensuring that response efforts are in line with established procedures and regulations.

During an emergency or disaster, they act as the main point of contact, coordinating the response efforts, providing situation updates to relevant stakeholders, and making key decisions about resource allocation and strategy.

After the event, they are responsible for conducting a thorough review of the response efforts, identifying areas for improvement and implementing changes to the disaster response plan as necessary.

Their ultimate goal is to ensure that their organization is prepared to respond effectively and efficiently to any emergency or disaster, minimizing the impact on those affected.

 

Emergency and Disaster Response Coordinator Qualifications and Skills

An efficient Emergency and Disaster Response Coordinator should have the following skills and qualifications:

• Crisis management skills to effectively handle emergency situations and make quick decisions under pressure.
• Excellent communication skills to convey clear and concise information to team members, stakeholders, and the affected community during emergency situations.
• Strong problem-solving abilities to identify potential risks and implement effective solutions.
• Interpersonal skills to build strong relationships with various agencies, organizations and community members to facilitate a collaborative disaster response.
• Knowledge of local, state and federal emergency management protocols and ability to implement them effectively during crises.
• Physical stamina and resilience to work in challenging and potentially hazardous conditions.
• Proficiency in planning and coordinating disaster response or crisis management activities such as ordering evacuations, opening public shelters, and implementing special needs plans and programs.
• Skills in training and public awareness education to ensure that individuals and communities are prepared to respond to and recover from emergencies.
• Ability to analyze and interpret complex data to forecast potential disaster scenarios and formulate strategic response plans.

 

Emergency and Disaster Response Coordinator Experience Requirements

Emergency and Disaster Response Coordinators generally require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in emergency management or a related field, such as public safety, public health, or environmental science.

They should also have at least 1-2 years of experience in a related field like emergency response, fire safety, law enforcement, or military service.

The role often requires some form of certification, such as the Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) or the Certified Disaster Recovery Planner (CDRP).

This certification process provides individuals with extensive practical and theoretical knowledge needed for emergency and disaster response.

Entry-level candidates typically have experience through internships or part-time roles within an emergency management agency, public safety organization, or a non-profit dedicated to disaster relief.

They may have also gained experience through volunteer roles in disaster response or emergency planning.

Candidates with 3-5 years of experience are often well-versed in disaster response planning and crisis management.

They may have experience in coordinating emergency services during an actual disaster or in leading training exercises to prepare for potential emergencies.

Those with more than 5 years of experience often have extensive leadership experience, having coordinated large-scale emergency responses and guided teams through high-stress situations.

They may be ready to take on a senior role, overseeing multiple disaster response teams and developing and implementing emergency management strategies on a large scale.

 

Emergency and Disaster Response Coordinator Education and Training Requirements

Emergency and Disaster Response Coordinators typically need a bachelor’s degree in emergency management, public safety, or a related field.

These programs offer training in areas such as hazard mitigation, emergency preparedness, disaster response, and recovery.

They also involve learning about the principles of emergency management, emergency operations, and disaster incident command systems.

Many positions require Emergency and Disaster Response Coordinators to have several years of experience in emergency response or disaster management.

This experience can often be gained through roles in law enforcement, fire safety, or the military.

Most roles will require certification in emergency management.

This certification can be obtained through organizations such as the International Association of Emergency Managers or the National Emergency Management Agency.

Some roles may also require a master’s degree in emergency management or a related field.

This advanced degree provides a deeper understanding of the strategic planning and decision-making processes involved in managing emergency situations.

Emergency and Disaster Response Coordinators should also be well-versed in disaster planning software, hazard and operational planning systems, and other related technologies.

Additionally, these professionals should undergo regular training and drills to keep their skills sharp and stay up-to-date with the latest best practices in emergency and disaster response.

 

Emergency and Disaster Response Coordinator Salary Expectations

The average salary for an Emergency and Disaster Response Coordinator is $61,615 (USD) per year.

However, this can vary depending on factors such as experience, level of responsibility, location, and the scale of disasters they are called to coordinate responses for.

 

Emergency and Disaster Response Coordinator Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Emergency and Disaster Response Coordinator need?

An Emergency and Disaster Response Coordinator needs to have exceptional organizational and communication skills to efficiently plan and execute emergency response plans.

They should have a strong ability to work under pressure and make critical decisions quickly.

Knowledge in disaster management, first aid, and crisis communication is essential.

They also need to be analytical with the ability to assess situations accurately and implement the most effective strategies.

 

Do Emergency and Disaster Response Coordinators need a degree?

Most positions require a bachelor’s degree in emergency management, public health, or a related field.

Certifications like Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) or Certified Disaster Recovery Planner (CDRP) can also be beneficial.

Experience in emergency response or disaster management is often required.

 

What should you look for in an Emergency and Disaster Response Coordinator resume?

Look for a degree or certification in a relevant field along with experience in coordinating emergency responses.

Knowledge of local, state, and federal emergency regulations and guidelines is crucial.

Experience in training others and working with different teams is also valuable.

Proficiency in using emergency management software and tools is an added advantage.

 

What qualities make a good Emergency and Disaster Response Coordinator?

A good Emergency and Disaster Response Coordinator is calm under pressure and able to make quick, informed decisions.

They are a strong leader, able to motivate and coordinate teams during high-stress situations.

They should also have good interpersonal and negotiation skills to liaise with different stakeholders, including government officials, rescue teams, and community members.

 

Is it difficult to hire an Emergency and Disaster Response Coordinator?

Hiring an Emergency and Disaster Response Coordinator can be challenging because it requires finding someone with the right combination of education, experience, and personal qualities.

They need to be able to handle stressful situations and make life-saving decisions, which is not a quality that all candidates will have.

Therefore, the recruitment process may require careful screening and potentially practical scenario-based assessments to confirm they are well-suited for the role.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the demanding, yet rewarding world of emergency and disaster response coordination.

What’s the reality?

It’s not just about responding to crises.

It’s about planning, preparing, and protecting communities against the unforeseen, one disaster plan at a time.

Armed with our practical Emergency and Disaster Response Coordinator job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to step up to the plate.

But why limit your possibilities?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate guide to creating meticulously tailored listings or refining your resume to absolute excellence.

Remember:

Every disaster plan forms a piece of the greater safety net.

Let’s fortify that safety net. Together.

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