The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) employs more than 20,000 people nationwide. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., we have 10 regional offices located across the country. We leverage a tremendous capacity to coordinate within the federal government to make sure America is equipped to prepare for and respond to disasters.

Working for the federal government has its perks: excellent benefits, flexible work schedules, opportunities for professional growth, stability, and lateral movement across agencies. Applying for a federal job takes preparation and practice, and what you need to do will depend on who you are and what type of position you are applying for.

Whether you're following a hiring path, or applying as a civilian or federal employee, there are three types of positions we hire into:

1.) Permanent full-time (PFT) employees are hired through a competitive process that includes an application and interview. They may gain competitive status after one year of continuous service and full career tenure after three years of continuous service.

2.) Cadre of On-Call Response/Recovery Employees (CORE) are hired to work for a specific, limited period, between two to four years. These positions may be renewed if there is ongoing disaster work and funding is available. CORE employees are generally eligible for the same benefits as PFT employees, but do not gain competitive status nor career tenure during their term.

3.) Reservist employees are hired to assist disaster survivors and first responders on an on-call basis. They are the main FEMA workforce during an emergency or disaster. Reservists travel, receive training, build professional networks and support those in need. When you become a reservist, you should know:
(The work is available intermittently, applicants must commit to working on an on-call basis, be available to travel within 24-48 hours and be deployed for 30 or more days)

*** Local hire employees are local residents who aid in the recovery of the community and help their fellow citizens in the recovery process. These positions are intermittent, temporary and are essential to FEMA recovery efforts.